Grasp literary terms, nuanced meanings, and phrasal verbs to ace the SAT Reading section.
23 topics530 words
Literary Words56 words
acquirementnounan ability or skill that has been developed through training or practice
versedadjectiveknowledgeable or skilled in a particular field or activity, typically as a result of experience or study
intrepidadjectivevery courageous and not afraid of situations that are dangerous
temeritynounthe quality of being foolishly or rudely bold
evenhandedadjectivefair in judgment or treatment
accursedadjectivecondemned to suffer or face misfortune as a result of supernatural punishment
tryingadjectivehard to manage or endure
garbnounthe clothes or attire that someone wears, often chosen for a specific occasion or purpose
clumpnouna tightly packed or clustered group or mass
feastnouna meal with fine food, typically for many people, celebrating a special event
bristlenouna short, thick, coarse hair growing naturally on an animal or person
sundryadjectivea collection of different kinds of items gathered together without any particular order
modicumnouna relatively small degree of a good and desirable thing
trailverbto be pulled along by a leading force
tipplernouna person who regularly enjoys drinking alcohol, often seen indulging in social settings
stiltedadjectiveshowing a formal stiffness, often without a natural flow
prownounthe forward part of a ship or boat, typically pointed and leading ahead through the water
abashverbto make someone feel uneasy and ashamed
conniveverbto secretly cooperate or conspire with others, typically to commit wrongdoing or deceit
bondsmannouna person who signs a bond to guarantee another's fulfillment of obligations
throngnouna large crowd of people gathered closely together
ransackverbto search a place thoroughly, often in a rough or disorderly manner, especially with the intention of stealing or causing damage
demurverbto express one's disagreement, refusal, or reluctance
accostverbto approach or address someone aggressively or boldly, often with an intent to engage in conversation
despondencynounthe state of being unhappy and despairing
deprecatoryadjectivecharacterized by remarks or actions that diminish or belittle something's value or significance
slightverbto treat someone disrespectfully by showing a lack of attention or consideration
indigoadjectivehaving a rich color between dark blue and purple
pyrenouna large stack of wood used for burning the body of a dead person at a funeral
mirthnouna feeling of happiness, joy, or amusement
croonverbto sing in a soft, gentle, and melodious manner, often with a sentimental or romantic tone
awaitverbto wait for something or someone
listlesslyadverbin a manner lacking energy, enthusiasm, or interest
statelyadjectiveimpressive and great in size
wendverbto travel or proceed on a course, especially slowly or indirectly
winceverbto show a facial expression that signifies shame or pain
tempestnouna strong and violent storm characterized by high winds, heavy rain, thunder, and lightning
tracenounan indication or evidence of the former presence or existence of something
smoulderingadjectiverelated to a state of intense or suppressed anger that is simmering beneath the surface, often not openly expressed
bowernouna pleasant shady place under trees or climbing plants in a garden or wood
baselyadverbin a manner that is dishonorable, mean, or morally low
acquitverbto officially decide and declare in a law court that someone is not guilty of a crime
apostrophizeverbto directly address someone or something in a passionate or emotional manner
swoonverbto lose consciousness temporarily, often due to strong emotion, heat, or exhaustion
wreathnouna circular arrangement of flowers, leaves, or other materials, often used as a decoration or tribute
blightverbto spoil, harm, or destroy something, such as a plant, crop, or place, typically due to disease, pests, or unfavorable conditions
stringentadjective(of a law, regulation, rule, etc.) extremely limiting and strict
pathosnouna quality that evokes deep emotions, particularly feelings of pity, sorrow, or empathy
vaticadjectivedescribing someone or something having qualities associated with prophecy or foresight
anonadverbused to indicate that something will happen or be done soon, without delay
edificenouna large, imposing building, especially one that is impressive in size or appearance
evinceverbto clearly express or show a feeling, quality, or attitude through words, actions, or appearance
injudiciouslyadverbin a manner that lacks good judgment or discretion
cladadjectivewearing clothes, especially in a particular manner or material
tavernnouna place where alcoholic drinks and sometimes food are served, often for socializing
gainsayverbto disagree or deny that something is true
Uncommon Meanings5 words
subjectverbto make someone experience something unpleasant
charterverbto formally contract or engage services for a specific purpose or period
peopleverbto gather individuals closely together in large numbers
discountverbto ignore or dismiss something, refusing to consider or give attention to it
carouselnouna moving belt at airports where passengers pick up their luggage
Figurative Meanings4 words
distillationnounthe process of refining and extracting the essential elements from a complex body of information or ideas
reflexionnouna thoughtful and deliberate consideration, often calm and extended
