# dict

Words: treasure house
Meaning:
noun\na place that contains many valuable or interesting things:\nThe area is a treasure house of archaeological relics.


Words: treasure hunt
Meaning:
noun\na game in which players try to find a hidden prize by answering a series of questions that have been left in different places


Words: treasure trove
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U, C, usually sing.] valuable things that are found hidden and whose owner is unknown\n  2  [C, usually sing.] a place, book, etc. containing many useful or beautiful things


Words: treasury
Meaning:
noun (plural treasuries)\n  1  (the Treasury) [sing.+sing./pl. v.] (in Britain, the US and some other countries) the government department that controls public money\n  2  [C] a place in a castle, etc. where valuable things are stored


Words: treat
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb [VN]\n  behave towards sb / sth\n  1  ~ sb/sth (with / as / like sth) to behave in a particular way towards sb/sth:\nto treat people with respect / consideration / suspicion * Treat your keyboard with care and it should last for years. * My parents still treat me like a child. * He was treated as a hero on his release from prison.\n  consider\n  2  ~ sth as sth to consider sth in a particular way:\nI decided to treat his remark as a joke. * All cases involving children are treated as urgent.\n  3  to deal with or discuss sth in a particular way:\nThe question is treated in more detail in the next chapter.\n  illness / injury\n  4  to give medical care or attention to a person, an illness, an injury, etc:\nShe was treated for sunstroke. * The condition is usually treated with drugs and a strict diet. * The hospital treated forty cases of malaria last year.\n  use chemical\n  5  ~ sth (with sth) to use a chemical substance or process to clean, protect, preserve, etc. sth:\nto treat crops with insecticide * wood treated with preservative\n  pay for sth enjoyable\n  6  ~ sb / yourself (to sth) to pay for sth that sb/you will enjoy and that you do not usually have or do:\nShe treated him to lunch. * Don’t worry about the cost-I’ll treat you. * I’m going to treat myself to a new pair of shoes.\n    treatable adjective:\na treatable condition / infection\n IDIOMS \n  treat sb like dirt (informal) to treat sb with no respect at all:\nThey treat their workers like dirt.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  treat sb to sth to entertain sb with sth special:\nThe crowd were treated to a superb display of tennis.\n    noun something very pleasant and enjoyable, especially sth that you give sb or do for them:\nWe took the kids to the zoo as a special treat. * You’ve never been to this area before? Then you’re in for a real treat. * When I was young chocolate was a treat. * Let’s go out for lunch-my treat (= I will pay).\n IDIOMS \n  a treat (BrE, informal) extremely well or good:\nHis idea worked a treat (= was successful). * I don’t know whether she can act but she looks a treat.\nmore at TRICK n.


Words: treatment
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U, C] ~ (for sth) something that is done to cure an illness or injury, or to make sb look and feel good:\nHe is receiving treatment for shock. * She is responding well to treatment. * to require hospital / medical treatment * There are various treatments available for this condition. * Guests at the health spa receive a range of beauty and fitness treatments.\n  2  [U] a way of behaving towards or dealing with a person or thing:\nthe brutal treatment of political prisoners * Certain city areas have been singled out for special treatment.\n  3  [U, C] a way of dealing with or discussing a subject, work of art, etc:\nShakespeare’s treatment of madness in ’King Lear’\n  4  [U, C] ~ (for sth) a process by which sth is cleaned, or protected against sth:\na sewage / water treatment plant * an effective treatment for dry rot


Words: treaty
Meaning:
noun\n(plural treaties) a formal agreement between two or more countries:\nthe Treaty of Rome * a peace treaty * to draw up / sign / ratify a treaty * Under the terms of the treaty, La Rochelle was ceded to the English.


Words: treble
Meaning:
noun, verb, determiner, adjective \n    noun\n\n \n  1  [U] the high tones or part in music or a sound system:\nto turn up the treble on the stereo * the piping treble of childish voices\ncompare BASS\n \n  2  [C] a child’s high voice; a boy who sings with a treble voice\ncompare SOPRANO\n \n  3  [sing.] a musical part written for a treble voice\n \n  4  [sing.] (BrE) three successes in a row:\nThe victory completed a treble for the horse’s owner.\n    verb to become, or to make sth, three times as much or as many\nSYN TRIPLE [V] Cases of food poisoning have trebled in the last two years. * [VN] He trebled his earnings in two years.\n    determiner [usually before noun] three times as much or as many:\nCapital expenditure was treble the 1998 level.\n    adjective [only before noun] high in tone:\na treble voice * the treble clef (= the symbol in music showing that the notes following it are high)\ncompare BASS


Words: tree
Meaning:
noun\na tall plant that can live a long time. Trees have a thick central wooden stem (the TRUNK) from which branches grow, usually with leaves on them:\nan oak / an ash / a pine tree * to plant a tree * to chop / cut down a tree * They followed a path through the trees.\ncompare BUSH, SHRUB\nsee also BAY TREE, CHRISTMAS TREE, FAMILY TREE, GUM TREE, PLANE TREE\n \n IDIOMS  see BARK v., FOREST, GROW, TOP n., WOOD


Words: tree surgeon
Meaning:
noun\na person whose job is treating trees that are damaged or have a disease, especially by cutting off branches, to try to preserve them\n    tree surgery noun [U]


Words: treeline
Meaning:
noun\n[sing.] a level of land, for example on a mountain, above which trees will not grow:\nThere’s still some snow above the treeline.


Words: trefoil
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (technical) a plant whose leaves are divided into three similar parts, for example CLOVER\n  2  an ornament or a design shaped like a trefoil leaf


Words: trek
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  a long, hard walk lasting several days or weeks, especially in the mountains:\nThey reached the refugee camp after an arduous two-day trek across the mountains.\n  2  (informal) a long walk:\nIt’s a long trek into town.\n    verb (-kk-) [V]   [usually +adv./prep.] \n  1  (informal) to make a long or difficult journey, especially on foot:\nI hate having to trek up that hill with all the groceries.\n  2  (also go trekking) to spend time walking, especially in mountains and for enjoyment and interest:\nWe went trekking in Nepal. * During the expedition, they trekked ten to thirteen hours a day.\nsee also PONY-TREKKING


Words: trellis
Meaning:
noun\n[C, U] a light frame made of long narrow pieces of wood that cross each other, used to support climbing plants


Words: tremble
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb\n [V] \n \n  1  ~ (with sth) to shake in a way that you cannot control, especially because you are very nervous, excited, frightened, etc:\nMy legs were trembling with fear. * Her voice trembled with excitement. * He opened the letter with trembling hands.\n \n  2  to shake slightly:\nleaves trembling in the breeze\n \n  3  to be very worried or frightened:\nI trembled at the thought of having to make a speech.\n    noun [C, usually sing.] (also trembling [C, U]) a feeling, movement or sound of trembling:\na tremble of excitement / fear * She tried to control the trembling in her legs.


Words: tremendous
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  very great:\na tremendous explosion * A tremendous amount of work has gone into the project.\n  2  extremely good:\nIt was a tremendous experience.\n    tremendously adverb:\na tremendously exciting challenge * People vary tremendously in their individual dietary requirements.


Words: tremolo
Meaning:
noun\n(plural tremolos) (music) a special effect in singing or playing a musical instrument made by repeating the same note or two notes very quickly


Words: tremor
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a small earthquake in which the ground shakes slightly:\nan earth tremor * (figurative) The scandal sent tremors through the political establishment.\n  2  a slight shaking movement in a part of your body caused, for example, by cold or fear:\nThere was a slight tremor in his voice. * She felt a tremor of fear run through her.


Words: tremulous
Meaning:
adjective\n(literary) shaking slightly because you are nervous; causing you to shake slightly:\na tremulous voice / smile * He was in a state of tremulous excitement.\n    tremulously adverb:\n’Who are you?’ she asked tremulously.


Words: trench
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a long deep hole dug in the ground, for example for carrying away water:\nWorkmen were digging a trench beside the road.\n  2  a long deep hole dug in the ground in which soldiers can be protected from enemy attacks (for example in northern France and Belgium in the First World War):\nlife in the trenches * trench warfare


Words: trench coat
Meaning:
noun\na long loose coat, worn especially to keep off rain, with a belt and pockets in the style of a military coat


Words: trenchant
Meaning:
adjective\n(written) (of criticism, remarks, etc.) expressed strongly and effectively, in a clear way:\nHis trenchant views on the subject are well known.\n    trenchantly adverb


Words: trend
Meaning:
noun\n~ (towards sth) a general direction in which a situation is changing or developing:\neconomic / social / political trends * There is a growing trend towards earlier retirement. * current trends in language teaching * a downward / upward trend in sales * You seem to have set (= started) a new trend. * This trend is being reversed (= is going in the opposite direction). * The underlying trend of inflation is still upwards.


Words: trendsetter
Meaning:
noun\n(often approving) a person who starts a new fashion or makes it popular\n    trendsetting adjective [only before noun]:\na trendsetting band


Words: trendy
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective (trendier, trendiest) (informal) very fashionable:\ntrendy clothes / restaurants\n    trendily adverb\n    trendiness noun [U] \n    noun (plural trendies) (BrE, informal, usually disapproving) a trendy person:\nyoung trendies from art college


Words: trepidation
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (formal) great worry or fear about sth unpleasant that may happen:\nHe knocked on the door with some trepidation.


Words: trespass
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb [V] \n  1  ~ (on sth) to enter land or a building that you do not have permission or the right to enter:\nHe told me I was trespassing on private land. * The sign on the fence said ’No trespassing’.\n  2  (old use) to do sth wrong\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  trespass on sth (formal) to make unfair use of sb’s time, help, etc:\nI mustn’t trespass on your time any longer.\n    noun\n  1  [U, C] an act of trespassing on land\n  2  [C] (old use) something that you do that is morally wrong\nSYN SIN


Words: trespasser
Meaning:
noun\na person who goes onto sb’s land without their permission:\nThe notice read: ’Trespassers will be prosecuted’.


Words: trestle
Meaning:
noun\na wooden or metal structure with two pairs of sloping legs. Trestles are used in pairs to support a flat surface, for example the top of a table.


Words: triad
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (formal) a group of three related people or things:\nthe classic triad of the visual arts: sculpture, architecture and painting\n  2  (also Triad) a Chinese secret organization involved in criminal activity


Words: triage
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (in a hospital) the process of deciding how seriously ill/sick or injured a person is, so that the most serious cases can be treated first


Words: trial
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  law\n  1  [U, C] a formal examination of evidence in a court of law by a judge and often a JURY, to decide if sb accused of a crime is guilty or not:\na murder trial * He’s on trial for murder. * She will stand trial / go on trial for fraud. * The men were arrested but not brought to trial. * The case never came to trial. * She is awaiting trial on corruption charges. * He did not receive a fair trial. * She was detained without trial. * Parker was committed for trial yesterday at Southwark Crown Court.\n  test\n  2  [C, U] the process of testing the ability, quality or performance of sb/sth, especially before you make a final decision about them:\nThe new drug is undergoing clinical trials. * She agreed to employ me for a trial period. * The system was introduced on a trial basis for one month. * a trial separation (= of a couple whose marriage is in difficulties) * We had the machine on trial for a week. * a trial of strength (= a contest to see who is stronger)\n  in sport\n  3  [C, usually pl.] (BrE) (AmE try-out) a competition or series of tests to find the best players for a sports team or an important event:\nOlympic trials\n  for animals\n  4  [C, usually pl.] an event at which animals compete or perform:\nsheepdog / horse trials\n  difficult experience\n  5  [C] ~ (to sb) an experience or a person that causes difficulties for sb:\nthe trials and tribulations of married life * She was a sore trial to her family at times.\n IDIOMS \n  trial and error the process of solving a problem by trying various methods until you find a method that is successful:\nChildren learn to use computer programs by trial and error.\n    verb (-ll-) [VN, V] (BrE) to test the ability, quality or performance of sth to see if it will be effective or successful


Words: trial run
Meaning:
(also test run) noun\na test of how well sth new works, so that you can see if any changes are necessary:\nThis year is a trial run for the new service, before it is officially introduced in 2001.


Words: triangle
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  a flat shape with three straight sides and three angles; a thing in the shape of a triangle: (BrE) a right-angled triangle * (AmE) a right triangle * Cut the sandwiches into triangles.\n \n  2  a simple musical instrument that consists of a metal rod bent into the shape of a triangle, that you hit with another metal rod\n \n  3  a situation involving three people in a complicated relationship:\na love triangle\nsee also ETERNAL TRIANGLE\n \n  4  (AmE) = SET SQUARE


Words: triangular
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  shaped like a triangle\n  2  involving three people or groups:\na triangular contest in an election


Words: triangulation
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (technical) a method of finding out distance and position, usually on a map, by measuring the distance between two fixed points and then measuring the angle from each of these to the third point


Words: triathlon
Meaning:
noun\na sporting event in which people compete in three different sports, usually swimming, CYCLING and running\ncompare BIATHLON, DECATHLON, HEPTATHLON, PENTATHLON


Words: tribalism
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  behaviour, attitudes, etc. that are based on being loyal to a tribe or other social group\n  2  the state of being organized in a tribe or tribes


Words: tribe
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (sometimes offensive) (in developing countries) a group of people of the same race, and with the same customs, language, religion, etc., living in a particular area and often led by a CHIEF:\ntribes living in remote areas of the Amazonian rainforest\n  2  (usually disapproving) a group or class of people, especially of one profession:\nHe had a sudden outburst against the whole tribe of actors.\n  3  (biology) a group of related animals or plants:\na tribe of cats\n  4  (informal or humorous) a large number of people:\nOne or two of the grandchildren will be there, but not the whole tribe.


Words: tribunal
Meaning:
noun\n[sing.+sing./pl. v.] a type of court with the authority to deal with a particular problem or disagreement:\nShe took her case to a tribunal. * a disciplinary tribunal\nsee also INDUSTRIAL TRIBUNAL


Words: tribune
Meaning:
noun\n  1  an official elected by the people in ancient Rome to defend their rights; a popular leader\n  2  a raised area that sb stands on to make a speech in public


Words: tributary
Meaning:
noun\n\n(plural tributaries) a river or stream that flows into a larger river or a lake\n \n    tributary adjective [only before noun]:\na tributary stream / river


Words: tribute
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U, C] ~ (to sb) an act, a statement or a gift that is intended to show your respect or admiration, especially for a dead person:\nAt her funeral her oldest friend paid tribute to her life and work. * The crowd stood in silent tribute to those who had died in the war. * This book is a fitting tribute to the bravery of the pioneers. * floral tributes (= gifts of flowers at a funeral)\n  2  [sing.] ~ to sth/sb showing the good effects or influence of sth/sb:\nHis recovery is a tribute to the doctors’ skill.\n  3  [U, C] (especially in the past) money given by one country or ruler to another, especially in return for protection or for not being attacked


Words: trick
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  sth to deceive sb\n  1  something that you do to deceive sb or to annoy sb as a joke:\nThey had to think of a trick to get past the guards. * The kids are always playing tricks on their teacher. * It was a trick question (= one to which the answer seems easy but actually is not).\nsee also CONFIDENCE TRICK, DIRTY TRICK\n  sth confusing\n  2  something that confuses you so that you see, understand, remember, etc. things in the wrong way:\nOne of the problems of old age is that your memory can start to play tricks on you. * Was there somebody standing there or was it a trick of the light? * It’s all done using trick photography (= photography that uses clever techniques to show things that do not actually exist or are impossible).\n  entertainment\n  3  a clever action that sb/sth performs as a way of entertaining people:\nHe amused the kids with conjuring tricks. * a card trick\nsee also HAT-TRICK\n  good method\n  4  [usually sing.] a way of doing sth that works well; a good method:\nThe trick is to pick the animal up by the back of its neck. * He used the old trick of attacking in order to defend himself.\n  in card games\n  5  the cards that you play or win in a single part of a card game:\nI made / won six tricks in a row.\n IDIOMS \n  a bag / box of tricks (informal) a set of methods or equipment that sb can use:\nHotel managers are using a whole new bag of tricks to attract their guests.\n  be up to your (old) tricks (informal, disapproving) to be behaving in the same dishonest way as before:\nHe had soon spent all the money and was up to his old tricks.\n  do the trick (informal) to succeed in solving a problem or achieving a particular result:\nI don’t know what it was that did the trick, but I am definitely feeling much better.\n  every trick in the book every available method, whether it is honest or not:\nHe’ll try every trick in the book to stop you from winning.\n  have a trick, some more tricks, etc. up your sleeve to have an idea, some plans, etc. that you keep ready to use if it becomes necessary\n  trick or treat said by children who visit people’s houses at Halloween and threaten to play tricks on people who do not give them sweets/candy\n  the tricks of the trade the clever ways of doing things, known and used by people who do a particular job or activity\n  turn a trick (AmE, slang) to have sex with sb for money\nmore at MISS v., TEACH\n    verb [VN] to deceive sb:\nI’d been tricked and I felt stupid. * He managed to trick his way past the security guards.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  trick sb into sth / into doing sth to make sb do sth by means of a trick:\nHe tricked me into lending him ｣100.\n  trick sb out of sth to get sth from sb by means of a trick:\nShe was tricked out of her life savings.\n  trick sb/sth<->out (in / with sth) (literary) to dress or decorate sb/sth in a way that attracts attention


Words: trickle
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb\n  1  [usually +adv./prep.] to flow, or to make sth flow, slowly in a thin stream:\n[V] Tears were trickling down her cheeks. * [VN] Trickle some oil over the salad.\n  2  [+adv./prep.] to go, or to make sth go, somewhere slowly or gradually:\n[V] People began trickling into the hall. * News is starting to trickle out. [also VN]\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  trickle down (especially of money) to spread from rich to poor people through the economic system of a country:\nWealth is failing to trickle down through society.\n    noun\n  1  a small amount of liquid, flowing slowly:\nThere was a trickle of blood at the corner of his mouth.\n  2  [usually sing.] ~ (of sth) a small amount or number of sth, coming or going slowly:\na steady trickle of visitors


Words: trickle-down
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the theory that if the richest people in society become richer, this will have a good effect on poorer people as well, for example by creating more jobs:\ntrickle-down economics


Words: tricksy
Meaning:
adjective\n(informal, usually disapproving) using ideas and methods that are intended to be clever but are too complicated:\na film full of tricksy camera-work


Words: tricky
Meaning:
adjective (trickier, trickiest)\n  1  difficult to do or deal with:\na tricky question / situation * Getting it to fit exactly is a tricky business. * The equipment can be tricky to install.\n  2  (of people) clever but likely to deceive you\nSYN CRAFTY


Words: tricolour
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE tricolor)  noun\n[C] a flag which has three bands of different colours, especially the French and Irish national flags


Words: tricycle
Meaning:
(also informal trike) noun\na vehicle similar to a bicycle, but with one wheel at the front and two at the back


Words: tried
Meaning:
adjective\n\nsee also TRY v.\n IDIOMS \n  tried and tested / trusted (BrE) (AmE tried and true) that you have used or relied on in the past successfully:\na tried and tested method for solving the problem


Words: trier
Meaning:
noun\na person who tries very hard at what they are doing and does their best:\nHe’s a real trier. He gets tired but he never gives up.


Words: trifle
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n\n \n  1  (a trifle) [sing.] (formal) slightly:\nShe seemed a trifle anxious. * He was just a trifle too friendly for my liking.\n \n  2  [C] something that is not valuable or important:\nThere’s no point worrying over such trifles. * $1 000 is a mere trifle to her.\n \n  3  [C, U] (BrE) a cold DESSERT (= a sweet dish) made from cake and fruit soaked in wine and/or jelly, covered with CUSTARD and cream\n    verb\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  trifle with sb/sth (formal) (used especially in negative sentences) to treat sb/sth without genuine respect:\nHe is not a person to be trifled with. * You should not trifle with someone’s affection.


Words: trifling
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal) small and not important\nSYN TRIVIAL:\ntrifling details / matters * The money involved was a trifling sum.


Words: trigger
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n\n \n  1  the part of a gun that you press in order to fire it:\nto pull / squeeze the trigger * He kept his finger on the trigger.\n \n  2  ~ (for sth) | ~ (to sth / to do sth) something that is the cause of a particular reaction or development, especially a bad one:\nThe trigger for the strike was the closure of yet another factory. * Intense sunlight may be a trigger to skin cancer.\n \n  3  the part of a bomb that causes it to explode:\nnuclear triggers\n    verb [VN] \n  1  ~ sth (off) to make sth happen suddenly:\nNuts can trigger off a violent allergic reaction.\n  2  to cause a device to start functioning:\nto trigger an alarm / a switch


Words: trigger-happy
Meaning:
adjective\n(informal, disapproving) too willing and quick to use violence, especially with guns:\ntrigger-happy troops


Words: trigonometry
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the type of mathematics that deals with the relationship between the sides and angles of triangles\n    trigonometric  adjective\n    trigonometrical  adjective


Words: trilby
Meaning:
noun\n(plural trilbies) (especially BrE) a man’s soft hat with a narrow BRIM and the top part pushed in from front to back


Words: trill
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  a repeated short high sound made, for example, by sb’s voice or by a bird\n  2  (music) the sound made when two notes next to each other in the musical scale are played or sung quickly several times one after the other\n    verb\n  1  [V] to make repeated short high sounds:\nA phone trilled on the desk. * The canary was trilling away happily.\n  2  [V speech] to say sth in a high cheerful voice:\n’How wonderful!’ she trilled.\n  3  [VN] (phonetics) to pronounce the letter ’r’ by VIBRATING the tongue against the top of the mouth


Words: trillion
Meaning:
number (plural verb)\n  1  1 000 000 000 000; one million million\n HELP NOTE  You say a, one, two, several, etc. trillion without a final ’s’ on ’trillion’. Trillions (of ...) can be used if there is no number or quantity before it. Always use a plural verb with trillion or trillions.\n  2  (a trillion or trillions) (informal) a very large amount\n HELP NOTE  There are more examples of how to use numbers at the entry for hundred.\n  3  (old-fashioned, BrE) 1 000 000 000 000 000 000; one million million million


Words: trilogy
Meaning:
noun\n(plural trilogies) a group of three books, films/movies, etc. that have the same subject or characters


Words: trim
Meaning:
verb, noun, adjective \n    verb (-mm-) [VN] \n  1  to make sth neater, smaller, better, etc., by cutting parts from it:\nto trim your hair * to trim a hedge (back) * (figurative) The training budget had been trimmed by ｣10 000. * a neatly-trimmed beard\n  2  ~ sth (off sth) | ~ sth (off / away) to cut away unnecessary parts from sth:\nTrim any excess fat off the meat. * I trimmed two centimetres off the hem of the skirt.\n  3  [usually passive] ~ sth (with sth) to decorate sth, especially around its edges:\ngloves trimmed with fur\n IDIOMS \n  trim your sails\n1 to arrange the sails of a boat to suit the wind so that the boat moves faster\n2 to reduce your costs\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  trim down | trim sth<->down to become smaller in size; to make sth smaller:\nBy a combination of diet and exercise he’s trimmed down from 90 kilos to 70.\n    noun\n  1  [C, usually sing.] an act of cutting a small amount off sth, especially hair:\nHow much is it for a wash and trim? * The hedge needs a trim.\n  2  [U, sing.] material that is used to decorate clothes, furniture, cars, etc., especially along the edges, by being a different colour, etc:\nThe car is available with black or red trim (= the colour of the seats). * a blue jacket with a white trim * The kitchen units come in white with a grey trim.\n IDIOMS \n  in (good, etc.) trim (BrE, informal) in good condition or order:\nHe keeps in trim by running every day. * The team need to get in trim for the coming season.\n    adjective\n  1  (of a person) looking thin, healthy and attractive:\nShe has kept very trim. * a trim figure\n  2  neat and well cared for:\na trim garden


Words: trimester
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (medical) a period of three months when a woman is pregnant:\nthe first / second / third trimester of pregnancy\n  2  (AmE) = TERM:\nThe school year is divided into three trimesters.\ncompare SEMESTER


Words: trimming
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (trimmings) (AmE also fixings) [pl.] the extra things that it is traditional to have for a special meal or occasion:\na splendid feast of turkey with all the trimmings * a big family wedding with all the trimmings\n  2  (trimmings) [pl.] the small pieces of sth that are left when you have cut sth:\nhedge trimmings\n  3  [U, C, usually pl.] material that is used to decorate sth, for example along its edges:\na white blouse with navy-blue trimming


Words: trinity
Meaning:
noun [sing.]\n  1  (the Trinity) (in Christianity) the union of Father, Son and HOLY SPIRIT as one God\n  2  (formal) a group of three people or things


Words: trio
Meaning:
noun (plural trios)\n  1  [C+sing./pl. v.] a group of three people or things:\nA trio of English runners featured in the women’s 1 500 metres.\ncompare DUO\n  2  [C+sing./pl. v.] a group of three musicians or singers who play or sing together\n  3  [C] a piece of music for three musicians or singers:\na trio for piano, oboe and bassoon\ncompare DUET


Words: trip
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  a journey to a place and back again, especially a short one for pleasure or a particular purpose:\nDid you have a good trip? * We went on a trip to the mountains. * a day trip (= lasting a day) * a boat / coach trip * a business / school / shopping trip * They took a trip down the river. * We had to make several trips to bring all the equipment over.\nsee also EGO TRIP, FIELD TRIP, ROUND TRIP -> JOURNEY\n  2  (slang) the experience that sb has if they take a powerful drug that affects the mind and makes them imagine things:\nan acid (= LSD) trip\n  3  an act of falling or nearly falling down, because you hit your foot against sth\n IDIOMS  see GUILT\n    verb (-pp-)\n  1  [V]   [often +adv./prep.] ~ (over / up) | ~ (over / on sth) to catch your foot on sth and fall or almost fall:\nShe tripped and fell. * Someone will trip over that cable. * Be careful you don’t trip up on the step. * (figurative) I was tripping over my words in my excitement to tell them the news.\n  2  [VN] (BrE also trip sb up) to catch sb’s foot and make them fall or almost fall:\nAs I passed, he stuck out a leg and tried to trip me up. * The referee said Owen was tripped and gave a penalty.\n  3  [V +adv./prep.] (literary) to walk, run or dance with quick light steps:\nShe said goodbye and tripped off along the road. * (figurative) a melody with a light tripping rhythm\n  4  [VN] to release a switch, etc. or to operate sth by doing so:\nto trip a switch * Any intruders will trip the alarm.\n  5  [V] (informal) to be under the influence of a drug that makes you HALLUCINATE\n IDIOMS  see MEMORY LANE, TONGUE n.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  trip up | trip sb<->up to make a mistake; to deliberately make sb do this:\nRead the questions carefully, because the examiners sometimes try to trip you up.


Words: tripartite
Meaning:
adjective\n[usually before noun] (formal) having three parts or involving three people, groups, etc:\na tripartite division * tripartite discussions


Words: tripe
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  the LINING of a cow’s or pig’s stomach, eaten as food:\ntripe and onions\n  2  (informal) something that sb says or writes that you think is nonsense or not of good quality:\nWhat a load of tripe! * I don’t read that tripe!


Words: triple
Meaning:
adjective, verb \n    adjective [only before noun]\n  1  having three parts or involving three people or groups:\na triple heart bypass operation * a triple alliance / partnership * They’re showing a triple bill of horror movies (= three horror movies one after the other).\n  2  three times as much or as many as sth:\nThe amount of alcohol in his blood was triple the legal maximum. * Its population is about triple that of Venice. * a triple murderer (= one who has killed three people)\n    triply  adverb \n    verb to become, or to make sth, three times as much or as many\nSYN TREBLE:\n[V] Output should triple by next year. [also VN]


Words: triplet
Meaning:
noun\n  1  one of three children born at the same time to the same mother\n  2  (music) a group of three equal notes to be played or sung in the time usually taken to play or sing two of the same kind


Words: triplicate
Meaning:
noun\n IDIOMS \n  in triplicate\n1 done three times:\nEach sample was tested in triplicate.\n2 (of a document) copied twice, so that there are three copies in total:\nFill out the forms in triplicate.\ncompare DUPLICATE


Words: triptych
Meaning:
noun\n(technical) a picture or carved design on three pieces of wood placed side by side, especially one over an ALTAR in a church


Words: tripwire
Meaning:
noun\na wire that is stretched close to the ground as part of a device for catching sb/sth if they touch it


Words: trireme
Meaning:
noun\na long flat ship with three rows of OARS on each side, used in war by the ancient Greeks and Romans


Words: trite
Meaning:
adjective\n(of a remark, an opinion, etc.) dull and boring because it has been expressed so many times before; not original\n    tritely adverb\n    triteness noun [U]


Words: triumph
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  [C, U] ~ (over sb/sth) a great success, achievement or victory:\none of the greatest triumphs of modern science * It was a personal triumph over her old rival.\n  2  [U] the feeling of great satisfaction or joy that you get from a great success or victory:\na cry / glance / smile of triumph * The winning team returned home in triumph. * ’I’ve done it,’ she thought with a sweet sense of triumph.\n  3  [sing.] a ~ (of sth) an excellent example of how successful sth can be:\nHer arrest was a triumph of international cooperation.\n    verb [V] ~ (over sb/sth) to defeat sb/sth; to be successful:\nAs is usual in this kind of movie, good triumphs over evil in the end. * France triumphed 30 in the final.


Words: triumphal
Meaning:
adjective\n[usually before noun] done or made in order to celebrate a great success or victory:\na triumphal parade / procession * a Roman triumphal arch


Words: triumphalism
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (disapproving) behaviour that celebrates a victory or success in a way that is too proud and intended to upset the people you have defeated\n    triumphalist adjective


Words: triumphant
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  very successful in a way that causes great satisfaction:\nThey emerged triumphant in the September election.\n  2  showing great satisfaction or joy about a victory or success:\na triumphant expression / smile\n    triumphantly adverb:\n’I was right,’ he said triumphantly.


Words: triumvirate
Meaning:
noun\n(formal) a group of three powerful people or groups who control sth together:\nThey appointed a triumvirate of directors.


Words: trivia
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  unimportant matters, details or information:\nWe spent the whole evening discussing domestic trivia.\n  2  (usually in compounds) facts about many subjects that are used in a game to test people’s knowledge:\na trivia quiz


Words: trivial
Meaning:
adjective\nnot important or serious; not worth considering:\na trivial detail / matter / problem * I know it sounds trivial, but I’m worried about it. * I’ll try to fix it-but it’s not trivial (= it may be difficult to fix).\n    trivially  adverb


Words: triviality
Meaning:
noun (plural trivialities) (disapproving)\n  1  [C] a matter that is not important:\nI don’t want to waste time on trivialities.\n  2  [U] the state of being unimportant or dealing with unimportant things:\nHis speech was one of great triviality.


Words: trivialize
Meaning:
(BrE also trivialise)  verb\n[VN] (usually disapproving) to make sth seem less important, serious, difficult, etc. than it really is:\nIt is important not to trivialize children’s worries. * The magazine has been accused of trivializing serious issues.\n    trivialization, trivialisation  noun [U]


Words: Trojan
Meaning:
noun, adjective\na person from the ancient city of Troy in Asia Minor\n IDIOMS \n  work like a Trojan (old-fashioned) to work very hard


Words: Trojan horse
Meaning:
noun\na person or thing that is used to deceive an enemy in order to achieve a secret purpose\n ORIGIN  From the myth in which the Greeks hid inside a hollow wooden statue of a horse in order to enter the city of their enemies, Troy.


Words: troll
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun (in Scandinavian stories) a creature that looks like an ugly person. Some trolls are very large and evil, others are small and friendly but like to trick people.\n    verb [V] ~ (for sth) (especially AmE) to catch fish by pulling a line with BAIT on it through the water behind a boat: (figurative) to troll for votes


Words: trolley
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  (BrE) (AmE cart) a small vehicle with wheels that can be pushed or pulled along and is used for carrying things:\na shopping / supermarket / luggage trolley\n \n  2  (BrE) (AmE cart, wagon) a small table on very small wheels, used for carrying or serving food or drink:\na drinks trolley * a tea trolley\n \n  3  (AmE) = TRAM\n \n IDIOMS \n \n  off your trolley (BrE, informal) crazy; stupid:\nIf Wilcox is thinking of doing this deal he must be going totally off his trolley.


Words: trollop
Meaning:
noun (old-fashioned, offensive)\n  1  a woman who is very untidy\n  2  a woman who has many sexual partners


Words: trombone
Meaning:
noun\na large BRASS musical instrument that you blow into, with a sliding tube used to change the note


Words: troop
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  (troops) [pl.] soldiers, especially in large groups:\nThey announced the withdrawal of 12 000 troops from the area. * American / French / Russian troops\n  2  [C] one group of soldiers, especially in TANKS or on horses: (figurative) A troop of guests was moving towards the house.\n  3  [C] a local group of SCOUTS\n    troop adjective [only before noun]:\ntroop movements / numbers / reductions (= of soldiers)\n    verb [V +adv./prep.] (used with a plural subject) to walk somewhere together as a group:\nAfter lunch we all trooped down to the beach.


Words: trooper
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a soldier of low rank in the part of an army that uses TANKS or horses\n  2  (AmE) a member of a State police force\n IDIOMS  see SWEAR


Words: trope
Meaning:
noun\n(technical) a word or phrase that is used in a way that is different from its usual meaning in order to create a particular mental image or effect. METAPHORS and SIMILES are tropes.


