From Rags to Riches

to make up for the expense or cost of something

The scholarship defrays a large portion of her college tuition each year.

to take away someone's possession, right, authority, etc.

The court divested the business owner of their controlling shares due to fraud.

the coat of wool that covers the body of an animal such as a sheep, goat, etc.

She admired the thick fleece of the sheep in the pasture.

to include something as part of a larger whole or system

The new design will incorporate feedback from various stakeholders to ensure satisfaction.

to enforce a type of payment, such as fees, taxes, or fines and collect them

The HOA levied $50 fines on homeowners who didn't shovel their sidewalks during the snowstorm.

a fine or financial penalty imposed as punishment

The court ordered a heavy mulct for the company's illegal activities.

not tight or firm

He adjusted the slack rope to make it more secure.

to form a theory or opinion about a subject without knowing all the facts

Observing the unusual behavior, scientists began to speculate about the potential causes of the phenomenon.

caring and compassionate toward others

She's a tender person, always showing kindness and empathy towards those in need.

to financially support a project, activity, etc. and take responsibility for potential loss

Investors are hesitant to underwrite new tech startups without seeing a prototype first.

a row of closely-planted bushes or small trees that form a boundary, particularly on the edge of a garden, road, or field

The garden was enclosed by a tall hedge that provided privacy.

the quality of being against generosity and the freedom of thought, action, and expression

Due to his illiberality, diverse viewpoints were consistently shut down.

(Louisiana) a small bonus or extra gift, often given unexpectedly

The baker threw in a lagniappe with my order of king cakes.

to compensate for the effects of something through appropriate actions or measures

Planting trees can help offset carbon emissions in the environment.

a sum of money that is very insufficient

Despite working long hours, he was paid a mere pittance for his efforts.

a position that is not demanding or difficult but pays well

Despite having little responsibility, the director's position at the company was considered a sinecure due to its generous salary and minimal workload.

an individual who is in the habit of spending money in a careless and wasteful way

The spendthrift lifestyle was unsustainable and eventually caught up with him.

a fixed amount of money given to a person regularly as an allowance or salary

She received a monthly stipend while she was completing her internship.

the willingness to do something that is immoral or dishonest for money

The politician’s venality was evident when he accepted bribes to influence his decisions.

exceeding the reasonable or accepted boundaries

He faced criticism for his exorbitant use of company resources for personal projects, which violated ethical guidelines.

careful to not spend money in an unnecessary or wasteful way

His frugal habits allowed him to save money for unexpected expenses.

severely lacking money

As a student, he led an impecunious existence, relying on part-time jobs to make ends meet.

incapable of fulfilling financial obligations due to a lack of money

The company became insolvent after several poor financial decisions.

involving deadly or violent conflict where all parties suffer severe losses

The civil war turned into an internecine struggle that devastated both factions.

having or showing great expense, richness, or luxury

The billionaire's mansion was decorated with lavish furnishings and rare artwork.

the barrier in the middle of a court over which players hit the ball, used in sports such as tennis

The tennis player's powerful serve sent the ball over the net and into the opponent's court.

spending money very reluctantly

Critics argued the government had grown too parsimonious in funding for education and social programs.

involving or about money

The contract outlined the pecuniary benefits offered to the employees.

extremely poor or unwilling to spend money

The penurious family struggled to afford even the basic necessities of life.

someone who spends or uses resources recklessly or wastefully

Though he had wasted his inheritance, the community still saw him as a fellow man, not as a prodigal.

planning and preparing for the future, particularly by managing one's finances

The economic downturn served as a stark reminder of the importance of provident financial planning.

unwilling to spend or give away money or resources

He was so stingy that he wouldn't even buy a coffee for his friend.

(of a person) careful with money and resources, avoiding unnecessary spending

She is a thrifty shopper, always finding the best deals.

to combine two or more things in order to make them easier to handle or increase their efficiency

The company decided to consolidate its various departments to streamline operations and improve communication.