swaynounthe influence or control over someone or something
meteoricadjectivedeveloping or reaching success in a quick way
Concrete and Physical Phrasal Verbs28 words
bring onverbto cause something to happen, especially something undesirable or unpleasant
shore upverbto prevent a building or a part of it from falling, by putting large pieces of wood or metal under or against it
pass downverbto transfer something to the next generation or another person
branch outverbto expand by exploring new areas, options, or opportunities
strip offverbto remove clothing or covering quickly or completely
churn outverbto produce something quickly and in large quantities, often with a focus on quantity over quality
to [go|do] without {sb/sth}phraseto manage or function without someone or something that is typically needed or desired
crank upverbto start something by turning a handle or lever
bob upverbto appear or come into view, often unexpectedly
reel inverbto pull or draw something in by winding it around a reel or similar device
rinse outverbto clean or remove something by flushing it with water or another liquid
strip awayverbto remove something completely
crowd outverbto dominate or push aside something or someone by taking up all the available space, time, or attention
taper offverbto gradually decrease in number, amount, or intensity over time
plump upverbto make something fuller or fluffier by shaking or adjusting it
parcel outverbto distribute or divide something into smaller parts or portions for sharing
look onverbto watch an event or incident without getting involved
drift awayverbto gradually move away or become distant, often in terms of physical distance or emotional detachment
haul offverbto take something away using a vehicle or transport method, often to remove or relocate it
do away withverbto stop using or having something
embark onverbto start a significant or challenging course of action or journey
break apartverbto fall into pieces or separate
drop byverbto visit a place or someone briefly, often without a prior arrangement
filter outverbto remove or separate unwanted items or elements from a group
blurt outverbto say something suddenly
hang outverbto spend much time in a specific place or with someone particular
shut offverbto stop or close off the flow or passage of something
branch offverb(of a path or road) to split into another direction, creating a separate route
Abstract and Mental Phrasal Verbs29 words
identify asverbto define oneself as belonging to a particular category, group, or label
fit inverbto be socially fit for or belong within a particular group or environment
revolve aroundverbto focus on something or someone as the primary subject or point of interest
stick outverbto be easily noticed, often due to being different from the surrounding elements
swear inverbto officially induct someone into a position or office, typically involving an oath
bring aboutverbto be the reason for a specific incident or result
single outverbto focus on a particular person or thing from a group in either a positive or negative manner
usher inverbto indicate that something is about to happen
close outverbto conclude by selling off or getting rid of remaining items or assets
accord withverbto agree with or correspond to something
stave offverbto delay the occurrence of something undesirable or threatening
bowl oververbto completely impress someone
hinge onverb(of an outcome, decision, or situation) to depend entirely on a particular factor or set of circumstances
smooth oververbto make a situation or relationship less tense by calming emotions, resolving conflicts, etc.
fade awayverb(of a person) to slowly become thin and lose strength, particularly to the point of death
freak outverbto become extremely upset, agitated, or overwhelmed by fear, anxiety, or excitement
zero in onverbto concentrate closely on a particular matter
phase outverbto gradually stop using, producing, or providing something
pan outverbto succeed or come to a favorable outcome
rumble onverb(of a situation or issue) to continue for a long period of time without resolution
tap intoverbto access or make use of a resource or source of information
set aboutverbto start a task, action, or process with determination and inspiration
cancel outverbto make something ineffective
stand up forverbto defend or support someone or something
pick onverbto keep treating someone unfairly or making unfair remarks about them
summon upverbto bring forth a memory or image, causing one to remember or think about something
spell outverbto clearly and explicitly explain something
put forthverbto present, propose, or offer something for consideration or action
stumble onverbto find something or someone unexpectedly
Collocations50 words
to [break] (new|fresh|) groundphraseto start something new and innovative that sets an example or leads to significant advancements in a particular field or industry
to [pay] attentionphraseto concentrate or focus on a particular task or subject
to [make] contactphraseto connect with someone, often by reaching out through various means such as phone calls, emails, or in-person meetings
to [wreak] havocphraseto cause severe destruction, chaos, or disorder
to [cast] doubt on {sth}phraseto create uncertainty or skepticism by questioning the truth or validity of something
to [call] {sth} into questionphraseto raise doubts about the validity, truthfulness, or reliability of something
