#676 | UNSWERVING 🚀
[DU, IBA ’12 June]
(Adjective) – Firm and unwavering in purpose, direction, or belief; not easily altered or influenced.
Connotation:
🔹 Positive – Implies steadfastness, reliability, and resoluteness in the face of challenges.
Implications in Context:
✅ In Business & Leadership – An unswerving commitment to the company’s mission can drive long-term success and inspire confidence in employees and stakeholders.
✅ In Legal & Politics – Politicians or leaders who remain unswerving in their principles can build a reputation for integrity and reliability, even in tough situations.
✅ In Personal & Social Settings – Personal relationships that are built on unswerving loyalty and trust tend to be stronger and more enduring.
Example Sentences:
✅ The CEO’s unswerving focus on innovation helped the company stay ahead of its competitors in the tech industry.
✅ Despite public criticism, the senator’s unswerving dedication to environmental policies earned her widespread respect.
✅ Their unswerving support for each other through difficult times strengthened their bond and deepened their friendship.
#677 | COHERENT 🧠
[BCS 18th; DU, IBA ’12 June]
(Adjective) – Logical and consistent; well-organized and clear, especially in thought or argument.
Connotation:
🔹 Positive – Implies clarity, logical structure, and the ability to effectively convey ideas or information.
Implications in Context:
✅ In Business & Leadership – A coherent strategy is essential for guiding a company toward its goals and ensuring alignment across teams and departments.
✅ In Legal & Politics – Lawyers and politicians must present coherent arguments to persuade and influence, ensuring their points are understood and compelling.
✅ In Personal & Social Settings – Clear, coherent communication in relationships helps avoid misunderstandings and fosters strong, productive connections.
Example Sentences:
✅ The manager presented a coherent plan for the project, which reassured the team and ensured smooth execution.
✅ The lawyer’s coherent defense strategy was pivotal in winning the case, convincing the jury with clear, logical points.
✅ His coherent explanation of the problem helped the group quickly understand the issue and find a solution.
#678 | DERIDE 🗣️
[DU, IBA ’12 June]
(Verb) – To mock or express contempt for someone or something in a dismissive or scornful manner.
Connotation:
🔹 Negative – Suggests disrespect, ridicule, and a lack of empathy, often to belittle or diminish the target.
Implications in Context:
✅ In Business & Leadership – Leaders who deride their employees or competitors risk damaging morale and fostering a toxic work environment.
✅ In Legal & Politics – In political discourse, deriding opponents can undermine credibility, making it harder to maintain a professional reputation.
✅ In Personal & Social Settings – Constantly deriding others can harm relationships, leading to conflict and a breakdown of trust and communication.
Example Sentences:
✅ The CEO’s habit of deriding competitors only made his company appear unprofessional, hindering potential partnerships.
✅ During the debate, the candidate chose to deride his opponent’s policies instead of presenting his own solutions, alienating the audience.
✅ She felt hurt when her friend derided her ideas instead of offering constructive feedback.
#679 | TANTRUM 😡
[DU, IBA ’12 June]
(Noun) – An outburst of anger or frustration, often involving childish or uncontrolled behavior.
Connotation:
🔹 Negative – Implies immaturity, loss of control, or an inability to handle emotions in a constructive way.
Implications in Context:
✅ In Business & Leadership – Leaders who throw tantrums undermine their authority and create an atmosphere of instability and fear in the workplace.
✅ In Legal & Politics – Public figures who have tantrums in response to criticism may lose credibility and alienate supporters.
✅ In Personal & Social Settings – Frequent tantrums can damage relationships, as they signal an inability to communicate effectively and manage stress.
Example Sentences:
✅ The manager’s tantrum during the meeting made it difficult for the team to address the real issues at hand.
✅ The politician’s public tantrum over the press’s questions led many to question their emotional maturity and fitness for office.
✅ She had a tantrum when things didn’t go her way, and it took her friends some time to calm her down and restore peace.
#680 | ABASH 😳
[DU, IBA ’12 June]
(Verb) – To make someone feel embarrassed, disconcerted, or ashamed.
Connotation:
🔹 Negative – Suggests a loss of confidence or composure due to humiliation or awkwardness.
Implications in Context:
✅ In Business & Leadership – Leaders should avoid actions that abash their employees, as it can lead to a lack of trust and hinder team performance.