Words: trophy
Meaning:
noun (plural trophies)\n  1  an object such as a silver cup that is given as a prize for winning a competition:\na trophy cabinet\n  2  (Trophy) used in the names of some competitions and races in which a trophy is given to the winner\n  3  an object that you keep to show that you were successful in sth, especially hunting or war


Words: tropic
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  [C, usually sing.] one of the two imaginary lines drawn around the world 23ｰ 7’ north (the Tropic of Cancer) or south (the Tropic of Capricorn) of the EQUATOR\n \n  2  (the tropics) [pl.] the area between the two tropics, which is the hottest part of the world


Words: tropical
Meaning:
adjective\ncoming from, found in or typical of the tropics:\ntropical fish / birds / plants * tropical Africa / rainforests * a tropical island / paradise


Words: troposphere
Meaning:
noun\n(the troposphere) [sing.] (technical) the lowest layer of the earth’s atmosphere, between the surface of the earth and about 6-10 kilometres above the surface


Words: trot
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb (-tt-)\n  1  [V] (of a horse or its rider) to move forward at a speed that is faster than a walk and slower than a CANTER\n  2  [VN] to ride a horse in this way:\nShe trotted her pony around the field.\n  3  [V +adv./prep.] (of a person or an animal) to run or walk fast, taking short quick steps:\nThe children trotted into the room.\n  4  [V +adv./prep.] (informal) to walk or go somewhere:\nThe guide led the way and we trotted along behind him.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  trot sth<->out (informal, disapproving) to give the same excuses, facts, explanations, etc. for sth that have often been used before:\nThey trotted out the same old excuses for the lack of jobs in the area.\n    noun\n  1  [sing.] a trotting speed, taking short quick steps:\nThe horse slowed to a trot. * The girl broke into a trot and disappeared around the corner.\n  2  [C] a period of trotting\n IDIOMS \n  on the trot (BrE, informal)\n1 one after the other:\nThey’ve now won 3 games on the trot.\n2 busy all the time:\nI’ve been on the trot all day.


Words: Trotskyist
Meaning:
noun\na supporter of the political ideas of Leon Trotsky, especially that SOCIALISM should be introduced all over the world by means of revolution\n    Trotskyist (also Trotskyite) adjective


Words: trotter
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a pig’s foot, especially when cooked and eaten as food\n  2  a horse that has been trained to TROT fast in races


Words: troubadour
Meaning:
noun\n(literary) a writer and performer of songs or poetry (after the French travelling performers of the 11th-13th centuries)


Words: trouble
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  problem / worry\n  1  [U, C] ~ (with sb/sth) a problem, worry, difficulty, etc. or a situation causing this:\nWe’ve been having trouble getting staff. * He could make trouble for me if he wanted to. * The trouble with you is you don’t really want to work. * Her trouble is she’s incapable of making a decision. * The trouble is (= what is difficult is) there aren’t any trains at that time. * The only trouble is we won’t be here then. * No, I don’t know his number-I have quite enough trouble remembering my own. * We’ve never had much trouble with vandals around here. * financial troubles * She was on the phone for an hour telling me her troubles. * Our troubles aren’t over yet.\nsee also TEETHING TROUBLES\n  illness / pain\n  2  [U] illness or pain:\nback / eye / heart trouble * I’ve been having trouble with my knee.\n  with machine\n  3  [U] something that is wrong with a machine, vehicle, etc:\nmechanical trouble * My car’s been having engine trouble.\n  difficult / violent situation\n  4  [U] a situation that is difficult or dangerous; a situation in which you can be criticized or punished:\nThe company ran into trouble early on, when a major order was cancelled. * I’ve never been one to run away from trouble. * A yachtsman got into trouble off the coast and had to be rescued. * If I don’t get this finished in time, I’ll be in trouble. * He’s in trouble with the police. * My brother was always getting me into trouble with my parents.\n  5  [C, U] an angry or violent situation:\nThe police were expecting trouble after the match. * If you’re not in by midnight, there’ll be trouble (= I’ll be very angry). * the troubles in Northern Ireland * He had to throw out a few drunks who were causing trouble in the bar.\n  extra effort\n  6  [U] ~ (to sb) extra effort or work\nSYN BOTHER:\nI don’t want to put you to a lot of trouble. * I’ll get it if you like, that will save you the trouble of going out. * Making your own yogurt is more trouble than it’s worth. * She went to a lot of trouble to find the book for me. * He thanked me for my trouble and left. * Nothing is ever too much trouble for her (= she’s always ready to help). * I can call back later-it’s no trouble (= I don’t mind). * I hope the children weren’t too much trouble.\n IDIOMS \n  get sb into trouble (old-fashioned) to make a woman who is not married pregnant\n  give (sb) (some, no, any, etc.) trouble to cause problems or difficulties:\nMy back’s been giving me a lot of trouble lately. * The children didn’t give me any trouble at all when we were out.\n  look for trouble to behave in a way that is likely to cause an argument, violence, etc:\nDrunken youths hang around outside looking for trouble.\n  take trouble over / with sth | take trouble doing / to do sth to try hard to do sth well:\nThey take a lot of trouble to find the right person for the right job.\n  take the trouble to do sth to do sth even though it involves effort or difficulty:\nShe didn’t even take the trouble to find out how to spell my name.\nmore at ASK\n    verb\n  make sb worried\n  1  [VN] to make sb worried or upset:\nWhat is it that’s troubling you? * He was deeply troubled by the allegations.\n  disturb\n  2  (often used in polite requests) to disturb sb because you want to ask them sth\nSYN BOTHER:\n[VN] Sorry to trouble you, but could you tell me the time? * I don’t want to trouble the doctor with such a small problem. * (formal) [VN to inf] Could I trouble you to open the window, please?\n  make effort\n  3  [V to inf] (BrE, formal) (usually used in negative sentences) to make an effort to do sth\nSYN BOTHER:\nHe rushed into the room without troubling to knock.\n  cause pain\n  4  [VN] (of a medical problem) to cause pain:\nMy back’s been troubling me again.\n IDIOMS  see POUR


Words: troubled
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (of a person) worried and anxious:\nShe looked into his troubled face.\n  2  (of a place, situation or time) having a lot of problems:\na troubled marriage * We live in troubled times.


Words: troublemaker
Meaning:
noun\na person who often causes trouble, especially by involving others in arguments or encouraging them to complain about people in authority


Words: troubleshooter
Meaning:
noun\na person who helps to solve problems in a company or an organization\n    troubleshooting noun [U]


Words: troublesome
Meaning:
adjective\ncausing trouble, pain, etc. over a long period of time:\na troublesome cough / child / problem


Words: trough
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  [C] a long narrow open container for animals to eat or drink from:\na water trough\n \n  2  (the trough) [sing.] (informal) if you say that people have their noses in the trough, you mean that they are trying to get a lot of money for themselves\n \n  3  [C] (technical) a long narrow region of low air pressure between two regions of higher pressure\ncompare RIDGE\n \n  4  [C] a period of time when the level of sth is low, especially a time when a business or the economy is not growing:\nThere have been peaks and troughs in the long-term trend of unemployment.\n  5  [C] a low area between two waves in the sea, or two hills


Words: trousers
Meaning:
(especially BrE) (AmE usually pants) noun [pl.] a piece of clothing that covers the body from the waist down and is divided into two parts to cover each leg separately:\na pair of grey trousers * I was still in short trousers (= still only a boy) at the time. * He dropped his trousers.\n \n    trouser adjective [only before noun]:\ntrouser buttons / legs / pockets\n \n IDIOMS  see CATCH v., WEAR v.


Words: trousseau
Meaning:
noun\n(plural trousseaus or trousseaux ) (old-fashioned) the clothes and other possessions collected by a woman who is soon going to get married, to begin her married life with


Words: trout
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  [C, U] (plural trout) a common FRESHWATER fish that is used for food. There are several types of trout:\nrainbow / brown trout * trout fishing * Shall we have trout for dinner?\n \n  2  [C, usually sing.] (usually old trout) (informal, disapproving) a bad-tempered or annoying old woman


Words: trowel
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  a small garden tool with a curved blade for lifting plants and digging holes\n \n  2  a small tool with a flat blade, used in building for spreading CEMENT or PLASTER\n \n IDIOMS \n \n  lay it on with a trowel (informal) to talk about sb/sth in a way that makes them or it seem much better or much worse than they really are; to exaggerate sth:\nHe was laying the flattery on with a trowel.


Words: truancy
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the practice of staying away from school without permission:\nTruancy rates at the school are very high.


Words: truant
Meaning:
noun\na child who stays away from school without permission\n    truant verb:\n[V] A number of pupils have been truanting regularly.\n IDIOMS \n  play truant (BrE) (AmE informal play hooky) (old-fashioned) to stay away from school without permission\nsee also BUNK OFF, SKIVE


Words: truce
Meaning:
noun\nan agreement between enemies or opponents to stop fighting for an agreed period of time; the period of time that this lasts:\nto call / break a truce


Words: truck
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n\n \n  1  [C] (especially AmE) = LORRY:\na truck driver\n \n  2  [C] (BrE) (AmE car) an open railway vehicle for carrying goods or animals:\na cattle truck\n \n  3  [C] a vehicle that is open at the back, used for carrying goods, soldiers, animals, etc:\na farm / an army truck\n \n  4  [C] a vehicle for carrying things, that is pulled or pushed by hand\nsee also FORK-LIFT TRUCK, PICKUP TRUCK, SALT TRUCK\n IDIOMS \n  have / want no truck with sb/sth (BrE) to refuse to deal with sb; to refuse to accept or consider sth:\nWe in this party will have no truck with illegal organizations.\n    verb [VN] (especially AmE) to take sth somewhere by truck:\nWater had to be trucked in to the town.\n    trucking noun [U]:\ntrucking companies


Words: truckload
Meaning:
noun\n~ (of sb/sth) the amount of sb/sth that fills a truck (often used to express the fact that an amount is large):\na truckload of soldiers * The first truckloads of food arrived at the refugee camp today. * Their new album is selling by the truckload.


Words: truculent
Meaning:
adjective\n(written, disapproving) tending to argue or be bad-tempered; slightly aggressive:\n’What do you want?’ he asked, sounding slightly truculent.\n    truculence  noun [U]\n    truculently adverb


Words: trudge
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb to walk slowly or with heavy steps, because you are tired or carrying sth heavy:\n[VN] He trudged the last two miles to the town. * [V +adv./prep.] The men trudged up the hill, laden with supplies. * We spent the morning trudging around the mall looking for a suitable gift.\n    noun [sing.] a long tiring walk


Words: true
Meaning:
adjective, adverb, noun \n    adjective (truer, truest)\n  correct\n  1  connected with facts rather than things that have been invented or guessed:\nIndicate whether the following statements are true or false. * Is it true she’s leaving? * Can you prove that what you say is true? * All the rumours turned out to be true. * I think it would be true to say that the show was a success. * That’s not strictly (= completely) true. * The novel is based on a true story. * His excuse just doesn’t ring (= sound) true. * Unfortunately, these findings do not hold true (= are not valid) for women and children. * The music is dull and uninspiring, and the same is true of the acting. * You never spoke a truer word (= used to emphasize that you agree with what sb has just said).\nOPP UNTRUE\n  real\n  2  real or exact, especially when this is different from how sth seems:\nthe true face of socialism (= what socialism is really like rather than what people think it is like) * The true cost of these experiments to the environment will not be known for years to come. * He reveals his true character to very few people.\n  3  [usually before noun] having the qualities or characteristics of the thing mentioned:\nIt was true love between them. * He’s a true gentleman. * She is not the true owner of this house. * The painting is a masterpiece in the truest sense of the word. * He is credited with inventing the first true helicopter.\n  admitting fact\n  4  used to admit that a particular fact or statement is true, although you think that sth else is more important:\nIt’s true that he could do the job, but would he fit in with the rest of the team? * ’We could get it cheaper.’ ’True, but would it be as good?’\n  loyal\n  5  ~ (to sb/sth) showing respect and support for a particular person or belief in a way that does not change, even in different situations:\na true friend * She has always been true to herself (= done what she thought was good, honourable, etc.). * He was true to his word (= did what he promised to do). * Many were executed for remaining true to their principles. * Knights swore to be true to their lord.\n  accurate\n  6  ~ (to sth) being an accurate version or copy of sth:\nThe movie is not true to the book. * The painting is a true likeness of her.\n  7  [not usually before noun] (old-fashioned or literary) straight and accurate:\nHis aim was true (= he hit the target). -> REAL\n IDIOMS \n  come true (of a hope, wish, etc.) to become reality:\nWinning the medal was like a dream come true.\n  too good to be true used to say that you cannot believe that sth is as good as it seems:\n’I’m afraid you were quoted the wrong price.’ ’I thought it was too good to be true.’\n  your true colours (often disapproving) your real character, rather than the one that you usually allow other people to see:\nIt was only after they got married that he showed himself in his true colours.\n  true to form used to say that sb is behaving in the way that you expect them to behave, especially when this is annoying:\nTrue to form, she managed to upset everyone before leaving.\n  true to life (of a book, film / movie, etc.) seeming real rather than invented:\nI don’t think the characters are very true to life.\nmore at RING v., TRIED\n    adverb (old-fashioned or literary)\n  straight\n  1  in a direct line:\nThe arrow flew straight and true to the target. * He shot true.\n  correctly\n  2  speak ~ to tell the truth:\nHe had spoken truer than he knew.\n    noun\n IDIOMS \n  out of true if an object is out of true, it is not straight or in the correct position\n______________________________\n WORD FAMILY \ntrue adj. (=/= untrue)\ntruth n. (=/= untruth)\ntruthful adj. (=/= untruthful)\ntruly adv.\ntruism n.\n______________________________


Words: true north
Meaning:
noun\n[U] north according to the earth’s AXIS (= the imaginary line through the earth’s centre from north to south)\ncompare MAGNETIC NORTH


Words: true-blue
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (BrE) strongly supporting the British Conservative Party:\ntrue-blue Tory voters\n  2  (especially AmE) being a loyal supporter of a particular person, group, principle, etc.; being a typical example of sth:\na true-blue Californian


Words: true-life
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] a true-life story is one that actually happened rather than one that has been invented


Words: truffle
Meaning:
noun\n  1  an expensive type of FUNGUS that grows underground, used in cooking\n  2  a soft round sweet/candy made of chocolate


Words: truism
Meaning:
noun\na statement that is clearly true and does not therefore add anything interesting or important to a discussion


Words: truly
Meaning:
adverb\n  1  used to emphasize that a particular statement, feeling, etc. is sincere or genuine:\nI’m truly sorry that things had to end like this. * I felt truly at home. * I do care. Truly, I do! * She truly believes that none of this is her fault.\n  2  used to emphasize a particular quality:\na truly memorable occasion * a truly magnificent performance\n  3  used to emphasize that a particular description is accurate or correct:\na truly democratic system of government * (spoken) Well, really and truly, things weren’t quite how she described them. * He started the first truly international ballet company.\n IDIOMS \n  Yours Truly (AmE, formal, written) used at the end of a formal letter before you sign your name\nmore at WELL adv.


Words: trump
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  (also trump card) [C] (in some card games) a card that belongs to the SUIT (= one of the four sets in a pack/deck of cards) that has been chosen for a particular game to have a higher value than the other three suits:\nI played a trump and won the trick.\n  2  (trumps) [U+sing./pl. v.] (in some card games) the SUIT that has been chosen for a particular game to have a higher value than the other three suits:\nWhat’s trumps? * Clubs are trumps.\n IDIOMS \n  come up / turn up trumps to do what is necessary to make a particular situation successful, especially when this is sudden or unexpected:\nI didn’t honestly think he’d pass the exam but he came up trumps on the day. * Just when we thought there was no hope, my parents turned up trumps with a large loan.\n    verb [VN] \n  1  ~ sth (with sth) (in some card games) to play a trump card that beats sb else’s card\n  2  to beat sth that sb says or does by saying or doing sth even better:\nThey were trumped by another firm that made a lower bid.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  trump sth<->up to make up a false story about sb/sth, especially accusing them of doing sth wrong:\nShe was arrested on a trumped-up charge.


Words: trump card
Meaning:
noun\n  1  = TRUMP\n  2  something that gives you an advantage over other people, especially when they do not know what it is and you are able to use it to surprise them:\nHe was able to get what he wanted without having to play his trump card.


Words: trumpet
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n\n \n  1  a BRASS musical instrument made of a curved metal tube that you blow into, with three VALVES for changing the note:\na trumpet blast / call\n \n  2  a thing shaped like a trumpet, especially the open flower of a DAFFODIL\n \n IDIOMS  see BLOW v.\n    verb\n  1  ~ sth (as sth) to talk about sth publicly in a proud or enthusiastic way:\n[VN] to trumpet sb’s achievements * Their marriage was trumpeted as the society wedding of the year. [also V speech]\n  2  [V] (especially of an elephant) to make a loud noise


Words: truncate
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] [usually passive] (formal) to make sth shorter, especially by cutting off the top or end:\nMy article was published in truncated form. * a truncated pyramid * Further discussion was truncated by the arrival of tea.\n    truncation noun [U, C]


Words: truncheon
Meaning:
(also baton) (both especially BrE) (AmE usually nightstick) noun\na short thick stick that police officers carry as a weapon


Words: trundle
Meaning:
prep.] \n  1  to move or roll somewhere slowly and noisily; to move sth slowly and noisily, especially sth heavy, with wheels:\n[V] A train trundled across the bridge. [also VN]\n  2  [V] (of a person) to walk slowly with heavy steps\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  trundle sth<->out (disapproving, especially BrE) to mention or do sth that you have often mentioned or done before:\nA long list of reasons was trundled out to justify their demands.


Words: trunk
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  [C] the thick main stem of a tree, that the branches grow from\n \n  2  [C] (AmE) = BOOT (2)\n \n  3  [C] the long nose of an elephant\n \n  4  (trunks) [pl.] = SWIMMING TRUNKS\n \n  5  [C] a large strong box with a lid used for storing or transporting clothes, books, etc.\n \n  6  [C, usually sing.] the main part of the human body apart from the head, arms and legs\nsee also TORSO


Words: trunk call
Meaning:
noun\n(BrE, old-fashioned) a telephone call to a place that is a long distance away but in the same country


Words: truss
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  a special belt with a thick piece of material, worn by sb suffering from a HERNIA in order to support the muscles\n  2  a frame made of pieces of wood or metal used to support a roof, bridge, etc.\n    verb [VN] \n  1  ~ sb/sth (up) to tie up sb’s arms and legs so that they cannot move:\nThe guard had been gagged and trussed up.\n  2  to tie the legs and wings of a chicken, etc. before it is cooked


Words: trust
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  [U] ~ (in sb/sth) the belief that sb/sth is good, sincere, honest, etc. and will not try to harm or deceive you:\nHer trust in him was unfounded. * a partnership based on trust * It has taken years to earn their trust. * If you put your trust in me, I will not let you down. * She will not betray your trust (= do sth that you have asked her not to do). * He was appointed to a position of trust (= a job involving a lot of responsibility, because people trust him). * a breach of trust * If I were you, I would not place too much trust in their findings.\n  2  [C, U] (law) an arrangement by which an organization or a group of people has legal control of money or property that has been given to sb, usually until that person reaches a particular age; an amount of money or property that is controlled in this way:\nHe set up a trust for his children. * The money will be held in trust until she is 18. * Our fees depend on the value of the trust.\nsee also UNIT TRUST\n  3  [C] (law) an organization or a group of people that invests money that is given or lent to it and uses the profits to help a charity:\na charitable trust\n  4  [C] (business) (especially AmE) a group of companies that work together illegally to reduce competition, control prices, etc:\nanti-trust laws\n IDIOMS \n  in sb’s trust | in the trust of sb being looked after by sb:\nThe family pet was left in the trust of a neighbour.\n  take sth on trust to believe what sb says even though you do not have any proof or evidence to show that it is true\n    verb\n  1  to have confidence in sb; to believe that sb is good, sincere, honest, etc:\n[VN] She trusts Alan implicitly. * [VN to inf] Can they be trusted to take care of the business while we are away? * You can trust me not to tell anyone.\n  2  [VN] to believe that sth is true or correct or that you can rely on it:\nHe trusted her judgement. * Don’t trust what the newspapers say!\n  3  [V (that)] (formal) to hope and expect that sth is true:\nI trust (that) you have no objections to our proposals?\n IDIOMS \n  not trust sb an inch to not trust sb at all:\nHe says he just wants to help you but I wouldn’t trust him an inch if I were you.\n  trust you, him, her, etc. (to do sth) (spoken, informal) used when sb does or says sth that you think is typical of them:\nTrust John to forget Sue’s birthday!\nmore at TRIED\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  trust in sb/sth (formal) to have confidence in sb/sth; to believe that sb/sth is good and can be relied on:\nShe needs to trust more in her own abilities.\n  trust to sth [no passive] to put your confidence in sth such as luck, chance, etc. because there is nothing else to help you:\nI stumbled along in the dark, trusting to luck to find the right door.\n  trust sb with sth/sb to give sth/sb to a person to take care of because you believe they would be very careful with it/them:\nI’d trust her with my life.


Words: trust fund
Meaning:
noun\nmoney that is controlled for sb by an organization or a group of people:\nShe set up a trust fund for her children.


Words: trust territory
Meaning:
noun\na region governed by the United Nations Organization or by another country that has been chosen by the United Nations Organization


Words: trustee
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a person or an organization that has control of money or property that has been put into a TRUST for sb:\nThe bank will act as trustees for the estate until the child is 18.\n  2  a member of a group of people that controls the financial affairs of a charity or other organization:\nthe board of trustees * a trustee of the hospice * the trustees of the National Gallery


Words: trusteeship
Meaning:
noun [U, C]\n  1  the job of being a trustee\n  2  the responsibility for governing a particular region, given to a country by the United Nations Organization; a region that is governed by another country in this way:\na period of trusteeship * Burundi was formerly a Belgian trusteeship.


Words: trusting
Meaning:
adjective\ntending to believe that other people are good, sincere, honest, etc:\nIf you’re too trusting, other people will take advantage of you.


Words: trustworthy
Meaning:
adjective\nthat you can rely on to be good, honest, sincere, etc.\nSYN RELIABLE\n    trustworthiness noun [U]


Words: trusty
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective [only before noun] (old use or humorous) that you have had a long time and have always been able to rely on\nSYN RELIABLE:\na trusty friend * She spent years touring Europe with her trusty old camera.\n    noun (plural trusties) a prisoner who is given special privileges because of good behaviour


Words: truth
Meaning:
1  (the truth) [sing.] the true facts about sth, rather than the things that have been invented or guessed:\nDo you think she’s telling the truth? * We are determined to get at (= discover) the truth. * The truth (of the matter) is we can’t afford to keep all the staff on. * I don’t think you are telling me the whole truth about what happened. * The awful truth about his disappearance finally dawned on her. * It’s the gospel truth (= completely true)! * The sad truth is that, at 72, he is past his prime.\n  2  [U] the quality or state of being based on fact:\nThere is no truth in the rumours. * There is not a grain of truth in what she says. * His version of events does contain an element of truth.\nOPP FALSITY\n  3  [C] a fact that is believed by most people to be true:\nuniversal truths * She was forced to face up to a few unwelcome truths about her family.\nsee also HALF-TRUTH, HOME TRUTH\ncompare UNTRUTH\n IDIOMS \n  if (the) truth be known / told used to tell sb the true facts about a situation, especially when these are not known by other people\n  in truth (written) used to emphasize the true facts about a situation:\nShe laughed and chatted but was, in truth, not having much fun.\n  nothing could be further from the truth used to say that a fact or comment is completely false:\nShe thinks I don’t like her but nothing could be further from the truth.\n  truth is stranger than fiction (saying) used to say that things that actually happen are often more surprising than stories that are invented\n  (the) truth will out (saying) used to say that people will find out the true facts about a situation even if you try to keep them secret\nmore at BEND v., ECONOMICAL, MOMENT


Words: truthful
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  ~ (about sth) (of a person) saying only what is true:\nThey were less than truthful about their part in the crime. * Are you being completely truthful with me? * To be quite truthful with you, I’m not very keen on this colour. * a truthful child / witness\n  2  (of a statement) giving the true facts about sth:\na truthful answer\nOPP UNTRUTHFUL\n    truthfully  adverb:\nShe answered all their questions truthfully. * I can truthfully say that I have never seen anything quite like it before.\n    truthfulness noun [U]


Words: try
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb (tries, trying, tried, tried)\n  1  to make an attempt or effort to do or get sth:\n[V] I don’t know if I can come but I’ll try. * [V to inf] What are you trying to do? * I tried hard not to laugh. * You haven’t even tried to find it. * Don’t try to do it too quickly. * [VN to inf] She tried her best to solve the problem. * [VN] Just try your hardest.\n HELP NOTE  In spoken English try can be used with and plus another verb, instead of with to and the infinitive: I’ll try and get you a new one tomorrow. * Try and finish quickly. In this structure, try can only be used in the infinitive, or to tell somebody what to do.\n  2  to use, do or test sth in order to see if it is good, suitable, etc:\n[VN] Have you tried this new coffee? It’s very good. * ’Would you like to try some raw fish?’ ’Why not? I’ll try anything once!’ * Have you ever tried windsurfing? * Try these shoes for size-they should fit you. * She tried the door, but it was locked. * [V -ing] John isn’t here. Try phoning his home number.\n HELP NOTE  Notice the difference between try to do sth and try doing sth: You should try to eat more fruit. means ’You should make an effort to eat more fruit.’; You should try eating more fruit. means ’You should see if eating more fruit will help you’ (to feel better, for example).\n  3  [VN] ~ sb (for sth) | ~ sth to examine evidence in a court of law and decide whether sb is innocent or guilty:\nHe was tried for murder. * The case was tried before a jury.\n IDIOMS \n  not for want / lack of trying used to say that although sb has not succeeded in sth, they have tried very hard:\nThey haven’t won a game yet, but it isn’t for want of trying.\n  try your hand (at sth) to do sth such as an activity or a sport for the first time\n  try it on (with sb) (BrE, informal, disapproving)\n1 to behave badly towards sb or try to get sth from them, even though you know this will make them angry:\nChildren often try it on with new teachers.\n2 to try to start a sexual relationship with sb\n  try your luck (at sth) to do sth that involves risk or luck, hoping to succeed:\nMy grandparents emigrated to Canada to try their luck there.\n  try sb’s patience to make sb feel impatient:\nHis stubbornness would try the patience of a saint.\nmore at DAMNEDEST, LEVEL adj.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  try for sth to make an attempt to get or win sth\n  try sth<->on to put on a piece of clothing to see if it fits and how it looks:\nTry the shoes on before you buy them.\n  try out for sth (especially AmE) to compete for a position or place in sth, or to be a member of a team:\nShe’s trying out for the school play.\nrelated noun TRY-OUT\n  try sb/sth<->out (on sb) to test or use sb/sth in order to see how good or effective they are:\nThey’re trying out a new presenter for the show.\nrelated noun TRY-OUT\n    noun (plural tries)\n  1  [usually sing.] ~ (at sth / at doing sth) an act of trying to do sth\nSYN ATTEMPT:\nI doubt they’ll be able to help but it’s worth a try (= worth asking them). * Why don’t you have a try at convincing him? * I don’t think I’ll be any good at tennis, but I’ll give it a try. * (spoken) ’What’s that behind you?’ ’Nice try (= at making me turn round), but you’ll have to do better than that!’ * (AmE) The US negotiators decided to make another try at reaching a settlement.\n  2  (in rugby) an act of scoring points by touching the ground behind your opponents’ GOAL LINE with the ball:\nto score a try


Words: try-out
Meaning:
noun\n  1  an act of testing how good or effective sb/sth is before deciding whether to use them in the future:\nThe play had a try-out in Oxford before it moved to London. * They’ve agreed to give me a try-out for a week to see if I’m up to the job.\n  2  (AmE) = TRIAL (3)


Words: trying
Meaning:
adjective\nannoying or difficult to deal with:\nShe can be very trying at times. * These are trying times for all of us.


Words: tsarism
Meaning:
(also tzarism, czarism)  noun\n[U] the Russian system of government by a tsar, which existed before 1917\n    tsarist (also tzarist, czarist) noun, adjective


Words: tsetse fly
Meaning:
noun\n[C, U] an African fly that bites humans and animals and sucks their blood and can spread a disease called SLEEPING SICKNESS


Words: tsunami
Meaning:
noun\n(from Japanese) an extremely large wave in the sea caused, for example, by an earthquake\nSYN TIDAL WAVE


Words: tub
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  a large round container without a lid, used for washing clothes in, growing plants in, etc:\nThere were tubs of flowers on the balcony.\n \n  2  a small wide, usually round, plastic or paper container with a lid, used for food, etc:\na tub of margarine\n \n  3  (especially AmE) = BATH, BATHTUB:\nThey found her lying in the tub.\nsee also HOT TUB


Words: tub-thumping
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (BrE, disapproving) the act of giving your opinions about sth in a loud and aggressive way\n    tub-thumping adjective:\na tub-thumping speech


Words: tube
Meaning:
noun\n \n  pipe\n \n  1  [C] a long hollow pipe made of metal, plastic, rubber, etc., through which liquids or gases move from one place to another\nsee also CATHODE RAY TUBE, INNER TUBE, TEST TUBE\n \n  2  [C] a hollow object in the shape of a pipe or tube:\na bike’s inner tube * the cardboard tube from the centre of a toilet roll\n \n  container\n \n  3  [C] ~ (of sth) a long narrow container made of soft metal or plastic, with a lid, used for holding thick liquids that can be squeezed out of it:\na tube of toothpaste\n  part of body\n  4  [C] a part inside the body that is shaped like a tube and through which air, liquid, etc. passes:\nbronchial tubes * The oesophagus is the tube leading from the throat to the stomach.\nsee also FALLOPIAN TUBES\n  underground railway\n  5  (the tube) [sing.] (BrE) the underground railway system in London:\na tube station / train * We came by tube. * She caught the wrong tube (= tube train). -> UNDERGROUND\n  television\n  6  (the tube) [sing.] (AmE, informal) the television\n  in ear\n  7  [C] (AmE) = GROMMET\n IDIOMS \n  go down the tube / tubes (informal) (of a plan, company, situation, etc.) to fail:\nThe education system is going down the tubes.


Words: tuber
Meaning:
noun\nthe short thick round part of an underground stem or root of some plants, such as potatoes, which stores food and from which new plants grow\n    tuberous  adjective:\ntuberous begonias


Words: tuberculosis
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (abbreviation TB) a serious infectious disease in which swellings appear on the lungs and other parts of the body\n    tubercular  adjective:\na tubercular infection / lung


Words: tubular
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  made of tubes or of parts that are shaped like tubes:\na tubular metal chair\n  2  shaped like a tube


Words: TUC
Meaning:
abbreviation\nTrades Union Congress. The TUC is an organization to which many British trade unions belong.


Words: tuck
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb [VN +adv./prep.] \n  1  to push, fold or turn the ends or edges of clothes, paper, etc. so that they are held in place or look neat:\nShe tucked up her skirt and waded into the river. * The sheets should be tucked in neatly (= around the bed). * Tuck the flap of the envelope in.\n  2  to put sth into a small space, especially to hide it or keep it safe or comfortable:\nShe tucked her hair (up) under her cap. * He sat with his legs tucked up under him. * The letter had been tucked under a pile of papers.\n  3  to cover sb with sth so that they are warm and comfortable:\nShe tucked a blanket around his legs.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  tuck sth<->away\n1 (be tucked away) to be situated in a quiet place, where not many people go:\nThe shop is tucked away down a backstreet.\n2 to hide sth somewhere or keep it in a safe place:\nShe kept his letters tucked away in a drawer. * They have thousands of pounds tucked away in a savings account.\n3 (BrE, informal) to eat a lot of food\n  tuck sb in / up to make sb feel comfortable in bed by pulling the covers up around them:\nI tucked the children in and said good night.\n  tuck in | tuck into sth (BrE, especially spoken) to eat a lot of food, especially when it is done quickly and with enthusiasm:\nCome on, tuck in everyone! * He was tucking into a huge plateful of pasta.\n    noun\n  1  [C] a fold that is sewn into a piece of clothing or fabric, either for decoration or to change the shape of it:\nWe could take a tuck in the waist to give it a more fitted look.\n  2  [C] (informal) a medical operation in which skin and/or fat is removed to make sb look younger or thinner:\na tummy tuck\n  3  [U] (old-fashioned, BrE, informal) food, especially sweets, etc. eaten by children at school:\na tuck shop


Words: Tuesday
Meaning:
noun\n[C, U] (abbreviation Tue., Tues.) the day of the week after Monday and before Wednesday\n HELP NOTE  To see how Tuesday is used, look at the examples at Monday.\n ORIGIN  Originally translated from the Latin for ’day of Mars’ dies Marti and named after the Germanic god Tiw.


Words: tuft
Meaning:
noun\n~ (of sth) a number of pieces of hair, grass, etc. growing or held closely together at the base


Words: tufted
Meaning:
adjective\n[usually before noun] having a tuft or tufts; growing in tufts:\na tufted carpet * a tufted duck * tufted grass


Words: tug
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb (-gg-)\n  1  ~ (at / on) sth to pull sth hard, often several times:\n[V] She tugged at his sleeve to get his attention. * (figurative) a sad story that tugs at your heartstrings (= makes you feel sad) * [VN] The baby was tugging her hair. * [VN-ADJ] He tugged the door open.\n  2  [VN +adv./prep.] to pull sth hard in a particular direction:\nHe tugged the hat down over his head.\n IDIOMS  see FORELOCK\n    noun\n  1  (also tugboat ) a small powerful boat for pulling ships, especially into harbour or up river\n  2  a sudden hard pull:\nI felt a tug at my sleeve. * She gave her sister’s hair a sharp tug.\n  3  [usually sing.] a sudden strong emotional feeling:\na tug of attraction / jealousy / sympathy


Words: tug of love
Meaning:
noun\n[sing.] (BrE, informal) a situation in which a child’s parents are divorced or no longer living together and are fighting over who the child should live with:\nChildren often become caught up in a tug of love between warring parents.