to [raise] concernphraseto express or bring attention to worries, doubts, or objections regarding a specific issue, situation, or decision
naked eyenounthe human eye unaided by any optical device, used for observing objects and details directly
to [lay] the groundworkphraseto establish the necessary foundation or preparation for a future project, plan, or idea
to [make] sensephraseto be understandable in a way that is reasonable
to [pay] tribute to {sb/sth}phraseto show respect or recognition to someone or something
to [bring] {sth} to bearphraseto use something such as power or influence that one has in order to achieve a particular result
to [set] {sb} to workphraseto assign or instruct someone to start working on a specific task or job
trial and errorphrasethe process of testing a method, an idea, etc. in several ways to achieve the desired outcome
to [pass] judgmentphraseto form and express an opinion or decision about someone or something, often in a critical manner
to [make] a livingphraseto earn an amount of money that enables one to support oneself and pay for one's needs
to [keep] track of {sb/sth}phraseto ensure that one has the latest news concerning someone or something
scared stiffphraseextremely frightened to the point of being unable to move or react
rise aboveverbto stay strong when faced with problems or criticism and ultimately surpass them
to [turn] {one's} attentionphraseto direct one's focus or concentration toward something specific
to [hold] promisephraseto have the potential for future success or positive outcomes
to [keep] afloatphraseto maintain financial stability or solvency
to [lend] credencephraseto give support or credibility to a belief, theory, or statement
medium of expressionphrasethe form or means through which ideas, emotions, or artistic creativity are conveyed or communicated
to [reach] a conclusionphraseto come to a decision or judgment after considering evidence, arguments, or facts
to [make] stridesphraseto make progress or advance in a significant way
to [garner] attentionphraseto attract or receive attention, often by means of effort, achievement, or significance
to [issue] a warningphraseto formally or officially provide a cautionary notice or advice regarding a potential danger, threat, or undesirable outcome
to [raise] awarenessphraseto increase knowledge or understanding about a particular issue, cause, or topic
to [reap] the (benefits|rewards)phraseto enjoy the positive outcomes or advantages resulting from one's efforts or actions
to [suffer] defeatphraseto experience a loss or failure in a competitive or confrontational situation
to [hold] {sth} sacredphraseto regard something with great respect, honor, or devotion
to [hatch] a (plan|plot)phraseto devise or create a scheme, often one that is secretive or mischievous
to [see|think] fitphraseto consider something appropriate or suitable according to one's own judgment
to [raise] a questionphraseto bring up a topic or issue for discussion or consideration
hustle and bustlephrasea busy, noisy, and active environment or situation
to [build] momentumphraseto gradually increase the strength, force, or speed of an activity or process
to [be|feel] obliged {to do sth}phraseto have a moral duty or be forced to do a particular thing, often due to legal reasons
to be steeped inphraseto be filled with a specific quality, flavor, etc.
live up toverbto fulfill expectations or standards set by oneself or others
to [arrive] at {sth}phraseto reach a decision, understanding, or conclusion after consideration or discussion
to [draw] bloodphraseto cause injury, harm, or pain in a physical struggle or conflict
at {one's} disposalphraseused to show that something is available for someone to use whenever necessary
to [hold] in high (regard|esteem)phraseto have a great amount of respect, admiration, or esteem for someone or something
to [hold] truephraseto remain valid or accurate over time or in various situations
by the same tokenconjunctionused to connect two related statements, showing that the same reasoning or principle applies to both
as {sb} [pleases]phraseused to indicate that someone is free to do something in whichever way they prefer
to [do] {one's} biddingphraseto carry out someone's orders or commands, often without question or hesitation
to [take] libertiesphraseto act in a way that is overly familiar or inappropriate without permission or proper authority
courtesy ofphraseused to indicate that something is provided or made possible by a specific person as a gesture of courtesy or generosity
Useful Idioms44 words
to [take] {sb/sth} for grantedphraseto not appreciate a person or thing because one thinks one will never lose them
to [hold] {one's} tonguephraseto refrain from speaking or expressing one's thoughts or opinions
to [tickle] {one's} fancyphraseto appeal to someone's particular interests or preferences
to [scratch|scrape] the surfacephraseto fail to deal with all aspects of a problem, topic, etc.
bent onadjectivedetermined or fully committed to pursuing a particular course of action
to [break] evenphraseto reach a point where gains equal losses, resulting in a balance
to [pave] the way (for|to) {sth}phraseto create a situation in which it is easier for one to do something or for something to happen
on the lookout for {sb/sth}phraseconstantly paying attention to a person or thing to prevent a problem, danger, etc.