✅ In Legal & Politics – Attorneys and politicians must maintain composure in the face of criticism or uncomfortable situations to avoid appearing weak or vulnerable.
✅ In Personal & Social Settings – Constantly abashing others can strain relationships, as it undermines self-esteem and can lead to resentment.
Example Sentences:
✅ The harsh criticism from the client abashed the marketing team, leaving them unsure about their strategy moving forward.
✅ He was abashed when his mistake in the report was pointed out during the presentation.
✅ She was abashed by the unexpected compliment, unsure how to respond without seeming overly modest.
#681 | OBTRUSIVE 🚪
[DU, IBA ’12 June, ’16 Dec]
(Adjective) – Unwelcome or intrusive; tending to impose oneself or one’s presence in a way that disrupts or annoys others.
Connotation:
🔹 Negative – Implies being overly noticeable or interfering in a way that is considered inappropriate or bothersome.
Implications in Context:
✅ In Business & Leadership – Obtrusive behavior, such as interrupting meetings or micromanaging employees, can damage team morale and hinder productivity.
✅ In Legal & Politics – Obtrusive tactics in negotiation or public relations can backfire, making one appear pushy or unprofessional.
✅ In Personal & Social Settings – Being obtrusive in social settings, such as dominating conversations or invading personal space, can lead to discomfort and alienation.
Example Sentences:
✅ The obtrusive security measures at the event made the guests feel uneasy and distracted from the purpose of the gathering.
✅ Her obtrusive questions about his personal life made him uncomfortable during the meeting.
✅ The manager's obtrusive presence in every project meeting led employees to feel micromanaged and stifled in their creativity.
#682 | ORDEAL 😓
[DU, IBA ’12 June]
(Noun) – A painful or difficult experience, often one that is prolonged or testing.
Connotation:
🔹 Negative – Implies hardship, struggle, or discomfort, typically associated with something challenging and exhausting.
Implications in Context:
✅ In Business & Leadership – An ordeal could refer to a challenging project or crisis, requiring leaders and teams to demonstrate resilience and problem-solving abilities.
✅ In Legal & Politics – An ordeal could be the difficult process of navigating a legal battle or political scandal, testing the strength of one's character and resources.
✅ In Personal & Social Settings – Personal ordeals, such as dealing with a loss or enduring illness, can deeply affect relationships and personal well-being, calling for emotional support.
Example Sentences:
✅ The CEO described the financial downturn as an ordeal, but emphasized how the company’s resilience helped it recover.
✅ The lengthy court battle was an ordeal that drained both sides emotionally and financially.
✅ Going through a health ordeal, she learned to appreciate the support of friends and family.
#683 | BELATED ⏳
[BCS 13th; DU, IBA ’12 June]
(Adjective) – Happening or arriving later than expected or usual.
Connotation:
🔹 Negative – Often implies tardiness, which may be seen as careless or inconsiderate, though sometimes it can indicate thoughtful reflection or acknowledgment despite the delay.
Implications in Context:
✅ In Business & Leadership – Belated decisions or actions, such as delayed feedback or missed opportunities, may reflect poorly on leadership and can affect organizational efficiency and trust.
✅ In Legal & Politics – A belated apology or response in legal or political matters might undermine credibility or cause further scrutiny.
✅ In Personal & Social Settings – A belated greeting or gift can be perceived as a lack of attention or care, but may also show a genuine recognition of a mistake or forgetfulness.
Example Sentences:
✅ The belated response to the client’s concerns hurt the company’s reputation for reliability.
✅ After much delay, the government issued a belated apology for its handling of the situation.
✅ His belated birthday wish made her smile, as she appreciated the gesture despite the late timing.
#684 | BELITTLE 👎
[DU, IBA ’12 June]
(Verb) – To make someone or something seem less impressive or important; to demean or degrade.
Connotation:
🔹 Negative – Implies disrespect, condescension, or an attempt to undermine someone or something, often in a hurtful or dismissive manner.
Implications in Context:
✅ In Business & Leadership – Belittling employees or competitors can damage relationships, harm morale, and create a toxic work environment, undermining effective leadership and collaboration.
✅ In Legal & Politics – In politics or legal disputes, belittling an opponent’s argument or character can be seen as a strategy, but may backfire if perceived as unprofessional or juvenile.
