Vocabulary Insight 5

moving or situated toward a lower point or area in space

The downward motion of the elevator made me feel a bit uneasy.

not able to be reached or entered, usually due to obstacles or restrictions

The mountain peak was inaccessible due to the severe weather conditions.

an area of land that has remained largely undisturbed by humans and their modern development

They camped in the wilderness for a week.

an area of scenery visible in a single view

The hikers admired the mountain landscape at sunrise.

to move slowly and quietly while staying close to the ground or other surface

The spider, with delicate precision, began to creep across the ceiling.

progress or improvement in a particular area

The company's technological advance has been remarkable this year.

to walk confidently and purposefully with long, decisive steps

The CEO entered the boardroom and strode confidently to the front, ready to address the team.

done or happening every other time

The committee meets on alternative Thursdays to discuss budget updates.

available as an option for something else

They provided an alternative plan in case the weather turned bad.

forced to be done by law or authority

Attendance at the safety training session is compulsory for all employees.

(of a behavior or action) driven by an irresistible urge, often repetitive or excessive

His compulsive need to check the locks on the doors multiple times before leaving the house caused him significant distress.

settling an issue authoritatively and leaving no room for further doubt or debate

The Supreme Court ruling established definitive legal criteria for determining separation of church and state issues going forward.

expressed with clarity and precision, leaving no doubt as to the meaning or intention

I needed a definite answer from my boss so I could plan my work for the coming month without uncertainty.

relating to the production, distribution, and management of wealth and resources within a society or country

Rising unemployment rates were a major economic concern during the recession.

using resources wisely and efficiently and minimizing waste and unnecessary expenses

The new model is an economical car that saves on fuel without sacrificing performance.

relating to a person or event that is a part of the past and is documented in historical records, often preserved for educational or cultural purposes

The historic records detail the lives of early settlers in the region.

belonging to or significant in the past

They visited a historical battlefield to learn more about the country's heritage.

deserving attention because of being remarkable or important

The scientist made notable contributions to the field of physics.

having qualities that make something easily seen or recognized

The stain on his shirt was noticeable from across the room.

to abandon a person or an organization when they are in need or at a critical moment

She felt utterly betrayed when her closest colleagues deserted her in the midst of the company's crisis.

a geographic area belonging to or ruled by a government or authority

The disputed territory has been a source of conflict between the two neighboring countries for decades.

a piece of land surrounded by water

I collected seashells as souvenirs from the beautiful island.

to consume a beverage, usually a carbonated or alcoholic one, quickly and in large gulps

Thirsty after the game, he decided to chug a cold bottle of water.

to move with speed and intensity

The soccer ball hurtled toward the goalpost, propelled by the player's powerful kick.

to move stealthily and with intent, especially by a predatory animal

a relaxed walk taken for enjoyment

We enjoyed a stroll through the botanical gardens.

to make a vehicle, machine or object move more quickly

The pilot smoothly pushed the throttle forward to accelerate the airplane for takeoff.

to lift or position something or someone upward

During the performance, the puppeteer pulled the marionette up with strings.

a situation in which people join together to fight against those in power

The peasant uprising was brutally crushed by the king's army.

a severe and often sudden enforcement of law or regulations, typically to suppress or control specific activities, behaviors, or groups perceived as problematic or threatening

The government launched a crackdown on illegal immigration, leading to widespread arrests and deportations.

a complete or disappointing failure

The game was a washout and ended without a single goal.

a brief heavy rainfall

The unexpected downpour caught everyone off guard, forcing them to seek shelter under shop awnings.

the unexpected start of something terrible, such as a disease

The sudden outbreak of the flu caused widespread panic in the city.

a problem that gets in the way of a process or makes it worse

The unexpected financial setback forced them to postpone their expansion plans.