to [have] it both waysphraseto benefit from two opposing or contradictory situations or options at the same time
to [broaden|expand|widen] {one's} (horizons|mind)phraseto expand one's knowledge, experiences, or perspectives, often by exploring new places, ideas, or cultures, with the aim of gaining a broader understanding of the world
to [jump] the gunphraseto do something too earlier than its right time
free reinnounthe state in which one is completely free to do or say what one desires
the rest is historysentenceused to indicate that after a key event, the following developments are well-known or self-explanatory
to [take] a back seatphraseto accept a less important, less visible, or secondary role compared to someone else
to [fall] on hard timesphraseto experience a period of financial or personal difficulty
out of favorphraseno longer popular, accepted, or supported by others
a far cry from {sth}phrasea significant difference between two things, often in a disappointing or unfavorable way
neck of the woodsphrasean area that is near a place in which someone resides
to [wring] {one's} handsphraseto twist and rub one's hands together out of distress or worry
quirk of fatephrasean unexpected or unusual occurrence or event that alters the course of events
to [have|get] {one's} (own|) wayphraseto get or do what one wants despite the odds or other people's desires
to [make] the most (out|) of {sth}phraseto enjoy or use something as much or as often as one can
to [carry] a tunephraseto produce correct musical sounds by one's voive voice
grist to the millphrasesomething that proves useful or valuable for a given purpose
out of {one's} shellphraseused to refer to someone who has become more comfortable or confident in conversing with people
in {one's} shoesphrasein a similar or identical situation to someone else, particularly a difficult or unpleasant one
final frontierphrasethe limits of human knowledge or understanding, representing areas that remain unknown or unexplored
out of nowhereadverbin a sudden and unexpected manner, emphasizing the element of surprise
out of the loopphrasenot being aware of recent information about something
to [know] betterphraseto be wise enough to avoid certain behaviors or thoughts
to [breathe] a sigh of reliefphraseto feel relief or relaxation because a period of worry, stress, or anticipation has passed
to [burst] at the seamsphraseto be occupied by a large number of things
fork in the roadphrasea point in a person's life or a situation where they must make a critical decision or choose between two different options or paths
under the radarphrasein a way that goes unnoticed or avoids attracting any attention
to [take] advantage of {sth}phraseto use something for personal gain in an unfair or dishonest manner
flip sidephrasethe opposite or contrasting aspect of a situation, idea, or argument
to [drag] {one's} name through the (mud|mire)phraseto make unfavorable remarks about someone
to [be] out on {one's} earphraseto be dismissed or expelled from a place, job, or position
to [go] through the motionsphraseto do something without real interest, feeling, or effort
to [make] inroads (into|on) {sth}phraseto have a significant impact or influence on something
dead setphrasefirmly determined and focused on the task at hand
turning pointnouna point at which a drastic change occurs in a situation, especially one that makes it improve
to [shed] light on {sth}phraseto provide clarification, understanding, or insight into a topic, situation, or problem
to [lend] itself to {sth}phraseto naturally fit or suit a particular use or situation
Understanding Questions9 words
logicallyadverbin a way that makes sense based on clear thinking or reasoning
preciseadjectivein accordance with truth
emphasizeverbto give special attention or importance to something
undermineverbto gradually decrease the effectiveness, confidence, or power of something or someone
inferverbto reach an opinion or decision based on available evidence and one's understanding of the matter
build onverbto use something as a basis for further development
paraphraseverbto express the meaning of something written or spoken with a different choice of words
coherencenounthe overall sense of unity, logic, and connectedness in a text or discourse, where the ideas, information, and elements are organized and presented in a clear and meaningful way
detractverbto lessen the value or quality of something
Clause Connectors16 words
nonethelessadverbused to indicate that despite a previous statement or situation, something else remains true
even thoughconjunctionused to indicate that despite a certain fact or situation mentioned in the first clause, the second clause follows
in lieu ofprepositionin replacement of something that is typically expected or required
that saidphraseused to introduce statement that is in contrast to what one previously stated
on the cusp ofprepositionat the starting point of a major development or change
(by|in) contrastadverbused to introduce a comparison between two or more things, highlighting differences or disparities between them
as a consequenceadverbused to indicate that something follows as a result or outcome of a preceding event or action
secondlyadverbused to introduce the second point, reason, step, etc.