✅ In Personal & Social Settings – Belittling others in personal relationships can erode trust and respect, leading to conflict and emotional harm.
Example Sentences:
✅ The manager’s attempt to belittle her team during the meeting backfired, resulting in low morale and frustration.
✅ In the heated debate, one candidate tried to belittle the other’s track record, but it was seen as petty by the audience.
✅ His constant need to belittle his friends eventually pushed them away, as they felt disrespected and undervalued.
#685 | RECTIFY 🔧
[DU, IBA ’12 June, ’16 Dec]
(Verb) – To correct or fix something, especially a mistake or problem.
Connotation:
🔹 Positive – Suggests improvement, correction, and the restoration of something to its proper state. Implies a proactive and responsible approach to addressing issues.
Implications in Context:
✅ In Business & Leadership – Leaders are expected to rectify errors quickly to maintain productivity and trust. A failure to do so may damage a company’s reputation.
✅ In Legal & Politics – In legal or political situations, rectifying an oversight or mistake can help restore credibility and prevent legal repercussions.
✅ In Personal & Social Settings – Rectifying a misunderstanding or a wrong action shows maturity and responsibility, improving relationships and resolving conflicts.
Example Sentences:
✅ The company quickly rectified the billing error, ensuring customer satisfaction and trust.
✅ The politician vowed to rectify the policy issues raised by the opposition party.
✅ After the misunderstanding, she took the time to rectify her words, apologizing sincerely for the offense.
#686 | PLEAD 🙏
[DU, IBA ’12 June]
(Verb) – To make an emotional appeal or request; to argue in a legal context, especially as a defendant.
Connotation:
🔹 Neutral to Negative – Can be seen as a desperate or humble appeal, or it may carry a sense of formality in legal contexts. In some cases, it may imply weakness or guilt.
Implications in Context:
✅ In Business & Leadership – Pleading for understanding in a business context can be seen as a sign of vulnerability, but overuse might undermine authority.
✅ In Legal & Politics – In legal terms, to plead is to formally state one’s case or innocence. Politicians may plead for support or change in the face of challenges.
✅ In Personal & Social Settings – In personal relationships, pleading for forgiveness or a favor can evoke empathy, but it can also be perceived as excessive if done too often.
Example Sentences:
✅ The manager pleaded with the team to meet the deadline, stressing the importance of the project’s success.
✅ The defendant pleaded not guilty, presenting evidence to support their innocence.
✅ She pleaded with her friend to reconsider the decision, highlighting how important their relationship was to her.
#687 | APPEAL 🎯
[DU, IBA ’12 June]
(Verb) – To make a formal request, often for a change or reconsideration; to attract or interest someone.
Connotation:
🔹 Neutral to Positive – Generally viewed as a formal, earnest request. In legal and business contexts, it can indicate a desire to change a decision, while in social contexts, it may reflect something compelling or desirable.
Implications in Context:
✅ In Business & Leadership – A company may appeal to customers by launching a new product or marketing campaign that aligns with customer needs. Leaders often appeal to their teams to inspire action.
✅ In Legal & Politics – In law, an appeal is a request for a higher court to review a decision. Politicians may appeal to the public for support or to address an issue.
✅ In Personal & Social Settings – Appealing to someone’s emotions or values is often done in persuasive communication, especially in negotiations or relationships.
Example Sentences:
✅ The marketing team appealed to the younger demographic with a new, trendy campaign.
✅ The lawyer appealed the verdict, arguing that the initial trial had been flawed.
✅ He appealed to his colleagues for support, stressing the importance of the project to the company’s future.
#688 | UNWAVERING 🌟
[DU, IBA ’12 June]
(Adjective) – Steady and resolute, not changing or faltering in purpose, belief, or commitment.
Connotation:
🔹 Positive – Often used to describe strong, dependable characteristics, signaling confidence and loyalty.
Implications in Context:
✅ In Business & Leadership – Leaders who show unwavering commitment to a company’s mission inspire confidence among employees and stakeholders.
✅ In Legal & Politics – A politician’s unwavering stance on a key issue can influence public perception, showing dedication. In law, unwavering evidence or testimony can strengthen a case.
