Unit 13 The importance of infrastructure

Word

Definition

Example

hindrance

A thing that provides resistance, delay, or obstruction to something or someone

The heavy rain was a hindrance to their plans for a picnic

transport system

The infrastructure and services necessary for the movement of goods and passengers

The city's efficient transport system made commuting easy for residents

road network

A system of interconnected roads

The road network needed improvement to accommodate the increasing traffic

water service

A system providing water to a particular area

The water service was temporarily disrupted due to maintenance work

electricity grid

An interconnected network for delivering electricity from suppliers to consumers

The electricity grid was upgraded to handle the growing demand

telephone network

A system that connects telephone subscribers to each other and to the public switched telephone network

The telephone network provided reliable communication across the region

viaduct

A long bridge-like structure, typically a series of arches, carrying a road or railroad across a valley or other low ground

The viaduct was an impressive engineering feat in the city

fibre-optic

A thin, flexible, transparent fiber that acts as a waveguide for light over long distances

The new building was equipped with state-of-the-art fibre-optic internet

purification

The process of removing contaminants from something

The purification process ensured that the water was safe for drinking

pylon

A tall structure used for carrying electricity cables

The pylon supported the high-voltage cables across the field

pipelines

A long pipe, typically underground, for conveying oil, gas, etc., over long distances

The pipelines transported oil from the refinery to the storage tanks

appliance

A device or piece of equipment designed to perform a specific task, typically a domestic one

The kitchen appliance made cooking more efficient and convenient

refinery

An industrial installation where a substance is refined

The oil refinery processed crude oil into various petroleum products

straightforward task

An activity or assignment that is easy to understand or do

Setting up the tent was a straightforward task for the experienced campers

rewarding experience

An activity that brings satisfaction or a feeling of accomplishment

Volunteering at the animal shelter was a rewarding experience for her

broadband

A high-capacity transmission technique using a wide range of frequencies, which enables a large number of messages to be communicated simultaneously

The new office had high-speed broadband internet for all employees

vehicle trip

A journey made by a vehicle

The vehicle trip to the mountains was filled with scenic views

commuting

Traveling some distance between one's home and place of work on a regular basis

The long commuting time was a drawback of living in the suburbs

obesity

The condition of being grossly fat or overweight

The rise in obesity among children was a growing concern for public health officials

in contrast to

Used to show the difference between two things

In contrast to last year, this summer has been cooler and wetter

provide insight

To give a clear understanding of a particular situation

The research study aimed to provide insight into the effects of climate change

provided with

To supply or make available to someone

The students were provided with the necessary textbooks for the semester

carry on

To continue an activity or task

They decided to carry on with the project despite the setbacks

prior to use

Before something is put into action or service

The equipment needed to be inspected prior to use

tap

A device by which a flow of liquid or gas from a pipe or container can be controlled

She turned on the tap to fill the kettle with water

limitation

A restriction or point at which an argument or line of reasoning is no longer valid

The lack of resources was a limitation for the project

in terms of

With regard to; concerning

In terms of efficiency, the new system was a significant improvement

malfunction

A failure to function in a normal or satisfactory manner

The sudden malfunction of the machine caused a delay in production

pedestrian

A person walking rather than traveling in a vehicle

The pedestrian bridge provided a safe crossing for walkers

attract to

To cause someone to have an interest in something

The colorful flowers were known to attract butterflies

scope of

The extent of the area or subject matter that something deals with or to which it is relevant

The scope of the project expanded with the addition of new objectives

accuracy

The quality or state of being correct or precise

The accuracy of the measurements was crucial for the experiment

restrict

To put a limit on; keep under control

The new policy aimed to restrict the use of plastic bags in the city

disproportionate share

An amount that is not in proper relation or balance

The older neighborhood received a disproportionate share of the city's resources

objection

An expression or feeling of disapproval or opposition

There was an objection to the proposed changes in the community

congestion

An overcrowding; a condition of overcrowding

The traffic congestion during rush hour was a common problem in the city

deny

To refuse to admit the truth or existence of

The manager would deny any requests that did not meet the company's policies

admirable idea

A concept or notion that is worthy of respect or approval

The new initiative to reduce waste was an admirable idea

upgrade

To raise (something) to a higher standard

They decided to upgrade the software to the latest version

revenue

Income, especially when of a company or organization and of a substantial nature

The company's revenue increased significantly this quarter

refurbish

Renovate and redecorate (something, especially a building)

The old building was refurbished and turned into a modern office space

have a stroll

To go for a leisurely walk

They would often have a stroll in the park after dinner

go by

To be known or called by a particular name

The days would go by quickly during the busy holiday season

breakdown

A mechanical failure

The sudden breakdown of the machine halted production for the day

respectively

Separately or individually and in the order already mentioned

The siblings arrived at the party, dressed as a doctor and a nurse, respectively

with numbers rising

Indicating an increase in quantity or degree

With numbers rising, the organization needed to expand its services

with a rise

Indicating an increase in a particular parameter

With a rise in demand, the company had to increase production

address concerns about

To deal with and attempt to find a solution for issues or worries

The town hall meeting aimed to address concerns about the new construction project

adopt a policy

To accept and put into practice a course of action as a set of principles or procedures

The company decided to adopt a policy of remote work for its employees

certain

Known for sure; established beyond doubt

She was certain that they would succeed in their endeavors

compulsory

Required by law or a rule; obligatory

The course was compulsory for all first-year students

have potential to

Capable of achieving or developing into

The new technology had the potential to revolutionize the industry

improve the accuracy of

To make better the precision or correctness of something

The new instrument would improve the accuracy of the measurements

likely

Probable; expected

It was likely that they would finish the project ahead of schedule

oil slick

A film of oil floating on an expanse of water

The oil slick in the ocean threatened the local marine life

permissible

Allowed or permitted

Smoking was not permissible inside the building

unnecessary

Not needed or required

The extra steps in the process were deemed unnecessary and were eliminated

unwilling

Reluctant; disinclined

He was unwilling to participate in the team project