Words: tug of war
Meaning:
noun [sing., U]\n \n  1  a sporting event in which two teams pull at opposite ends of a rope until one team drags the other over a line on the ground\n \n  2  a situation in which two people or groups try very hard to get or keep the same thing:\nAfter the divorce they became involved in an emotional tug of war over the children.


Words: tuition
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  ~ (in sth) (formal) the act of teaching sth, especially to one person or to people in small groups:\nShe received private tuition in French. * The course involves six hours of individual tuition per week. * I studied dance for two years under her expert tuition.\n  2  (also tuition fees [pl.]) the money that you pay to be taught, especially in a college or university


Words: tulle
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a soft fine fabric made of silk, NYLON, etc. and full of very small holes, used especially for making VEILS and dresses


Words: tum
Meaning:
noun\n(BrE, informal) a person’s stomach or the area around the stomach:\nI’d like to lose some weight from my tum.


Words: tumble
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb\n  1  [+adv./prep.] to fall downwards, often hitting the ground several times, but usually without serious injury; to make sb/sth fall in this way:\n[V] He slipped and tumbled down the stairs. [also VN]\n  2  [V] ~ (down) to fall suddenly and in a dramatic way:\nThe scaffolding came tumbling down. * (figurative) World records tumbled at the last Olympics.\nsee also TUMBLEDOWN\n  3  [V] to fall rapidly in value or amount:\nThe price of oil is still tumbling.\n  4  [V +adv./prep.] to move or fall somewhere in a relaxed, UNCONTROLLED, or noisy way:\nI undressed and tumbled into bed. * A group of noisy children tumbled out of the bus. * The water tumbled over the rocks. * Thick golden curls tumbled down over her shoulders. * (figurative) Her words came tumbling out.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  tumble to sth/sb (BrE, informal) to suddenly understand sth or be aware of sth:\nWhen did she tumble to what was going on?\n    noun\n  1  [C, usually sing.] a sudden fall:\nThe jockey took a nasty tumble at the third fence. * Share prices took a sharp tumble following news of the merger.\nsee also ROUGH AND TUMBLE\n  2  [sing.] ~ (of sth) an untidy group of things:\na tumble of blond curls


Words: tumble-dryer
Meaning:
(also tumble-drier) (both BrE) noun\na machine that uses hot air to dry clothes after they have been washed\ncompare SPIN DRYER


Words: tumbledown
Meaning:
adjective\n[usually before noun] (of a building) old and in a poor condition so that it looks as if it is falling down


Words: tumbler
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a glass for drinking out of, with a flat bottom, straight sides and no handle or stem\n  2  (also tumblerful ) the amount held by a tumbler\n  3  (old-fashioned) an ACROBAT who performs SOMERSAULTS (= a jump in which you turn over completely in the air)


Words: tumbleweed
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a plant that grows like a bush in the desert areas of N America and Australia. In the autumn/fall, it breaks off just above the ground and is blown around like a ball by the wind.


Words: tumbril
Meaning:
noun\nan open vehicle used for taking people to their deaths at the GUILLOTINE during the French Revolution


Words: tumescent
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal) (especially of parts of the body) larger than normal, especially as a result of sexual excitement\nSYN SWOLLEN\n    tumescence  noun [U]


Words: tummy
Meaning:
noun\n(plural tummies) (informal) (used especially by children or when speaking to children) the stomach or the area around the stomach:\nMum, my tummy hurts. * to have (a) tummy ache * a tummy bug / upset (= an illness when you feel sick or vomit) * There’s a baby growing in your mummy’s tummy.


Words: tumour
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE tumor)  noun\na mass of cells growing in or on a part of the body where they should not, usually causing medical problems:\na brain tumour * a benign / malignant (= harmless / harmful) tumour


Words: tumult
Meaning:
noun [U, C, usually sing.] (formal)\n  1  a confused situation in which there is usually a lot of noise and excitement, often involving large numbers of people:\nthe tumult of war * A tumult of shouting and screaming came from within the house. * They waited for the tumult to die down.\n  2  a state in which your thoughts or feelings are confused:\na troubled mind in tumult * He was shaken by the tumult of his feelings.


Words: tumultuous
Meaning:
adjective [usually before noun]\n  1  very loud; involving strong feelings, especially feelings of approval:\ntumultuous applause * a tumultuous reception / welcome\n  2  involving a lot of change and confusion and/or violence:\nthe tumultuous years of the English Civil War * It was a tumultuous time in her life.


Words: tumulus
Meaning:
noun\n(plural tumuli ) (technical) a large pile of earth built over the grave of an important person in ancient times


Words: tuna
Meaning:
noun\n[C, U] (plural tuna or tunas) (also tuna fish) (BrE also less frequent tunny) a large sea fish that is used for food:\nfishing for tuna * tuna steaks * a tin / can of tuna in vegetable oil


Words: tundra
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the large flat Arctic regions of northern Europe, Asia and N America where no trees grow and where the soil below the surface of the ground is always frozen


Words: tune
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun [C] a series of musical notes that are sung or played in a particular order to form a piece of music:\nHe was humming a familiar tune. * I don’t know the title but I recognize the tune. * It was a catchy tune (= song). * a football song sung to the tune of (= using the tune of) ’When the saints go marching in’\nsee also SIGNATURE TUNE, THEME TUNE\n IDIOMS \n  be in / out of tune (with sb/sth) to be/not be in agreement with sb/sth; to have/not have the same opinions, feelings, interests, etc. as sb/sth:\nThese proposals are perfectly in tune with our own thoughts on the subject. * The President is out of tune with public opinion.\n  in / out of tune to be/not be singing or playing the correct musical notes to sound pleasant:\nNone of them could sing in tune. * The piano is out of tune.\n  to the tune of sth (informal) used to emphasize how much money sth has cost:\nThe hotel has been refurbished to the tune of a million dollars.\nmore at CALL v., CHANGE v., DANCE v., PAY v., SING\n    verb [VN] \n  1  to adjust a musical instrument so that it plays at the correct PITCH:\nto tune a guitar / piano\n  2  to adjust an engine so that it runs smoothly and as well as possible\n  3  [usually passive] ~ sth (in) (to sth) to adjust the controls on a radio or television so that you can receive a particular programme or channel:\nThe radio was tuned (in) to the BBC World Service. * (spoken) Stay tuned for the news and weather coming up next.\n  4  ~ sth (to sth) to prepare or adjust sth so that it is suitable for a particular situation:\nHis speech was tuned to what the audience wanted to hear.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  tune in (to sth) to listen to a radio programme or watch a television programme\n  tune in to sb/sth to become aware of other people’s thoughts and feelings, etc.\n  tune out | tune sb/sth<->out to stop listening to sth:\nWhen she started talking about her job, he just tuned out.\n  tune up | tune sth<->up to adjust musical instruments so that they can play together:\nThe orchestra was tuning up as we entered the hall.


Words: tuned in
Meaning:
adjective\n[not before noun] ~ (to sth) aware of what is happening in a particular situation:\nThe resort is tuned in to the tastes of young and old alike.


Words: tuneful
Meaning:
adjective\nhaving a pleasant tune\nSYN MELODIOUS:\na tuneful song / melody * a tuneful voice (= that has a musical quality)\n    tunefully  adverb\n    tunefulness noun [U]


Words: tuneless
Meaning:
adjective\nnot having a pleasant tune:\ntuneless singing\n    tunelessly adverb:\nHe was humming tunelessly.


Words: tuner
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (especially in compounds) a person who tunes musical instruments, especially pianos\n  2  the part of a radio, television, etc. that you move in order to change the signal and receive the radio or television station that you want\n  3  an electronic device that receives a radio signal and sends it to an AMPLIFIER so that it can be heard


Words: tungsten
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (Symbol W) a chemical element. Tungsten is a very hard silver-grey metal, used especially in making steel and in FILAMENTS for LIGHT BULBS.


Words: tunic
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a loose piece of clothing covering the body down to the knees, usually without sleeves, as worn in ancient Greece and Rome\n  2  a piece of women’s clothing like a tunic, that reaches to the hips and is worn over trousers/pants or a skirt\n  3  (BrE) a tightly fitting jacket worn as part of a uniform by police officers, soldiers, etc.


Words: tuning fork
Meaning:
noun\na small metal instrument with two long parts joined together at one end, that produces a particular musical note when you hit it and is used in TUNING musical instruments


Words: tunnel
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n\n \n  1  a passage built underground, for example to allow a road or railway/railroad to go through a hill, under a river, etc:\na railway / railroad tunnel * the Channel Tunnel\nsee also WIND TUNNEL\n \n  2  an underground passage made by an animal\n \n IDIOMS  see LIGHT n.\n    verb (-ll-, AmE also -l-) [+adv./prep.] to dig a tunnel under or through the ground:\n[V] The engineers had to tunnel through solid rock. * [VN] The rescuers tunnelled their way in to the trapped miners.


Words: tunnel vision
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  (medical) a condition in which sb cannot see well things that are not straight ahead of them\n  2  (disapproving) an inability to see or understand all the aspects of a situation, an argument, etc. instead of just one part of it


Words: tuppence
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (BrE, informal) the sum of two pence\n IDIOMS \n  not care / give tuppence for sb/sth to think that sb/sth is not important or that they have no value


Words: turban
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a long piece of fabric wound tightly around the head, worn especially by Sikh, Muslim and Hindu men\n  2  a woman’s hat that looks like a turban\n    turbaned  adjective:\nturbaned Sikhs


Words: turbid
Meaning:
adjective\n(rare, formal) (of liquid) full of mud, dirt, etc. so that you cannot see through it\n    turbidity  noun [U]


Words: turbine
Meaning:
noun\na machine or an engine that receives its power from a wheel that is turned by the pressure of water, air or gas


Words: turbocharger
Meaning:
(also turbo plural turbos) noun\na system driven by a turbine that gets its power from an engine’s EXHAUST gases. It sends the mixture of petrol/gas and air into the engine at high pressure, making it more powerful.\n    turbocharge verb:\n[VN] turbocharged engines


Words: turbojet
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a TURBINE engine that produces forward movement by forcing out a stream of hot air and gas behind it\n  2  a plane that gets its power from this type of engine


Words: turboprop
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a TURBINE engine that produces forward movement by turning a PROPELLOR (= a set of spinning blades)\n  2  a plane that gets its power from this type of engine


Words: turbulence
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  a situation in which there is a lot of sudden change, confusion, disagreement and sometimes violence:\na period of turbulence in the country’s history\n  2  a series of sudden and violent changes in the direction that air or water is moving in:\nWe experienced severe turbulence during the flight.


Words: turbulent
Meaning:
adjective [usually before noun]\n  1  in which there is a lot of sudden change, confusion, disagreement and sometimes violence:\na short and turbulent career in politics * a turbulent part of the world * turbulent emotions / feelings\n  2  (of air or water) changing direction suddenly and violently:\nThe aircraft is designed to withstand turbulent conditions. * a turbulent sea / storm (= caused by turbulent water / air)\n  3  (of people) noisy and/or difficult to control:\na turbulent crowd


Words: turd
Meaning:
noun (!!!, slang)\n  1  a lump of solid waste from the bowels:\ndog turds\n  2  an offensive word for an unpleasant person


Words: turf
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun (plural turfs or turves )\n  1  [U, C] short grass and the surface layer of soil that is held together by its roots; a piece of this that has been cut from the ground and is used especially for making LAWNS (= the area of grass in a garden/yard):\nnewly laid turf * (especially BrE) the hallowed turf of Wembley, etc. (= the grass used for playing a sport on)\n  2  [U, C] PEAT that is cut to be used as fuel; a piece of this\n  3  (the turf) [sing.] the sport of horse racing\n  4  [U] sb’s ~ (informal, especially AmE) the place where sb lives and/or works, especially when they think of it as their own:\nHe feels more confident on home turf.\n    verb [VN] to cover an area of ground with turf\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  turf sb out (of sth) | turf sb off (sth) (BrE, informal) to make sb leave a place, an organization, etc:\nHe was turfed out of the party. * The boys were turfed off the bus.


Words: turgid
Meaning:
adjective (written)\n  1  (of language, writing, etc.) boring, complicated and difficult to understand:\nturgid prose\n  2  swollen; containing more water than usual:\nthe turgid waters of the Thames


Words: turkey
Meaning:
noun (plural turkeys)\n \n  1  [C] a large bird that is often kept for its meat, eaten especially at Christmas in Britain and at Thanksgiving in the US\n \n  2  [U] meat from a turkey:\nroast turkey\n \n  3  [C] (AmE, informal) a failure:\nHis latest movie is a real turkey.\n \n  4  [C] (AmE, informal) a stupid or useless person\nsee also COLD TURKEY\n IDIOMS  see TALK v.


Words: Turkish bath
Meaning:
noun\na type of bath in which you sit in a room full of hot steam, have a MASSAGE and then a cold shower or bath; a building where this treatment takes place


Words: Turkish delight
Meaning:
noun\n[U, C] a sweet/candy made from a substance like jelly that is flavoured with fruit and covered with fine white sugar


Words: turmeric
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a yellow powder made from the root of an E Indian plant, used in cooking as a spice, especially in CURRY


Words: turmoil
Meaning:
noun\n[U, sing.] a state of great anxiety, confusion and uncertainty:\nemotional / mental / political turmoil * His statement threw the court into turmoil. * Her mind was in (a) turmoil. * She felt much calmer after the turmoil of recent weeks.


Words: turn
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb\n  move round\n  1  to move or make sth move around a central point:\n[V] The wheels of the car began to turn. * I can’t get the screw to turn. * [VN] He turned the key in the lock. * She turned the wheel sharply to the left.\n  change position / direction\n  2  [usually +adv./prep.] to move your body or part of your body so as to face or start moving in a different direction:\n[V] We turned and headed for home. * She turned to look at me. * He turned back to his work. * I turned away and looked out of the window. * [VN] He turned his back to the wall. * She turned her head away.\nsee also TURN OVER\n  3  [VN +adv./prep.] to move sth so that it is in a different position or facing a different direction:\n[VN] She turned the chair on its side to repair it. * Turn the sweater inside out before you wash it.\nsee also TURN OVER\n  4  to change the direction you are moving or travelling in; to make sth change the direction it is moving in:\n[V] He turned into a narrow street. * [VN] The man turned the corner and disappeared. * I turned the car into the car park.\n  5  [V]   [usually +adv./prep.] (of a road or river) to curve in a particular direction:\nThe road turns to the left after the church. * The river turns north at this point.\n  aim / point\n  6  to aim or point sth in a particular direction:\n[VN] Police turned water cannon on the rioters. * He turned the gun on himself. * Don’t turn your anger on the children. * She looked at him then turned her attention back to me. * [V] His thoughts turned to his dead wife.\n  of tide\n  7  [V] to start to come in or go out:\nThe tide is turning-we’d better get back.\n  let sb / sth go\n  8  to make or let sb/sth go into a particular place or state:\n[VN] They turned the horse into the field. * [VN-ADJ] to turn the dogs loose\n  fold\n  9  [VN] to fold sth in a particular way:\nShe turned down the blankets and climbed into bed. * He turned up the collar of his coat and hurried out into the rain.\n  cartwheel / somersault\n  10  [VN] [no passive] to perform a movement by moving your body in a circle:\nto turn cartwheels / somersaults\n  page\n  11  if you turn a page of a book or magazine, you move it so that you can read the next page:\n[VN] He sat turning the pages idly. * [V] Turn to p.23.\n  game\n  12  [V, VN] ~ (sth) (around) if a game turns or sb turns it, it changes the way it is developing so that a different person or team starts to win\n  become\n  13  to change into a particular state or condition; to make sth do this:\n[V-ADJ] The leaves were already turning brown. * The weather has turned cold and windy. * He turned nasty when we refused to give him the money. * He has decided to turn professional. * [VN-ADJ] The heat turned the milk sour. * [V-N] She turned a deathly shade of white when she heard the news. * He’s a lawyer turned politician (= he used to be a lawyer but is now a politician). -> BECOME\n  age / time\n  14  [V-N] (not used in the progressive tenses) to reach or pass a particular age or time:\nShe turns 21 in June. * It’s turned midnight.\n  stomach\n  15  [V, VN] when your stomach turns or sth turns your stomach, you feel as though you will VOMIT\n  wood\n  16  [VN] to shape sth on a LATHE:\nto turn a chair leg * turned boxes and bowls\n IDIOMS \n  Most idioms containing turn are at the entries for the nouns and adjectives in the idioms, for example not turn a hair is at hair.\n  as it / things turned out as was shown or proved by later events:\nI didn’t need my umbrella, as it turned out (= because it didn’t rain).\n  be well, badly, etc. turned out to be well, badly, etc. dressed\n  turn round / around and do sth (informal) used to report what sb says or does, when this is surprising or annoying:\nHow could she turn round and say that, after all I’ve done for her.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  turn against sb | turn sb against sb to stop or make sb stop being friendly towards sb:\nShe turned against her old friend. * After the divorce he tried to turn the children against their mother.\n  turn around / round | turn sb/sth around / round to change position or direction so as to face the other way; to make sb/sth do this:\nTurn around and let me look at your back. * I turned my chair round to face the fire.\n  turn around / round | turn sth<->around / round if a business, economy, etc. turns around or sb turns it around, it starts being successful after it has been unsuccessful for a time\nrelated noun TURNAROUND\n  turn sb<->away (from sth) to refuse to allow sb to enter a place:\nHundreds of people were turned away from the stadium (= because it was full). * They had nowhere to stay so I couldn’t turn them away.\n  turn back | turn sb/sth<->back to return the way you have come; to make sb/sth do this:\nThe weather became so bad that they had to turn back. * (figurative) We said we would do it-there can be no turning back. * Our car was turned back at the border.\n  turn sb/sth<->down to reject or refuse to consider an offer, a proposal, etc. or the person who makes it:\nWhy did she turn down your invitation? * He has been turned down for ten jobs so far. * He asked her to marry him but she turned him down.\n  turn sth<->down to reduce the noise, heat, etc. produced by a piece of equipment by moving its controls:\nPlease turn the volume down. * [+ADJ] He turned the lights down low.\n  turn in\n1 to face or curve inwards:\nHer feet turn in.\n2 (old-fashioned) to go to bed:\nIt’s late-I think I’ll turn in.\n  turn sb<->in (informal) to take sb to the police or sb in authority because they have committed a crime:\nShe threatened to turn him in to the police. * He decided to turn himself in.\n  turn sth<->in\n1 to give back sth that you no longer need:\nYou must turn in your pass when you leave the building.\n2 (especially AmE) to give sth to sb in authority:\nThey turned in a petition with 80 000 signatures. * Only a few guns have been turned in so far. * I haven’t even turned in Monday’s work yet.\n3 to achieve a score, performance, profit, etc:\nThe champion turned in a superb performance to retain her title.\n  turn in on yourself to become too concerned with your own problems and stop communicating with others\n  turn off | turn off sth [no passive] to leave a road in order to travel on another:\nIs this where we turn off? * The jet began to turn off the main runway.\n  turn off (informal) to stop listening to or thinking about sb/sth:\nI couldn’t understand the lecture so I just turned off.\n  turn sb<->off\n1 to make sb feel bored or not interested:\nPeople had been turned off by both candidates in the election.\n2 to stop sb feeling sexually attracted; to make sb have a feeling of disgust\nrelated noun TURN-OFF\n  turn sth<->off to stop the flow of electricity, gas, water, etc. by moving a switch, button, etc:\nto turn off the light / oven * They’ve turned off the water while they repair a burst pipe. * Please turn the television off before you go to bed.\n  turn on sb to attack sb suddenly and unexpectedly:\nThe dogs suddenly turned on each other. * Why are you all turning on me (= criticizing or blaming me)?\n  turn on sth [no passive]\n1 (BrE) to depend on sth:\nMuch turns on the outcome of the current peace talks.\n2 [no passive] to have sth as it main topic:\nThe discussion turned on the need to raise standards.\n  turn sb<->on (informal) to make sb excited or interested, especially sexually:\nJazz has never really turned me on. * She gets turned on by men in uniform.\nrelated noun TURN-ON\n  turn sb on (to sth) (informal) to make sb become interested in sth or to use sth for the first time:\nHe turned her on to jazz.\n  turn sth<->on to start the flow of electricity, gas, water, etc. by moving a switch, button, etc:\nto turn on the light / heating * I’ll turn the television on. * (figurative) He really knows how to turn on the charm (= suddenly become pleasant and attractive).\n  turn out\n1 to be present at an event:\nA vast crowd turned out to watch the procession.\nrelated noun TURNOUT\n2 (used with an adverb or adjective, or in questions with how) to happen in a particular way; to develop or end in a particular way:\nDespite our worries everything turned out well. * You never know how your children will turn out! * [+ADJ] If the day turns out wet, we may have to change our plans.\n3 to point outwards:\nHer toes turn out.\n4 to be discovered to be; to prove to be:\n[+ that] It turned out that she was a friend of my sister. * [+ to inf] The job turned out to be harder than we thought.:\nThe house they had offered us turned out to be a tiny apartment.\n  turn sb/sth<->out to produce sb/sth:\nThe factory turns out 900 cars a week. * The school has turned out some first-rate students.\n  turn sb out (of / from sth) to force sb to leave a place\n  turn sth<->out\n1 to switch a light or a source of heat off:\nRemember to turn out the lights when you go to bed.\n2 (BrE) to clean sth thoroughly by removing the contents and organizing them again:\nto turn out the attic / a drawer\n3 to empty sth, especially your pockets\n4 to make sth point outwards:\nShe turned her toes out.\n  turn over\n1 to change position so that the other side is facing outwards or upwards:\nIf you turn over you might find it easier to get to sleep. * The car skidded and turned over. * (figurative) The smell made my stomach turn over (= made me feel sick).\n2 (of an engine) to start or to continue to run\n3 to change to another channel when you are watching television\n  turn over sth to do business worth a particular amount of money in a particular period of time:\nThe company turns over ｣3.5 million a year.\nrelated noun TURNOVER\n  turn sth<->over\n1 to make sth change position so that the other side is facing outwards or upwards:\nBrown the meat on one side, then turn it over and brown the other side.\n2 to think about sth carefully:\nShe kept turning over the events of the day in her mind.\n3 (of a shop / store) to sell goods and replace them:\nA supermarket will turn over its stock very rapidly.\nrelated noun TURNOVER\n4 (informal) to rob a place:\nBurglars had turned the house over.\n5 to make an engine start running\n  turn sb<->over to sb to deliver sb to the control or care of sb else, especially sb in authority:\nCustoms officials turned the man over to the police.\n  turn sth<->over to sb to give the control of sth to sb:\nHe turned the business over to his daughter.\n  turn sth<->over to sth to change the use or function of sth:\nThe factory was turned over to the manufacture of aircraft parts.\n  turn to sb/sth to go to sb/sth for help, advice, etc:\nShe has nobody she can turn to.\n  turn up\n1 to be found, especially by chance, after being lost:\nDon’t worry about the letter-I’m sure it’ll turn up.\n2 (of a person) to arrive:\nWe arranged to meet at 7.30, but she never turned up.\n3 (of an opportunity) to happen, especially by chance:\nHe’s still hoping something (= for example, a job or a piece of luck) will turn up.\nrelated noun TURN-UP\n  turn sth<->up\n1 to increase the sound, heat, etc. of a piece of equipment:\nCould you turn the TV up? * [+ADJ] The music was turned up loud.\n2 (BrE) to make a piece of clothing shorter by folding and sewing it up at the bottom\nOPP LET DOWN\nrelated noun TURN-UP\n3 to find sth:\nOur efforts to trace him turned up nothing.\n    noun [C]\n  movement\n  1  an act of turning sb/sth around:\nGive the handle a few turns.\n  of road / vehicle\n  2  a change in direction in a vehicle:\nMake a left / right turn into West street.\nsee also THREE-POINT TURN, U-TURN\n  3  (especially AmE) = TURNING\n  4  a bend or corner in a road:\na lane full of twists and turns\n  time\n  5  the time when sb in a group of people should or is allowed to do sth:\nWhen it’s your turn, take another card. * Please wait your turn. * Whose turn is it to cook? * Steve took a turn driving while I slept.\n  change\n  6  an unusual or unexpected change in what is happening:\na surprising turn of events * His health has taken a turn for the worse (= suddenly got worse). * Events took a dramatic turn in the weeks that followed. * The book is, by turns, funny and very sad.\nsee also ABOUT-TURN\n  performance\n  7  a short performance or piece of entertainment such as a song, etc:\nEveryone got up on stage to do a turn.\nsee also STAR TURN\n  walk\n  8  (old-fashioned) a short walk:\nWe took a turn around the park.\n  illness\n  9  (old-fashioned) a feeling of illness:\na funny turn (= a feeling that you may faint) * Grandma had one of her turns.\n IDIOMS \n  at every turn everywhere or every time you try and do sth:\nAt every turn I met with disappointment. * Her ideas were blocked at every turn.\n  (do sb) a good turn (to do) sth that helps sb:\nWell, that’s my good turn for the day.\n  done to a turn (BrE) cooked for exactly the right amount of time\n  give sb a turn (old-fashioned) to frighten or shock sb:\nYou gave me quite a turn, creeping up on me like that!\n  in turn\n1 one after the other in a particular order:\nThe children called out their names in turn.\n2 as a result of sth in a series of events:\nIncreased production will, in turn, lead to increased profits.\n  one good turn deserves another (saying) you should help sb who has helped you\n  on the turn (especially BrE) going to change soon:\nHis luck is on the turn.\n  speak / talk out of turn to say sth that you should not because it is the wrong situation or because it offends sb\n  take turns (in sth / to do sth) (BrE also take it in turns) if people take turns or take it in turns to do sth, they do it one after the other to make sure it is done fairly:\nThe male and female birds take turns in sitting on the eggs. * We take it in turns to do the housework. * The kids took turns on the swing.\n  the turn of the century / year the time when a new century/year starts:\nIt was built at the turn of the century.\n  a turn of mind a particular way of thinking about things\n  a turn of phrase a particular way of describing sth\n  a turn of the screw an extra amount of pressure, CRUELTY, etc. added to a situation that is already difficult to bear or understand\n  a turn of speed a sudden increase in your speed or rate of progress; the ability to suddenly increase your speed:\nHe put on an impressive turn of speed in the last lap. * The kangaroo has a fast turn of speed.\nmore at HAND n., SERVE v.


Words: turn-off
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a place where a road leads away from another larger or more important road:\nWe missed the turn-off for / to the airport.\n  2  [usually sing.] (informal) a person or thing that people do not find interesting, attractive or sexually exciting:\nThe city’s crime rate is a serious turn-off to potential investors. * I find beards a real turn-off.


Words: turn-on
Meaning:
noun\n[usually sing.] (informal) a person or thing that people find sexually exciting:\nHe finds leather a real turn-on.


Words: turn-up
Meaning:
noun (BrE)\n \n  1  (AmE cuff) [C] the bottom of the leg of a pair of trousers/pants that has been folded over on the outside\n \n  2  (informal) something surprising or unexpected that happens:\nHe actually offered to help? That’s a turn-up for the books!


Words: turnabout
Meaning:
noun\n[sing.] ~ (in sth) a sudden and complete change in sb/sth:\na dramatic turnabout in overseas policy


Words: turnaround
Meaning:
(BrE also turnround) noun [usually sing.]\n  1  the amount of time it takes to unload a ship or plane at the end of one journey and load it again for the next one\n  2  the amount of time it takes to do a piece of work that you have been given and return it\n  3  a situation in which sth changes from bad to good:\na turnaround in the economy\n  4  a complete change in sb’s opinion, behaviour, etc:\nThey remain suspicious about the government’s turnaround on education policy.


Words: turncoat
Meaning:
noun\n(disapproving) a person who leaves one political party, religious group, etc. to join one that has very different views


Words: turning
Meaning:
(BrE) (also turn AmE, BrE) noun\na place where a road leads away from the one you are travelling on:\nTake the first turning on the right. * I think we must have taken a wrong turning somewhere.


Words: turning point
Meaning:
noun\n~ (in sth) the time when an important change takes place, usually with the result that a situation improves:\nThe promotion marked a turning point in her career. * That game was a turning point for the team.


Words: turnout
Meaning:
noun [C, usually sing, U]\n  1  the number of people who attend a particular event:\nThis year’s festival attracted a record turnout.\n  2  the number of people who vote in a particular election:\na high / low / poor turnout * a 60% turnout of voters


Words: turnover
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C, usually sing, U] ~ (of sth) the total amount of goods or services sold by a company during a particular period of time:\nThe firm has an annual turnover of $75 million. * a rise / fall in turnover\n  2  [sing.] ~ (of sb) the rate at which employees leave a company and are replaced by other people:\nThe factory has a high turnover of staff.\n  3  [sing.] ~ (of sth) the rate at which goods are sold in a shop/store and replaced by others:\nSpecial offers help to ensure a fast turnover of stock.\n  4  [C] a small pie in the shape of a triangle or half a circle, filled with fruit or jam:\nan apple turnover


Words: turnstile
Meaning:
noun\na gate at the entrance to a public building, STADIUM, etc. that turns in a circle when pushed, allowing one person to go through at a time


Words: turntable
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  the round surface on a RECORD PLAYER that you place the record on to be played\n \n  2  a large round surface that is able to move in a circle and onto which a railway/railroad engine is driven in order to turn it to go in the opposite direction


Words: turpentine
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a colourless liquid with a strong smell, used especially for making paint thinner and for cleaning paint from brushes and clothes


Words: turquoise
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C, U] a blue or greenish-blue precious stone:\na turquoise brooch\n  2  [U] a greenish-blue colour\n    turquoise adjective:\na turquoise dress


Words: turret
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  a small tower on top of a wall or building, especially a castle\n \n  2  a small metal tower on a ship, plane or TANK that can usually turn around and from which guns are fired:\na gun turret


Words: turtle
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  (AmE also sea turtle) a large reptile with a hard round shell, that lives in the sea\n \n  2  (AmE, informal) any reptile with a large shell, for example a TORTOISE or TERRAPIN\n \n IDIOMS \n \n  turn turtle (of a boat) to turn over completely while sailing


Words: turtleneck
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  (also turtleneck sweater) a sweater with a high part fitting closely around the neck\n \n  2  (AmE) = POLO NECK


Words: tusk
Meaning:
noun\neither of the long curved teeth that stick out of the mouth of elephants and some other animals\nsee also IVORY


Words: tussle
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun ~ (for / over sth) a short struggle, fight or argument especially in order to get sth:\nHe was injured during a tussle for the ball. * There was a legal tussle over the closure of the hospital. * She had a brief tussle with her conscience before telling the whole story.\n    verb [V] to fight or compete with sb/sth, especially in order to get sth:\nThe children were tussling with one another for the ball.


Words: tussock
Meaning:
noun\na small area of grass that is longer and thicker than the grass around it\n    tussocky adjective:\ntussocky grass


Words: tut
Meaning:
(also tut-tut) exclamation, noun\nused as the written or spoken way of showing the sound that people make when they disapprove of sth (made by putting the tongue behind the teeth and sucking in air):\nTut-tut, I expected better of you. * tut-tuts of disapproval\n    tut (also tut-tut) verb (-tt-):\n[V] He tut-tutted under his breath.


Words: tutelage
Meaning:
noun [U] (formal)\n  1  the teaching and instruction that one person gives to another:\nUnder his tutelage, she started reading widely again.\n  2  the state of being protected or controlled by another person, organization or country:\nparental tutelage * A new regime was installed under French tutelage.


Words: tutor
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  a private teacher, especially one who teaches an individual student or a very small group\n  2  (especially BrE) a teacher whose job is to pay special attention to the studies or health, etc. of a student or a group of students:\na history / German tutor * He was my personal tutor at university. * She’s course tutor in anthropology. * She’s in my tutor group at school.\n  3  (BrE) a teacher, especially one who teaches adults or who has a special role in a school or college:\na part-time adult education tutor\n  4  (AmE) an assistant LECTURER in a college\n  5  a book of instruction in a particular subject, especially music:\na violin tutor\n    verb\n  1  [VN] ~ sb (in sth) to be a tutor to a an individual student or a small group; to teach sb, especially privately:\nHe tutors students in mathematics.\n  2  [V] to work as a tutor:\nHer work was divided between tutoring and research.


Words: tutorial
Meaning:
noun, adjective \n    noun\n  1  a period of teaching in a university that involves discussion between an individual student or a small group of students and a tutor:\nThe total number of hours spent in lectures, tutorials and practicals varies according to the course of study.\n  2  a short book or computer program that gives information on a particular subject or explains how sth is done:\nAn online tutorial is provided.\n    adjective connected with the work of a tutor:\ntutorial staff * (BrE) a tutorial college (= a private school that prepares students for exams)


Words: tutu
Meaning:
noun\na ballet dancer’s skirt made of many layers of material. Tutus may be either short and stiff, sticking out from the waist, or long and bell-shaped.


Words: tuxedo
Meaning:
noun\n(plural tuxedos) (also informal tux ) (AmE) = DINNER SUIT\ncompare DINNER JACKET\n ORIGIN  From Tuxedo Park in New York, where it was first worn.


