noun

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Bad / Mistake

glitch - A sudden, unexpected, and usually temporary malfunction of equipment such as a computer

The space shuttle take-off was canceled with 2 seconds left in the countdown, due to a glitch discovered in the fuel supply.

noun

2 of 60

Good / Exciting

cliffhanger - A situation in a story that is exciting because you can't guess what will happen next

The Netflix episode ended with a cliffhanger, as the hero was falling from the plane without a parachute, with the audience wondering how he could survive.

noun

3 of 60

Bad / Disorganized

Url

dilettante - Someone who has a casual or passing interest in the arts or a particular field, without serious commitment or expertise.

The dilettante writer attended literary events but never finished writing or publishing anything.

verb

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Other / Move

Url

drift - To move slowly and smoothly, especially through air or water.

The boat began to drift away from the shore.

noun

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Bad / Small

blurb - A short description of a book, movie, or other product written for promotional purposes and appearing on the cover of a book or in an advertisement

Jasmine decided to buy the book after reading the captivating blurb on the back cover.

noun

6 of 60

Other / Other

Url

semblance - The way something appears on the surface, often without revealing the true nature or reality behind it.

In spite of their their kids' constant uncontrolled behavior, when they were outside they managed to keep up the semblance of calm, even though things were not so calm inside their house.

adjective

7 of 60

Bad / Bad

gruesome - Causing horror, disgust, and shock - usually dealing with death or injury:

When the policeman visited the scene of the murder, the sight was so gruesome that he couldn't help but go outside and throw up.

noun

8 of 60

Bad / Bad

cataclysm - A large-scale and violent event in the natural world

Scientists have predicted that a massive cataclysm, like a tsunami with 400-foot waves, could happen in the future.

verb

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Good / Successful

clinch - To confirm or settle (a contract or bargain)

Both companies clinched the contract with each other and posed for pictures to celebrate.

verb

See noun

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Other / Other

stunt - Prevent from growing or developing properly

Doctors claim poor nutrition and a lack of exercise can stunt a child's growth.

adjective

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Bad / Old

frumpy - (of a woman or her clothes) dowdy and old-fashioned

With her frumpy clothes, Penny was never invited to parties.

noun

12 of 60

Bad / Strange

Url

ghetto - A part of a city, especially a slum area, occupied by a minority group or marginalized community.

The Smith family lived in the inner-city ghetto, and tried to make the best of a hard life.