✅ In Personal & Social Settings – Being unwavering in friendships or relationships conveys trustworthiness and emotional stability.
Example Sentences:
✅ The CEO’s unwavering commitment to sustainability has set the company apart in the industry.
✅ Despite the criticism, the politician remained unwavering in his support for the new policy.
✅ She showed unwavering loyalty to her team, always standing by them during difficult times.
#689 | OBSTINATE 🚫
[DU, IBA ’12 June]
(Adjective) – Stubbornly refusing to change one’s opinion or chosen course of action, despite attempts to persuade or change.
Connotation:
🔹 Negative – Typically implies an unreasonable or inflexible attitude, which can be seen as a flaw in professional or social contexts.
Implications in Context:
✅ In Business & Leadership – An obstinate leader may hinder progress by refusing to adapt to new strategies or listen to feedback.
✅ In Legal & Politics – In legal matters, an obstinate party may resist negotiation or compromise, leading to prolonged conflicts. In politics, obstinate positions can polarize discussions.
✅ In Personal & Social Settings – Being obstinate in personal relationships can lead to misunderstandings or conflicts due to a lack of flexibility.
Example Sentences:
✅ The manager’s obstinate refusal to adopt modern technology left the team struggling to keep up with competitors.
✅ The defendant was obstinate in court, unwilling to acknowledge any of the evidence against them.
✅ Despite numerous suggestions, he remained obstinate about his decision, even when it was clear it wasn’t working.
#690 | EXTRAVAGANT 💎
[DU, IBA ’12 June; DU, IBA ’15-16; IBA JU ’19-20; CU B1 ’19-20]
(Adjective) – Characterized by excessive spending, opulence, or indulgence beyond what is considered necessary or reasonable.
Connotation:
🔹 Negative to Neutral – Often viewed negatively when it implies wastefulness or lack of restraint, but can also carry a positive connotation when describing lavishness or luxury in the right context.
Implications in Context:
✅ In Business & Leadership – An extravagant spending approach can hurt a company’s bottom line, leading to financial instability. However, in some industries, extravagance may be seen as a display of success or prestige.
✅ In Legal & Politics – Excessive expenditure on political campaigns or legal proceedings may attract criticism, especially when funds could have been allocated more effectively.
✅ In Personal & Social Settings – People may be judged for living extravagantly, especially if it leads to debt or alienates others. However, luxury spending can also be a sign of success and affluence.
Example Sentences:
✅ The CEO’s extravagant lifestyle raised concerns among the board, questioning the company’s financial priorities.
✅ The politician’s extravagant campaign promises were met with skepticism, as voters worried about the feasibility of such goals.
✅ Her extravagant wedding ceremony cost more than most people’s entire annual income, leaving some guests questioning her sense of proportion.
#691 | CAUTIOUS 🦉
[DU, IBA ’12 June]
(Adjective) – Taking care to avoid potential risks or mistakes, being careful and prudent in decision-making or actions.
Connotation:
🔹 Positive – Reflects thoughtfulness, prudence, and careful consideration; however, it can imply hesitation or over-cautiousness in some situations.
Implications in Context:
✅ In Business & Leadership – A cautious leader assesses potential risks thoroughly before making important decisions, helping to prevent unnecessary losses. However, excessive caution might hinder innovation and growth.
✅ In Legal & Politics – Lawyers and politicians are often cautious in their statements or actions, avoiding anything that could jeopardize their case or reputation.
✅ In Personal & Social Settings – Being cautious in personal matters, such as relationships or finances, is typically seen as wise, but over-caution may lead to missed opportunities or stagnation.
Example Sentences:
✅ The cautious investor preferred to diversify his portfolio to minimize risk.
✅ The cautious approach of the diplomat ensured that sensitive negotiations remained smooth and diplomatic.
✅ Despite her cautious nature, she took a calculated risk and successfully launched her own business.
#692 | ECONOMICAL 💸
[DU, IBA ’12 June; BCS 38th; IBA JU ’19-20; CU A ’19-20]
(Adjective) – Using resources sparingly and efficiently, typically referring to saving money or reducing waste without compromising quality.
Connotation:
🔹 Positive – Indicates financial prudence and resourcefulness, often seen as a virtue in both personal and professional contexts. In some cases, it can imply frugality to the point of being overly cautious.
