Unit 6 · New Headway Advanced Vocabulary List

a minor mistake or error, often resulting from carelessness or inattention

"That was a slip-up."

"The team's crucial slip-up in the final minutes cost them the championship game."

a major reorganization or restructuring, especially of an organization or system

"The company had a shake-up."

"Following the merger, the organization underwent a significant shake-up to integrate new departments."

a delay or interruption, often caused by an unexpected problem or obstacle

"The holdup made us late."

"We experienced a considerable holdup on our journey due to unexpected road construction."

a set of clothes that one wears together, especially for an event or occasion

"The outfit looks great."

"She chose an outfit that was simple but elegant."

a meal bought from a restaurant or store to be eaten somewhere else

"Order a takeaway."

"We decided to get a takeaway pizza and enjoy it at home tonight."

the act of copying and saving digital files, such as documents, music, or videos, from the Internet onto a computer or other electronic devices

"Download transfers file to device."

"Download is the process of copying data from a remote server to a local device."

a brief heavy rainfall

"We got caught in a sudden downpour and were soaked within seconds."

"A sudden downpour started just as we left the house, so we had to go back."

the end of a relationship or an association

"The breakup was painful."

"Their breakup was messy because neither wanted to move out of the apartment they shared together."

a problem that gets in the way of a process or makes it worse

"Major setback delayed project."

"The injury was a major setback for the athlete who had trained for years for the Olympics."

a sudden, violent expression of strong emotion, typically anger or excitement

"Her angry outburst surprises everyone in the room."

"His angry outburst during the meeting surprised everyone because he was usually very calm."

an improvement or a positive change in a situation, especially in the economy or business

"The economy is finally showing a welcome upturn."

"The stock market experienced a significant upturn, signaling a much-needed improvement in the overall economic outlook for the country."

a new development that grows out of an existing situation, concept, or organization, typically as a natural progression or consequence

"The new restaurant is an offshoot of a famous bakery."

"The small bakery was an offshoot of a larger restaurant chain that specialized in bread."

a disadvantage or the feature of a situation that makes it unacceptable

"The main drawback is the high cost."

"The main drawback of living in a big city is the high cost and heavy traffic every single day."

the act of providing assistance or support to someone or something

"We need backup now."

"The detective requested backup to safely apprehend the armed suspect."

the result or consequence of a situation, event, or action

"The outcome was positive."

"The outcome of the election surprised everyone."

a person's point of view or attitude toward life or a particular subject

"His outlook is good."

"Despite numerous setbacks, her optimistic outlook on life remained unshaken and inspiring."

a store or organization where the products of a particular company are sold at a lower price

"It's an outlet store."

"The designer outlet offered a wide selection of clothing at significantly reduced prices."

the acquisition of control or authority over a government or political system, often through force, coercion, or an election

"It was a takeover."

"The hostile takeover of the corporation sent shockwaves through the financial markets."

the cause or source of a person's ruin or failure

"That was his downfall."

"His insatiable greed proved to be the ultimate downfall, leading to his eventual ruin."

an important discovery or development that helps improve a situation or answer a problem

"The breakthrough changed science"

"The scientific breakthrough changed science by introducing a completely new approach to disease treatment"

a failure in the progress or effectiveness of a relationship or system

"Their relationship had a breakdown."

"The constant arguments led to a complete breakdown in communication, making reconciliation seem impossible for the couple."

a fight, test, or argument that will resolve a prolonged disagreement

"It was a showdown."

"The final debate was a tense showdown that would determine the election's outcome."

the act of maintaining something in good condition

"The upkeep is high."

"Regular maintenance and timely repairs are crucial for the long-term upkeep of historic buildings."

the act of observing one's surroundings to detect potential danger, threats, or opportunities

"Keep a lookout."

"The vigilant lookout on the ship spotted the approaching storm clouds well in advance."

the act of canceling a debt or financial obligation, often due to it being deemed uncollectible or not worth pursuing

"The debt was a write-off."

"The company decided to make a write-off of the unrecoverable loan to improve its balance sheet."

a quick or witty response to a comment or insult, often intended to show wit or intelligence

"He made a comeback."

"Her witty comeback to the unfair criticism silenced the entire room with its cleverness."