Unit 4 Global issues and opportunities

Word

Definition

Example

graduation

The receiving or conferring of an academic degree or diploma upon completion of a course of study at a school or university

Graduation is a special milestone in every student's life

overwhelm

Bury or drown beneath a huge mass

The sheer number of tasks can overwhelm even the most organized individuals

scholarship

Academic study or achievement; learning of a high level

She received a full scholarship to attend her dream university

awkward situation

A difficult or embarrassing circumstance

The awkward situation was diffused by a well-timed joke

cause

A person or thing that gives rise to an action, phenomenon, or condition

The fire department is investigating the cause of the recent house fire

circumstance

A fact or condition connected with or relevant to an event or action

Due to unforeseen circumstances, the event had to be postponed

outcome

The way a thing turns out; a consequence

The outcome of the negotiations was favorable for both parties

insurmountable

Too great to be overcome

The task of climbing Mount Everest seemed insurmountable to many, but some brave souls dared to attempt it

festive

Of, relating to, or appropriate for a celebration or festival

The street was decorated with lights and streamers, creating a festive atmosphere

controversial

Giving rise or likely to give rise to public disagreement

The politician's controversial statement sparked widespread debate

merchandise

Goods to be bought and sold

The store offered a wide range of merchandise, from clothing to electronics

burglary

Illegal entry of a building with intent to commit a crime, especially theft

The police were investigating a series of recent burglaries in the neighborhood

equipment

The necessary items for a particular purpose

The workers used heavy equipment to complete the construction project

manufactured goods

Items that have been produced in a factory

The factory produced a variety of manufactured goods, including furniture and appliances

skills shortage

A situation in which a region, industry, etc., does not have enough people with the necessary skills

The company faced difficulties due to the ongoing skills shortage in the labor market

apparently

As far as one knows or can see

Apparently, the delivery was delayed due to unforeseen weather conditions

entire

With no part left out; whole

The entire city was covered in snow after the overnight blizzard

fulfill

Achieve or realize (something desired, promised, or predicted)

She worked hard to fulfill her dream of starting her own business

shift the blame onto

To redirect responsibility or culpability onto someone or something else

He tried to shift the blame onto his colleague, even though it was his mistake

imply

Strongly suggest the truth or existence of (something not expressly stated)

His statement seemed to imply that he didn't agree with the decision

fussy

Fastidious about one's needs or requirements; hard to please

The fussy toddler refused to eat anything except macaroni and cheese

requirement

A thing that is needed or wanted

Meeting the basic requirement was necessary for admission to the program

apprenticeship

A system of training a new generation of practitioners of a trade or profession with on-the-job training and often some accompanying study

He completed his apprenticeship at the carpentry shop and became a skilled craftsman

reassure

Say or do something to remove the doubts and fears of someone

The doctor reassured the patient that the procedure would be painless

apprentice

A person who is learning a trade from a skilled employer, having agreed to work for a fixed period at low wages

The young apprentice eagerly observed and learned from the experienced chef

loads of

A large number or amount of something

She had loads of work to do before the deadline

demand

An insistent and peremptory request, made as if by right

The sudden surge in demand for the product led to increased production

reckon

Establish by calculation

I reckon we'll need at least two more days to finish this project

unfillable

Unable to be filled

The hole in the boat was unfillable, and the water continued to seep in

reluctant

Unwilling and hesitant; disinclined

She was reluctant to take on the new project due to her busy schedule

lure

Tempt (a person or an animal) to do something or to go somewhere, especially by offering some form of reward

The store used enticing offers to lure customers into buying their products

rooted

Firmly embedded in a specified place or position

Their friendship was rooted in shared experiences and mutual respect

stunned

Knock unconscious or into a dazed or semiconscious state

She was stunned by the breathtaking view from the mountaintop

tempted

Entice or attempt to entice (someone) to do or acquire something that they find attractive but know to be wrong or unwise

