Success Is a Sure Thing, Failure Is Not!

to determine something with certainty by careful examination or investigation

The detective ascertained the identity of the culprit through fingerprint analysis.

a thing that is essential or desired

For many, financial security is a primary desideratum in life.

to completely confuse someone

The intricate riddles in the scavenger hunt flummoxed the participants, making it challenging for them to solve.

a certain stage or point in an activity, a process, or a series of events, particularly important

At this critical juncture, the company must decide whether to expand or downsize.

a state of uncertainty about what decision to make in a challenging situation

She was in a quandary about whether to accept the risky job offer.

an individual who regularly questions and doubts the validity of ideas, beliefs, or information, particularly those that are commonly accepted

As a skeptic, Tom always seeks evidence before accepting any new scientific theory.

an order issued by a judge that authorizes the police to take specific actions

The suspect's criminal history and behavior provided enough grounds to issue a search warrant.

to fail at accomplishing an obligation, particularly a financial one

If you miss your mortgage payments, you may default on your home loan.

bad in a noticeable and extreme way

Her egregious behavior at the party embarrassed everyone who attended.

having the potential of being done successfully

The project manager determined that the proposed plan was feasible given the available resources and timeline.

a genus of large, brightly colored kingfishers commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Asia, and Oceania

The halcyon perched silently above the river, scanning for fish.

a period in which someone or something was at its height of success, fame, or strength

The actress was beloved by millions during her heyday in the 1990s.

highly distinguished, admired, or well-known due to exceptional and outstanding characteristics or features

The athlete's illustrious career was marked by numerous championships and records, making her a legend in her sport.

to create difficulty or obstacles that make it hard for something to happen or progress

The heavy traffic impeded our journey to the airport.

occurring unintentionally or without deliberate thought or planning

I made an inadvertent mistake in my email and sent it to the wrong recipient.

something that is used as an encouraging and motivating factor

The opportunity to travel abroad was a great incentive for volunteers to participate in the program.

cannot be endured due to being extremely annoying, uncomfortable, or unpleasant

to contain or include something as a necessary part

Any investment involves an element of risk.

the admiration, praise, and recognition someone receives for their achievements, deeds, or social standing

She received many kudos from her colleagues for successfully leading the challenging project.

difficult and needing a lot of energy and effort

The new regulations placed on businesses by the government were onerous, requiring extensive paperwork and compliance measures.

a small excusable offense or mistake

Forgetting an anniversary is a peccadillo, not a relationship-ending crime.

the state in which a person or thing is of the highest importance, rank, or power

The company’s commitment to innovation established its primacy in the tech industry.

a small, short-tailed, ground-dwelling game bird with brownish plumage

The hunter's dog pointed motionlessly at a quail hiding in the tall grass.

to cut or gather a crop

The farmers reap wheat from the fields during the summer harvest.

intending to correct or improve a thing that is unsuccessful or wrong

The school offered remedial classes to help students improve their reading skills.

failing to give the needed amount of attention and care toward fulfilling one's obligations

He was remiss in completing his assigned tasks on time.

to find a way to solve a disagreement or issue

The couple attended counseling to resolve their marital conflicts.

a delightful feeling gained from other people's misfortunes or troubles

He couldn’t hide his schadenfreude when his rival failed miserably at the presentation.

the fact of accidentally experiencing or discovering something that is pleasant or valuable

Finding that quaint little bookstore on our vacation was pure serendipity.

loyal, reliable, and steadfast in one's support or actions

Despite facing numerous challenges, Sarah remained a stalwart supporter of her friend's endeavors, offering unwavering encouragement and assistance.

the main part of a plant that connects the roots to the twigs, leaves, and flowers

The scientist examined the stem under a microscope to study its structure and how it conducts nutrients.

the use of deceptive methods or devices to achieve something

The spy used subterfuge to gain access to confidential information without being detected.

(of circumstances) unlikely to result in success

The rainy weather was unpropitious for their outdoor wedding plans.

cannot do what it is intended to successfully

The plan was deemed unviable due to its high costs and lack of necessary resources.

having the ability to be executed or done successfully

Starting a small business seems viable given the current market conditions.

to wish to do or have something

He wants to go to the beach.

to prevent the occurrence or achievement of something

The unexpected technical issues stymied the team's efforts to launch the product on time.