Implications in Context:
✅ In Business & Leadership – An economical business leader ensures that the company's operations are cost-effective, helping to maximize profits without unnecessary spending. However, excessive economizing may lead to underinvestment in growth.
✅ In Legal & Politics – A politician or policy can be described as economical when it avoids wasting taxpayer money while delivering essential services.
✅ In Personal & Social Settings – Individuals who are economical with their resources may be seen as responsible, though others may perceive them as overly focused on saving.
Example Sentences:
✅ The company's economical approach allowed it to thrive during the economic downturn by minimizing waste and maximizing efficiency.
✅ As an economical shopper, he always sought out the best deals, ensuring he never overspent on unnecessary items.
✅ The government’s economical policies aimed to reduce public debt without compromising essential services.
#693 | COMPOSED 🧘
[DU, IBA ’12 Dec]
(Adjective) – Calm and in control of one’s emotions, especially in stressful or difficult situations.
Connotation:
🔹 Positive – Associated with emotional maturity and stability, often seen as a desirable trait in both personal and professional contexts.
Implications in Context:
✅ In Business & Leadership – A composed leader can make clear and rational decisions under pressure, inspiring confidence in their team.
✅ In Legal & Politics – A composed individual, such as a lawyer or politician, can effectively handle high-stakes situations, ensuring they remain persuasive and focused.
✅ In Personal & Social Settings – Being composed in personal relationships shows maturity, helping to diffuse tension and build trust.
Example Sentences:
✅ Despite the looming deadline, the project manager remained composed and guided her team to deliver on time.
✅ The lawyer remained composed during the heated debate, presenting his arguments with precision and poise.
✅ Her composed demeanor during the stressful meeting impressed everyone, as she handled difficult questions with ease.
#694 | ANTAGONISM ⚔️
[DU, IBA ’12 Dec]
(Noun) – Active hostility or opposition between individuals, groups, or ideas.
Connotation:
🔹 Negative – Implies conflict, resistance, or an adversarial relationship, often leading to tension or confrontation.
Implications in Context:
✅ In Business & Leadership – Antagonism between departments can hinder collaboration, reducing overall efficiency.
✅ In Legal & Politics – Political antagonism can create deadlocks in policymaking, preventing constructive dialogue.
✅ In Personal & Social Settings – Prolonged antagonism in relationships can lead to resentment and breakdowns in communication.
Example Sentences:
✅ The antagonism between the two rival companies led to a fierce legal battle over intellectual property rights.
✅ Political antagonism between the ruling party and opposition delayed the passage of crucial economic reforms.
✅ The antagonism between the manager and his team stemmed from a lack of transparency in decision-making.
#695 | SEMBLANCE 🎭
[DU, IBA ’12 Dec]
(Noun) – An outward appearance or resemblance that may not reflect reality.
Connotation:
🔹 Neutral to Negative – Can imply a superficial similarity or a deceptive outward look that hides the true nature of something.
Implications in Context:
✅ In Business & Leadership – A company may maintain a semblance of stability despite financial struggles.
✅ In Legal & Politics – Governments often strive to project a semblance of unity, even when internal conflicts exist.
✅ In Personal & Social Settings – People sometimes put on a semblance of confidence to hide their insecurities.
Example Sentences:
✅ Despite the CEO’s assurances, the company’s semblance of financial health was shattered by the sudden bankruptcy filing.
✅ The peace talks gave a semblance of progress, but deep-seated tensions remained unresolved.
✅ Though he appeared calm, his trembling hands betrayed the mere semblance of composure.
#696 | RESOLUTION 🏅
[DU, IBA ’12 Dec]
(Noun) – A firm decision to do or not do something; the quality of being determined; the act of solving a problem or dispute.
Connotation:
🔹 Positive – Implies determination, clarity, and decisiveness.
🔹 Neutral – Can refer to the process of solving a problem or bringing closure.
Implications in Context:
✅ In Business & Leadership – Strong resolution is essential for executives when making strategic decisions.
✅ In Legal & Politics – International disputes often require diplomatic resolution to avoid conflict.
✅ In Academics & Research – A clear resolution of a hypothesis strengthens the validity of findings.
✅ In Personal & Social Settings – New Year's resolutions often reflect personal growth goals.