He was tempted to eat another slice of the delicious chocolate cake

satisfying

Giving fulfillment or the pleasure associated with this

The satisfying feeling of completing a difficult task made her day

coax

Persuade (someone) gradually or by flattery to do something

The teacher used treats to coax the shy student into participating in the activity

bother

Take the trouble to do something

The loud noise from the construction site continued to bother the neighbors

attract

Cause to come to a place or participate in a venture by offering something of interest or advantage

The colorful flowers in the garden attracted many butterflies and bees

disturb

Interfere with the normal arrangement or functioning of

The loud music from the party next door disturbed their peaceful evening

alarming

Worrying or disturbing

The alarming rise in crime rates called for immediate action from the authorities

appeal to

Be attractive or interesting to

The new design was meant to appeal to a younger audience with its vibrant colors

subsidise

Support (an organization or activity) financially

The government decided to subsidise the cost of public transportation for low-income families

contribute

Give (something, especially money) in order to help achieve or provide something

Each member of the team was expected to contribute to the project's success

rural areas

Regions located away from cities and towns

The organization focused on providing essential services to underserved rural areas

revitalise

Give new life or vigor to

The city's plan was to revitalise the old town and attract more tourists

become extinct

Cease to exist

The endangered species was on the brink of becoming extinct if conservation efforts were not increased

overcrowded

Holding more people or things than is desirable or comfortable

The school's classrooms were overcrowded, making it challenging for teachers to provide individual attention

become scarce

Insufficient for the demand

Freshwater sources were becoming scarce due to the prolonged drought in the region

slim chance

A small or negligible likelihood of something happening or being the case

There was only a slim chance of finding the lost wallet in such a crowded place

burning issue

A current and important topic or problem that elicits strong feelings and opinions

Climate change was a burning issue that required immediate attention from global leaders

faint possibility

A remote or unlikely chance of something happening

There was only a faint possibility of finding a parking spot near the crowded stadium

despite the fact that

Regardless of the truth or validity of a particular statement

Despite the fact that it was raining heavily, they decided to go for a walk

nevertheless

In spite of that; notwithstanding; all the same

The weather was bad; nevertheless, they managed to have a great time at the beach

even so

Nevertheless

The project was behind schedule, but even so, they managed to complete it on time

be at a disadvantage

In an unfavorable or inferior position compared to others

Being new to the city, she felt she was at a disadvantage in finding a suitable job

concession

A thing that is granted, especially in response to demands; a thing conceded

The government made a concession by lowering the tax rate for low-income families

reduce the impact

Diminish or lessen the effect

The company implemented various measures to reduce the impact of their operations on the environment

urban dweller

A person who lives in a city or densely populated area

The urban dweller enjoyed the convenience of living close to shops and restaurants

traffic congestion

The build-up of too much traffic in a certain area, leading to slower speeds, longer trip times, and increased vehicular queueing

The rush hour traffic congestion made the daily commute a tedious experience

tackle the issues

Deal with or handle various problems or difficulties

The committee met to discuss how to tackle the issues affecting the local community

deforestation

The action of clearing a wide area of trees

The rapid deforestation of the rainforest was causing a significant decline in the local wildlife population

flooding

A situation in which a place is covered with water, especially from heavy rain

The heavy rainfall led to severe flooding in the low-lying areas of the town, causing damage to many homes

endanger

Put (someone or something) at risk or in danger

The ongoing construction near the nesting area was beginning to endanger the local bird population

focus on

Concentrate attention or effort on something

The company decided to focus on developing eco-friendly products to reduce their carbon footprint

harden

Make or become hard or harder

The clay sculptures needed a few days to harden before they could be painted and displayed

acknowledge

Accept or admit the existence or truth of something

It was crucial for him to acknowledge his mistake and apologize to his colleagues for his behavior

instant access

Immediate entry or admittance to something

The new app provided instant access to a vast library of books, making it convenient for avid readers