Words: TV
Meaning:
noun\n[C, U] television:\nWhat’s on TV tonight? * We’re buying a new TV with the money. * Almost all homes have at least one TV set. * All rooms have a bathroom and colour TV. * a TV series / show / programme * satellite / cable TV * She’s a highly paid TV presenter.


Words: twaddle
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (old-fashioned, informal) something that has been said or written that you think is stupid and not true\nSYN NONSENSE


Words: twain
Meaning:
number\n(old use) two\n IDIOMS \n  never the twain shall meet (saying) used to say that two things are so different that they cannot exist together


Words: twang
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun [usually sing.]\n  1  used to describe a way of speaking, usually one that is typical of a particular area and especially one in which the sounds are produced through the nose as well as the mouth:\nHer voice had a faint American or Canadian twang. * He spoke with a Cockney twang.\n  2  a sound that is made when a tight string, especially on a musical instrument, is pulled and released\n    verb to make a sound like a tight wire or string being pulled and released; to make sth do this:\n[V] The bed springs twanged. * [VN] Someone was twanging a guitar in the next room.


Words: twat
Meaning:
noun (!!! slang, especially BrE)\n  1  an offensive word for an unpleasant or stupid person\n  2  an offensive word for the outer female sex organs


Words: tweak
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb [VN] \n  1  to pull or twist sth suddenly:\nShe tweaked his ear playfully.\n  2  to make slight changes to a machine, system, etc. to improve it:\nI think you’ll have to tweak these figures a little before you show them to the boss.\n    noun\n  1  a sharp pull or twist:\nShe gave his ear a tweak.\n  2  a slight change that you make to a machine, system, etc. to improve it:\nWith a few tweaks this venue will be perfect.


Words: twee
Meaning:
adjective\n(BrE, informal, disapproving) very pretty, in a way that you find unpleasant and silly; appearing SENTIMENTAL:\nThe room was decorated with twee little pictures of animals.


Words: tweed
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  [U] a thick rough woollen fabric that has small spots of different coloured thread in it:\na tweed jacket / skirt / suit\n \n  2  (tweeds) [pl.] clothes made of tweed


Words: tweedy
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  made of or looking like tweed:\na tweedy jacket\n  2  (BrE, informal, often disapproving) used to describe the sort of person who often wears tweeds and therefore shows that they belong to the social class of rich people who live in the country


Words: tweezers
Meaning:
noun\n[pl.] a small tool with two long thin parts joined together at one end, used for picking up very small things or for pulling out hairs:\na pair of tweezers


Words: twenty
Meaning:
number\n  1  20\n  2  (the twenties) [pl.] numbers, years or temperatures from 20 to 29\n IDIOMS \n  in your twenties between the ages of 20 and 29


Words: twenty pence
Meaning:
(also twenty pence piece, 20p ) noun\na British coin worth 20 pence:\nYou need two 20ps for the machine.


Words: twenty-first
Meaning:
noun\n[sing.] (informal, especially BrE) a person’s 21st birthday and the celebrations for this occasion:\nShe’s having a party on her twenty-first. * His parents gave him a car for his twenty-first.


Words: twenty-twenty vision
Meaning:
(also 20 / 20 vision) noun\n[U] the ability to see perfectly:\nYou need twenty-twenty vision for this job.


Words: twice
Meaning:
adverb\n  1  two times; on two occasions:\nI don’t know him well; I’ve only met him twice. * They go there twice a week / month / year. * a twice-monthly / yearly newsletter\n  2  double in quantity, rate, etc:\nan area twice the size of Wales * Cats sleep twice as much as people. * At 56 he’s twice her age. * Charges have risen at twice the rate of inflation.\n IDIOMS \n  twice over not just once but twice:\nThere was enough of the drug in her stomach to kill her twice over.\nmore at LIGHTNING n., ONCE adv., THINK v.


Words: twiddle
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb (BrE) ~ (with) sth to twist or turn sth with your fingers often because you are nervous or bored:\n[V] He twiddled with the radio knob until he found the right programme. * [VN] She was twiddling the ring on her finger.\n IDIOMS \n  twiddle your thumbs\n1 to move your thumbs around each other with your fingers joined together, because you are bored or waiting for sth\n2 to do nothing while you are waiting for sth to happen\n    noun\n  1  (BrE) a twist or turn:\na twiddle of the knob\n  2  a decorative twist in a pattern, piece of music, etc:\ntwiddles on the clarinet


Words: twiddly
Meaning:
adjective\n(BrE, informal) detailed or complicated:\nThe piece of music contains some twiddly guitar solos.


Words: twig
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n a small very thin branch that grows out of a larger branch on a bush or tree:\nUse dry sticks and twigs to start a fire.\n    verb (-gg-) (BrE, informal) to suddenly understand or realize sth: [V] Haven’t you twigged yet? * [V wh-] I finally twigged what he meant. [also VN, V (that)]


Words: twilight
Meaning:
noun, adjective \n    noun [U]\n  1  the faint light or the period of time at the end of the day after the sun has gone down:\nIt was hard to see him clearly in the twilight. * We went for a walk along the beach at twilight.\n  2  the ~ (of sth) (written) the final stage of sth when it becomes weaker or less important than it was:\nthe twilight years (= the last years of your life)\n    adjective [only before noun]\n  1  (written) used to describe a state in which things are strange and mysterious, or where things are kept secret and do not seem to be part of the real world:\nthe twilight world of the occult * They lived in the twilight zone on the fringes of society. * The dissidents lived in a twilight world of hushed voices and secret meetings.\n  2  used to describe a situation or area of thought that is not clearly defined


Words: twill
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a strong fabric that is woven in a particular way to produce a surface of raised DIAGONAL lines:\na cotton twill skirt


Words: twin
Meaning:
noun, verb, adjective \n    noun\n\n \n  1  one of two children born at the same time to the same mother:\nShe’s expecting twins.\nsee also IDENTICAL TWIN, SIAMESE TWIN\n \n  2  one of two similar things that make a pair:\nThe plate was one of a pair but I broke its twin.\n    verb (-nn-) [VN] ~ sth (with sth)\n  1  [usually passive] (especially in Britain) to make a close relationship between two towns or areas:\nOxford is twinned with Bonn in Germany.\n  2  to join two people or things closely together:\nThe opera twins the themes of love and death.\n    adjective [only before noun]\n  1  used to describe one of a pair of children who are twins:\ntwin boys / girls * a twin brother / sister\n  2  used to describe two things that are used as a pair:\na ship with twin propellers\n  3  used to describe two things that are connected, or present or happening at the same time:\nThe prison service has the twin goals of punishment and rehabilitation.


Words: twin bed
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  [usually pl.] one of a pair of single beds in a room:\nWould you prefer twin beds or a double?\n \n  2  (AmE) a bed big enough for one person:\nsheets to fit a twin bed


Words: twin town
Meaning:
noun\none of two towns in different countries that have a special relationship with each other:\na visit to Lyon, Birmingham’s twin town in France


Words: twin-bedded
Meaning:
adjective\n(of a room) having two single beds in it:\nThe hotel has double, single and twin-bedded rooms.


Words: twine
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun [U] strong string that has two or more STRANDS (= single thin pieces of thread or string) twisted together\n    verb [+adv./prep.] ~ (sth) around / round / through / in sth to wind or twist around sth; to make sth do this:\n[V] ivy twining around a tree trunk * [VN] She twined her arms around my neck.


Words: twinge
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a sudden short feeling of pain:\nHe felt a twinge in his knee as he jumped over the wall.\n  2  ~ (of sth) a sudden short feeling of an unpleasant emotion:\na twinge of disappointment / envy / guilt / jealousy / regret * She felt a twinge of guilt about cancelling at the last moment. * I felt a twinge of envy at her success.


Words: twinkle
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb [V] \n  1  to shine with a light that keeps changing from bright to faint to bright again:\nStars twinkled in the sky. * twinkling lights in the distance\n  2  ~ (with sth) | ~ (at sb) if your eyes twinkle, you have a bright expression because you are happy or excited:\ntwinkling blue eyes * Her eyes twinkled with merriment. * His mother twinkled at him over her teacup.\n    noun [sing.]\n  1  an expression in your eyes that shows you are happy or amused about sth:\nHe looked at me with a twinkle in his eye.\n  2  a small light that keeps changing from bright to faint to bright again:\nthe twinkle of stars * We could see the twinkle of the harbour lights in the distance.


Words: twinkling
Meaning:
noun\n[sing.] (old-fashioned, informal) a very short time:\nHe was asleep in a twinkling.\n IDIOMS \n  in the twinkling of an eye very quickly:\nSuddenly, in the twinkling of an eye, her whole life had been turned upside down.


Words: twirl
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb\n  1  ~ (sb) (around / round) to move or dance round and round; to make sb do this:\n[V] She twirled around in front of the mirror. * [VN] He held her hand and twirled her around.\n  2  [VN] ~ sth (around / about) to make sth turn quickly and lightly round and round\nSYN SPIN:\nHe twirled his hat in his hand. * She sat twirling the stem of the glass in her fingers.\n  3  [VN] to twist or curl sth with your fingers:\nHe kept twirling his moustache.\n    noun the action of a person spinning around once:\nKate did a twirl in her new dress.


Words: twist
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb\n  bend into shape\n  1  [VN] to bend or turn sth into a particular shape:\nTwist the wire to form a circle. * Her hair was twisted into a knot on top of her head.\n  2  [often +adv./prep.] to bend or turn sth into a shape or position that is not normal or natural; to be bent or turned in this way:\n[VN] The bike was just a heap of twisted metal. * He grabbed me and twisted my arm behind my back. * [V] Her face twisted in anger.\n  turn body\n  3  to turn part of your body around while the rest stays still:\n[VN] He twisted his head around to look at her. * [V] She twisted in her chair when I called her name.\n  4  [usually +adv./prep.] to turn your body with quick sharp movements and change direction often:\n[V] I twisted and turned to avoid being caught. * She tried unsuccessfully to twist free. * [VN] He managed to twist himself round in the restricted space.\n  turn with hand\n  5  [VN] to turn sth around in a circle with your hand:\nTwist the knob to the left to open the door. * Nervously I twisted the ring on my finger.\n  of roads / rivers\n  6  [V] to bend and change direction often:\nThe road twists and turns along the coast. * narrow twisting streets * a twisting staircase\n  ankle / wrist / knee\n  7  [VN] to injure part of your body, especially your ankle, wrist or knee, bending it in an awkward way:\nShe fell and twisted her ankle.\n  wind around\n  8  [VN +adv./prep.] to wind sth around or through an object:\nShe twisted a scarf around her head. * The telephone cable has got twisted (= wound around itself).\n  9  [V] ~ (round / around sth) to move or grow by winding around sth:\nA snake was twisting around his arm.\n  facts\n  10  [VN] to deliberately change the meaning of what sb has said, or to present facts in a particular way, in order to benefit yourself or harm sb else:\nYou always twist everything I say. * The newspaper was accused of twisting the facts.\n  threads\n  11  [VN] ~ sth (into sth) to turn or wind threads, etc. together to make sth longer or thicker:\nThey had twisted the sheets into a rope and escaped by climbing down it.\n IDIOMS \n  twist sb’s arm (informal) to persuade or force sb to do sth\nmore at KNIFE n., LITTLE FINGER\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  twist sth<->off to turn and pull sth with your hand to remove it from sth:\nI twisted off the lid and looked inside. * a twist-off cap / top\n    noun\n  action of turning\n  1  [C] the action of turning sth with your hand, or of turning a part of your body:\nShe gave the lid another twist and it came off. * He gave a shy smile and a little twist of his head.\n  unexpected change\n  2  [C] an unexpected change or development in a story or situation:\nthe twists and turns of his political career * The story has taken another twist. * The disappearance of a vital witness added a new twist to the case. * By a curious twist of fate we met again only a week or so later. * a bizarre twist to the tale\n  in road / river\n  3  [C] a sharp bend in a road or river:\nThe car followed the twists and turns of the mountain road. * They approached a twist in the path.\n  shape\n  4  [C] a thing that has been twisted into a particular shape:\na twist of tobacco / paper * mineral water with a twist of lemon\n  dance\n  5  (the twist) [sing.] a fast dance that was popular in the 1960s in which you twist from side to side\n IDIOMS \n  round the bend / twist (informal, especially BrE) crazy:\nShe’s gone completely round the twist.\nmore at KNICKERS


Words: twisted
Meaning:
adjective\n \n  1  bent or turned so that the original shape is lost:\nAfter the crash the car was a mass of twisted metal. * a twisted ankle / knee (= injured by being turned suddenly) * She gave a small twisted smile. * a gnarled and twisted tree\n \n  2  (of a person’s mind or behaviour) not normal; strange in an unpleasant way\nSYN PERVERTED


Words: twister
Meaning:
noun\n(AmE, informal) a violent storm that is caused by a powerful spinning column of air\nSYN TORNADO


Words: twisty
Meaning:
adjective\n(especially of a road) having many bends or turns:\na narrow twisty lane leading to the farm


Words: twit
Meaning:
noun\n(informal, especially BrE) a silly or annoying person:\nYou look a twit in that suit. * Ray’s a bit of a twit. * upper-class twits


Words: twitch
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb\n  1  if a part of your body twitches, or if you twitch it, it makes a sudden quick movement, sometimes one that you cannot control:\n[V] Her lips twitched with amusement. * The cats watched each other, their tails twitching. * The animal lay on the ground, its whole body twitching and jerking. [also VN]\n  2  to give sth a short sharp pull; to be pulled in this way:\n[VN] He twitched the package out of my hands. * [V] The curtains twitched as she rang the bell.\n    noun\n  1  a sudden quick movement that you cannot control in one of your muscles:\nShe has a twitch in her left eye. * a nervous twitch\n  2  a sudden quick movement or feeling:\nHe greeted us with a mere twitch of his head. * At that moment she felt the first twitch of anxiety.


Words: twitchy
Meaning:
adjective (informal)\n  1  nervous or anxious about sth\nSYN JITTERY:\nAs the time for her driving test approached, she started to get twitchy. * He felt twitchy about the prospect of losing his job.\n  2  making sudden quick movements:\nHer legs began to feel twitchy.


Words: twitter
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb\n  1  [V] when birds twitter, they make a series of short high sounds:\nstarlings twittering in the trees\n  2  [V, V speech] ~ (on) (about sth) (especially BrE) to talk quickly in a high excited voice, especially about sth that is not very important\n    noun [sing.]\n  1  (also twittering) a series of short high sounds that birds make:\nthe twitter of starlings\n  2  (informal) a state of nervous excitement:\nShe had been all of a twitter since she heard the good news that morning.


Words: two
Meaning:
number\n2\n HELP NOTE  There are examples of how to use numbers at the entry for five.\n IDIOMS \n  a day, moment, pound, etc. or two one or a few days, moments, pounds, etc:\nMay I borrow it for a day or two?\n  fall between two stools (BrE) to fail to be or to get either of two choices, both of which would have been satisfactory\n  in two in or into two pieces or halves:\nHe broke the bar of chocolate in two and gave me half.\n  in twos and threes two or three at a time; in small numbers:\nPeople arrived in twos and threes.\n  it takes two to do sth (saying) one person cannot be completely responsible for sth:\nYou can’t put all the blame on him. It takes two to make a marriage.\n  not have two beans, brain cells, etc. to rub together (informal) to have no money; to be very stupid, etc.\n  put two and two together to guess the truth from what you see, hear, etc:\nHe’s inclined to put two and two together and make five (= make an incorrect guess from what he sees, hears, etc.).\n  that makes two of us (informal) I am in the same position or I agree with you:\n’I’m tired!’ ’That makes two of us!’\n  two sides of the same coin used to talk about two ways of looking at the same situation\nmore at MIND n., SHAKE n.


Words: two fingers
Meaning:
noun\n[pl.] (BrE, informal) a sign that you make by holding up your hand with the inside part facing towards you and making a V-shape with your first and second fingers (used as a way of being rude to other people):\nI gave him the two fingers.\ncompare V-SIGN


Words: two-bit
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] (informal, especially AmE) not good or important:\nShe wanted to be more than just a two-bit secretary.


Words: two-dimensional
Meaning:
adjective\nflat; having no depth; appearing to have only two DIMENSIONS:\na two-dimensional drawing * (figurative) The novel was criticized for its two-dimensional characters (= that did not seem like real people).


Words: two-edged
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (of a blade, knife, etc.) having two sharp edges for cutting\n  2  having two possible meanings or results, one good and one bad:\nFame can be a two-edged sword. * a two-edged remark


Words: two-faced
Meaning:
adjective\n(informal, disapproving) not sincere; not acting in a way that supports what you say that you believe; saying different things to different people about a particular subject\nSYN HYPOCRITICAL


Words: two-piece
Meaning:
noun\na set of clothes consisting of two matching pieces of clothing, for example a skirt and jacket or trousers/pants and a jacket\n    two-piece adjective:\na two-piece suit


Words: two-time
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] (informal) to deceive a person you have a relationship with, especially a sexual one, by having a secret relationship with sb else at the same time:\nAre you sure he’s not two-timing you?\n    two-timer noun


Words: two-tone
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] having two different colours or sounds:\ntwo-tone shoes * a two-tone car horn


Words: two-way
Meaning:
adjective [usually before noun]\n  1  moving in two different directions; allowing sth to move in two different directions:\ntwo-way traffic * two-way trade * a two-way switch (= that allows electric current to be turned on or off from either of two points)\n  2  (of communication between people) needing equal effort from both people or groups involved:\nFriendship is a two-way process. * a two-way exchange of information\n  3  (of radio equipment, etc.) used both for sending and receiving signals:\na two-way radio


Words: twofold
Meaning:
adjective (written)\n  1  consisting of two parts:\nThe problem was twofold. * His aims were twofold: to become leader of the Opposition and to unite the party around him.\n  2  twice as much or as many:\na twofold increase in demand\n    twofold adverb:\nHer original investment has increased twofold.


Words: twosome
Meaning:
noun\na group of two people who do sth together\nSYN PAIR:\nWe enjoy working in a twosome. * The talented twosome have won the tennis doubles again.


Words: tycoon
Meaning:
noun\na person who is successful in business or industry and has become rich and powerful:\na business / property / media tycoon


Words: tyke
Meaning:
(also tike)  noun (informal)\n  1  a small child, especially one who behaves badly\n  2  (BrE) a person from Yorkshire


Words: type
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  [C] ~ (of sth) a class or group of people or things that share particular qualities or features and are part of a larger group; a kind or sort:\ndifferent racial types * a rare blood type * There are three main types of contract(s). * Bungalows are a type of house. * She mixes with all types of people. * She mixes with people of all types. * I love this type of book. * I love these types of books. * (informal) I love these type of books. * What do you charge for this type of work? * What do you charge for work of this type? * It is the first car of its type to have this design feature.\n  2  [sing.] (informal) a person of a particular character, with particular features, etc:\nShe’s the artistic type. * He’s not the type to be unfaithful. * She’s not my type (= not the kind of person I am usually attracted to).\n  3  (-type) (in adjectives) having the qualities or features of the group, person or thing mentioned:\na police-type badge * a continental-type cafe\n  4  [U] letters that are printed or typed:\nThe type was too small for me to read. * The important words are in bold type.\n  5  [U] (technical) the small metal blocks used for printing letters and numbers\n    verb\n  1  to write sth using a WORD PROCESSOR or TYPEWRITER:\n[V] How fast can you type? * typing errors / courses * [VN] This letter will need to be typed (out) again. * Type (in) the file name, then press ’Return’. * Has that report been typed up yet?\n  2  [VN] (technical) to find out the group or class that a person or thing belongs to:\nBlood samples were taken from patients for typing.


Words: typecast
Meaning:
verb\n(typecast, typecast) [VN] [usually passive] ~ sb (as sth) if an actor is typecast, he or she is always given the same kind of character to play:\nShe didn’t want to be typecast as a dumb blonde.


Words: typeface
Meaning:
noun\na set of letters, numbers, etc. of a particular design, used in printing:\nI’d like the heading to be in a different typeface from the text. * italic typefaces


Words: typescript
Meaning:
noun\n[C, U] a copy of a text or document that has been typed:\nWe receive several new manuscripts and typescripts every week.


Words: typesetter
Meaning:
noun\na person, machine or company that prepares a book, etc. for printing\n    typeset verb (typesetting, typeset, typeset):\n[VN] Pages can now be typeset on-screen.\n    typesetting noun [U]:\ncomputerized typesetting


Words: typewriter
Meaning:
noun\na machine that produces writing similar to print. It has keys that you press to make metal letters or signs hit a piece of paper through a strip of fabric covered with ink:\nan electronic typewriter * a typewriter ribbon\nsee also TYPIST


Words: typhoid
Meaning:
(also less frequent typhoid fever) noun\n[U] a serious infectious disease that causes fever, red spots on the chest and severe pain in the bowels, and sometimes causes death:\na typhoid epidemic


Words: typhus
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a serious infectious disease that causes fever, HEADACHES, purple marks on the body and often death


Words: typical
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  ~ (of sb/sth) having the usual qualities or features of a particular type of person, thing or group\nSYN REPRESENTATIVE:\na typical Italian cafe * This is a typical example of Roman pottery. * This meal is typical of local cookery. * The weather at the moment is not typical for July.\nOPP ATYPICAL\n  2  happening in the usual way; showing what sth is usually like\nSYN NORMAL:\nA typical working day for me begins at 7.30. * On a typical day, we receive about 50 letters. * Typical interview questions are ’Why do you want to study law?’ or ’Why did you choose this college?’\nOPP UNTYPICAL\n  3  ~ (of sb/sth) (often disapproving) behaving in the way that you expect:\nIt was typical of her to forget. * He spoke with typical enthusiasm. * (informal) She’s late again-typical!


Words: typically
Meaning:
adverb\n  1  used to say that sth usually happens in the way that you are stating:\nThe factory typically produces 500 chairs a week. * A typically-priced meal will be around $10.\n  2  in a way that shows the usual qualities or features of a particular type of person, thing or group:\ntypically American hospitality * Mothers typically worry about their children.\n  3  in the way that you expect sb/sth to behave:\nTypically, she couldn’t find her keys. * He was typically modest about his achievements.


Words: typify
Meaning:
verb (typifies, typifying, typified, typified) [VN] (not usually used in the progressive tenses)\n  1  to be a typical example of sth:\nclothes that typify the 1960s * the new style of politician, typified by the Prime Minister\n  2  to be a typical feature of sth:\nthe haunting guitar melodies that typify the band’s music


Words: typing
Meaning:
(also less frequent typewriting) noun [U]\n  1  the activity or job of using a TYPEWRITER or WORD PROCESSOR to write sth:\nto do the typing * typing errors * a course in shorthand and typing * a typing pool (= a group of people who share a company’s typing work)\n  2  writing that has been done on a TYPEWRITER or WORD PROCESSOR


Words: typist
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a person who works in an office typing letters, etc.\n  2  a person who uses a TYPEWRITER or computer keyboard:\nI’m quite a fast typist.


Words: typography
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the art or work of preparing books, etc. for printing, especially of designing how text will appear when it is printed\n    typographical ) adjective:\na typographical error * typographic style / design\n    typographically  adverb


Words: tyrannical
Meaning:
adjective\nusing power or authority over people in an unfair and cruel way:\ntyrannical power * a tyrannical government * He was brought up by a cruel and tyrannical father.


Words: tyrannize
Meaning:
(BrE also tyrannise)  verb\n~ (over) sb/sth (written) to use your power to treat sb in a cruel or unfair way:\n[VN] a father tyrannizing his children * [V] a political leader who tyrannizes over his people\nsee also TYRANT


Words: tyranny
Meaning:
noun [U, C] (plural tyrannies)\n  1  unfair or cruel use of power or authority:\na victim of oppression and tyranny * The children had no protection against the tyranny of their father. * the tyrannies of Nazi rule * (figurative) These days it seems we must all submit to the tyranny of the motor car.\n  2  the rule of a tyrant; a country under this rule:\na protest against tyranny * Any political system refusing to allow dissent becomes a tyranny.


Words: tyrant
Meaning:
noun\na person who has complete power in a country and uses it in a cruel and unfair way:\nThe country was ruled by a succession of tyrants. * (figurative) His boss is a complete tyrant.


Words: tyre
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE tire)  noun\na thick rubber ring that fits around the edge of a wheel of a car, bicycle, etc:\na front tyre * a back / rear tyre * to pump up a tyre * a flat / burst / punctured tyre * bald / worn tyres * He drove off with a screech of tyres.\nsee also SPARE TYRE


Words: U
Meaning:
noun, abbreviation \n    noun (also u) [C, U] (plural U’s, u’s ) the 21st letter of the English alphabet:\n’Under’ begins with (a) U / ’U’.\nsee also U-BOAT, U-TURN\n    abbreviation (BrE) universal (the label of a film that is suitable for anyone including children):\nAladdin, certificate U


Words: U-turn
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a turn of 180ｰ that a vehicle makes so that it can move forwards in the opposite direction:\nto do / make a U-turn\n  2  (informal) a complete change in policy or behaviour, usually one that is embarrassing


Words: ubiquitous
Meaning:
adjective\n[usually before noun] (formal or humorous) seeming to be everywhere or in several places at the same time; very common:\nthe ubiquitous bicycles of university towns * the ubiquitous movie star, Tom Hanks\n    ubiquitously adverb\n    ubiquity  noun [U]:\nthe ubiquity of the mass media


Words: UCAS
Meaning:
abbreviation\n(in Britain) Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (an official organization that deals with APPLICATIONS to study at universities)


Words: UDA
Meaning:
abbreviation\nUlster Defence Association (an illegal military organization in Northern Ireland that wants Northern Ireland to remain part of the UK)


Words: udder
Meaning:
noun\nan organ shaped like a bag that produces milk and hangs underneath the body of a cow, goat, etc.


Words: UDR
Meaning:
abbreviation\nUlster Defence Regiment (an illegal military organization in Northern Ireland that wants Northern Ireland to remain part of the UK)


Words: UFO
Meaning:
(also ufo)  noun\n(plural UFOs) a strange object that some people claim to have seen in the sky and believe is a spacecraft from another planet (abbreviation for ’Unidentified Flying Object’)\ncompare FLYING SAUCER


Words: ugh
Meaning:
exclamation\nthe way of writing the sound () that people make when they think that sth is disgusting or unpleasant:\nUgh! How can you eat that stuff?


Words: Ugli
Meaning:
(also Ugli fruit) noun\na large CITRUS fruit with a rough, yellowish-orange skin and sweet flesh with a lot of juice


Words: ugly
Meaning:
adjective (uglier, ugliest)\n  1  unpleasant to look at\nSYN UNATTRACTIVE:\nan ugly face / building * an ugly scar\n  2  (of an event, a situation, etc.) unpleasant or dangerous; involving threats or violence:\nan ugly incident * There were ugly scenes in the streets last night as rioting continued.\n    ugliness noun [U]:\nHe was depressed by the extreme ugliness of the city.\n IDIOMS  see REAR v., SIN n.


Words: ugly duckling
Meaning:
noun\na person or thing that at first does not seem attractive or likely to succeed but that later becomes successful or much admired


Words: uh
Meaning:
exclamation\nthe way of writing the sound  that people make when they are not sure about sth, when they do not hear or understand sth you have said, or when they want you to agree with what they have said:\nUh, yeah, I guess so. * ’Are you ready yet?’ ’Uh? Oh. Yes.’ * We can discuss this another time, uh?


Words: uh-huh
Meaning:
exclamation\nthe way of writing the sound  that people make when they understand or agree with what you have said, when they want you to continue or when they are answering ’Yes’:\n’Did you read my note?’ ’Uh-huh.’


Words: uh-oh
Meaning:
exclamation\nthe way of writing the sound  that people make when they want to say that they have done sth wrong or that they think there will be trouble:\nUh-oh. I forgot to write that letter. * Uh-oh! Turn the TV off. Here comes Dad!


Words: uh-uh
Meaning:
exclamation\nthe way of writing the sound  that people make when they are answering ’No’ to a question


Words: UHF
Meaning:
abbreviation\nultra-high frequency (a range of radio waves used for high-quality radio and television broadcasting)


Words: UHT
Meaning:
abbreviation\n(BrE) ultra heat treated. UHT milk has been heated to a very high temperature in order to make it last for a long time.


Words: ulcer
Meaning:
noun\na sore area on the outside of the body or on the surface of an organ inside the body which is painful and may bleed or produce a poisonous substance:\na stomach ulcer\nsee also MOUTH ULCER


Words: ulcerate
Meaning:
verb\n[V, VN] [usually passive] (medical) to become, or make sth become, covered with ulcers\n    ulceration  noun [U, C]


Words: ulna
Meaning:
noun\n(plural ulnae ) (anatomy) the longer bone of the two bones in the lower part of the arm between the elbow and the wrist, on the side opposite the thumb\nsee also RADIUS (3)


Words: ulterior
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] (of a reason for doing sth) that sb keeps hidden and does not admit:\nShe must have some ulterior motive for being nice to me-what does she really want?


Words: ultimate
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective [only before noun]\n  1  happening at the end of a long process\nSYN FINAL:\nour ultimate goal / aim / objective / target * We will accept ultimate responsibility for whatever happens. * The ultimate decision lies with the parents.\n  2  most extreme; best, worst, greatest, most important, etc:\nThis race will be the ultimate test of your skill. * Silk sheets are the ultimate luxury. * Nuclear weapons are the ultimate deterrent.\n  3  from which sth originally comes; basic\nSYN FUNDAMENTAL:\nthe ultimate truths of philosophy and science * We could not trace the ultimate source of the rumours.\n    noun [sing.] the ~ in sth (informal) the best, most advanced, greatest, etc. of its kind:\nthe ultimate in modern design


Words: ultimately
Meaning:
adverb\n  1  in the end; finally:\nUltimately, you’ll have to make the decision yourself. * A poor diet will ultimately lead to illness.\n  2  at the most basic and important level:\nAll life depends ultimately on oxygen.


Words: ultimatum
Meaning:
noun\n(plural ultimatums or ultimata) a final warning to a person or country that if they do not do what you ask, you will use force or take action against them:\nto issue an ultimatum


Words: ultra-
Meaning:
prefix\n(in adjectives and nouns) extremely; beyond a particular limit:\nultra-modern * ultraviolet\ncompare INFRA-


Words: ultrasonic
Meaning:
adjective\n[usually before noun] (of sounds) higher than human beings can hear:\nultrasonic frequencies / waves / signals


Words: ultrasound
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U] sound that is higher than human beings can hear\n  2  [U, C] a medical process that produces an image of what is inside your body:\nUltrasound showed she was expecting twins. * an ultrasound scan * ultrasound scanning


Words: ultraviolet
Meaning:
adjective\n[usually before noun] (physics) of or using ELECTROMAGNETIC waves that are just shorter than those of VIOLET light in the SPECTRUM and that cannot be seen:\nultraviolet rays (= that cause the skin to go darker) * an ultraviolet lamp\ncompare INFRARED


Words: um
Meaning:
exclamation\nthe way of writing the sound  that people make when they hesitate, or do not know what to say next:\nUm, I’m not sure how to ask you this ....


Words: umbilical cord
Meaning:
noun\na long tube of tissue that connects a baby to its mother before it is born and is cut at the moment of birth


Words: umbrage
Meaning:
noun\n IDIOMS \n  take umbrage (at sth) (formal or humorous) to feel offended, insulted or upset by sth, often without a good reason:\nHe took umbrage at her remarks.


Words: umbrella
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  (also BrE informal brolly) an object with a folding circular frame of metal rods covered with material, that you use to protect yourself from the rain or from hot sun:\nI put up my umbrella. * colourful beach umbrellas * a rolled / furled umbrella * an umbrella stand\ncompare PARASOL, SUNSHADE\n \n  2  a thing that contains or includes many different parts or elements:\nMany previously separate groups are now operating under the umbrella of a single authority. * an umbrella organization / group / fund * ’Contact sports’ is an umbrella term for a variety of different sports.\n \n  3  (written) a country or system that protects people:\nFor decades the United States with its nuclear weapons was the umbrella for the western world.


Words: umlaut
Meaning:
noun\nthe mark placed over a vowel in some languages to show how it should be pronounced, as over the u in the German word fur\ncompare ACUTE ACCENT, CIRCUMFLEX, GRAVE, TILDE


Words: umpire
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n (also AmE informal ump) (in sports such as tennis and baseball) a person whose job is to watch a game and make sure that rules are not broken:\nThe umpire’s decision is final.\ncompare REFEREE\n    verb to act as the umpire in a game or competition: [V] We need someone to umpire. * [VN] to umpire a game of baseball / cricket


Words: umpteen
Meaning:
determiner\n(informal) very many:\nI’ve told this story umpteen times.\n    umpteen pronoun:\nUmpteen of them all arrived at once.\n    umpteenth  determiner:\n’This is crazy,’ she told herself for the umpteenth time (= she had done it many times before).


Words: UN
Meaning:
(also U.N. especially in AmE)  abbreviation\nUnited Nations. The UN is an association of many countries that aims to help economic and social conditions improve and to solve political problems in the world in a peaceful way:\nthe UN Security Council * a UN peacekeeping plan


Words: un-
Meaning:
prefix\n  1  (in adjectives, adverbs and nouns) not; the opposite of:\nunable * unconsciously * untruth * un-American concepts such as subsidized medical treatment and free education (= not typical of the US) * un-American activities (= against the interests of the US)\n  2  (in verbs that describe the opposite of a process):\nunlock * undo * unfold


Words: unabashed
Meaning:
adjective\n(written) not ashamed, embarrassed or affected by people’s disapproval, when other people would be:\nHe was unabashed by the reaction he had caused. * She watched them kissing with unabashed interest. * He appeared unabashed by all the media attention.\nOPP ABASHED\n    unabashedly  adverb


Words: unabated
Meaning:
adjective\n[not usually before noun] (written) without becoming any less strong:\nThe rain continued unabated. * They danced all night with unabated energy.