Example Sentences:
✅ The manager’s resolution to cut costs helped the company survive the economic downturn.
✅ The UN passed a resolution to impose sanctions on the violating country.
✅ Her resolution to complete her MBA despite financial hardships was truly inspiring.
✅ The scientist worked tirelessly toward the resolution of the long-standing debate in his field.
#697 | CONCOCT 🧪
[DU, IBA ’12 Dec]
(Verb) – To create or devise (a plan, excuse, or mixture), often by combining various elements.
Connotation:
🔹 Neutral – Can mean simply inventing or preparing something.
🔹 Negative – Often implies fabrication, deception, or improvisation.
Implications in Context:
✅ In Business & Strategy – Entrepreneurs must concoct innovative strategies to stay ahead of competitors.
✅ In Politics & Law – Politicians sometimes concoct narratives to sway public opinion.
✅ In Academics & Research – Scientists concoct new chemical formulas or theories through experimentation.
✅ In Social & Personal Life – He concocted an elaborate excuse to avoid the meeting.
Example Sentences:
✅ The marketing team concocted a brilliant campaign that boosted sales dramatically.
✅ To justify their failure, the officials concocted a misleading report.
✅ The bartender concocted a unique cocktail by mixing rare ingredients.
✅ She quickly concocted a story to explain why she was late for the interview.
#698 | COMMOTION 🔊
[DU, IBA ’12 Dec]
(Noun) – A state of noisy confusion, disturbance, or uproar.
Connotation:
🔹 Generally negative – Suggests chaos, disorder, or a disruption of peace.
Implications in Context:
✅ In Business & Workplace – A sudden merger announcement caused commotion among employees.
✅ In Politics & Law – The controversial policy led to commotion in the parliament.
✅ In Academics & Research – The professor’s unexpected resignation created commotion in the department.
✅ In Social & Personal Life – The street vendor’s argument with a customer caused a commotion in the marketplace.
Example Sentences:
✅ The stock market crash sparked commotion among investors.
✅ Security was called to control the commotion at the protest rally.
✅ The teacher struggled to restore order after the commotion in the classroom.
#699 | SLIGHT ⚖️
[DU, IBA ’12 Dec]
(Adjective / Noun / Verb) – Small in degree; an insult or act of disrespect.
Connotation:
🔹 As an adjective: Neutral to negative – Suggests something minor, insignificant, or lacking strength.
🔹 As a noun/verb: Negative – Implies disrespect or an intentional snub.
Implications in Context:
✅ In Business & Workplace – A slight decrease in revenue may not be alarming, but consistent decline signals trouble. (Adjective)
✅ In Politics & Law – The leader's slight towards the opposition angered many supporters. (Noun)
✅ In Academics & Research – A slight miscalculation in data analysis can affect the accuracy of results. (Adjective)
✅ In Social & Personal Life – Forgetting a friend's birthday might be taken as a slight. (Noun)
Example Sentences:
✅ There was a slight delay in the project due to supply chain issues. (Adjective)
✅ The CEO’s comments were seen as a slight against the competitor. (Noun)
✅ He felt slighted when his contributions were ignored in the meeting. (Verb)
✅ A slight improvement in test scores can still be a positive sign of progress. (Adjective)
#700 | FORFEIT 🎲
[DU, IBA ’12 Dec]
(Verb / Noun / Adjective) – To lose or give up something as a penalty or consequence.
Connotation:
🔹 Generally negative – Implies loss due to failure, wrongdoing, or unwilling sacrifice.
🔹 In legal or contractual contexts, it carries a formal tone.
Implications in Context:
✅ In Business & Workplace – A company may forfeit a deposit if it breaches a contract. (Verb)
✅ In Politics & Law – A politician convicted of corruption might forfeit their position. (Verb)
✅ In Academics & Research – A student caught plagiarizing could forfeit their scholarship. (Verb)
✅ In Social & Personal Life – If you miss too many gym sessions, you might forfeit your membership benefits. (Verb)
Example Sentences:
✅ The team had to forfeit the match due to insufficient players. (Verb)
✅ Any violation of the agreement will result in the forfeit of your security deposit. (Noun)
✅ His reckless spending put his financial stability in forfeit. (Noun)
✅ By failing to respond on time, she forfeited her chance for a promotion. (Verb)