additionallyadverbused to introduce extra information or points
for examplephraseused to provide a specific situation or instance that helps to clarify or explain a point being made
increasinglyadverbin a manner that is gradually growing in degree, extent, or frequency over time
therebyadverbused to indicate how something is achieved or the result of an action
alternativelyadverbas a second choice or another possibility
in summaryadverbused to provide a brief and straightforward explanation of the main points or ideas
in turnadverbin a sequential manner, referring to actions or events occurring in a specific order
regardlessadverbwith no attention to the thing mentioned
Intensifiers and Mitigators18 words
extensivelyadverbover a large area or covering a wide range of subjects, places, or people
gravelyadverbseriously enough to cause concern or worry
exceptionallyadverbTo an unusually high degree, in a way that is far above average or standard
exceedinglyadverbto an exceptional or remarkable degree
overlyadverbto an excessive degree
exponentiallyadverbin a way that increases more and more rapidly over time
monumentallyadverbin a manner that is of very high significance or scale
tremendouslyadverbto a large amount, intensity, or degree
enormouslyadverbto a great or vast degree
downrightadjectivecomplete or total, without limitation or moderation
undulyadverbto a greater extent than is reasonable or acceptable
relativelyadverbto a specific degree, particularly when compared to other similar things
approximatelyadverbused to say that something such as a number or amount is not exact
adequatelyadverbto a degree that is enough or satisfactory for a particular purpose
in partadverbused to indicate that something is true or applicable only to some extent or degree
supremelyadverbto the highest or utmost degree
drasticadjectivehaving a strong or far-reaching effect
sheeradjectiveemphasizing the intensity or pureness of a particular quality or emotion
Strength and Improvement9 words
strengthenverbto make something more powerful
bolsterverbto enhance the strength or effect of something
alleviateverbto reduce from the difficulty or intensity of a problem, issue, etc.
buttressverbto provide support or justification in order to make something stronger or more secure
revitalizeverbto bring back strength or energy to something that was previously lacking
rejuvenateverbto cause a feeling of strength and energy
ameliorateverbto make something, particularly something unpleasant or unsatisfactory, better or more bearable
irresistibleadjectiveimpossible to resist or refuse, usually because of being very appealing or attractive
capabilitynounthe ability or potential of doing something or achieving a certain goal
Support18 words
advocateverbto publicly support or recommend something
championverbto support, defend, or fight for a cause, principle, or person
furtherverbto advance the progress or growth of something
motivateverbto make someone want to do something by giving them a reason or encouragement
facilitateverbto help something, such as a process or action, become possible or simpler
cooperateverbto work with other people in order to achieve a common goal
endorseverbto publicly state that one supports or approves someone or something
collaborateverbto work with someone else in order to create something or reach the same goal
bestowverbto present or give something, often with a sense of honor or generosity
endowverbto provide a gift or quality, to someone or something, often implying a permanent gift or quality
lavishverbto generously give or spend, especially on luxurious or extravagant things
augmentverbto add to something's value, effect, size, or amount
resurgencenounthe act of bringing something back into active and noticeable existence or prominence
patronnounan individual who financially supports an artist, charity, cause, etc.
privilegenouna special right, immunity or advantage that only a particular person or group has
proponentnouna supporter who usually speaks publicly in favor of a theory, idea, or plan
reliancenountrust and confidence placed in someone or something
applausenounthe noise people make by clapping, and sometimes shouting, in order to express their enjoyment or approval
Weakness and Deterioration9 words
dwindleverbto diminish in quantity or size over time
sapverbto gradually drain or deplete someone's power or strength
undermineverbto gradually decrease the effectiveness, confidence, or power of something or someone
dissipateverbto gradually disappear or spread out
exacerbateverbto make a problem, bad situation, or negative feeling worse or more severe
subtleadjectivedifficult to notice or detect because of its slight or delicate nature
disabilitynouna physical or mental condition that prevents a person from using some part of their body completely or learning something easily
shortcomingnouna flaw or weakness that reduces the quality or effectiveness of something or someone
defectnouna flaw or deficiency that impairs the quality or effectiveness of something
Inhibition33 words
encumberverbto hinder the process or make something harder to do or achieve
impedeverbto create difficulty or obstacles that make it hard for something to happen or progress
refuteverbto state that something is incorrect or false based on evidence
rebutverbto prove something false or incorrect with evidence or argumentation
disproveverbto show that something is false or incorrect
enervateverbto cause someone to lose physical or mental energy or strength
thwartverbto intentionally prevent someone or something from accomplishing a purpose or plan
preventverbto not let someone do something
disorientverbto cause someone to lose their sense of direction, leading to confusion or a feeling of being lost
eliminateverbto fully remove or get rid of something
discardverbto get rid of something that is no longer needed
shunverbto deliberately avoid, ignore, or keep away from someone or something
dodgeverbto intentionally avoid an issue or responsibility
ostracizeverbto exclude someone from a community or group as a form of punishment or social rejection
eschewverbto avoid a thing or doing something on purpose
expelverbto force someone to leave a place, organization, etc.
