Acumen – the ability to make good judgments and quick decisions, typically in a particular domain.
Her business acumen was evident from the rapid growth of her company.
Ameliorate – to make something bad or unsatisfactory better.
The new software is expected to ameliorate the efficiency of data processing.
Autonomy – the right or condition of self-government, especially in a particular sphere.
The department gained greater autonomy in handling its internal affairs.
Benchmark – a standard or point of reference against which things may be compared or assessed.
They used last year’s sales figures as a benchmark for this year’s goals.
Boondoggle – work or activity that is wasteful or pointless but gives the appearance of having value.
The project was criticized as a costly boondoggle with little benefit to the community.
Capitulate – cease to resist an opponent or an unwelcome demand; surrender.
After hours of negotiation, the company had to capitulate to the workers’ demands.
Disseminate – spread or disperse (something, especially information) widely.
The findings will be disseminated at the international conference next month.
Echelon – a level or rank in an organization, a profession, or society.
He reached the upper echelon of his profession quite early in his career.
Facilitate – make (an action or process) easy or easier.
The new software will facilitate easier access to the data.
Galvanize – shock or excite (someone) into taking action.
The final quarter results galvanized the team into making drastic operational changes.
Hegemony – leadership or dominance, especially by one country or social group over others.
The company maintained its hegemony in the industry by constantly innovating.
Inundate – overwhelm (someone) with things or people to be dealt with.
We were inundated with applications for the position.
Jeopardize – put (someone or something) into a situation in which there is a danger of loss, harm, or failure.
A lack of funding could jeopardize the project’s future.
Kudos – praise and honor received for an achievement.
She received kudos from everyone on her team for her outstanding performance.
Liaise – establish a working relationship, typically in order to cooperate on a matter of mutual concern.
She was appointed to liaise between the two organizations.
Myopic – lacking foresight or intellectual insight.
The decision was criticized as myopic and not in the best interest of the long-term future.
Nefarious – (typically of an action or activity) wicked or criminal.
The plot was uncovered to be a nefarious scheme against the government.
Obsolete – no longer produced or used; out of date.
The software they were using was completely obsolete.
Proliferate – increase rapidly in numbers; multiply.
New types of digital devices proliferate quickly in the tech industry.
Quintessential – representing the most perfect or typical example of a quality or class.
She is the quintessential example of a successful entrepreneur.
Resilient – able to withstand or recover quickly from difficult conditions.
The resilient market bounced back quickly from the economic downturn.
Stagnate – cease to flow or move; become inactive or dull.
Growth may stagnate if new markets are not found.
Tenacious – tending to keep a firm hold of something; clinging or adhering closely.
Her tenacious pursuit of justice ensured that the case would go to trial.
Ubiquitous – present, appearing, or found everywhere.
Smartphones are ubiquitous in today’s society.
Volatile – liable to change rapidly and unpredictably, especially for the worse.
The political situation was extremely volatile and could change at any moment.
Wan – (of a person’s complexion or appearance) pale and giving the impression of illness or exhaustion.
She looked wan and tired after the long journey.
Xenophile – an individual who is attracted to foreign peoples, cultures, or customs.
As a xenophile, he spent his life traveling to different countries to embrace their cultures.
Yield – produce or provide (a natural, agricultural, or industrial product).
The new farming techniques are expected to yield a greater harvest.
Zeal – great energy or enthusiasm in pursuit of a cause or an objective.
His zeal for the project was contagious and motivated the entire team.