Words: unable
Meaning:
adjective\n[not before noun] ~ to do sth (rather formal) not having the skill, strength, time, knowledge, etc. to do sth:\nHe lay there, unable to move. * I tried to contact him but was unable to. * She was unable to hide her excitement. * Let us know if you’re unable to come. * They have been unable or unwilling to resolve the conflict.\nOPP ABLE


Words: unabridged
Meaning:
adjective\n(of a novel, play, speech, etc.) complete, without being made shorter in any way \nOPP ABRIDGED


Words: unacceptable
Meaning:
adjective\nthat you cannot accept, allow or approve of:\nSuch behaviour is totally unacceptable in a civilized society. * Noise from the factory has reached an unacceptable level.\nOPP ACCEPTABLE\n    unacceptably  adverb:\nunacceptably high levels of unemployment


Words: unaccompanied
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (formal) without a person going together with sb/sth:\nNo unaccompanied children allowed. * unaccompanied luggage / baggage (= travelling separately from its owner)\n  2  (music) performed without anyone else playing or singing at the same time:\na sonata for unaccompanied violin\n  3  (formal) ~ by sth not together with a particular thing:\nMere words, unaccompanied by any violence, cannot amount to an assault.


Words: unaccountable
Meaning:
adjective (written)\n  1  impossible to understand or explain\nSYN INEXPLICABLE:\nThere has been an unaccountable increase in cases of the disease. * For some unaccountable reason, the letter never arrived.\n  2  ~ (to sb/sth) not having to explain or give reasons for your actions to anyone:\nToo many government departments are unaccountable to the general public.\nOPP ACCOUNTABLE


Words: unaccountably
Meaning:
adverb\n(written) in a way that is very difficult to explain; without any obvious reason:\nHe has been unaccountably delayed. * She felt suddenly and unaccountably cheerful.


Words: unaccounted for
Meaning:
adjective [not before noun]\n  1  a person or thing that is unaccounted for cannot be found and people do not know what has happened to them or it:\nAt least 300 civilians are unaccounted for after the bombing raids.\n  2  not explained:\nIn the story he gave the police, half an hour was left unaccounted for.


Words: unaccustomed
Meaning:
adjective (formal)\n  1  ~ to sth / to doing sth not in the habit of doing sth; not used to sth:\nHe was unaccustomed to hard work. * I am unaccustomed to being told what to do.\n  2  [usually before noun] not usual, normal or familiar:\nThe unaccustomed heat made him weary. * I was surprised by her unaccustomed silence.\nOPP ACCUSTOMED


Words: unachievable
Meaning:
adjective\nthat you cannot manage to reach or obtain:\nunachievable goals / ambitions / profits\nOPP ACHIEVABLE


Words: unacknowledged
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  not receiving the thanks or praise that is deserved:\nHer contribution to the research went largely unacknowledged.\n  2  that people do not admit as existing or true; that people are not aware of:\nunacknowledged feelings\n  3  not publicly or officially recognized:\nthe unacknowledged leader of the group


Words: unacquainted
Meaning:
adjective\n~ (with sth/sb) (written) not familiar with sth/sb; having no experience of sth:\nvisitors unacquainted with local customs\nOPP ACQUAINTED:\nfour unacquainted English women (= they did not know each other)


Words: unadorned
Meaning:
adjective\n(written) without any decoration; simple:\nThe walls were plain and unadorned. * The story is recounted in her usual unadorned style.


Words: unadulterated
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  [usually before noun] you use unadulterated to emphasize that sth is complete or total:\nFor me, the holiday was sheer unadulterated pleasure.\n  2  not mixed with other substances; pure; not ADULTERATED:\nunadulterated, unprocessed foods


Words: unaffected
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  ~ (by sth) not changed or influenced by sth; not affected by sth:\nPeople’s rights are unaffected by the new law. * His attitudes have remained largely unaffected by changes in fashion. * Some members of the family may remain unaffected by the disease.\n  2  (approving) (of a person or their behaviour) natural and sincere:\nShe had a warm smile and an unaffected manner. * He greeted me with unaffected warmth.\nOPP AFFECTED


Words: unaffiliated
Meaning:
adjective\n~ (with sth) not belonging to or connected with a political party or a large organization\nSYN INDEPENDENT:\nunaffiliated voters * candidates unaffiliated with any political party\nOPP AFFILIATED


Words: unafraid
Meaning:
adjective\n[not before noun] ~ (of sth) | ~ (to do sth) (written) not afraid or nervous; not worried about what might happen:\nHe felt calm and unafraid. * She was unafraid of conflict. * He’s unafraid to speak his mind.


Words: unaided
Meaning:
adjective\nwithout help from anyone or anything:\nDid she produce this work unaided? * He can now walk unaided.


Words: unalloyed
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal) not mixed with anything else, such as negative feelings\nSYN PURE:\nunalloyed joy / delight


Words: unalterable
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal) that cannot be changed:\nthe unalterable laws of the universe * an unalterable belief


Words: unaltered
Meaning:
adjective\n(written) that has not changed or been changed:\nThis practice has remained unaltered for centuries. * The house survives in a largely unaltered state. * He is virtually unaltered by the years.


Words: unambiguous
Meaning:
adjective\nclear in meaning; that can only be understood in one way:\nan unambiguous statement / definition * The message was clear and unambiguous-’Get out!’\nOPP AMBIGUOUS\n    unambiguously adverb


Words: unambitious
Meaning:
adjective (written)\n  1  (of a person) not interested in becoming successful, rich, powerful, etc.\n  2  not involving a lot of effort, time, money, etc. or anything new:\nan unambitious plan / novel\nOPP AMBITIOUS


Words: unanimity
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (written) complete agreement about sth among a group of people:\nThere is no unanimity of opinion among the medical profession on this subject. * We won’t all agree, but we need to achieve a degree of unanimity.


Words: unanimous
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  if a decision or an opinion is unanimous, it is agreed or shared by everyone in a group:\na unanimous vote * unanimous condemnation / support * The decision was not unanimous. * Unanimous agreement must be reached for this plan to go ahead. * The jury reached a unanimous verdict of ’not guilty’. * She was the unanimous choice of the selection committee.\n  2  ~ (in sth) if a group of people are unanimous, they all agree about sth:\nLocal people are unanimous in their opposition to the proposed new road. * The committee were unanimous in rejecting the proposal.\n    unanimously adverb:\nThe motion was passed unanimously. * The resolution was unanimously rejected.


Words: unannounced
Meaning:
adjective\nhappening without anyone being told or warned in advance:\nShe just turned up unannounced on my doorstep. * an unannounced increase in bus fares


Words: unanswerable
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  an unanswerable argument, etc. is one that nobody can question or disagree with:\nThey presented an unanswerable case for more investment.\n  2  an unanswerable question is one that has no answer or that you cannot answer


Words: unanswered
Meaning:
adjective (written)\n  1  (of a question, problem, etc.) that has not been answered:\nMany questions about the crime remain unanswered.\n  2  (of a letter, telephone call, etc.) that has not been replied to:\nunanswered letters * Their cries for help went unanswered.


Words: unanticipated
Meaning:
adjective\n(written) that you have not expected or predicted; that you have not ANTICIPATED:\nunanticipated events / consequences / costs


Words: unapologetic
Meaning:
adjective\n(written) not saying that you are sorry about sth, even in situations in which other people might expect you to\nOPP APOLOGETIC\n    unapologetically  adverb


Words: unappealing
Meaning:
adjective\nnot attractive or pleasant:\nThe room was painted in an unappealing shade of brown. * The prospect of studying for another five years was distinctly unappealing.\nOPP APPEALING


Words: unappetizing
Meaning:
(BrE also unappetising)  adjective\n(of food) unpleasant to eat; looking as if it will be unpleasant to eat\nOPP APPETIZING


Words: unappreciated
Meaning:
adjective\n[not usually before noun] (written) not having your work or your qualities recognized and enjoyed by other people; not APPRECIATED:\nHe was in a job where he felt unappreciated and undervalued.


Words: unapproachable
Meaning:
adjective\n(of a person) unfriendly and not easy to talk to:\nLibrarians have a reputation for being difficult and unapproachable.\nOPP APPROACHABLE


Words: unarguable
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal) that nobody can disagree with:\nunarguable proof / logic\ncompare ARGUABLE\n    unarguably adverb:\nShe is unarguably one of the country’s finest athletes.


Words: unarmed
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  not carrying a weapon:\nunarmed civilians / planes * He walked into the camp alone and unarmed.\n  2  not involving the use of weapons:\nThe soldiers were trained in unarmed combat.\nOPP ARMED


Words: unashamed
Meaning:
adjective\nfeeling no shame or embarrassment about sth or about sth you have done, especially when people might expect you to:\nThere were unashamed tears in his eyes.\ncompare ASHAMED:\nShe talked openly about her unashamed love of money.\n    unashamedly  adverb:\nShe wept unashamedly. * an unashamedly sentimental song


Words: unasked
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  an unasked question is one that you have not asked even though you would like to know the answer\n  2  without being invited or asked:\nHe came to the party unasked. * She brought him, unasked, the relevant file.


Words: unassailable
Meaning:
adjective\n(written) that cannot be destroyed, defeated or questioned:\nThe party now has an unassailable lead. * Their ten-point lead puts the team in an almost unassailable position. * She replied with what she thought was unassailable logic ...


Words: unattached
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  not married or involved in a romantic relationship:\nHe was still unattached at the age of 34.\n  2  not connected with or belonging to a particular group or organization\ncompare ATTACHED


Words: unattended
Meaning:
adjective\nwithout the owner present; not being watched or cared for:\nunattended luggage / vehicles * She was reprimanded for leaving the children unattended.


Words: unattractive
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  not attractive or pleasant to look at:\nan unattractive brown colour\n  2  not good, interesting or pleasant:\none of the unattractive aspects of the free market economy\nOPP ATTRACTIVE\n    unattractively adverb


Words: unauthorized
Meaning:
(BrE also unauthorised)  adjective\n(written) without official permission:\nNo access for unauthorized personnel.\nOPP AUTHORIZED:\nunauthorized use of public funds * an unauthorized biography (= written without the subject’s permission or help)


Words: unavailable sth
Meaning:
1  that cannot be obtained:\nSuch luxury items were unavailable to ordinary people.\n  2  not able or not willing to see, meet or talk to sb:\nThe minister was unavailable for comment.\nOPP AVAILABLE\n    unavailability noun [U]:\nMany of the problems were caused by the unavailability of suitable equipment.


Words: unavoidable
Meaning:
adjective\nimpossible to avoid or prevent:\nunavoidable delays * Recession at the time seemed unavoidable.\nOPP AVOIDABLE\n    unavoidably  adverb:\nI was unavoidably delayed.


Words: unaware
Meaning:
adjective\n[not before noun] ~ of sth | ~ that ... not knowing or realizing that sth is happening or that sth exists:\nHe was completely unaware of the whole affair. * She was unaware that I could see her.\nOPP AWARE\n    unawareness noun [U]


Words: unawares
Meaning:
adverb\n  1  when not expected:\nThe camera had caught her unawares. * The announcement took me unawares. * She came upon him unawares when he was searching her room.\n  2  (formal) without noticing or realizing:\nHe slipped unawares into sleep.


Words: unbalance
Meaning:
verb [VN] \n  1  to make sth no longer balanced, for example by giving too much importance to one part of it\n  2  to make sb/sth unsteady so that they are likely to fall down\n  3  to make sb slightly crazy or mentally ill


Words: unbalanced
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  [not usually before noun] (of a person) slightly crazy; mentally ill\n  2  [usually before noun] giving too much or too little importance to one part or aspect of sth:\nan unbalanced article * an unbalanced diet


Words: unban
Meaning:
verb\n(-nn-) [VN] to allow sth that was forbidden before:\nThe main anti-apartheid parties were unbanned in 1990.


Words: unbearable
Meaning:
adjective\ntoo painful, annoying or unpleasant to deal with or accept\nSYN INTOLERABLE:\nThe heat was becoming unbearable. * unbearable pain / loneliness * He’s been unbearable since he won that prize.\nOPP BEARABLE\n    unbearably  adverb:\nunbearably hot / arrogant / painful * He was so unbearably smug about winning.


Words: unbeatable
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (of a team, player, etc.) impossible to defeat:\nThis year the team has shown itself to be almost unbeatable.\n  2  (of prices, value, etc.) impossible to improve:\nunbeatable discounts / offers


Words: unbeaten
Meaning:
adjective\n(sport) not having been defeated:\nThe team are unbeaten in their last four games. * They will be putting their unbeaten record to the test next Saturday.


Words: unbecoming
Meaning:
adjective (formal)\n  1  not suiting a particular person:\nShe was wearing an unbecoming shade of purple.\n  2  ~ (to / of sb) not appropriate or acceptable:\nHe was accused of conduct unbecoming to an officer.\nOPP BECOMING


Words: unbeknown
Meaning:
adjective\n~ to sb (written) without the person mentioned knowing:\nUnbeknown to her they had organized a surprise birthday party.


Words: unbelief
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (formal) lack of belief, or the state of not believing, especially in God, a religion, etc.\ncompare BELIEF, DISBELIEF


Words: unbelievable
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  used to emphasize how good, bad or extreme sth is\nSYN INCREDIBLE:\nWe had an unbelievable (= very good) time in Paris. * Conditions in the prison camp were unbelievable (= very bad). * We get through an unbelievable amount of food each week. * The cold was unbelievable (= it was extremely cold). * It’s unbelievable that (= very shocking) they have permitted this trial to go ahead.\n  2  very difficult to believe and unlikely to be true\nSYN INCREDIBLE:\nI found the whole story bizarre, not to say unbelievable.\nOPP for sense 2 BELIEVABLE\n    unbelievably:\nunbelievably good / hot / painful / stupid * Unbelievably it actually works.


Words: unbelieving
Meaning:
adjective\n(written) feeling or showing that you do not believe sb/sth:\nShe stared at us with unbelieving eyes. * He gazed at the letter, unbelieving.


Words: unbend
Meaning:
1  [V] to relax and become less strict or formal in your behaviour or attitude:\nHe could be fun if he’d unbend a little.\n  2  [VN, V] to make sth that was bent become straight; to become straight


Words: unbending
Meaning:
adjective\n(often disapproving) unwilling to change your opinions, decisions, etc:\nHer father was a stern unbending man.


Words: unbiased
Meaning:
(also unbiassed)  adjective\nfair and not influenced by your own or sb else’s opinions, desires, etc.\nSYN IMPARTIAL:\nunbiased advice / reporting / information * an unbiased judge / observer\nOPP BIASED


Words: unbidden
Meaning:
adjective\n(literary) (usually used after the verb) without being asked, invited or expected:\nHe walked into the room unbidden. * The memories came back to her unbidden and unwanted.


Words: unblemished
Meaning:
adjective\n(written) not spoiled, damaged or marked in any way:\nHe had an unblemished reputation. * her pale unblemished skin


Words: unblinking
Meaning:
adjective\n(written) if sb has an unblinking stare or looks with unblinking eyes, they look very steadily at sth and do not BLINK\n    unblinkingly adverb:\nTara stared unblinkingly back at her.


Words: unbounded
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal) having, or seeming to have, no limits\nSYN BOUNDLESS:\nher unbounded energy / enthusiasm


Words: unbowed
Meaning:
adjective\n(literary) not defeated or not ready to accept defeat:\nThe losing team left the field bloody but unbowed.


Words: unbreakable
Meaning:
adjective\nimpossible to break:\nThis new material is virtually unbreakable. * the unbreakable bond between parent and child\nOPP BREAKABLE


Words: unbridgeable
Meaning:
adjective\nan unbridgeable GAP or difference between two people or groups or their opinions is one that cannot be closed or made less wide:\nThe division between the two great branches of the Christian Church, Protestantism and Roman Catholicism, no longer seems unbridgeable.


Words: unbridled
Meaning:
adjective\n[usually before noun] (formal) not controlled and therefore extreme:\nunbridled enthusiasm / lust / passion


Words: unbroken
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  not interrupted or disturbed in any way:\na single unbroken line * 30 years of virtually unbroken peace * Last night was my first night of unbroken sleep since the baby was born. * an unbroken series / chain of events * Silence reigned unbroken in the room.\n  2  (of a record in a sport, etc.) that has not been improved on


Words: unburden
Meaning:
verb [VN] \n  1  ~ yourself / sth (of sth) (to sb) (formal) to talk to sb about your problems or sth you have been worrying about, so that you feel less anxious:\nShe needed to unburden herself to somebody. * She unburdened herself of her feelings of guilt.\n  2  ~ sb/sth (of sth) to take sth that causes a lot of work or worry away from sb/sth\nOPP BURDEN


Words: unbuttoned
Meaning:
adjective\ninformal and relaxed:\nStaff respond well to her unbuttoned form of management. * He was in easy, unbuttoned mood.


Words: uncalled for
Meaning:
adjective\n(of behaviour or remarks) not fair or appropriate:\nHis comments were uncalled for. * uncalled-for comments


Words: uncanny
Meaning:
adjective\nstrange and difficult to explain:\nI had an uncanny feeling I was being watched. * It was uncanny really, almost as if she knew what I was thinking. * He has an uncanny knack of being able to see immediately where the problem lies.\n    uncannily  adverb:\nHe looked uncannily like someone I knew.


Words: uncaring
Meaning:
adjective\n(disapproving) not sympathetic about the problems or suffering of other people:\nHe was selfish and uncaring. * We live in an uncaring society.\nOPP CARING


Words: unceasing
Meaning:
adjective\n(written) continuing all the time\nSYN INCESSANT:\nunceasing efforts * Planes passed overhead with unceasing regularity.\n    unceasingly adverb:\nSnow fell unceasingly.


Words: uncensored
Meaning:
adjective\n(of a report, film / movie, etc.) not CENSORED (= having had parts removed that are not considered suitable for the public):\nan uncensored newspaper article


Words: unceremonious
Meaning:
adjective\n(written) done roughly and rudely:\nHe was bundled out of the room with unceremonious haste.\ncompare CEREMONIOUS


Words: unceremoniously
Meaning:
adverb\n(written) in a rough or rude way, without caring about a person’s feelings:\nThey dumped his belongings unceremoniously on the floor.


Words: uncertain
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  [usually after noun] ~ (about / of sth) feeling doubt about sth; not sure:\nThey’re both uncertain about what to do. * I’m still uncertain of my feelings for him.\nOPP CERTAIN\n  2  likely to change, especially in a negative or unpleasant way:\nOur future looks uncertain. * a man of uncertain temper\n  3  not definite or decided:\nIt is uncertain what his role in the company will be.\n  4  not confident\nSYN HESITANT:\nThe baby took its first uncertain steps.\n IDIOMS \n  in no uncertain terms clearly and strongly:\nI told him what I thought of him in no uncertain terms.


Words: uncertainty
Meaning:
noun (plural uncertainties)\n  1  [U] the state of being uncertain:\nThere is considerable uncertainty about the company’s future. * He had an air of uncertainty about him.\n  2  [C] something that you cannot be sure about; a situation that causes you to be or feel uncertain:\nlife’s uncertainties * the uncertainties of war


Words: unchallengeable
Meaning:
adjective\nthat cannot be questioned or argued with; that cannot be CHALLENGED:\nunchallengeable power / evidence / truth * The committee’s decision is unchallengeable.


Words: unchallenged
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  not doubted; accepted without question; not CHALLENGED:\nShe could not allow such a claim to go unchallenged. * These ideas have remained largely unchallenged for 60 years.\n  2  (of a ruler or leader, or their position) not opposed by anyone:\nHe is in a position of unchallenged authority.\n  3  without being stopped and asked to explain who you are, what you are doing, etc:\nI walked into the building unchallenged.


Words: unchanged
Meaning:
adjective\n[not usually before noun] that has stayed the same and not changed:\nMy opinion remains unchanged. * They will play an unchanged team in Saturday’s game.


Words: unchanging
Meaning:
adjective\nthat always stays the same and does not change:\nunchanging customs / principles / truths * The days went by, unchanging.


Words: uncharacteristic
Meaning:
adjective\n~ (of sb) not typical of sb; not the way sb usually behaves:\nThe remark was quite uncharacteristic of her.\nOPP CHARACTERISTIC\n    uncharacteristically  adverb:\nThe children had been uncharacteristically quiet.


Words: uncharitable
Meaning:
adjective\nunkind and unfair in the way that you judge people; not sympathetic:\nuncharitable thoughts / remarks * I don’t want to be uncharitable, but he isn’t very intelligent, is he?\nOPP CHARITABLE


Words: uncharted
Meaning:
adjective [usually before noun]\n  1  that has not been visited or investigated before; not familiar:\nThey set off into the country’s uncharted interior. * (figurative) The party is sailing in uncharted waters (= a situation it has not been in before). * (figurative) I was moving into uncharted territory (= a completely new experience) with this relationship.\n  2  not marked on a map:\nThe ship hit an uncharted rock.


Words: unchecked
Meaning:
adjective\nif sth harmful is unchecked, it is not controlled or stopped from getting worse:\nThe fire was allowed to burn unchecked. * The rise in violent crime must not go unchecked. * The plant will soon choke ponds and waterways if left unchecked. * Tears flowed unchecked down his cheeks.


Words: unchristian
Meaning:
adjective\nnot showing the qualities you expect of a Christian; not kind or thinking about other people’s feelings\nOPP CHRISTIAN


Words: uncivilized
Meaning:
(BrE also uncivilised)  adjective (disapproving)\n  1  (of people or their behaviour) not behaving in a way that is acceptable according to social or moral standards\n  2  (of people or places) not having developed a modern culture and way of life:\nI have worked in the wildest and most uncivilized parts of the world.\nOPP CIVILIZED


Words: unclaimed
Meaning:
adjective\nthat nobody has claimed as belonging to them or being owed to them:\nThe prize has remained unclaimed. * Unclaimed property will be sold off after three months.


Words: unclassified
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (of documents, information, etc.) not officially secret; available to everyone\nOPP CLASSIFIED\n  2  (technical) that has not been CLASSIFIED as being the member of a particular group: (BrE) A high proportion of candidates get low or unclassified grades (= their work is not good enough to receive a grade).\n  3  (BrE) (of a road) not large or important enough to be given a number


Words: uncle
Meaning:
noun\n  1  the brother of your mother or father; the husband of your aunt:\nUncle Ian * I’m going to visit my uncle. * I’ve just become an uncle (= because your brother / sister has had a baby).\n  2  used by children, with a first name, to address a man who is a close friend of their parents\n IDIOMS  see BOB


Words: Uncle Sam
Meaning:
noun\n(informal) a way of referring to the United States of America or the US government (sometimes shown as a tall man with a white BEARD and a tall hat):\nHe owed $20 000 in tax to Uncle Sam.


Words: Uncle Tom
Meaning:
noun\n(informal, !!!) (offensive) sometimes used in the past to refer to a black man who wants to please or serve white people


Words: unclean
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (formal) dirty and therefore likely to cause disease:\nunclean water * unclean premises / hands\nOPP CLEAN\n  2  considered to be bad, immoral or not pure in a religious way, and therefore not to be touched, eaten, etc:\nunclean thoughts * unclean food / animals


Words: unclear
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  not clear or definite; difficult to understand or be sure about:\nHis motives are unclear. * Our plans are unclear at the moment. * It is unclear whether there is any damage. * Some of your diagrams are unclear.\n  2  ~ (about sth) | ~ (as to sth) not fully understanding sth; uncertain about sth:\nI’m unclear about what you want me to do.


Words: uncluttered
Meaning:
adjective\n(approving) not containing too many objects, details or unnecessary items\nSYN TIDY:\nan uncluttered surface / room\nOPP CLUTTERED


Words: uncoil
Meaning:
verb\nto become or make sth straight after it has been wound or twisted round in a circle:\nThe huge snake uncoiled itself. * [V] The snake slowly uncoiled. * [VN] to uncoil a rope


Words: uncomfortable
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (of clothes, furniture, etc.) not letting you feel physically comfortable; unpleasant to wear, sit on, etc:\nuncomfortable shoes * I couldn’t sleep because the bed was so uncomfortable.\nOPP COMFORTABLE\n  2  not feeling physically relaxed, warm, etc:\nI was sitting in an extremely uncomfortable position. * She still finds it uncomfortable to stand without support.\nOPP COMFORTABLE\n  3  anxious, embarrassed or afraid and unable to relax; making you feel like this:\nHe looked distinctly uncomfortable when the subject was mentioned. * There was an uncomfortable silence.\nOPP COMFORTABLE\n  4  unpleasant or difficult to deal with:\nan uncomfortable truth / fact * I had the uncomfortable feeling that it was my fault. * Her letter was an uncomfortable reminder of responsibilities I preferred to forget about.


Words: uncomfortably
Meaning:
adverb\n  1  in a way that makes you feel anxious or embarrassed; in a way that shows you are anxious or embarrassed:\nI became uncomfortably aware that no one else was laughing. * Her comment was uncomfortably close to the truth. * He shifted uncomfortably in his seat when I mentioned money.\n  2  in a way that is not physically comfortable:\nI was feeling uncomfortably hot. * She perched uncomfortably on the edge of the table.


Words: uncommitted
Meaning:
adjective\n~ (to sb/sth) not having given or promised support to a particular person, group, belief, action, etc:\nThe party needs to canvass the uncommitted voters.\ncompare COMMITTED:\nSome workers remain uncommitted to the project.


Words: uncommon
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  not existing in large numbers or in many places\nSYN UNUSUAL, RARE:\nan uncommon occurrence / experience * Side effects from the drug are uncommon. * It is not uncommon for college students to live at home. * Red squirrels are uncommon in England.\nOPP COMMON\n  2  (formal or literary) unusually large in degree or amount; great:\nShe showed uncommon pleasure at his arrival.


Words: uncommonly
Meaning:
adverb (formal)\n  1  to an unusual degree; extremely:\nan uncommonly gifted child * He looks uncommonly like a younger version of his father.\n  2  not often; not usually:\nNot uncommonly, there is a great deal of rain in August.


Words: uncommunicative
Meaning:
adjective\n(disapproving) (of a person) not willing to talk to other people or give opinions\nOPP COMMUNICATIVE


Words: uncompetitive
Meaning:
adjective\n(business) not cheaper or better than others and therefore not able to compete equally:\nan uncompetitive industry * uncompetitive prices\nOPP COMPETITIVE


Words: uncomplaining
Meaning:
adjective\n(approving) not saying that you are unhappy about a difficult or unpleasant situation; not saying that you are in pain\n    uncomplainingly adverb


Words: uncompleted
Meaning:
adjective\nthat has not been finished:\nan uncompleted building / project / investigation * She left the sentence uncompleted.


Words: uncomplicated
Meaning:
adjective\nsimple; without any difficulty or confusion\nSYN STRAIGHTFORWARD:\nan easygoing, uncomplicated young man * Why can’t I have an uncomplicated life?\nOPP COMPLICATED


Words: uncomprehending
Meaning:
adjective\n(written) (of a person) not understanding a situation or what is happening\n    uncomprehendingly adverb:\nShe looked at him uncomprehendingly.


Words: uncompromising
Meaning:
adjective\nunwilling to change your opinions or behaviour:\nan uncompromising attitude * He has a reputation for being tough and uncompromising.\n    uncompromisingly adverb


Words: unconcealed
Meaning:
adjective\n[usually before noun] (of an emotion, etc.) that you do not try to hide\nSYN OBVIOUS:\nunconcealed anxiety / curiosity


Words: unconcern
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (written) a lack of care, interest or worry about sth that other people would care about:\nShe received the news with apparent unconcern.\ncompare CONCERN


Words: unconcerned
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  ~ (about / by sth) not worried or anxious about sth because you feel it does not affect you or is not important:\nHe drove on, apparently unconcerned about the noise the engine was making.\n  2  ~ (with sb/sth) not interested in sth:\nYoung people are often quite unconcerned with political issues.\nOPP CONCERNED\n    unconcernedly  adverb


Words: unconditional
Meaning:
adjective\nwithout any conditions or limits:\nthe unconditional surrender / withdrawal of military forces * unconditional love\nOPP CONDITIONAL:\nThey appealed for the immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners.\n    unconditionally  adverb:\nI support her unconditionally.


Words: unconditioned
Meaning:
adjective\n(psychology) (of behaviour) not trained or influenced by experience; natural:\nan unconditioned response / stimulus


Words: unconfirmed
Meaning:
adjective\nthat has not yet been proved to be true or CONFIRMED:\nunconfirmed rumours * Unconfirmed reports said that at least six people had been killed.


Words: uncongenial
Meaning:
adjective (formal)\n  1  (of a person) not pleasant or friendly; not like yourself:\nuncongenial company\n  2  ~ (to sb) (of a place, job, etc.) not pleasant; not making you feel relaxed; not suitable for your personality:\nan uncongenial atmosphere * A career in commerce proved uncongenial for him.\n  3  ~ (to sth) not suitable for sth; not encouraging sth:\nThe religious climate at the time was uncongenial to new ideas.\nOPP CONGENIAL


Words: unconnected
Meaning:
adjective\n~ (with / to sth) not related or connected in any way:\nThe two crimes are apparently unconnected. * My resignation was totally unconnected with recent events.


Words: unconscionable
Meaning:
adjective [usually before noun] (formal)\n  1  (of an action, etc.) so bad, immoral, etc. that it should make you feel ashamed:\nIt would be unconscionable for her to keep the money.\n  2  (often humorous) too great, large, long, etc.\nSYN EXCESSIVE:\nYou take an unconscionable amount of time getting dressed!


Words: unconscious
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  in a state like sleep because of an injury or illness, and not able to use your senses:\nShe was knocked unconscious. * They found him lying unconscious on the floor.\n  2  (of feelings, thoughts, etc.) existing or happening without you realizing or being aware; not deliberate or controlled:\nunconscious desires / feelings / impulses * The brochure is full of unconscious humour.\ncompare SUBCONSCIOUS\n  3  ~ of sb/sth not aware of sb/sth; not noticing sth; not conscious\nSYN OBLIVIOUS:\nShe is unconscious of the effect she has on people. * He was quite unconscious of the danger.\nOPP CONSCIOUS


Words: unconsciously
Meaning:
adverb\nwithout being aware:\nPerhaps, unconsciously, I’ve done something to offend her.\nOPP CONSCIOUSLY


Words: unconsciousness
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a state like sleep caused by injury or illness, when you are unable to use your senses:\nHe had lapsed into unconsciousness.


Words: unconsidered
Meaning:
adjective\n(written) not thought about, or not thought about with enough care:\nI came to regret my unconsidered remarks.


Words: unconstitutional
Meaning:
adjective\nnot allowed by the CONSTITUTION of a country, a political system or an organization\nOPP CONSTITUTIONAL\n    unconstitutionally adverb


Words: uncontaminated
Meaning:
adjective\nnot harmed or spoilt by sth (for example, dangerous substances):\nuncontaminated water / food\nOPP CONTAMINATED


Words: uncontentious
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal) not likely to cause disagreement between people:\nThe proposal is relatively uncontentious.\nOPP CONTENTIOUS


Words: uncontested
Meaning:
adjective\nwithout any opposition or argument:\nan uncontested election / divorce * These claims have not gone uncontested.


Words: uncontrollable
Meaning:
adjective\nthat you cannot control or prevent:\nan uncontrollable temper * uncontrollable bleeding * I had an uncontrollable urge to laugh. * The ball was uncontrollable. * He’s an uncontrollable child (= he behaves very badly and cannot be controlled).\n    uncontrollably adverb:\nShe began shaking uncontrollably.


Words: uncontrolled
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (of emotions, behaviour, etc.) that sb cannot control or stop:\nuncontrolled anger / fear * The thoughts rushed into my mind uncontrolled.\n  2  that is not limited or managed by law or rules:\nthe uncontrolled growth of cities * uncontrolled dumping of toxic wastes\ncompare CONTROLLED


Words: uncontroversial
Meaning:
adjective\nnot causing, or not likely to cause, any disagreement:\nan uncontroversial policy / opinion * He chose an uncontroversial topic for his speech.\nOPP CONTROVERSIAL\ncompare NON-CONTROVERSIAL


Words: unconventional
Meaning:
adjective\n(often approving) not following what is done or considered normal or acceptable by most people; different and interesting:\nan unconventional artist / teacher * She is known for her unconventional views. * The magazine describes him as having unconventional good looks.\nOPP CONVENTIONAL\n    unconventionality  noun [U]\n    unconventionally adverb:\nHe dresses unconventionally.


Words: unconvinced
Meaning:
adjective\n~ (of sth) | ~ (by sth) | ~ (that ...) not believing or not certain about sth in spite of what you have been told:\nI remain unconvinced of the need for change. * She seemed unconvinced by their promises. * The jury were unconvinced that he was innocent.\nOPP CONVINCED


Words: unconvincing
Meaning:
adjective\nnot seeming true or real; not making you believe that sth is true:\nI find the characters in the book very unconvincing. * His explanation was unconvincing. * She managed a weak, unconvincing smile.\nOPP CONVINCING\n    unconvincingly adverb:\nHe laughed unconvincingly.


Words: uncooked
Meaning:
adjective\nnot cooked\nSYN RAW:\nEat plenty of uncooked fruit and vegetables. * The steak was uncooked in the middle.


