Utility and Creation: English Vocabulary List

a thing that is used as an inferior and temporary substitute for something that is not available

"They built makeshift shelter."

"They built a makeshift shelter using plastic sheets and wood after the storm destroyed their house completely."

a temporary solution or measure used to address an immediate problem or issue

"Stopgap measure was used."

"The government introduced a stopgap measure to solve the immediate financial crisis last month."

the ability to act or function with minimum effort, time, and resources

"The new hybrid engine offers a ten percent increase in fuel efficiency."

"Implementing new software dramatically improved the team's efficiency, allowing them to complete tasks much faster."

the process of absorbing, using, or taking in something, such as nutrients, information, or resources

"Uptake was very slow."

"The new technology had very slow uptake among older people living in rural areas last year."

the part of something that remains after the main part has been used or taken away

"Remainder of money saved."

"She spent most of her salary and saved the remainder for emergency situations in the future."

someone or something's role in achieving a specific result, particularly a positive one

"Her contribution helped the team."

"Her significant contribution was instrumental in achieving the project's successful completion ahead of schedule."

useful to each other or enhancing each other's qualities when brought together

"The colors are complementary."

"The complementary colors of blue and orange look beautiful together in this painting."

to be an important factor or contributor to a specific result

"She was instrumental in success."

"The new manager was instrumental in turning the failing company around within a year."

capable of being used or exchanged in place of one another

"The parts are interchangeable."

"The two parts are interchangeable so you can use either one for the repair."

relevant to someone or something in a particular context or situation

"This rule is applicable."

"The new safety rules are applicable to all employees regardless of their position or how long they have worked at the company."

suitable or acceptable for a given situation or purpose

"That is not appropriate."

"That is not appropriate behavior for a formal dinner so please apologize to the host immediately."

provided to improve or enhance something that already exists

"She takes supplementary vitamins."

"She takes supplementary vitamins to make sure she gets all the nutrients she needs."

able to be used effectively or put to practical use

"The old car is still serviceable."

"The old car is still serviceable even though it has many miles on it."

providing useful or valuable information

"The documentary was informative."

"The documentary was very informative and taught me a lot about ocean life."

to put to effective use

"We utilize solar energy to power homes."

"The company plans to utilize new technology to improve its manufacturing process and reduce waste significantly."

to take something or someone's position or place, particularly due to being more effective or up-to-date

"The new law supersedes the old one."

"The new safety regulations will supersede the old ones which are now considered outdated and ineffective in preventing accidents."

to impose a heavy tax on something or someone

"Do not overtax the system."

"The government should be careful not to overtax small businesses because they are the backbone of the economy and create most new jobs."

to cleverly come up with an idea, theory, or plan using creative thinking

"He contrived a clever escape plan."

"The cunning villain contrived an elaborate plan to steal the valuable diamond from the museum without getting caught."

to design or invent a new thing or method after much thinking

"We devise a solution."

"The team of scientists spent weeks trying to devise a new method for detecting the rare disease accurately."

to skillfully make something, particularly with the hands

"She crafts jewelry by hand."

"The artisan crafts beautiful wooden furniture by hand using traditional techniques passed down through generations of his family."

to establish or introduce something, such as a policy or program

"They instituted new safety regulations."

"The university decided to institute a new policy requiring all students to take at least one ethics course before graduation."

to adapt or modify something for a different use or purpose than its original one

"She repurposed old jars into vases."

"The creative artist can repurpose old discarded items like bottles and cans into beautiful and useful works of art."

to create or make something by putting different parts or materials together

"He fashioned a tool from a stick."

"The skilled craftsman used a simple piece of wood to fashion a beautiful and intricate sculpture with just a few simple tools."