counterverbto do something to avoid or decrease the harmful or unpleasant effects of something
eradicateverbto completely destroy something, particularly a problem or threat
extinguishverbto end or destroy something entirely
scourgeverbto cause widespread destruction or devastation, often resulting in complete ruin
extirpateverbto completely destroy or remove something
detractverbto lessen the value or quality of something
scrapverbto get rid of something that is old or no longer of use
ridverbto free from something undesirable or unwanted
aggravateverbto make a problem, situation, or condition worse or more serious
retaliateverbto make a counterattack or respond in a similar manner
offsetverbto compensate for the effects of something through appropriate actions or measures
annihilateverbto destroy someone or something completely
preemptiveadjectivedone before something else happens to prevent a problem or danger
detrimentaladjectivecausing harm or damage
exterminationnounthe act of completely destroying or eliminating something, especially a population or group
retardantnounthe thing that slows down or inhibits a process or action
nuisancenounsomething or someone that causes trouble and annoyance
Utility and Creation23 words
makeshiftnouna thing that is used as an inferior and temporary substitute for something that is not available
stopgapnouna temporary solution or measure used to address an immediate problem or issue
efficiencynounthe ability to act or function with minimum effort, time, and resources
uptakenounthe process of absorbing, using, or taking in something, such as nutrients, information, or resources
remaindernounthe part of something that remains after the main part has been used or taken away
contributionnounsomeone or something's role in achieving a specific result, particularly a positive one
complementaryadjectiveuseful to each other or enhancing each other's qualities when brought together
to [be] instrumental in {sth}phraseto be an important factor or contributor to a specific result
interchangeableadjectivecapable of being used or exchanged in place of one another
applicableadjectiverelevant to someone or something in a particular context or situation
appropriateadjectivesuitable or acceptable for a given situation or purpose
supplementaryadjectiveprovided to improve or enhance something that already exists
serviceableadjectiveable to be used effectively or put to practical use
informativeadjectiveproviding useful or valuable information
utilizeverbto put to effective use
supersedeverbto take something or someone's position or place, particularly due to being more effective or up-to-date
overtaxverbto impose a heavy tax on something or someone
contriveverbto cleverly come up with an idea, theory, or plan using creative thinking
deviseverbto design or invent a new thing or method after much thinking
craftverbto skillfully make something, particularly with the hands
instituteverbto establish or introduce something, such as a policy or program
repurposeverbto adapt or modify something for a different use or purpose than its original one
fashionverbto create or make something by putting different parts or materials together
Challenges and Struggles22 words
withstandverbto resist or endure the force, pressure, or challenges imposed upon oneself
persevereverbto continue a course of action, especially in the face of difficulty or with little or no prospect of success
endeavorverbto make an effort to achieve a goal or complete a task
toilverbto work extremely hard and persistently, often with great effort and dedication
rivalverbto be equal to or compete closely with someone or something in terms of skill, ability, or performance
overwhelmverbto overpower someone or something emotionally or mentally, leaving them unable to respond effectively
barricadenouna defensive barrier erected during wartime to obstruct enemy movement and provide protection for defending forces
impedimentnounanything that blocks or slows progress
burdennouna responsibility or task that causes hardship, stress, etc.
tightropenouna situation where one must navigate carefully to avoid problems or failure
adversitynouna situation marked by hardship or misfortune
calamitynounan event causing great and often sudden damage, distress, or destruction
drawbacknouna disadvantage or the feature of a situation that makes it unacceptable
dilemmanouna situation that is difficult because a choice must be made between two or more options that are equally important
disturbancenounan event or situation that interrupts or disrupts the normal state or functioning of something
conundrumnouna problem or question that is confusing and needs a lot of skill or effort to solve or answer
turmoilnouna state of extreme disturbance that causes a lot of worry and uncertainty
fault linenounan area of vulnerability in a system, organization, or relationship that could lead to significant problems or breakdowns
travailnounhard or painful work
featnounan impressive or remarkable achievement or accomplishment, often requiring great skill or strength
persistentadjectivecontinuing to do something despite facing criticism or difficulties
cumbersomeadjectivechallenging to manage or move due to size, weight, or awkward shape
Harm and Danger29 words
jeopardizeverbto put something or someone in danger
imperilverbto endanger a person or thing
inflictverbto cause or impose something unpleasant, harmful, or unwelcome upon someone or something
afflictverbto cause pain, suffering, or distress, often as a result of illness, injury, or hardship
contaminateverbto make a place, substance, etc. dirty or harmful by adding dangerous material
troubleverbto create problems for someone, resulting in hardship
marverbto cause severe damage or destruction
debilitateverbto make someone or something weaker or less effective
decimateverbto kill large groups of people
ambushverbto wait in a concealed location and launch a surprise attack on a target
ravageverbto cause severe destruction or damage
sullyverbto degrade or tarnish something pure and perfect, especially the reputation of someone
debunkverbto reveal the exaggeration or falseness of a belief, claim, idea, etc.