Words: uncool
Meaning:
adjective\n(informal) not considered acceptable by fashionable young people:\nMy kids tell me my hairstyle is really uncool.\nOPP COOL


Words: uncooperative
Meaning:
adjective\nnot willing to be helpful to other people or do what they ask:\nThe witness was extremely uncooperative. * She was an aggressive and uncooperative child.\nOPP COOPERATIVE


Words: uncoordinated
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  if a person is uncoordinated, they are not able to control their movements well, and therefore not very skilful at some sports and physical activities\n  2  (of movements or parts of the body) not controlled; not moving smoothly or together:\nuncoordinated limbs / movements\n  3  (of plans, projects, etc.) not well organized; with no thought for how the different parts work together


Words: uncorroborated
Meaning:
adjective\n(of a statement or claim) not supported by any other evidence; not having been CORROBORATED


Words: uncountable
Meaning:
adjective\n(grammar) a noun that is uncountable cannot be made plural or used with a or an, for example water, bread and information\ncompare COUNTABLE, COUNTLESS


Words: uncouple
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] ~ sth (from sth) to remove the connection between two vehicles, two parts of a train, etc.


Words: uncouth
Meaning:
adjective\n(of a person or their behaviour) rude or socially unacceptable\nSYN COARSE:\nuncouth laughter * an uncouth young man


Words: uncover
Meaning:
verb [VN] \n  1  to remove sth that is covering sth:\nUncover the pan and let the soup simmer. * Archaeologists have uncovered an entire Roman city.\n  2  to discover sth that was previously hidden or secret:\nPolice have uncovered a plot to kidnap the President’s son.


Words: uncritical
Meaning:
adjective\n(usually disapproving) not willing to criticize sb/sth or to judge whether sb/sth is right or wrong:\nan uncritical attitude / view * Her uncritical acceptance of everything I said began to irritate me.\nOPP CRITICAL\n    uncritically  adverb:\nThese official statistics should not be accepted uncritically.


Words: uncrowned
Meaning:
adjective\n(of a king or queen) not yet CROWNED\n IDIOMS \n  the uncrowned king / queen (of sth) the person considered to be the best, most famous or successful in a particular place or area of activity


Words: unctuous
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal, disapproving) friendly or giving praise in a way that is not sincere and which is therefore unpleasant:\nan unctuous host\n    unctuously adverb


Words: uncurl
Meaning:
verb\n~ (sth / yourself) to become straight, or to make sth become straight, after being in a curled position:\n[VN] The cat uncurled itself and jumped off the wall. * [V] The snake slowly uncurled.\nOPP CURL UP


Words: uncut
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  left to grow; not cut short:\nThe uncut grass came up to her waist.\n  2  (of a book, film / movie, etc.) left in its complete form; without any parts removed; not CENSORED:\nthe original uncut version\n  3  (of a precious stone) not shaped by cutting:\nuncut diamonds\n  4  not cut into separate pieces:\nan uncut loaf of bread


Words: undamaged
Meaning:
adjective\nnot damaged or spoilt:\nThere was a slight collision but my car was undamaged. * He emerged from the court case with his reputation undamaged.


Words: undated
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  without a date written or printed on it:\nan undated letter\n  2  of which the date is not known:\nundated archaeological remains\ncompare DATED


Words: undaunted
Meaning:
adjective\n[not usually before noun] (written) still enthusiastic and determined, in spite of difficulties or disappointment\nSYN UNDETERRED:\nHe seemed undaunted by all the opposition to his idea. * Undaunted, she persevered.


Words: undecided
Meaning:
adjective [not usually before noun]\n  1  ~ (about sb/sth) | ~ (as to sth) not having made a decision about sb/sth:\nI’m still undecided (about) who to vote for. * He was undecided as to what to do next.\n  2  not having been decided:\nThe venue for the World Cup remains undecided.\ncompare DECIDED


Words: undeclared
Meaning:
adjective\nnot admitted to; not stated in an open way; not having been DECLARED:\nNo income should remain undeclared. * Undeclared goods (= that the customs are not told about) may be confiscated.


Words: undefeated
Meaning:
adjective\n(especially in sport) not having lost or been defeated:\nThey are undefeated in 13 games. * the undefeated world champion


Words: undefended
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  not protected or guarded:\nundefended frontiers\n  2  if a case in a court of law is undefended, no defence is made against it


Words: undefined
Meaning:
adjective\nnot made clear or definite:\nThe money was lent for an undefined period of time. * His power is undefined, and therefore unlimited.


Words: undemanding
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  not needing a lot of effort or thought:\nan undemanding job\n  2  (of a person) not asking for a lot of attention or action from other people:\nShe was a pleasant and undemanding companion.\nOPP DEMANDING


Words: undemocratic
Meaning:
adjective\nagainst or not acting according to the principles of DEMOCRACY:\nundemocratic decisions * an undemocratic regime\nOPP DEMOCRATIC


Words: undeniable
Meaning:
adjective\ntrue or certain; that cannot be DENIED\nSYN INDISPUTABLE:\nundeniable achievements / charm / attractions * It is an undeniable fact that drug-related crime is increasing.\n    undeniably  adverb:\nundeniably beautiful / impressive * He is, undeniably, an excellent player.


Words: under
Meaning:
preposition, adverb, adjective \n    preposition\n  1  in, to or through a position that is below sth:\nHave you looked under the bed? * She placed the ladder under (= just lower than) the window. * The dog squeezed under the gate and ran into the road.\n  2  below the surface of sth; covered by sth:\nThe boat lay under several feet of water.\n  3  less than; younger than:\nan annual income of under ｣10 000 * It took us under an hour. * Nobody under 18 is allowed to buy alcohol.\n  4  used to say who or what controls, governs or manages sb/sth:\nThe country is now under martial law. * The coinage was reformed under Elizabeth I (= when she was queen). * She has a staff of 19 working under her. * Under its new conductor, the orchestra has established an international reputation.\n  5  according to an agreement, a law or a system:\nSix suspects are being held under the Prevention of Terrorism Act. * Under the terms of the lease you had no right to sublet the property. * Is the television still under guarantee?\n  6  experiencing a particular process:\nThe hotel is still under construction. * The matter is under investigation.\n  7  affected by sth:\nThe wall collapsed under the strain. * I’ve been feeling under stress lately. * I’m under no illusions about what hard work this will be. * You’ll be under anaesthetic, so you won’t feel a thing.\n  8  using a particular name:\nShe also writes under the pseudonym of Barbara Vine.\n  9  found in a particular part of a book, list, etc:\nIf it’s not under ’sports’, try looking under ’games’.\n    adverb\n  1  below sth:\nHe pulled up the covers and crawled under.\n  2  below the surface of water:\nShe took a deep breath and stayed under for more than a minute. * The boat was going under fast.\n  3  less; younger:\nprices of ten dollars and under * children aged 12 and under\n  4  in or into an unconscious state:\nHe felt himself going under.\n    adjective [only before noun] lower; underneath:\nthe under layer * the under surface of a leaf\n______________________________\n WHICH WORD? \nunder / below / underneath / beneath\nYou use under to say that one thing is directly under another thing: The cat is asleep under the table. * I think your letter is under that book. Underneath can also be used when you want to emphasize that something is being covered or hidden by another thing: Have you looked underneath the sofa as well as behind it? You can also use beneath in this sense, but it is a very formal or literary word.\nBelow is usually preferred to say that one thing is in a lower position than another when they are both in the same building, on the same hill, on the same part of the body, etc: They live in the apartment below us. * Can you see those trees below the summit? * It hurts here - just below the knee.\nBelow is used for measurements or position on a scale: The temperature was below zero last night. Under is used to mean ’less than’: All our goods are under ｣320. You use under (not below) to talk about movement from one side of something to the other side: We swam under the bridge.\n______________________________


Words: under-
Meaning:
prefix\n  1  (in nouns and adjectives) below; BENEATH:\nundergrowth * undercover\n  2  (in nouns) lower in age or rank:\nthe under-fives * an undergraduate\n  3  (in adjectives and verbs) not enough:\nunderripe * undercooked


Words: underachieve
Meaning:
verb\n[V] to do less well than you could do, especially in school work:\nToo many boys are underachieving at school.\n    underachievement noun [U]\n    underachiever noun


Words: underarm
Meaning:
adjective, adverb \n    adjective\n  1  [only before noun] connected with a person’s ARMPIT:\nunderarm hair / deodorant / sweating\n  2  an underarm throw of a ball is done with the hand kept below the level of the shoulder\ncompare OVERARM\n    adverb if you throw, etc. underarm, you throw keeping your hand below the level of your shoulder\ncompare OVERARM


Words: underbelly
Meaning:
noun [sing.]\n  1  the weakest part of sth that is most easily attacked:\nThe trade deficit remains the soft underbelly of the US economy.\n  2  the underneath part of an animal: (figurative) He became familiar with the dark underbelly of life in the city (= the parts that are usually hidden).


Words: underbid
Meaning:
verb\n(underbidding, underbid, underbid) [VN] to make a lower BID than sb else, for example when trying to win a contract


Words: undercarriage
Meaning:
(also landing gear) noun\nthe part of an aircraft, including the wheels, that supports it when it is landing and taking off


Words: underclass
Meaning:
noun\n[sing.] a social class that is very poor and has no status:\nThe long-term unemployed are becoming a new underclass.


Words: underclassman
Meaning:
noun\n(plural underclassmen ) (AmE) a student in the first or second year of high school or college\ncompare UPPERCLASSMAN


Words: undercoat
Meaning:
noun\n[C, U] a layer of paint under the final layer; the paint used for making this:\nApply the undercoat first.\ncompare TOPCOAT


Words: undercover
Meaning:
adjective\n[usually before noun] working or done secretly in order to find out information for the police, a government, etc:\nan undercover agent / officer * an undercover operation / investigation\n    undercover adverb:\nThe illegal payments were discovered by a journalist working undercover.


Words: undercurrent
Meaning:
noun\n~ (of sth) a feeling, especially a negative one, that is hidden but whose effects are felt:\nI detect an undercurrent of resentment towards the new proposals. * Racial hatred has been a powerful undercurrent in the country’s history.


Words: undercut
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb  (undercutting, undercut, undercut) [VN] \n  1  to sell goods or services at a lower price than your competitors:\nto undercut sb’s prices * We were able to undercut our European rivals by 5%.\n  2  to make sth weaker or less likely to be effective\nSYN UNDERMINE:\nSome members of the board were trying to undercut the chairman’s authority.\n    noun  a way of cutting sb’s hair in which the hair is left quite long on top but the hair on the lower part of the head is cut much shorter


Words: underdeveloped
Meaning:
adjective\n(of a country, society, etc.) having few industries and a low standard of living\ncompare DEVELOPED, DEVELOPING, UNDEVELOPED\n HELP NOTE  ’A developing country’ is now the usual expression used.\n    underdevelopment noun [U]


Words: underdog
Meaning:
noun\na person, team, country, etc. that is thought to be in a weaker position than others and therefore not likely to be successful, win a competition, etc:\nBefore the game we were definitely the underdogs. * In politics, he was a champion of the underdog (= always fought for the rights of weaker people).


Words: underemployed
Meaning:
adjective\nnot having enough work to do; not having work that makes full use of your skills and abilities


Words: underestimate
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb \n  1  to think or guess that the amount, cost or size of sth is smaller than it really is:\n[VN] to underestimate the cost / difficulty / danger of the expedition * We underestimated the time it would take to get there. * The statistics seriously underestimate the number of people affected. [also V wh-]\n  2  [VN] to not realize how good, strong, determined, etc. sb really is:\nNever underestimate your opponent. * Their ability should not be underestimated.\nOPP OVERESTIMATE\ncompare UNDERRATE\n    noun  [C, U]) an estimate about the size, cost, etc. of sth that is too low:\nMy guess of 400 proved to be a serious underestimate.\nOPP OVERESTIMATE


Words: underexpose
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] [usually passive] to allow too little light to reach the film when you take a photograph\nOPP OVEREXPOSE


Words: underfoot
Meaning:
adverb\nunder your feet; on the ground where you are walking:\nThe ground was dry and firm underfoot. * I was nearly trampled underfoot by the crowd of people rushing for the door.


Words: underfunded
Meaning:
adjective\n(of an organization, a project, etc.) not having enough money to spend, with the result that it cannot function well:\nseriously / chronically underfunded


Words: undergo
Meaning:
verb\n(underwent ) [VN] to experience sth, especially a change or sth unpleasant:\nto undergo tests / trials / repairs * My mother underwent major surgery last year. * Some children undergo a complete transformation when they become teenagers.


Words: undergraduate
Meaning:
noun\na university or college student who is studying for their first degree:\na first-year undergraduate * an undergraduate course / student / degree * She teaches physics at undergraduate level. -> STUDENT


Words: underground
Meaning:
adjective, adverb, noun \n    adjective\n  [only before noun]\n \n  1  under the surface of the ground:\nunderground passages / caves / streams * underground cables\ncompare OVERGROUND\n \n  2  operating secretly and often illegally, especially against a government:\nan underground resistance movement\n    adverb \n  1  under the surface of the ground:\nRescuers found victims trapped several feet underground. * toxic waste buried deep underground * a network of pipelines running underground\n  2  in or into a secret place in order to hide from the police, the government, etc:\nHe went underground to avoid arrest.\n    noun \n  1  (often the Underground) (BrE) (AmE subway) [sing.] an underground railway/railroad system in a city:\nunderground stations * the London Underground * I always travel by underground.\ncompare METRO, TUBE\n  2  (the underground) [sing.+sing./pl. v.] a secret political organization, usually working against the government of a country\n______________________________\n BRITISH / AMERICAN \nunderground / subway / metro / tube\nA city’s underground railway / railroad system is usually called the underground (often the Underground) in BrE and the subway in AmE. Speakers of BrE also use subway for systems in American cities and metro for systems in other European countries. The Metro is the name for the systems in Paris and Washington, D.C. London’s system is often called the Tube.\n______________________________


Words: undergrowth
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE underbrush) noun\n[U] a mass of bushes and plants that grow close together under trees in woods and forests:\nThey used their knives to clear a path through the dense undergrowth. * The murder weapon was found concealed in undergrowth. * The dog came crashing through the undergrowth towards us.


Words: underhand
Meaning:
adjective\n(disapproving) secret and dishonest:\nI would never have expected her to behave in such an underhand way. * I promise you there’s nothing underhand about this agreement.


Words: underlie
Meaning:
verb\n(underlying, underlay ) [VN] [no passive] (formal) to be the basis or cause of sth:\nThese ideas underlie much of his work. * It is a principle that underlies all the party’s policies.\nsee also UNDERLYING


Words: underline
Meaning:
(also underscore especially in AmE) verb\n  1  [VN] to draw a line under a word, sentence, etc:\nThe names of the winners are underlined in red.\n  2  to emphasize or show that sth is important or true:\n[VN] The report underlines the importance of pre-school education. * [V wh-] Her question underlined how little she understood him. [also V that]


Words: underling
Meaning:
noun\n(disapproving) a person with a lower rank or status\nSYN MINION:\nHe dishes out orders to his underlings.


Words: underlying
Meaning:
adjective [only before noun]\n  1  important in a situation but not always easily noticed or stated clearly:\nThe underlying assumption is that the amount of money available is limited. * Unemployment may be an underlying cause of the rising crime rate.\n  2  existing under the surface of sth else:\nthe underlying rock formation\nsee also UNDERLIE


Words: undermanned
Meaning:
adjective\n(of a hospital, factory, etc.) not having enough people working in order to be able to function well\nSYN UNDERSTAFFED\nOPP OVERMANNED


Words: undermine
Meaning:
verb [VN] \n  1  to make sth, especially sb’s confidence or authority, gradually weaker or less effective:\nOur confidence in the team has been seriously undermined by their recent defeats. * This crisis has undermined his position. * Recent changes have undermined teachers’ morale.\n  2  to make sth weaker at the base, for example by digging under it


Words: underneath
Meaning:
preposition, adverb, noun \n    preposition, adverb\n  1  under or below sth else, especially when it is hidden or covered by the thing on top:\nThe coin rolled underneath the piano. * This jacket’s too big, even with a sweater underneath.\n  2  used to talk about sb’s real feelings or character, as opposed to the way they seem to be:\nUnderneath her cool exterior she was really very frightened. * He seems bad-tempered, but he’s very soft-hearted underneath. -> UNDER\n    noun (the underneath) [sing.] the lower surface or part of sth:\nShe pulled the drawer out and examined the underneath carefully.


Words: undernourished
Meaning:
adjective\nin bad health because of a lack of food or a lack of the right type of food\nSYN MALNOURISHED:\nseverely undernourished children\n    undernourishment  noun [U]


Words: underpants
Meaning:
noun [pl.]\n \n  1  (also informal pants) (BrE) a piece of men’s underwear worn under their trousers/pants\n \n  2  (AmE) a piece of underwear worn by men or women under trousers/pants, a skirt, etc.


Words: underpay
Meaning:
verb\n(underpaid, underpaid ) [VN] [usually passive] to pay sb too little money, especially for their work:\nNurses complain of being overworked and underpaid. * an underpaid profession\nOPP OVERPAY


Words: underpin
Meaning:
verb (-nn-) [VN] \n  1  (written) to support or form the basis of an argument, a claim, etc:\nThe report is underpinned by extensive research. * Certain qualities and values underpin good journalism.\n  2  (technical) to support a wall by putting metal, CONCRETE, etc. under it\n    underpinning noun [C, U]


Words: underplay
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] (written, especially BrE) to make sth seem less important than it really is\nSYN PLAY DOWN, DOWNPLAY\nOPP OVERPLAY


Words: underprivileged
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  [usually before noun] having less money and fewer opportunities than most people in society\nSYN DISADVANTAGED:\nunderprivileged sections of the community * educationally / socially underprivileged groups\ncompare PRIVILEGED\n  2  (the underprivileged) noun [pl.] people who are underprivileged


Words: underrate
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] to not recognize how good, important, etc. sb/sth really is:\nHe’s seriously underrated as a writer. * an underrated movie * Don’t underrate yourself.\ncompare OVERRATE, UNDERESTIMATE


Words: undersea
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] found, used or happening below the surface of the sea:\nundersea cables / earthquakes


Words: undersecretary
Meaning:
noun (plural undersecretaries)\n  1  (in Britain) a senior CIVIL SERVANT in charge of one part of a government department\ncompare PERMANENT UNDERSECRETARY\n  2  (in Britain) a junior minister who reports to the minister in charge of a government department\n  3  (in the US) an official of high rank in a government department, directly below a member of a CABINET:\nan undersecretary of State for inter-American affairs


Words: undersell
Meaning:
[VN] \n  1  to sell goods or services at a lower price than your competitors:\nOur goods are never undersold (= our prices are the lowest).\n  2  to sell sth at a price lower than its real value\n  3  to make people think that sth is not as good or as interesting as it really is:\nDon’t undersell yourself at the interview.


Words: understaffed
Meaning:
adjective\n[not usually before noun] not having enough people working and therefore not able to function well\nSYN UNDERMANNED:\nWe’re very understaffed at the moment.\nOPP OVERSTAFFED


Words: understand
Meaning:
(not used in the progressive tenses)\n  meaning\n  1  to know or realize the meaning of words, a language, what sb says, etc:\n[VN] Can you understand French? * Do you understand the instructions? * She didn’t understand the form she was signing. * [V] I’m not sure that I understand. Go over it again. * (figurative) I don’t want you doing that again. Do you understand? * [V wh-] I don’t understand what he’s saying.\n  how sth works / happens\n  2  to know or realize how or why sth happens, how it works or why it is important:\n[VN] Doctors still don’t understand much about the disease. * No one is answering the phone-I can’t understand it. * [V wh-] I could never understand why she was fired. * They’re too young to understand what is happening. * [VN -ing] I just can’t understand him taking the money. * (formal) I just can’t understand his taking the money. [also V that, V]\n  know sb\n  3  to know sb’s character, how they feel and why they behave in the way they do:\n[VN] Nobody understands me. * He doesn’t understand women at all. * We understand each other, even if we don’t always agree. * [V wh-] They understand what I have been through. * I understand how hard things have been for you. * [V that] I quite understand that you need some time alone. * [VN -ing] I quite understand you needing some time alone. * [V] If you want to leave early, I’m sure he’ll understand.\n  think / believe\n  4  (formal) to think or believe that sth is true because you have been told that it is:\n[V (that)] I understand (that) you wish to see the manager. * Am I to understand that you refuse? * [VN to inf] The Prime Minister is understood to have been extremely angry about the report. * [VN that] It is understood that the band are working on their next album.\n  be agreed\n  5  [VN (that)] [usually passive] to agree sth with sb without it needing to be said:\nI thought it was understood that my expenses would be paid.\n  missing word\n  6  [VN] [usually passive] to realize that a word in a phrase or sentence is not expressed and to supply it in your mind:\nIn the sentence ’I can’t drive’, the object ’a car’ is understood.\n IDIOMS \n  make yourself understood to make your meaning clear, especially in another language:\nHe doesn’t speak much Japanese but he can make himself understood.\nmore at GIVE v.


Words: understandable
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (of behaviour, feelings, reactions, etc.) seeming normal and reasonable in a particular situation\nSYN NATURAL:\nan understandable concern / fear / temptation * Their attitude is perfectly understandable. * It was an understandable mistake to make.\n  2  (of language, documents, etc.) easy to understand\nSYN COMPREHENSIBLE:\nWarning notices must be readily understandable.


Words: understandably
Meaning:
adverb\nin a way that seems normal and reasonable in a particular situation:\nThey were understandably disappointed with the result. * She was concerned about his disappearance, and understandably so. * He is, understandably enough, being more cautious this time.


Words: understanding
Meaning:
noun, adjective \n    noun\n  1  [U, sing.] ~ (of sth) the knowledge that sb has about a particular subject or situation:\nThe committee has little or no understanding of the problem. * The existence of God is beyond human understanding (= humans cannot know whether God exists or not). * Most of the students have a sound understanding of English grammar.\n  2  [C, usually sing.] an informal agreement:\nWe finally came to an understanding about what hours we would work. * We have this understanding that nobody talks about work over lunch.\n  3  [U, sing.] the ability to understand why people behave in a particular way and the willingness to forgive them when they do sth wrong:\nWe must tackle the problem with sympathy and understanding. * We are looking for a better understanding between the two nations. * Try to show a little more understanding.\n  4  [U, C] ~ (of sth) the particular way in which sb understands sth\nSYN INTERPRETATION:\nMy understanding of the situation is ... * The statement is open to various understandings.\n IDIOMS \n  on the understanding that ... (formal) used to introduce a condition that must be agreed before sth else can happen:\nThey agreed to the changes on the understanding that they would be introduced gradually.\n    adjective showing sympathy for other people’s problems and being willing to forgive them when they do sth wrong\nSYN SYMPATHETIC:\nShe has very understanding parents.


Words: understate
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] to state that sth is smaller, less important or less serious than it really is:\nIt would be a mistake to understate the seriousness of the problem. * The figures probably understate the real unemployment rate.\nOPP OVERSTATE


Words: understated
Meaning:
adjective\n(approving) if a style, colour, etc. is understated, it is pleasing and elegant in a way that is not too obvious\nSYN SUBTLE


Words: understatement
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C] a statement that makes sth seem less important, impressive, serious, etc. than it really is:\nTo say we were pleased is an understatement (= we were extremely pleased). * ’These figures are a bit disappointing.’ ’That’s got to be the understatement of the year.’\n  2  [U] the practice of making things seem less impressive, important, serious, etc. than they really are:\ntypical English understatement * He always goes for subtlety and understatement in his movies.\nOPP OVERSTATEMENT


Words: understudy
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun (plural understudies) ~ (to sb) an actor who learns the part of another actor in a play so that they can play that part if necessary:\nShe worked as an understudy to Elaine Page.\n    verb (understudies, understudying, understudied, understudied) [VN] to learn a part in a play as an understudy; to act as an understudy to sb:\nShe once understudied Marilyn Monroe.


Words: undertake
Meaning:
(formal)\n  1  [VN] to make yourself responsible for sth and start doing it:\nto undertake a task / project * University professors both teach and undertake research. * The company has announced that it will undertake a full investigation into the accident.\n  2  to agree or promise that you will do sth:\n[V to inf] He undertook to finish the job by Friday. [also V that]


Words: undertaker
Meaning:
(also funeral director) (AmE also mortician) noun\na person whose job is to prepare dead people to be buried or CREMATED, and to arrange funerals


Words: undertaking
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C] a task or project, especially one that is important and/or difficult\nSYN VENTURE:\nHe is interested in buying the club as a commercial undertaking. * In those days, the trip across country was a dangerous undertaking.\n  2  [C] ~ (to do sth) | ~ (that ...) (formal) an agreement or a promise to do sth:\na government undertaking to spend more on education * The landlord gave a written undertaking that repairs would be carried out before the end of the month.\n  3   [U] the business of an undertaker


Words: undertone
Meaning:
noun\n~ (of sth) a feeling, quality or meaning that is not expressed directly but is still noticeable from what sb says or does:\nHis soft words contained an undertone of warning. * The play does not have the political undertones of the novel.\ncompare OVERTONE\n IDIOMS \n  in an undertone | in undertones in a quiet voice:\n’I must leave now,’ he said in an undertone.


Words: undertow
Meaning:
noun [usually sing.]\n  1  a current in the sea or ocean that moves in the opposite direction to the water near the surface:\nThe children were carried out to sea by the strong undertow.\n  2  ~ (of sth) a feeling or quality that influences people in a particular situation even though they are not really aware of it


Words: underused
Meaning:
(also formal underutilized) adjective\nnot used as much as it could or should be:\nThe airport is currently grossly underused.\n    underuse  (also formal underutilization) noun [U]


Words: underutilized
Meaning:
(BrE also underutilised)  adjective\n(formal) = UNDERUSED\n    underutilization, underutilisation  noun [U] = UNDERUSE


Words: undervalue
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] [usually passive] to not recognize how good, valuable or important sb/sth really is:\nEducation is currently undervalued in this country. * He believes his house has been undervalued.\nOPP OVERVALUE


Words: underwater
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] found, used or happening below the surface of water:\nunderwater creatures * an underwater camera * police underwater divers\n    underwater adverb:\nTake a deep breath and see how long you can stay underwater.


Words: underwear
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (also formal underclothes [pl.] underclothing [U]) clothes that you wear under other clothes and next to the skin:\nShe packed one change of underwear.


Words: underweight
Meaning:
adjective\n(especially of a person) weighing less than the normal or expected weight:\nThe baby was dangerously underweight at birth. * She is a few pounds underweight for (= in relation to) her height.\nOPP OVERWEIGHT


Words: underwhelmed
Meaning:
adjective\n(informal, humorous) not impressed with or excited about sth at all:\nWe were distinctly underwhelmed by the director’s speech.\ncompare OVERWHELMED


Words: underwhelming
Meaning:
adjective\n(informal, humorous) not impressing or exciting you at all:\nthe contrast between his overwhelming guitar-playing and his underwhelming singing


Words: underworld
Meaning:
noun [sing.]\n  1  the people and activities involved in crime in a particular place:\nthe criminal underworld * the Glasgow underworld * the dark underworld of drug abuse and petty crime\n  2  (the underworld) (in myths and legends, for example those of Ancient Greece) the place under the earth where people are believed to go when they die:\nOrpheus in the Underworld


Words: underwrite
Meaning:
[VN] (technical)\n  1  to accept financial responsibility for an activity so that you will pay for special costs or for losses it may make:\nThe British government ended up underwriting the entire project. * The record company may underwrite the costs of a band’s first tour.\n  2  to accept responsibility for an insurance policy so that you will pay money in case loss or damage happens\n  3  to agree to buy shares that are not bought by the public when new shares are offered for sale


Words: underwriter
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a person or organization that underwrites insurance policies, especially for ships\n  2  a person whose job is to estimate the risks involved in a particular activity and decide how much sb must pay for insurance


Words: undeserved
Meaning:
adjective\nthat sb does not deserve and therefore unfair:\nThe criticism was totally undeserved. * an undeserved success / victory\n    undeservedly  adverb


Words: undeserving
Meaning:
adjective\n~ (of sth) (formal) not deserving to have or receive sth:\nHe was undeserving of her affections. * the undeserving victim of a conspiracy\nOPP DESERVING


Words: undesirable
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective not wanted or approved of; likely to cause trouble or problems:\nundesirable behaviour / consequences / effects * It would be highly undesirable to increase class sizes further. * prostitution and other undesirable practices * These alternatives are economically undesirable.\nOPP DESIRABLE\n    undesirably  adverb \n    noun [usually pl.] a person who is not wanted in a particular place, especially because they are considered dangerous or criminal:\nHe’s been mixing with drug addicts and other undesirables.


Words: undetectable
Meaning:
adjective\nimpossible to see or find:\nThe sound is virtually undetectable to the human ear.\nOPP DETECTABLE


Words: undetected
Meaning:
adjective\nnot noticed by anyone:\nHow could anyone break into the palace undetected? * The disease often remains undetected for many years.


Words: undeveloped
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (of land) not used for farming, industry, building, etc:\nThe coastline is still largely undeveloped. * undeveloped countryside / villages\n  2  (of a country) not having modern industries, and with a low standard of living\n  3  not grown to full size:\nundeveloped buds / limbs\ncompare UNDERDEVELOPED


Words: undifferentiated
Meaning:
adjective\nhaving parts that you cannot distinguish between; not split into different parts or sections:\na view of society as an undifferentiated whole * an undifferentiated target audience


Words: undignified
Meaning:
adjective\ncausing you to look silly and to lose the respect of other people:\nThere was an undignified scramble for the best seats.\nOPP DIGNIFIED


Words: undiluted
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (of a liquid) not made weaker by having water added to it; not having been DILUTED\n  2  (of a feeling or quality) not mixed or combined with anything and therefore very strong:\nI looked back on that time with undiluted pleasure.


Words: undiminished
Meaning:
adjective\nthat has not become smaller or weaker:\nThey continued with undiminished enthusiasm. * Her influence in the company remained undiminished.


Words: undischarged
Meaning:
adjective\n(law) an undischarged BANKRUPT is a person who has been officially stated to be bankrupt by a court of law but who still has to pay his or her debts


Words: undisciplined
Meaning:
adjective\nlacking control and organization; behaving badly\nOPP DISCIPLINED:\nHis talent is raw and undisciplined. * an undisciplined group of schoolchildren


Words: undisclosed
Meaning:
adjective\nnot made known or told to anyone; not having been DISCLOSED:\nHe was paid an undisclosed sum. * They met at an undisclosed venue.


Words: undiscovered
Meaning:
adjective\nthat has not been found or noticed; that has not been DISCOVERED:\na previously undiscovered talent


Words: undisguised
Meaning:
adjective\n(especially of a feeling) that you do not try to hide from other people; not DISGUISED:\na look of undisguised admiration


Words: undismayed
Meaning:
adjective\n[not before noun] (formal) not worried or frightened by sth unpleasant or unexpected\nSYN UNDAUNTED:\nHe was undismayed by the havoc he encountered on his return.


Words: undisputed
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  that cannot be questioned or proved to be false; that cannot be DISPUTED\nSYN IRREFUTABLE:\nundisputed facts / evidence * The date of the painting is now undisputed.\n  2  that everyone accepts or recognizes:\nthe undisputed champion of the world * an undisputed masterpiece


Words: undistinguished
Meaning:
adjective\nnot very interesting, successful or attractive:\nan undistinguished career\nOPP DISTINGUISHED


Words: undisturbed
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  [not usually before noun] not moved or touched by anyone or anything\nSYN UNTOUCHED:\nThe treasure had lain undisturbed for centuries.\n  2  not interrupted by anyone\nSYN UNINTERRUPTED:\nShe succeeded in working undisturbed for a few hours.\n  3  [not usually before noun] ~ (by sth) not affected or upset by sth\nSYN UNCONCERNED:\nHe seemed undisturbed by the news of her death.\ncompare DISTURBED


Words: undivided
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  not split into smaller parts; not divided:\nan undivided Church * The estate passed undivided to his only son.\n  2  [usually before noun] total; complete; not divided:\nundivided love / loyalty / concentration * You must be prepared to give the job your undivided attention.


Words: undo
Meaning:
[VN] \n  1  to open sth that is fastened, tied or wrapped:\nto undo a button / knot / zip * to undo a jacket / shirt / bag * I undid the package and took out the books.\nOPP DO UP\n  2  to cancel the effect of sth:\nHe undid most of the good work of the previous manager. * It’s not too late to try and undo some of the damage. * UNDO (= an editing command on a computer that cancels the previous action)\n  3  [usually passive] (formal) to make sb/sth fail:\nThe team was undone by the speed and strength of their opponents.


Words: undoing
Meaning:
noun\n[sing.] the reason why sb fails at sth or is unsuccessful in life\nSYN DOWNFALL:\nThat one mistake was his undoing.


Words: undone
Meaning:
adjective [not usually before noun]\n  1  (especially of clothing) not fastened or tied:\nHer blouse had come undone.\n  2  (especially of work) not finished:\nMost of the work had been left undone.\n  3  (old use) (of a person) defeated and without any hope for the future


Words: undoubted
Meaning:
adjective\n[usually before noun] used to emphasize that sth exists or is definitely true:\nundoubted difficulties / problems * She has an undoubted talent as an organizer.\n    undoubtedly adverb:\nThere is undoubtedly a great deal of truth in what he says.


