Badly made or done
We're not paying good money for shoddy goods.
100
Feasible
Possible to easily or conveniently; or likely
It is not feasible for Obama to eradicate poverty during his presidential term.
100
Accountability
Responsibility
The banks' lack of accountability has caused distrust.
100
Egalitarian
relating to or believing in the principle that all people are equal
Most people want a fairer and more egalitarian society.
100
Intimidate
to frighten or scare someone, especially to get them to do something for you.
The intimidating defense attorney got the jurors to let her defendant off with a not guilty sentence.
200
Contagious
Something that spreads and affects others
(or a disease that spreads)
His laughter is contagious.
200
Empirically
Based on observation or experience, not logic or theory.
Scientists have yet to empirically prove that life exists on other planets.
200
Preposterous
Contrary to reason and common sense; absurd
Believing in extraterrestrial life is preposterous.
200
Dubious
not to be relied upon; suspect
The salesperson used dubious methods to make tons of money.
200
Tentatively
Not certain or fixed
Done without confidence
They tentatively set a date for a meeting.
300
Pervasive
something with a negative effect that is wide spread and common.
Classism is pervasive in our society.
300
Extemporaneous
Spoken or done without preparation
She gave a wonderful extemporaneous speech at the wedding.
300
Congruent
In agreement and harmony
Her values are congruent with mine, which is why we are close friends.
300
Usurp
To take the place of someone else illegally and/or with force
The rebels have usurped the monarchy.
300
Immaculate
Free from flaws or mistakes
Her house was immaculate.
400
Plagued
cause continual trouble or distress to
The gymnast was plagued with bad luck.
400
Detriment
The state of being harmed or damaged.
He worked long hours to the detriment of his marriage.
400
Precipitous
(of a change to a worse situation) sudden and dramatic
The collapse of the banks led to a precipitous decline in employment.
400
Anomaly
Something that deviates from the norm or the standard
Olympic gymnasts are anomalies in that they are incredibly flexible, yet very strong.
400
Susceptible
Likely to be harmed or influenced by something
Babies are susceptible to infections.
500
Analogous
Comparable
The relationship between a king and his subjects is analogous to a the relationship between a father and his children.
500
Debilitating
Making someone/something weak
High unemployment is debilitating to economic growth.
500
Preponderance
The quality of being greater in number or importance
The preponderance of older people in Pacific Grove causes the restaurants to close early.
500
Paradoxically
Seeming absurd or self-contradictory
500
Antagonism
Active hostility or opposition
Unfortunately, there is a growing antagonism between Democrats and Republicans, which doesn't allow for compromise.