toxicitynounthe harmful effects or potential for harm caused by a substance to living organisms or the environment
plightnounan unpleasant, sad, or difficult situation
inoffensiveadjectiveunable to cause harm
menacingadjectiveappearing threatening or dangerous
hazardousadjectivepresenting danger or threat, particularly to people's health or safety
inimicaladjectivenot useful for friendly relations or mutual cooperation
corrosiveadjectivehaving the ability to cause damage or destruction, especially through chemical reactions
noxiousadjectivecausing harm
susceptibleadjectiveeasily affected by external factors
inviolateadjectivenot affected, and immune to harm, change, disrespect, or destruction
innocuousadjectivenot likely to cause injury, offense, or strong reaction
ominousadjectivegiving the impression that something bad or unpleasant is going to happen
devastatingadjectivecausing severe damage, destruction, or emotional distress
lethaladjectivecapable of causing death
irreparableadjectiveimpossible to become fixed or right again
catastrophicadjectivecausing a great deal of harm, suffering, or damage
Difficulty and Complexity15 words
muddyverbto make something unclear or difficult to understand
impedeverbto create difficulty or obstacles that make it hard for something to happen or progress
sabotageverbto intentionally damage or undermine something, often for personal gain or as an act of protest or revenge
hinderverbto create obstacles or difficulties that prevent progress, movement, or success
ambiguitynounthe state of being unclear due to multiple possible meanings
nuancenouna very small and barely noticeable difference in tone, appearance, manner, meaning, etc.
effortlessadjectivedone with little or no difficulty
elusiveadjectivedifficult to grasp mentally
comprehensibleadjectiveclear in meaning or expression
discernibleadjectivecapable of being seen or observed
unfathomableadjectiveimpossible to comprehend
imperceptibleadjectiveso slight or gradual that it cannot be noticed
indecipherableadjectivedifficult or impossible to understand or interpret
illegibleadjectiveunable to be read or understood because of poor handwriting or print quality
strenuouslyadverbin a way that involves intense physical effort
Success and Reliability17 words
outcompeteverbto perform better or achieve superior results compared to someone or something else in a competitive context
transcendverbto go beyond a particular limit, quality, or standard, often in an exceptional way
attainverbto succeed in reaching a goal, after hard work
achieveverbto finally accomplish a desired goal after dealing with many difficulties
burgeonverbto have a rapid development or growth
accomplishmentnouna desired and impressive goal achieved through hard work
masterynoungreat knowledge and exceptional skill in a field
ascendancenounthe state of gaining power, control, or dominance over others
prosperitynounthe state of being successful, particularly by earning a lot of money
triumphnouna great victory, success, or achievement gained through struggle
effectualadjectivehaving the power to achieve a desired outcome or make a strong impression
credibilitynouna quality that renders a thing or person as trustworthy or believable
factualitynounthe quality or state of being factual or true
accuracynounthe state or quality of being without any errors
verisimilitudenounthe state or quality of implying the truth
reputableadjectiverespected and trusted due to having a good reputation
comprehensiveadjectivecovering or including all aspects of something
Change15 words
distortverbto change the shape or condition of something in a way that is no longer clear or natural
fine-tuneverbto make very precise adjustments, usually small ones, to improve or perfect something
transitionverbto make something change from a particular state, condition or position to another
revolutionizeverbto change something in a significant or fundamental way
stabilizeverbto make something steady and prevent it from fluctuating
redressverbto do something in order to make up for a wrongdoing or to make things right
remedyverbto correct or improve a situation
mitigateverbto lessen something's seriousness, severity, or painfulness
defuseverbto make a situation less tense or dangerous by calming emotions or reducing the likelihood of conflict or violence
skyrocketverbto increase rapidly and dramatically, often referring to prices, numbers, or success
curtailverbto place limits or boundaries on something to reduce its scope or size
upheavalnouna sudden and significant change or disruption, especially in relation to politics or social conditions
enlargementnounthe action of making something bigger in size, quantity, or scope
surgenouna sudden or abrupt rise in quantity, intensity, or activity
abruptadjectivedescribing something that happens suddenly, often with sharp or noticeable changes
Process40 words
awakeningnounthe start or realization of something new
outsetnounthe beginning of something
inceptionnounthe starting point of an activity or event
truncateverbto cut something short in length or duration
revertverbto go back to a previous state, condition, or behavior
undergoverbto experience or endure a process, change, or event
reciprocateverbto respond in kind to a gesture or action
nascentadjectivenewly started or formed, and expected to further develop and grow
longstandingadjectivehaving persisted or existed for a significant amount of time
recurrentadjectiverepeatedly happening or reappearing, often at regular intervals
underwayadjectivecurrently happening
inexorableadjectiverefusing to be moved by argument or emotion
firsthandadverbin a manner directly from the original source or from personal experience
formativeadjectiveinfluencing the development or growth of something else, particularly during a crucial period