Words: undreamed-of
Meaning:
especially in BrE) adjective\nmuch more or much better than you thought was possible:\nundreamed-of happiness / success


Words: undress
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb to take off your clothes; to remove sb else’s clothes:\n[V] She undressed and got into bed. * He got undressed in a small cubicle next to the pool. * [VN] to undress a child / doll\nOPP DRESS\n    noun [U] (formal) the fact of sb wearing no, or few, clothes:\nHe appeared at the window in a state of undress.


Words: undressed
Meaning:
adjective\n[not usually before noun] not wearing any clothes:\nShe began to get undressed (= remove her clothes). * He was half undressed when he answered the door.\nOPP DRESSED


Words: undue
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] (formal) more than you think is reasonable or necessary\nSYN EXCESSIVE:\nThey are taking undue advantage of the situation. * The work should be carried out without undue delay. * We did not want to put any undue pressure on them. * Repayments can be made over a long period, without putting undue strain on your finances.\ncompare DUE adj. (6)


Words: undulate
Meaning:
verb\n[V] (written) to go or move gently up and down like waves:\nThe countryside undulates pleasantly.


Words: undulation
Meaning:
noun\n[C, U] a smooth curving shape or movement like a series of waves:\nThe road followed the undulations of the landscape.


Words: unduly
Meaning:
adverb\n(formal) more than you think is reasonable or necessary\nSYN EXCESSIVELY:\nHe did not sound unduly worried at the prospect. * The levels of pollution in this area are unduly high. * The thought did not disturb her unduly. * The sentence was criticized as being unduly lenient.\ncompare DULY


Words: unearned
Meaning:
adjective\n[U] used to describe money that you receive but do not earn by working:\nDeclare all unearned income.


Words: unearth
Meaning:
verb [VN] \n  1  to find sth in the ground by digging\nSYN DIG UP:\nto unearth buried treasures * Police have unearthed a human skeleton.\n  2  to find or discover sth by chance or after searching for it\nSYN DIG UP:\nI unearthed my old diaries when we moved house. * The newspaper has unearthed some disturbing facts.


Words: unearthly
Meaning:
adjective\n[usually before noun] very strange; not natural and therefore frightening:\nan unearthly cry / yell * an unearthly light / sight\n IDIOMS \n  at an unearthly hour (informal) very early, especially when this is annoying:\nThe job involved getting up at some unearthly hour to catch the first train.


Words: unease
Meaning:
noun\n[U, sing.] the feeling of being worried or unhappy about sth:\na deep feeling / sense of unease * There was a growing unease about their involvement in the war. * He was unable to hide his unease at the way the situation was developing.


Words: uneasy
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  ~ (about sth / about doing sth) feeling worried or unhappy about a particular situation, especially because you think that sth bad or unpleasant may happen or because you are not sure that what you are doing is right:\nan uneasy laugh / smile * He was beginning to feel distinctly uneasy about their visit. * His presence made her feel uneasy. * She felt uneasy about leaving the children with them. * She had an uneasy feeling that something terrible was going to happen.\nOPP EASY\n  2  not certain to last; not safe or settled:\nan uneasy alliance / truce / peace / relationship * The two sides eventually reached an uneasy compromise.\n  3  that does not enable you to relax or feel comfortable:\nShe woke from an uneasy sleep to find the house empty. * They passed an uneasy night waiting for news from the hospital.\n  4  used to describe a mixture of two things, feelings, etc. that do not go well together:\nan uneasy mix of humour and violence * Old farmhouses and new villas stood together in uneasy proximity.\n    uneasily  adverb:\nI wondered uneasily what he was thinking. * She shifted uneasily in her chair. * His socialist views sit uneasily with his huge fortune.


Words: uneconomic
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (of a business, factory, etc.) not making a profit\nSYN UNPROFITABLE:\nuneconomic farms / industries\nOPP ECONOMIC\n  2  = UNECONOMICAL


Words: uneconomical
Meaning:
(also uneconomic) adjective\n~ (to do sth) using too much time or money, or too many materials, and therefore not likely to make a profit:\nIt soon proved uneconomical to stay open 24 hours a day. * Transportation costs would turn the operation into an uneconomical exercise.\nOPP ECONOMICAL


Words: unedifying
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal, especially BrE) unpleasant in a way that makes you feel disapproval:\nthe unedifying sight of the two party leaders screeching at each other\ncompare EDIFYING


Words: uneducated
Meaning:
adjective\nhaving had little or no formal education at a school; showing a lack of education:\nan uneducated workforce * an uneducated point of view\ncompare EDUCATED


Words: unemotional
Meaning:
adjective\nnot showing your feelings:\nan unemotional speech / voice * She seemed very cool and unemotional.\nOPP EMOTIONAL\n    unemotionally adverb:\nHe talked slowly and unemotionally.


Words: unemployable
Meaning:
adjective\nlacking the skills or qualities that you need to get a job:\nIs Britain producing a generation of unemployable young people?\nOPP EMPLOYABLE


Words: unemployed
Meaning:
adjective\nwithout a job although able to work:\nHow long have you been unemployed? * an unemployed builder / teacher * an increase in the number of people registered as unemployed\n    the unemployed noun [pl.]:\na programme to get the long-term unemployed back to work * I’ve joined the ranks of the unemployed (= I’ve lost my job).


Words: unemployment
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  the fact of a number of people not having a job; the number of people without a job:\nan area of high unemployment * rising / falling rates of unemployment * measures to help reduce / tackle unemployment * a rise in both inflation and unemployment\n  2  the state of not having a job:\nThousands of young people are facing long-term unemployment. * a study of male / female / black unemployment\ncompare EMPLOYMENT


Words: unemployment benefit
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE unemployment compensation) noun\n[U] (also unemployment benefits [pl.]) money paid by the government to sb who is unemployed:\npeople on (= receiving) unemployment benefit * Applications for unemployment benefits dropped last month.


Words: unending
Meaning:
adjective\nseeming to last for ever:\na seemingly unending supply of money * the latest in an unending round of meetings


Words: unenviable
Meaning:
adjective\n[usually before noun] difficult or unpleasant; that you would not want to have:\nShe was given the unenviable task of informing the losers.\nOPP ENVIABLE


Words: unequal
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  [usually before noun] in which people are treated differently or have different advantages in a way that seems unfair:\nan unequal distribution of power / wealth * an unequal contest / relationship\n  2  ~ (in sth) different in size, amount, etc:\nThe sleeves are unequal in length. * The rooms upstairs are of unequal size.\n  3  ~ to sth (formal) not capable of doing sth:\nShe suddenly felt unequal to the task she had set herself.\nOPP EQUAL\n    unequally  adverb:\nThe budget was unequally distributed between the departments.


Words: unequalled
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE unequaled)  adjective\nbetter than all others\nSYN UNPARALLELED:\nan unequalled record of success


Words: unequivocal
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal) expressing your opinion or intention very clearly and firmly:\nan unequivocal answer / rejection / warning * The answer was an unequivocal ’no’.\nOPP EQUIVOCAL\n    unequivocally  adverb:\nWe are unequivocally in favour of the changes. * He stated unequivocally that he knew nothing about the document.


Words: unerring
Meaning:
adjective\nalways right or accurate:\nShe had an unerring instinct for a good business deal. * He could predict with unerring accuracy what the score would be.\n    unerringly adverb


Words: unethical
Meaning:
adjective\nnot morally acceptable:\nunethical behaviour / conduct * It would be unethical to carry out such experiments on animals.\nOPP ETHICAL\n    unethically  adverb


Words: uneven
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  not level, smooth or flat:\nan uneven path / wall * The floor felt uneven under his feet.\nOPP EVEN\n  2  not following a regular pattern; not having a regular size and shape\nSYN IRREGULAR:\nHer breathing was quick and uneven. * uneven teeth\nOPP EVEN\n  3  not having the same quality in all parts:\nan uneven performance (= with some good parts and some bad parts)\n  4  (of a contest or match) in which one group, team or player is much better than the other\nSYN UNEQUAL\nOPP EVEN\n  5  organized in a way that is not regular and/or fair\nSYN UNEQUAL:\nan uneven distribution of resources\nOPP EVEN\n    unevenly adverb:\nHis hair was cut unevenly. * The teams are unevenly matched. * The population is unevenly distributed.\n    unevenness noun [U]


Words: uneventful
Meaning:
adjective\nin which nothing interesting, unusual or exciting happens:\nan uneventful career / life / weekend * The pregnancy itself was relatively uneventful.\nOPP EVENTFUL\n    uneventfully  adverb:\nThe day passed uneventfully.


Words: unexceptionable
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (formal) not giving any reason for criticism:\na man of unexceptionable character * Her comments were perfectly unexceptionable if a little unhelpful.\n  2  (informal) not very new or exciting


Words: unexpected
Meaning:
adjective\nif sth is unexpected, it surprises you because you were not expecting it:\nan unexpected development / result / visitor * The announcement was not entirely unexpected.\n    the unexpected noun [sing.]:\nPolice officers must be prepared for the unexpected.\n    unexpectedly adverb:\nThey had arrived unexpectedly. * an unexpectedly large bill * The plane was unexpectedly delayed. * She died unexpectedly of a heart attack. * Not unexpectedly, most local business depends on tourism.\n    unexpectedness noun [U] \ncompare EXPECT


Words: unexpired
Meaning:
adjective\n[usually before noun] (of an agreement or a period of time) still valid; not yet having come to an end or EXPIRED:\nthe unexpired period of the lease


Words: unexplained
Meaning:
adjective\nfor which the reason or cause is not known; that has not been explained:\nan unexplained mystery * He died in unexplained circumstances. * The reason for her strange behaviour remained unexplained.


Words: unexplored
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (of a country or an area of land) that nobody has investigated or put on a map; that has not been EXPLORED\n  2  (of an idea, a theory, etc.) that has not yet been examined or discussed thoroughly


Words: unexpressed
Meaning:
adjective\n(of a thought, a feeling or an idea) not shown or made known in words, looks or actions; not expressed


Words: unfailing
Meaning:
adjective\nthat you can rely on to always be there and always be the same\nSYN UNERRING:\nunfailing devotion / support * She fought the disease with unfailing good humour.\n    unfailingly adverb:\nunfailingly loyal / polite * His job was to cook the meals, which he did unfailingly, every day.


Words: unfair
Meaning:
adjective\n~ (on / to sb) not right or fair according to a set of rules or principles; not treating people equally\nSYN UNJUST:\nunfair criticism / treatment * It seems unfair on him to make him pay for everything. * It would be unfair not to let you have a choice. * They had been given an unfair advantage. * unfair dismissal (= a situation in which sb is illegally dismissed from their job) * measures to prevent unfair competition between member countries * Life seems so unfair sometimes. * It’s so unfair!\nOPP FAIR\n    unfairly adverb:\nShe claims to have been unfairly dismissed. * The tests discriminate unfairly against older people.\n    unfairness noun [U]


Words: unfaithful
Meaning:
adjective\n~ (to sb) having sex with sb who is not your husband, wife or usual partner:\nHave you ever been unfaithful to him?\nOPP FAITHFUL\n    unfaithfulness noun [U]


Words: unfamiliar
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  ~ (to sb) that you do not know or recognize:\nan unfamiliar feeling / place / sound * Please highlight any terms that are unfamiliar to you.\n  2  ~ with sth not having any knowledge or experience of sth:\nan introductory course for students who are unfamiliar with computers\nOPP FAMILIAR\n    unfamiliarity  noun [U]


Words: unfashionable
Meaning:
adjective\nnot popular or fashionable at a particular time:\nThey live in an unfashionable part of London. * unfashionable ideas / attitudes\nOPP FASHIONABLE\n    unfashionably adverb:\na man with unfashionably long hair


Words: unfathomable
Meaning:
adjective (formal)\n  1  too strange or difficult to be understood:\nan unfathomable mystery\n  2  if sb has an unfathomable expression, it is impossible to know what they are thinking


Words: unfavourable
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE unfavorable)  adjective\n  1  ~ (for / to sth) (of conditions, situations, etc.) not good and likely to cause problems or make sth more difficult:\nThe conditions were unfavourable for intensive agricultural production. * an unfavourable exchange rate\n  2  showing that you do not approve of or like sb/sth:\nan unfavourable attitude / comment * The documentary presents him in a very unfavourable light. * an unfavourable comparison (= one that makes one thing seem much worse than another)\nOPP FAVOURABLE\n    unfavourably (BrE) (AmE unfavorably) adverb:\nIn this respect, Britain compares unfavourably with other European countries.


Words: unfazed
Meaning:
adjective\n(informal) not worried or surprised by sth unexpected that happens:\nShe was totally unfazed by the news.\nOPP FAZED


Words: unfeasible
Meaning:
adjective\nnot possible to do or achieve:\nThe teachers’ demands were economically unfeasible.\nOPP FEASIBLE


Words: unfeeling
Meaning:
adjective\nnot showing care or sympathy for other people:\nan unfeeling attitude / remark / smile * Her eyes were cold and unfeeling.


Words: unfettered
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal) not controlled or restricted:\nan unfettered free market * unfettered by regulations / restrictions


Words: unfilled
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  if a job or position is unfilled, nobody has been chosen for it\n  2  if a pause in a conversation is unfilled, nobody speaks\n  3  an unfilled cake has nothing inside it\n  4  (especially AmE) if an order for goods is unfilled, the goods have not been supplied


Words: unfinished
Meaning:
adjective\nnot complete; not finished:\nWe have some unfinished business to settle. * an unfinished drink / game / book


Words: unfit
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  ~ (for sth) | ~ (to eat, drink, live in, etc.) | ~ (to do sth) not of an acceptable standard; not suitable:\nunfit for human consumption / habitation * This water is unfit to drink. * Most of the buildings are unfit to live in. * They described him as unfit to govern. * (technical) Many of the houses were condemned as unfit. * (technical) The court claims she is an unfit mother.\n  2  ~ for sth | ~ to do sth not capable of doing sth, for example because of illness:\nHe’s still unfit for work. * The company’s doctor found that she was unfit to carry out her normal work.\n  3  (especially BrE) (of a person) not in good physical condition; not fit, because you have not taken exercise:\nThe captain is still unfit and will miss tonight’s game.\nOPP FIT\n    unfitness noun [U]


Words: unfitted
Meaning:
adjective\n~ for sth | ~ to do sth (formal) not suitable for sth:\nShe felt herself unfitted for marriage.


Words: unflagging
Meaning:
adjective\n[usually before noun] remaining strong; not becoming weak or tired:\nunflagging effort / energy * She had shown unflagging support for the cause.


Words: unflattering
Meaning:
adjective\nmaking sb/sth seem worse or less attractive than they really are:\nan unflattering dress / portrait * Short hair can be very unflattering. * unflattering comments\nOPP FLATTERING


Words: unflinching
Meaning:
adjective\nremaining strong and determined, even in a difficult or dangerous situation:\nunflinching determination / loyalty / pride * an unflinching gaze / stare\n    unflinchingly adverb:\nShe stared back at him unflinchingly.\nsee also FLINCH


Words: unfocused
Meaning:
(also unfocussed)  adjective\n  1  (especially of eyes) not looking at a particular thing or person; not having been FOCUSED:\nan unfocused glance / look * Her eyes were blank and unfocused.\n  2  (of plans, work, etc.) not having a clear aim or purpose; not well organized or clear:\nThe research is too unfocused to have any significant impact. * unfocused questions / longings


Words: unfold
Meaning:
verb\n  1  to spread open or flat sth that has previously been folded; to become open and flat:\n[VN] to unfold a map / tablecloth / letter * She unfolded her arms. [also V] \nOPP FOLD\n  2  to be gradually made known; to gradually make sth known to other people:\n[V] The audience watched the story unfold before their eyes. * Dramatic events were about to unfold. * [VN] She unfolded her tale to us.


Words: unforced
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (especially in sports) an unforced ERROR (= mistake) is one that you make by playing badly, not because your opponent has caused you to make a mistake by their skilful play\n  2  natural; done without effort:\nunforced humour / style


Words: unforeseeable
Meaning:
adjective\nthat you cannot predict or FORESEE:\nBuilding a dam here could have unforeseeable consequences for the environment.\nOPP FORESEEABLE


Words: unforeseen
Meaning:
adjective\nthat you did not expect to happen\nSYN UNEXPECTED:\nunforeseen delays / problems * The project was running late owing to unforeseen circumstances.\ncompare FORESEE


Words: unforgettable
Meaning:
adjective\nif sth is unforgettable, you cannot forget it, usually because it is so beautiful, interesting, enjoyable, etc.\nSYN MEMORABLE:\nThe music is what makes the movie so unforgettable.\ncompare FORGETTABLE


Words: unforgivable
Meaning:
adjective\nif sb’s behaviour is unforgivable, it is so bad or unacceptable that you cannot forgive the person\nSYN INEXCUSABLE:\nIt was an unforgivable thing to say. * an unforgivable act of violence\nOPP FORGIVABLE\n    unforgivably adverb:\nHe was unforgivably rude.


Words: unforgiving
Meaning:
adjective (written)\n  1  (of a person) unwilling to forgive other people when they have done sth wrong:\na proud and unforgiving man\nOPP FORGIVING\n  2  (of a place, situation, etc.) unpleasant and causing difficulties for people:\nThe island is an unforgiving place in winter.


Words: unforthcoming
Meaning:
adjective\nnot wanting to help or give information about sth:\nHe was very unforthcoming about what had happened.\nOPP FORTHCOMING


Words: unfortunate
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective\n  1  having bad luck; caused by bad luck\nSYN UNLUCKY:\nHe was unfortunate to lose in the final round. * It was an unfortunate accident. * The unfortunate animal was locked inside the house for a week.\nOPP FORTUNATE\n  2  (formal) if you say that a situation is unfortunate, you wish that it had not happened or that it had happened differently\nSYN REGRETTABLE:\nShe described the decision as ’unfortunate’. * It was unfortunate that he couldn’t speak English. * You’re putting me in a most unfortunate position.\n  3  embarrassing and/or offensive:\nIt was an unfortunate choice of words.\n    noun (literary) a person who does not have much luck, money, etc:\none of life’s unfortunates


Words: unfortunately
Meaning:
adverb\nused to say that a particular situation or fact makes you sad or disappointed, or gets you into a difficult position\nSYN REGRETTABLY:\nUnfortunately, I won’t be able to attend the meeting. * I can’t make it, unfortunately. * Unfortunately for him, the police had been informed and were waiting outside. * It won’t be finished for a few weeks. Unfortunately!\nOPP FORTUNATELY


Words: unfounded
Meaning:
adjective\n(written) not based on reason or fact:\nunfounded allegations / fears / optimism * Speculation about a divorce proved totally unfounded.


Words: unfreeze
Meaning:
1  [VN, V] if you unfreeze sth that has been frozen or very cold, or it unfreezes, it melts or warms until it reaches a normal temperature\ncompare DEFROST, DE-ICE, THAW\n  2  [VN] to remove official controls on money or an economy:\nThe party plans to unfreeze some of the cash held by local government.\nOPP FREEZE


Words: unfriendly
Meaning:
adjective\n~ (to / towards sb) not kind or pleasant to sb:\nunfriendly eyes / people * an unfriendly atmosphere * There’s no need to be so unfriendly towards them. * the use of environmentally unfriendly products (= that harm the environment)\nOPP FRIENDLY\n    unfriendliness noun [U]


Words: unfulfilled
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (of a need, wish, etc.) that has not been satisfied or achieved:\nunfulfilled ambitions / hopes / promises * He died young with his ambitions unfulfilled.\n  2  if a person feels unfulfilled, they feel that they could achieve more in their life or work:\nShe’s feeling restless and unfulfilled in her present job.\nOPP FULFILLED


Words: unfunny
Meaning:
adjective\nnot funny or amusing, especially when sth is supposed to be funny:\nThe show was deeply unfunny.


Words: unfurl
Meaning:
verb\nto open, or to make sth open, that is curled or rolled tightly:\n[V] The leaves slowly unfurled. * [VN] to unfurl a flag / sail / banner


Words: unglamorous
Meaning:
adjective\nnot attractive or exciting; dull:\nan unglamorous job * Lunch was a decidedly unglamorous affair.\nOPP GLAMOROUS


Words: unglued
Meaning:
adjective\n IDIOMS \n  come unglued (AmE, informal)\n1 to become very upset\n2 if a plan, etc. comes unglued, it does not work successfully


Words: ungodly
Meaning:
adjective\n(old-fashioned) not showing respect for God; wicked\nOPP GODLY\n IDIOMS \n  at an ungodly hour very early or very late and therefore annoying


Words: ungovernable
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (written) (of a country, region, etc.) impossible to govern or control:\nCorruption and civil unrest had made the country ungovernable.\n  2  (formal) (of a person’s feelings) impossible to control:\nungovernable rage


Words: ungracious
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal) not polite or friendly, especially towards sb who is being kind to you\nOPP GRACIOUS\n    ungraciously adverb:\n’What are you doing here?’ he asked ungraciously.


Words: ungrateful
Meaning:
adjective\nnot showing or expressing thanks for sth that sb has done for you or given to you\nOPP GRATEFUL\n    ungratefully  adverb


Words: unguarded
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  not protected or watched:\nThe museum was unguarded at night. * an unguarded fire (= that has nothing to stop people from burning themselves on it)\n  2  (of a remark, look, etc.) said or done carelessly, at a time when you are not thinking about the effects of your words or are not paying attention:\nan unguarded response / remark * It was something I’d let out in an unguarded moment.\ncompare GUARDED


Words: unhappily
Meaning:
adverb\n  1  in an unhappy way:\nHe sighed unhappily. * ’I’ve made a big mistake,’ she said unhappily.\n  2  (written) used to say that a particular situation or fact makes you sad or disappointed\nSYN UNFORTUNATELY:\nUnhappily, such good luck is rare. * His wife, unhappily, died five years ago.\nOPP HAPPILY


Words: unhappy
Meaning:
adjective (unhappier, unhappiest)\n HELP NOTE  more unhappy and most unhappy are also common\n  1  not happy; sad:\nto look / seem / sound unhappy * an unhappy childhood / marriage\n  2  ~ (about / at / with sth) not pleased or satisfied with sth:\nThey were unhappy with their accommodation. * He was unhappy at being left out of the team. * Many people are deeply unhappy about the way the government has handled this matter.\n  3  (formal) unfortunate or not suitable:\nan unhappy coincidence * It was an unhappy choice of words.\n    unhappiness noun [U]


Words: unhealthy
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  not having good health; showing a lack of good health:\nThey looked poor and unhealthy. * unhealthy hair / skin * His eyeballs were an unhealthy yellow.\n  2  harmful to your health; likely to make you ill:\nunhealthy living conditions * an unhealthy diet / lifestyle\n  3  not normal and likely to be harmful:\nHe had an unhealthy interest in disease and death.\nOPP HEALTHY\n    unhealthily  adverb:\nShe eats too unhealthily. * He was unhealthily obsessed with past events.


Words: unheard
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  that nobody pays attention to:\nTheir protests went unheard.\n  2  not listened to or heard:\na previously unheard tape of their conversations * She managed to get back into the room unheard.


Words: unheard-of
Meaning:
adjective\nthat has never been known or done; very unusual:\nHe’d dyed his hair, which was almost unheard-of in the 1960s. * Home computers are now used on a scale unheard-of a few years ago. * It is almost unheard-of for a new band to be offered such a deal.


Words: unheeded
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal) that is heard, seen or noticed but then ignored:\nHer warning went unheeded.\ncompare HEED


Words: unhelpful
Meaning:
adjective\nnot helpful or useful; not willing to help sb:\nan unhelpful response / reply * The taxi driver was being very unhelpful.\nOPP HELPFUL\n    unhelpfully  adverb:\n’Who was that?’ ’No idea,’ she replied unhelpfully.


Words: unheralded
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal) not previously mentioned; happening without any warning:\nI didn’t want to make an unheralded entrance. * an unheralded visit


Words: unhesitating
Meaning:
adjective\ndone or given immediately and confidently:\nan unhesitating reply / answer * He gave an unhesitating ’yes’ when asked if he would go through the experience again.\n    unhesitatingly adverb:\n’Yes!’ she said unhesitatingly.


Words: unhindered
Meaning:
adjective\nwithout anything stopping or preventing the progress of sb/sth:\nShe had unhindered access to the files. * He was able to pass unhindered through several military checkpoints.\nsee also HINDER


Words: unhinge
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] [usually passive] to make sb mentally ill:\nHer mind was unhinged by the death of her child and she never recovered.


Words: unholy
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  dangerous; likely to be harmful:\nan unholy alliance between the medical profession and the pharmaceutical industry\n  2  not respecting the laws of a religion: (figurative) He took an unholy delight in her discomfort.\nOPP HOLY\n  3  [only before noun] (informal) used to emphasize how bad sth is:\nShe wondered how she had got into this unholy mess. * There was an unholy row going on next door.


Words: unhook
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] ~ sth (from sth) to remove sth from a hook; to undo the hooks on clothes, etc:\nHe unhooked his coat from the door. * She unhooked her bra.


Words: unhurried
Meaning:
adjective\n(written) relaxed and calm; not done too quickly:\nHis conversation was relaxed and unhurried. * It’s a quiet resort where life is taken at an easy, unhurried pace.\nOPP HURRIED\n    unhurriedly adverb:\nLynn walked unhurriedly into the kitchen.


Words: unhurt
Meaning:
adjective\n[not before noun] not injured or harmed\nSYN UNHARMED:\nHe escaped from the crash unhurt.\nOPP HURT


Words: unhygienic
Meaning:
adjective\nnot clean and therefore likely to cause disease or infection:\nThe animals were kept in cramped and unhygienic conditions.\nOPP HYGIENIC


Words: UNICEF
Meaning:
abbreviation\nUnited Nations Children’s Fund (an organization within the United Nations that helps to look after the health and education of children all over the world)


Words: unidentifiable
Meaning:
adjective\nimpossible to identify:\nHe had an unidentifiable accent. * Many of the bodies were unidentifiable except by dental records.\nOPP IDENTIFIABLE


Words: unidentified
Meaning:
adjective\nnot recognized or known; not IDENTIFIED:\nan unidentified virus * He was shot and killed by an unidentified gunman. * The painting was sold to an unidentified American dealer (= his or her name was not given).


Words: uniform
Meaning:
noun, adjective \n    noun\n [C, U] the special set of clothes worn by all members of an organization or a group at work, or by children at school:\na military / police / nurse’s uniform * soldiers / sailors in uniform * The hat is part of the school uniform.\n    adjective not varying; the same in all parts and at all times:\nuniform rates of pay * The walls were a uniform grey. * Growth has not been uniform across the country. * uniform lines of terraced houses (= they all looked the same)\n    uniformity  noun [U, sing.]:\nThey tried to ensure uniformity across the different departments. * the drab uniformity of the houses\n    uniformly adverb:\nThe principles were applied uniformly across all the departments. * The quality is uniformly high. * Pressure must be uniformly distributed over the whole surface.


Words: unify
Meaning:
verb\n(unifies, unifying, unified, unified) [VN] to join people, things, parts of a country, etc. together so that they form a single unit:\nThe new leader hopes to unify the country. * the task of unifying Europe * a unified transport system\n    unification  noun [U]:\nthe unification of Germany


Words: unilateral
Meaning:
adjective\ndone by one member of a group or an organization without the agreement of the other members:\na unilateral decision * a unilateral declaration of independence * They were forced to take unilateral action. * They had campaigned vigorously for unilateral nuclear disarmament (= when one country gets rid of its nuclear weapons without waiting for other countries to do the same).\ncompare BILATERAL, MULTILATERAL\n    unilaterally  adverb:\nThe rebels unilaterally declared a ceasefire.


Words: unilateralism
Meaning:
noun\n[U] belief in or support of unilateral action, especially the policy of getting rid of nuclear weapons without waiting for other countries to do the same\n    unilateralist noun:\nthe defeat of the unilateralists on nuclear disarmament\n    unilateralist adjective:\nunilateralist defence policy


Words: unimaginable
Meaning:
adjective\n(written) impossible to think of or to believe exists; impossible to imagine:\nunimaginable wealth / possibilities * This level of success would have been unimaginable just last year.\nOPP IMAGINABLE\n    unimaginably adverb


Words: unimaginative
Meaning:
adjective\nlacking in original or new ideas:\nan unimaginative solution to a problem * The food was adequate but unimaginative. * a boring unimaginative man\nOPP IMAGINATIVE


Words: unimpaired
Meaning:
adjective\n(written) not damaged or spoiled:\nAlthough he’s ninety, his mental faculties remain unimpaired.\nOPP IMPAIRED


Words: unimpeachable
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal, approving) that you cannot doubt or question:\nevidence from an unimpeachable source / witness


Words: unimpeded
Meaning:
adjective\n(written) with nothing blocking or stopping sb/sth:\nan unimpeded view of the bay * free and unimpeded trade


Words: unimportant
Meaning:
adjective\nnot important:\nunimportant details * relatively / comparatively unimportant * They dismissed the problem as unimportant. * This consideration was not unimportant. * I was just a young girl from a small town and I felt very unimportant.\n    unimportance noun [U]


Words: unimpressed
Meaning:
adjective\n~ (by / with sb/sth) not thinking that sb/sth is particularly good, interesting, etc.; not IMPRESSED by sb/sth


Words: unimpressive
Meaning:
adjective\nordinary; not special in any way:\nHis academic record was unimpressive. * The house itself was unimpressive but the location was spectacular. * The team gave an unimpressive performance.\nOPP IMPRESSIVE


Words: uninformative
Meaning:
adjective\nnot giving enough information:\nThe TV reports of the explosion were brief and uninformative.\nOPP INFORMATIVE


Words: uninformed
Meaning:
adjective\nhaving or showing a lack of knowledge or information about sth:\nan uninformed comment / criticism * The public is generally uninformed about these diseases.\nOPP INFORMED


Words: uninhabitable
Meaning:
adjective\nnot fit to live in; impossible to live in:\nThe building was totally uninhabitable.\nOPP HABITABLE


Words: uninhibited
Meaning:
adjective\nbehaving or expressing yourself freely without worrying about what other people think:\nuninhibited dancing / fun / passion\nOPP INHIBITED


Words: uninitiated
Meaning:
(the uninitiated) noun [pl.] people who have no special knowledge or experience of sth:\nTo the uninitiated the system seems extremely complicated.\n    uninitiated adjective


Words: uninjured
Meaning:
adjective\n[not usually before noun] not hurt or injured in any way\nSYN UNHURT:\nThey escaped from the crash uninjured.


Words: uninspiring
Meaning:
adjective\nnot making people interested or excited:\nThe view from the window was uninspiring.\nOPP INSPIRING


Words: unintelligible
Meaning:
adjective\n~ (to sb) impossible to understand:\nunintelligible noises / shouts * She turned away and muttered something unintelligible. * A lot of the jargon they use is unintelligible to outsiders.\nOPP INTELLIGIBLE\n    unintelligibly  adverb


Words: unintended
Meaning:
adjective\nan unintended effect, result or meaning is one that you did not plan or intend to happen:\nIn law you are considered responsible for the unintended consequences of your actions.


Words: unintentional
Meaning:
adjective\nnot done deliberately, but happening by accident:\nPerhaps I misled you, but it was quite unintentional (= I did not mean to).\nOPP INTENTIONAL\n    unintentionally  adverb:\nThey had unintentionally provided wrong information.


Words: uninterested
Meaning:
adjective\n~ (in sb/sth) not interested; not wanting to know about sb/sth:\nHe was totally uninterested in sport. * She seemed cold and uninterested. -> INTERESTED


Words: uninterrupted
Meaning:
adjective\nnot stopped or blocked by anything; continuous and not interrupted:\nWe had an uninterrupted view of the stage. * eight hours of uninterrupted sleep * We managed to eat our meal uninterrupted by phone calls.


Words: uninvited
Meaning:
adjective\ndoing sth or going somewhere when you have not been asked or invited to, especially when sb does not want you to:\nuninvited guests at a party * He turned up uninvited.


Words: union
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C] = TRADE UNION\n  2  [C] an association or a club for people or organizations with the same interest:\nthe Scottish Rugby Union\nsee also STUDENTS’UNION (2)\n  3  [C] a group of states or countries that have the same central government or that agree to work together:\nthe former Soviet Union * the European Union\n  4  (Union) [sing.] the US (used especially at the time of the Civil War):\nthe Union and the Confederacy * the State of the Union address by the President\n  5  [U, sing.] the act of joining two or more things together; the state of being joined together; the act of two people joining together:\na summit to discuss economic and monetary union * Northern Ireland’s union with Britain * sexual / physical union\n  6  [C] (old-fashioned) a marriage:\nTheir union was blessed with six children.


Words: unionist
Meaning:
noun\n  1  = TRADE UNIONIST\n  2  (Unionist) a person who believes that Northern Ireland should stay part of the United Kingdom\n  3  (Unionist) a supporter of the Union during the Civil War in the US\n    unionism  noun [U]


Words: unionize
Meaning:
(BrE also unionise)  verb\nto organize people to become members of a trade union:\n[VN] a unionized workforce / industry [also V]\n    unionization, unionisation  noun [U]:\na high / low level of unionization


Words: unique
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  being the only one of its kind:\nEveryone’s fingerprints are unique.\n HELP NOTE  You can use absolutely, totally or almost with unique in this meaning.\n  2  very special or unusual:\na unique talent * The preview offers a unique opportunity to see the show without the crowds. * The deal will put the company in a unique position to export goods to Eastern Europe.\n HELP NOTE  You can use more, very, etc. with unique in this meaning.\n  3  ~ (to sb/sth) belonging to or connected with one particular person, place or thing:\nan atmosphere that is unique to New York * The koala is unique to Australia.\n    uniquely adverb:\nHer past experience made her uniquely suited to lead the campaign. * The UK, uniquely, has not had to face the problem of mass unemployment. * He was a uniquely gifted teacher.\n    uniqueness noun [U]:\nThe author stresses the uniqueness of the individual.