concertedadjectivecarried out jointly by multiple individuals or groups
mechanicallyadverbin an automatic manner as if by using an engine, opposed to human effort alone
passivelyadverbwithout taking action or showing opposition
inverselyadverbin a manner where one thing is opposite or contrary to another
progressivelyadverbin a manner that advances or develops gradually over time
intermittentlyadverbat irregular intervals, with breaks or pauses in between
activelyadverbin a way that involves effort and participation rather than being passive
interruptionnounan abrupt event that stops or disrupts something in progress
retentionnounthe act of keeping something that one already has
tacticnouna carefully planned action or strategy to achieve a specific goal
techniquenouna specific method of carrying out an activity that requires special skills
exhaustnounthe waste gases or air expelled from an engine, furnace, or other machinery
glitchverb(of a machine or system) to suffer a sudden malfunction or fault that stops something from working correctly
occurrencenounan event or incident that happens or takes place, often referring to specific instances observed or recorded
corollarynouna thing that is the direct or natural result of another
incidencenounthe rate or frequency at which something happens or occurs
perpetuationnounthe action of maintaining or continuing something, typically a practice, belief, or state
payoffnouna reward or consequence received as a result of actions, whether positive or negative
remnantnouna tiny fragment or piece that survives after the larger part has been used, removed, or destroyed
vestigenouna minor remaining part or trace of something that is no longer present in full
ramificationnounan unexpected event that makes a situation more complex
interplaynounthe mutual action and reaction between two or more elements, often influencing each other
implicationnouna possible consequence that something can bring about
fareverbto perform or manage oneself in a particular way, especially in response to a situation or condition
culminateverbto end by coming to a climactic point
outbreaknounthe unexpected start of something terrible, such as a disease
Status30 words
disrepairnouna damaged or broken state of a building or other structure, because it has not been taken care of
seclusionnounthe state of being isolated from other things or people, usually by choice
privacynouna state in which other people cannot watch or interrupt a person
serenitynouna state of calm and peacefulness, free from stress, anxiety, or disturbance
sustainabilitynounthe capacity to be maintained for a long time and causing no harm to the environment
moratoriumnounan officially declared pause of a specific action or policy, often imposed by authorities to allow for review, safety, or negotiation
backlognouna collection of tasks, orders, or materials that have not been completed or processed, requiring attention
muddlenouna state of confusion or disorder characterized by a mixture of things that are not clearly organized or understood
high profilenounsomething or someone that attracts a lot of public attention or interest due to prominence, importance, or controversy
circumstancenounthe conditions or factors that surround and influence a particular situation
sufficeverbto be enough or adequate for a particular purpose or requirement
pertainverbto be applicable, connected, or relevant to a particular subject, circumstance, or situation
declassifyverbto remove the classification or status of secrecy from information, making it accessible to the public
operativeadjectivecurrently effective or actively exerting influence
predeterminedadjectivedecided or arranged beforehand
interdependentadjectivedepending on each other and mutually reliant
undisturbedadjectiveleft alone without interference or interruption
intactadjectiveundamaged and complete
dormantadjectivenot in an active, developing, or operating state but can become so later on
defunctadjectiveno longer in use, operation, or existence
chaoticadjectivehaving a state of complete disorder
full-fledgedadjectivehaving achieved full status or maturity in a particular role or position
alightadjectiveburning with flames
ablazeadjectivebrightly illuminated, especially by fire or flames
tranquiladjectivefeeling calm and peaceful, without any disturbances or things that might be upsetting
pitiableadjectivemaking one feel sorry for someone or something that seems unworthy of respect or consideration
indivisibleadjectiveunable to be divided or separated into parts
inseparableadjectivenot able to be separated or detached
self-sufficientadjectivecapable of providing everything that one needs, particularly food, without any help from others
inherentlyadverbin a manner that refers to the natural and essential characteristics of a person, thing, or situation
Management of Items11 words
disseminateverbto spread information, ideas, or knowledge to a wide audience
pervadeverbto spread throughout and be present in every part of something
accreteverbto gradually grow or increase by adding layers or parts over time
hoardverbto gather and store a large supply of food, money, etc., usually somewhere secret
complementverbto add something that enhances or improves the quality or appearance of someone or something
clusterverbto cause things to gather closely together
cacheverbto hide or store something for future use
conflateverbto bring ideas, texts, things, etc. together and create something new
aggregationnounthe act of bringing together various items, parts, or elements into a single unified whole
diffusionnounthe process of spreading or dispersing something widely
coalescencenounthe process of diverse elements uniting to form a single body, form, or group
Learn all 530 words in this list with spaced repetition