Words: unison
Meaning:
noun\n IDIOMS \n  in unison (with sb/sth)\n1 if people do or say sth in unison, they all do it at the same time\n2 if people or organizations are working in unison, they are working together, because they agree with each other


Words: unit
Meaning:
noun\n \n  single thing\n \n  1  a single thing, person or group that is complete by itself but can also form part of sth larger:\nThe cell is the unit of which all living organisms are composed. * The basic unit of society is the family.\n \n  2  (business) a single item of the type of product that a company sells:\nThe game’s selling price was $15 per unit. * What’s the unit cost?\n \n  group of people\n \n  3  a group of people who work or live together, especially for a particular purpose:\narmy / military / police units * Medical units were operating in the disaster area.\n  in hospital\n  4  a department, especially in a hospital, that provides a particular type of care or treatment:\nthe intensive care unit * a maternity / psychiatric unit\n  measurement\n  5  ~ (of sth) a fixed quantity, etc. that is used as a standard measurement:\na unit of time / length / weight * a unit of currency, such as the euro or the dollar * Women are advised not to drink more than fourteen units of alcohol per week.\n  furniture\n  6  a piece of furniture, especially a cupboard, that fits with and matches others of the same type:\na fitted kitchen with white units * floor / wall units * bedroom / kitchen / storage units\n  small machine\n  7  a small machine that has a particular purpose or is part of a larger machine:\na waste disposal unit * the central processing unit of a computer\n  in textbook\n  8  one of the parts into which a TEXTBOOK or a series of lessons is divided:\nThe present perfect is covered in Unit 8.\n  flat / apartment\n  9  a single flat/apartment in a building that contains a number of them:\nThere are 25 apartments consisting of two- and three-bedroom units.\n  number\n  10  any whole number from 0 to 9:\na column for the tens and a column for the units


Words: unit trust
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE mutual fund) noun\na company that offers a service to people by investing their money in various different businesses:\nInvesting in a unit trust reduces risks for small investors.


Words: Unitarian
Meaning:
noun\na member of a Christian Church that does not believe in the TRINITY and has no formal teachings\n    Unitarian adjective\n    Unitarianism  noun [U]


Words: unitary
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (technical) (of a country or an organization) consisting of a number of areas or groups that are joined together and are controlled by one government or group:\na single unitary state * (BrE) a unitary authority (= a type of local council, introduced in some areas from 1995 to replace existing local governments which consisted of county and district councils)\n  2  (formal) single; forming one unit


Words: unite
Meaning:
verb\n  1  [V] ~ (in sth / in doing sth) | ~ (behind / against sb/sth) to join together with other people in order to do sth as a group:\nLocal resident groups have united in opposition to the plan. * We will unite in fighting crime. * Will they unite behind the new leader? * Nationalist parties united to oppose the government’s plans.\n  2  ~ (sb/sth) (with sb/sth) to make people or things join together to form a unit; to join together:\n[VN] A special bond unites our two countries. * His aim was to unite Italy. * She unites keen business skills with a charming personality. * [V] The two countries united in 1887.


Words: united
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (of countries) joined together politically or by shared aims:\nthe United States of America * efforts to build a united Europe\n  2  (of people or groups) in agreement and working together:\nWe need to become a more united team. * They are united in their opposition to the plan. * We should present a united front (= an appearance of being in agreement with each other).\n  3  used in the names of some teams and companies:\nManchester United * United Distillers


Words: unity
Meaning:
noun (plural unities)\n  1  [U, sing.] the state of being in agreement and working together; the state of being joined together to form one unit:\nEuropean unity * a plea for unity within the party * unity of interest / purpose\nOPP DISUNITY\n  2  [U] (in art, etc.) the state of looking or being complete in a natural and pleasing way:\nThe design lacks unity.\n  3  [C] (in literature and theatre) any of the principles of CLASSICAL or NEOCLASSICAL theatre that restrict the action of a play to a single story, day and place:\nthe unities of action, time and place\n  4  [sing.] (formal) a single thing that may consist of a number of different parts:\nIf society is to exist as a unity, its members must have shared values.


Words: universal
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  done by or involving all the people in the world or in a particular group:\nSuch problems are a universal feature of old age. * Agreement on this issue is almost universal. * universal suffrage (= the right of all the people in a country to vote)\n  2  true or right at all times and in all places:\nuniversal facts about human nature\n    universality  noun:\nthe universality of religious experience


Words: universally
Meaning:
adverb\n  1  by everyone:\nto be universally accepted / condemned / known / recognized\n  2  everywhere or in every situation:\nThis treatment is not universally available. * The theory does not apply universally.


Words: universe
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (the universe) [sing.] the whole of space and everything in it, including the earth, the planets and the stars:\ntheories of how the universe began\n  2  [C] a system of stars, planets, etc. in space outside our own:\nThe idea of a parallel universe is hard to grasp. * He lives in a little universe of his own.\n  3  [sing.] a set of experiences of a particular type:\nthe moral universe


Words: university
Meaning:
noun\n[C, U] (plural universities) (abbreviation Univ.) an institution at the highest level of education where you can study for a degree or do research:\nIs there a university in this town? * the University of York * York University * (BrE) Both their children are at university. * (BrE) He’s hoping to go to university next year. * a university course / degree / lecturer -> COLLEGE


Words: unjust
Meaning:
adjective\nnot deserved or fair:\nan unjust accusation / law / punishment * The system is corrupt and unjust.\nOPP JUST\n    unjustly adverb:\nShe felt that she had been unjustly treated.


Words: unjustifiable
Meaning:
adjective\n(of an action) impossible to excuse or accept because there is no good reason for it:\nan unjustifiable delay / expense / remark\nOPP JUSTIFIABLE\n    unjustifiably  adverb


Words: unkempt
Meaning:
adjective\n(especially of sb’s hair or general appearance) not well cared for; not neat or tidy:\ngreasy, unkempt hair * The children were unwashed and unkempt. * a wild and unkempt garden


Words: unkind
Meaning:
adjective\n~ (to sb/sth) (to do sth) unpleasant or unfriendly; slightly cruel:\nan unkind person / remark * He was never actually unkind to them. * It would be unkind to go without him. * She never said anything unkind about anyone.\nOPP KIND\n    unkindly adverb:\n’That’s your problem,’ she remarked unkindly. * ’Don’t be silly,’ he said, not unkindly. * I’m sure it wasn’t meant unkindly.\n    unkindness noun [U]


Words: unknowing
Meaning:
adjective\n[usually before noun] (formal) not aware of what you are doing or what is happening:\nHe was the unknowing cause of all the misunderstanding.\ncompare KNOWING\n    unknowingly adverb:\nShe had unknowingly broken the rules.


Words: unknown
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective\n  1  ~ (to sb) not known or identified:\na species of insect previously unknown to science * He was trying, for some unknown reason, to count the stars. * The man’s identity remains unknown.\n  2  (of people) not famous or well known:\nan unknown actor / artist / writer * The author is virtually unknown outside Poland.\n  3  never happening or existing:\nThe disease is as yet unknown in Europe (= there have been no cases there). * It was not unknown for people to have to wait several hours (= it happened sometimes).\n IDIOMS \n  an unknown quantity a person or thing whose qualities or abilities are not yet known\n  unknown to sb without the person mentioned being aware of it:\nUnknown to me, he had already signed the agreement.\n    noun\n  1  (the unknown) [sing.] places or things that are not known about:\na journey into the unknown * a fear of the unknown\n  2  [C] a person who is not well known:\nA young unknown played the leading role.\n  3  [C] a fact or an influence that is not known:\nThere are so many unknowns in the proposal.\n  4  [C] (mathematics) a quantity that does not have a known value:\nX and Y in the equation are both unknowns.


Words: unladen
Meaning:
adjective\n(technical) (of a vehicle) not loaded:\na vehicle with an unladen weight of 3 000 kg\ncompare LADEN


Words: unleaded
Meaning:
adjective\n(of petrol / gas) not containing LEAD and therefore less harmful to the environment\nOPP LEADED\n    unleaded noun [U]:\nUnleaded is cheaper than diesel.


Words: unlearn
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] to deliberately forget sth that you have learned, especially sth bad or wrong:\nYou’ll have to unlearn all the bad habits you learned with your last piano teacher.


Words: unleash
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] ~ sth (on / upon sb/sth) to suddenly let a strong force, emotion, etc. be felt or have an effect:\nThe government’s proposals unleashed a storm of protest in the press.


Words: unless
Meaning:
conjunction\n  1  used to say that sth can only happen or be true in a particular situation:\nYou won’t get paid for time off unless you have a doctor’s note. * I won’t tell them-not unless you say I can. * Unless I’m mistaken, she was back at work yesterday. * He hasn’t got any hobbies-unless you call watching TV a hobby.\n  2  used to give the only situation in which sth will not happen or be true:\nI sleep with the window open unless it’s really cold. * Unless something unexpected happens, I’ll see you tomorrow. * Have a cup of tea-unless you’d prefer a cold drink?\n HELP NOTE  Unless is used to talk about a situation that could happen, or something that could be true, in the future. If you know that something has not happened or that sth is not true, use if ...not: If you weren’t always in such a hurry (= but you are), your work would be much better. * _Y_o_u_r_ _w_o_r_k_ _w_o_u_l_d_ _b_e_ _m_u_c_h_ _b_e_t_t_e_r_ _u_n_l_e_s_s_ _y_o_u_ _w_e_r_e_ _a_l_w_a_y_s_ _i_n_ _s_u_c_h_ _a_ _h_u_r_r_y_.


Words: unlicensed
Meaning:
adjective\nwithout a LICENCE (= an official document that gives you permission to do or own sth):\nan unlicensed pistol / vehicle\nOPP LICENSED


Words: unlike
Meaning:
preposition, adjective \n    preposition\n  1  different from a particular person or thing:\nMusic is quite unlike any other art form. * (written) The sound was not unlike that of birds singing.\n  2  used to contrast sb/sth with another person or thing:\nUnlike most systems, this one is very easy to install.\n  3  not typical of sb/sth:\nIt’s very unlike him to be so late.\nOPP LIKE\n    adjective [not before noun] (written) (of two people or things) different from each other:\nThey are both teachers. Otherwise they are quite unlike.\ncompare ALIKE, LIKE


Words: unlikely
Meaning:
adjective (unlikelier, unlikeliest)\n HELP NOTE  more unlikely and most unlikely are the usual forms\n  1  ~ (to do sth) | ~ (that ...) not likely to happen; not probable:\nThe project seemed unlikely to succeed. * It’s most (= very) unlikely that she’ll arrive before seven. * In the unlikely event of a problem arising, please contact the hotel manager.\n  2  [only before noun] not the person, thing or place that you would normally think of or expect:\nHe seems a most unlikely candidate for the job. * They have built hotels in the most unlikely places.\n  3  [only before noun] difficult to believe:\nShe gave me an unlikely explanation for her behaviour.\nOPP LIKELY\n    unlikelihood  noun [U]


Words: unlimited
Meaning:
adjective\nas much or as many as is possible; not limited in any way:\nThe ticket gives you unlimited travel for seven days. * The court has the power to impose an unlimited fine for this offence. * You will be allowed unlimited access to the files.


Words: unlined
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  not marked with lines:\nunlined paper / skin\n  2  (of a piece of clothing, etc.) made without an extra layer of fabric on the inside:\nan unlined skirt * unlined curtains / drapes\nOPP LINED


Words: unlisted
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  not on a published list, especially of STOCK EXCHANGE prices:\nan unlisted company\n  2  (of a telephone number) not listed in the public telephone book, at the request of the owner of the telephone. The telephone company will not give unlisted numbers to people who ask for them.\nsee also EX-DIRECTORY


Words: unlit
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  dark because there are no lights or the lights are not switched on:\nan unlit passage\n  2  not yet burning:\nan unlit cigarette\nOPP LIGHTED


Words: unload
Meaning:
verb\n  1  ~ sth (from sth) to remove things from a vehicle or ship after it has taken them somewhere:\n[VN] Everyone helped to unload the luggage from the car. * This isn’t a suitable place to unload the van. * [V] The truck driver was waiting to unload.\nOPP LOAD\n  2  [VN] to remove the contents of sth after you have finished using it, especially the bullets from a gun or the film from a camera\nOPP LOAD\n  3  [VN] ~ sth/sb (on / onto sb) (informal) to pass the responsibility for sb/sth to sb else:\nIt’s his problem, not something he should unload onto you.\n  4  [VN] ~ sth (on / onto sb/sth) (informal) to get rid of or sell sth, especially sth illegal or of bad quality:\nThey want to unload their shares at the right price.


Words: unlock
Meaning:
verb [VN] \n  1  to undo the lock of a door, window, etc., using a key:\nto unlock the front door\nOPP LOCK\n  2  to discover sth and let it come out:\nThe divers hoped to unlock some of the secrets of the sea bed. * Drama helps to unlock young people’s creative talents.


Words: unluckily
Meaning:
adverb\nunfortunately; as a result of bad luck:\nHe was injured in the first game and unluckily missed the final. * Luckily or unluckily, depending on how you look at it, we can’t choose what sex our baby will be.\nOPP LUCKILY


Words: unlucky
Meaning:
adjective (unluckier, unluckiest)\n HELP NOTE  You can also use more unlucky and most unlucky.\n  1  ~ (to do sth) having bad luck or happening because of bad luck; not lucky:\nHe was very unlucky not to win. * If you’re unlucky enough to get trapped in a lift, remember not to panic. * By some unlucky chance, her name was left off the list.\n  2  ~ (to do sth) causing bad luck:\nSome people think it’s unlucky to walk under a ladder. * Thirteen is often considered an unlucky number. * Start number 13 proved unlucky for the Swiss skier.\nOPP LUCKY


Words: unmade
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  an unmade bed is not ready for sleeping in because the sheets, etc. have not been arranged neatly\n  2  (BrE) an unmade road does not have a hard smooth surface


Words: unmanageable
Meaning:
adjective\ndifficult or impossible to control or deal with:\nThe costs involved had become unmanageable.\nOPP MANAGEABLE


Words: unmanned
Meaning:
adjective\nif a machine, vehicle or place is unmanned, it does not have or need a person to control or operate it:\nan unmanned spacecraft / station


Words: unmarked
Meaning:
adjective\nwithout a sign or words to show what or where sth is:\nan unmarked police car * He was buried in an unmarked grave.\ncompare MARKED


Words: unmask
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] to show the true character of sb, or a hidden truth about sth\nSYN EXPOSE:\nto unmask a killer / spy


Words: unmatched
Meaning:
adjective\n~ (by sb/sth) (written) better than all others:\nHe had a talent unmatched by any other politician of this century.


Words: unmentionable
Meaning:
adjective\n[usually before noun] too shocking or embarrassing to be mentioned or spoken about:\nan unmentionable disease / subject


Words: unmet
Meaning:
adjective\n(written) (of needs, etc.) not satisfied:\na report on the unmet needs of elderly people * The demand for more information has remained largely unmet.


Words: unmindful
Meaning:
adjective\n~ of sb/sth (rare, formal) not giving thought or attention to sb/sth\nOPP MINDFUL:\nUnmindful of the cold and rain, he trudged on.


Words: unmistakable
Meaning:
(also less frequent unmistakeable)  adjective\nthat cannot be MISTAKEN for sb/sth else:\nHer accent was unmistakable. * the unmistakable sound of gunfire\n    unmistakably (also less frequent unmistakeably)  adverb:\nHis accent was unmistakably British.


Words: unmitigated
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] used to mean ’complete’, usually when describing sth bad:\nThe evening was an unmitigated disaster.\nsee also MITIGATE


Words: unmolested
Meaning:
adjective\n[not usually before noun] (written) not disturbed or attacked by sb; not prevented from doing sth:\nThey allowed him to leave unmolested.


Words: unmoved
Meaning:
adjective\n~ (by sth) not feeling pity or sympathy, especially in a situation where it would be normal to do so:\nAlice seemed totally unmoved by the whole experience. * She pleaded with him but he remained unmoved.


Words: unmusical
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (of a sound) unpleasant to listen to:\nHis voice was harsh and unmusical.\n  2  (of a person) unable to play or enjoy music\nOPP MUSICAL


Words: unnamed
Meaning:
adjective\nwhose name is not given or not known:\ninformation from an unnamed source * Two casualties, as yet unnamed, were still in the local hospital last night.


Words: unnatural
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  different from what is normal or expected, or from what is generally accepted as being right:\nIt seems unnatural for a child to spend so much time alone. * There was an unnatural silence and then a scream. * unnatural sexual practices * He gave an unnatural smile (= that did not seem genuine).\n  2  different from anything in nature:\nHer leg was bent at an unnatural angle. * an unnatural death (= one not from natural causes)\nOPP NATURAL\n    unnaturally  adverb:\nShe was, not unnaturally, very surprised at the news. * His eyes were unnaturally bright. * The room seemed unnaturally quiet. * She spoke in an unnaturally high voice.


Words: unnecessary
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  not needed; more than is needed:\nunnecessary expense / risks / delays * They were found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to animals. * All this fuss is totally unnecessary.\nOPP NECESSARY\n  2  (of remarks, etc.) not necessary in the situation and likely to be offensive:\nThat last comment was a little unnecessary, wasn’t it?\n    unnecessarily  adverb:\nThere’s no point worrying him unnecessarily. * unnecessarily complicated instructions


Words: unnerve
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] to make sb feel nervous or frightened or lose confidence:\nHis silence unnerved us.\n    unnerving adjective:\nan unnerving experience\n    unnervingly adverb:\nThe models were unnervingly lifelike.


Words: unnoticed
Meaning:
adjective\n[not before noun] not seen or noticed:\nHis kindness did not go unnoticed by his staff. * Her death passed almost unnoticed.


Words: unobtainable
Meaning:
adjective\n[not usually before noun] that cannot be obtained:\nUnfortunately, it is unobtainable in most shops.\nOPP OBTAINABLE


Words: unobtrusive
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal, often approving) not attracting unnecessary attention:\nThe service at the hotel is efficient and unobtrusive.\nOPP OBTRUSIVE\n    unobtrusively adverb:\nDora slipped unobtrusively in through the back door.


Words: unoccupied
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  empty, with nobody living there or using it:\nan unoccupied house * I sat down at the nearest unoccupied table.\n  2  (of a region or country) not controlled by foreign soldiers:\nunoccupied territory\nOPP OCCUPIED


Words: unofficial
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  that does not have permission or approval from sb in authority:\nan unofficial agreement / strike * Unofficial estimates put the figure at over 2 million.\n  2  that is not part of sb’s official business:\nThe former president paid an unofficial visit to China.\nOPP OFFICIAL\n    unofficially  adverb:\nCosts were unofficially estimated at about $6 000. * He had already been doing the job unofficially, and now he would be paid for it.


Words: unopposed
Meaning:
adjective\n[not usually before noun] not opposed or stopped by anyone:\nThe party leader was re-elected unopposed. * Troops crossed the border unopposed.


Words: unorganized
Meaning:
(BrE also unorganised)  adjective\n  1  (of workers) without a trade union or other organization to represent or support them\n  2  (rare) = DISORGANIZED\n  3  not having been organized:\nunorganized data\ncompare ORGANIZED


Words: unorthodox
Meaning:
adjective\ndifferent from what is usual or accepted:\nunorthodox behaviour / methods\nOPP ORTHODOX\ncompare HETERODOX


Words: unpack
Meaning:
verb\n  1  to take things out of a suitcase, bag, etc:\n[VN] I unpacked my bags as soon as I arrived. * She unpacked all the clothes she needed and left the rest in the case. * [V] She went to her room to unpack.\nOPP PACK\n  2  [VN] to separate sth into parts so that it is easier to understand:\nto unpack a theory / proposition / problem


Words: unpaid
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  not yet paid:\nunpaid bills / debts / fees / rent\n  2  done or taken without payment:\nunpaid domestic work * to take unpaid leave\nOPP PAID\n  3  (of people) not receiving payment for work that they do:\nunpaid volunteers\nOPP PAID


Words: unpalatable
Meaning:
adjective ~ (to sb)\n  1  (of facts, ideas, etc.) unpleasant and not easy to accept:\nOnly then did I learn the unpalatable truth.\n  2  not pleasant to taste:\nunpalatable food * The insects store this chemical in their bodies in order to make themselves unpalatable to predators.\nOPP PALATABLE


Words: unparalleled
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal) used to emphasize that sth is bigger, better or worse than anything else like it:\nIt was an unparalleled opportunity to develop her career. * The book has enjoyed a success unparalleled in recent publishing history.\ncompare PARALLEL v.


Words: unpardonable
Meaning:
adjective\n(written) that cannot be forgiven or excused\nSYN UNFORGIVABLE, INEXCUSABLE\nOPP PARDONABLE


Words: unpick
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] to take out stitches from a piece of sewing or knitting:\nI unpicked the sleeve and started again.


Words: unplaced
Meaning:
adjective\n(BrE) not one of the first three to finish in a race or competition:\nThe horse was unplaced in its first four races.


Words: unplayable
Meaning:
adjective\n(especially BrE) not able to be played; impossible to play on or with:\nThe ball was unplayable (= it was hit so well that it was impossible to hit it back).\ncompare PLAYABLE


Words: unpleasant
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  not pleasant or comfortable:\nan unpleasant atmosphere / experience / feeling / smell * The minerals in the water made it unpleasant to drink.\n  2  ~ (to sb) not kind, friendly or polite:\nHe was very unpleasant to me. * She said some very unpleasant things about you.\nOPP PLEASANT\n    unpleasantly adverb:\nThe drink is very sweet, but not unpleasantly so. * He laughed unpleasantly.


Words: unpleasantness
Meaning:
noun\n[U] bad feeling or arguments between people:\nI’d rather avoid any unpleasantness with the neighbours.


Words: unplug
Meaning:
verb\n(-gg-) [VN] to remove the PLUG of a piece of electrical equipment from the electricity supply:\nIf I’m very busy, I unplug the phone.\nOPP PLUG STH IN


Words: unpolluted
Meaning:
adjective\nthat has not been POLLUTED (= made dirty by harmful substances):\nthe unpolluted air of the mountains


Words: unpopular
Meaning:
adjective\n~ (with / among sb) not liked or enjoyed by a person, a group or people in general:\nan unpopular choice / decision / leader / government * The proposed increase in income tax proved deeply unpopular with the electorate.\nOPP POPULAR\n    unpopularity  noun [U]:\nthe growing unpopularity of the military regime


Words: unprecedented
Meaning:
adjective\nthat has never happened, been done or been known before:\nunprecedented levels of unemployment * The situation is unprecedented in modern times. * There were unprecedented scenes of violence in the city’s main square.\n    unprecedentedly adverb:\na period of unprecedentedly high food prices


Words: unpredictable
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  that cannot be predicted because it changes a lot or depends on too many different things:\nunpredictable weather * The result is entirely unpredictable.\n  2  if a person is unpredictable, you cannot predict how they will behave in a particular situation\nOPP PREDICTABLE\n    unpredictability  noun [U]:\nthe unpredictability of the English weather\n    unpredictably adverb


Words: unprejudiced
Meaning:
adjective\nnot influenced by an unreasonable fear or dislike of sth/sb; willing to consider different ideas and opinions\nOPP PREJUDICED


Words: unprepared
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  ~ (for sth) not ready or not expecting sth:\nShe was totally unprepared for his response.\n  2  ~ (to do sth) (formal) not willing to do sth:\nShe was unprepared to accept that her marriage was over.\nOPP PREPARED


Words: unpretentious
Meaning:
adjective\n(approving) not trying to appear more special, intelligent, important, etc. than you really are\nOPP PRETENTIOUS


Words: unprintable
Meaning:
adjective\n(of words or comments) too offensive or shocking to be printed and read by people\nOPP PRINTABLE


Words: unproductive
Meaning:
adjective\nnot producing very much; not producing good results:\nan unproductive discussion / meeting * I’ve had a very unproductive day.\nOPP PRODUCTIVE\n    unproductively adverb


Words: unprofessional
Meaning:
adjective\nnot reaching the standard expected in a particular profession:\nShe was found guilty of unprofessional conduct.\nOPP PROFESSIONAL\ncompare NON-PROFESSIONAL\n    unprofessionally  adverb


Words: unprofitable
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  not making enough financial profit:\nunprofitable companies / products / services\n  2  (formal) not bringing any advantage\nOPP PROFITABLE\n    unprofitably  adverb


Words: unpromising
Meaning:
adjective\nnot likely to be successful or show good results:\nThe first attempt was unpromising.\nOPP PROMISING


Words: unprompted
Meaning:
adjective\nsaid or done without sb asking you to say or do it:\nQuite unprompted, Sam started telling us exactly what had happened that night.\nsee also PROMPT


Words: unprotected
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  not protected against being hurt or damaged:\nThey hunt in packs, attacking the old, sick and unprotected young animals.\n  2  not covered to prevent it from causing damage or injury:\nMachinery was often unprotected and accidents were frequent.\n  3  (of sex) done without using a CONDOM


Words: unprovoked
Meaning:
adjective\n(especially of an attack) not caused by anything the person being attacked has said or done:\nan act of unprovoked aggression * Her angry outburst was totally unprovoked.\nsee also PROVOKE


Words: unqualified
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  ~ (to do sth) | ~ (for sth) not having the right knowledge, experience or qualifications to do sth:\nan unqualified instructor * I feel unqualified to comment on the subject. * He was totally unqualified for his job as a senior manager.\n  2   [usually before noun] complete; not limited by any negative qualities:\nThe event was not an unqualified success. * I gave her my unqualified support.\nOPP QUALIFIED


Words: unquenchable
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal) that cannot be satisfied:\nunquenchable desire / hope / ambition * He had an unquenchable thirst for life.\nsee also QUENCH


Words: unquestionable
Meaning:
adjective\nthat cannot be doubted:\na man of unquestionable honesty and integrity\nOPP QUESTIONABLE\n    unquestionably  adverb:\nIt was unquestionably a step in the right direction.


Words: unquestioned
Meaning:
adjective (formal)\n  1  so obvious that it cannot be doubted:\nHis courage remains unquestioned.\n  2  accepted as right or true without really being considered:\nan unquestioned assumption


Words: unquestioning
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal) done or given without asking questions, expressing doubt, etc:\nunquestioning acceptance / obedience / support\n    unquestioningly adverb:\nThey accepted unquestioningly the rules he had laid down.


Words: unquiet
Meaning:
adjective\n[usually before noun] (literary) not calm; anxious and RESTLESS:\nShe prowled the night like an unquiet spirit.


Words: unravel
Meaning:
verb (-ll-, AmE -l-)\n  1  if you unravel threads that are twisted, woven or knitted, or if they unravel, they become separated into loose threads:\n[VN] I unravelled the string and wound it into a ball. [also V]\n  2  [V] (of a system, plan, relationship, etc.) to start to fail or no longer stay together as a whole:\nWhen did communism begin to unravel in Eastern Europe?\n  3  to explain sth that is difficult to understand or is mysterious; to become clearer or easier to understand:\n[VN] The discovery will help scientists unravel the mystery of the Ice Age. [also V]


Words: unread
Meaning:
adjective\n(of a book, etc.) that has not been read:\na pile of unread newspapers * The manuscript was returned unread.


Words: unreadable
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (of a book, etc.) too dull or difficult to be worth reading\n  2  = ILLEGIBLE\n  3  if sb’s face or expression is unreadable, you cannot tell what they are thinking or feeling


Words: unreal
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  so strange that it is more like a dream than reality:\nThe party began to take on an unreal, almost nightmarish quality.\n  2  not related to reality:\nMany people have unreal expectations of what marriage will be like.\n  3  (spoken) used to say that you like sth very much or that sth surprises you:\n’That’s unreal!’ she laughed.\n    unreality  noun [U]:\nShe had a strange sense of unreality. * An air of unreality hung over the whole ceremony.


Words: unrealistic
Meaning:
adjective\nnot showing or accepting things as they are:\nunrealistic expectations * It is unrealistic to expect them to be able to solve the problem immediately. * They were accused of being unrealistic in their demands.\nOPP REALISTIC\n    unrealistically adverb:\nThese prices are unrealistically high.


Words: unreasonable
Meaning:
adjective\nnot fair; expecting too much:\nThe job was beginning to make unreasonable demands on his free time. * The fees they charge are not unreasonable. * It would be unreasonable to expect somebody to come at such short notice. * He was being totally unreasonable about it.\nOPP REASONABLE\n    unreasonableness noun [U]\n    unreasonably  adverb


Words: unrecognizable
Meaning:
(BrE also unrecognisable)  adjective\n(of a person or thing) so changed or damaged that you do not recognize them or it:\nHe was unrecognizable without his beard.\nOPP RECOGNIZABLE


Words: unrecognized
Meaning:
(BrE also unrecognised)  adjective\n  1  that people are not aware of or do not realize is important:\nThe problem of ageism in the workplace often goes unrecognized.\n  2  (of a person) not having received the admiration they deserve for sth that they have done or achieved:\nHe remained largely unrecognized by the scientific establishment.


Words: unreconstructed
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] (disapproving) (of people and their beliefs) not having changed, although the situation they are in has changed:\nan unreconstructed Marxist


Words: unrefined
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (of a substance) not separated from the other substances that it is combined with in its natural form:\nunrefined sugar / oil\n  2  (of a person or their behaviour) not polite or educated\nOPP REFINED


Words: unrelated
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  not connected; not related to sth else:\nThe two events were totally unrelated. * In my free time I like to do things that are unrelated to my work.\n  2  (of people, animals, etc.) not belonging to the same family; not related:\nThey have the same name but are, in fact, unrelated.\nOPP RELATED


Words: unrelenting
Meaning:
adjective (written)\n  1  (of an unpleasant situation) not stopping or becoming less severe\nSYN RELENTLESS:\nunrelenting criticism / pressure * The heat was unrelenting.\n  2  if a person is unrelenting, they continue with sth without considering the feelings of other people\nSYN RELENTLESS:\nHe was unrelenting in his search for the truth about his father.\n    unrelentingly adverb:\nThe rain beat unrelentingly down. * Her face remained unrelentingly severe.


Words: unreliable
Meaning:
adjective\nthat cannot be trusted or depended on:\nThe trains are notoriously unreliable. * He’s totally unreliable as a source of information.\nOPP RELIABLE\n    unreliability  noun [U]:\nthe unreliability of some statistics


Words: unremitting
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal) never stopping:\nunremitting hostility\n    unremittingly adverb:\nunremittingly gloomy weather


Words: unrepeatable
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  too offensive or shocking to be repeated:\nHe called me several unrepeatable names. * She glared at him and muttered something unrepeatable.\n  2  that cannot be repeated or done again:\nan unrepeatable experience / event\nOPP REPEATABLE


Words: unrepentant
Meaning:
adjective\nshowing no shame about your actions or beliefs:\nShe was cheerfully unrepentant about her part in the deception.\nOPP REPENTANT\n    unrepentantly adverb


Words: unrepresentative
Meaning:
adjective\n~ (of sb/sth) not typical of a group of people or things and therefore not useful as a source of information about that group:\nan unrepresentative sample * This early novel is unrepresentative of her work as a whole.\nOPP REPRESENTATIVE


Words: unreserved
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (of seats in a theatre, etc.) not paid for in advance; not kept for the use of a particular person:\nUnreserved seats are available one hour before the performance.\n  2  (formal) complete and without any doubts:\nHe offered us his unreserved apologies.


Words: unreservedly
Meaning:
adverb\ncompletely; without hesitating or having any doubts:\nWe apologize unreservedly for any offence caused by his remarks. * The government welcomed the announcement unreservedly.


Words: unresponsive
Meaning:
adjective\n~ (to sth) (formal) not reacting to sb/sth; not giving the response that you would expect or hope for:\na politician who is unresponsive to the mood of the country * She is a cold, unfeeling and unresponsive woman. * This combination of symptoms seems to be unresponsive to conventional medical treatment.\nOPP RESPONSIVE


Words: unrest
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a political situation in which people are angry and likely to protest or fight:\nindustrial / civil / social / political / popular unrest * There is growing unrest in the south of the country.


Words: unrestricted
Meaning:
adjective\nnot controlled or limited in any way\nSYN UNLIMITED:\nWe have unrestricted access to all the facilities.\nOPP RESTRICTED


Words: unrewarded
Meaning:
adjective\nnot receiving the success that you are trying to achieve:\nReal talent often goes unrewarded.


Words: unrewarding
Meaning:
adjective\n(of an activity, etc.) not bringing feelings of satisfaction or achievement\nOPP REWARDING


Words: unrivalled
Meaning:
(especially BrE) (AmE usually unrivaled)  adjective\n(formal) better or greater than any other\nSYN UNSURPASSED:\nThe hotel enjoys an unrivalled position overlooking the lake. * an unrivalled knowledge of antiques


Words: unroll
Meaning:
verb\n  1  if you unroll paper, fabric, etc. that was in a roll or if it unrolls, it opens and becomes flat:\n[VN] We unrolled our sleeping bags. [also V] \ncompare ROLL\n  2  [V] (of events) to happen one after another in a series:\nWe watched the events unroll before the cameras.


Words: unruly
Meaning:
adjective\ndifficult to control or manage:\nan unruly crowd / child * unruly behaviour * unruly hair (= difficult to keep looking neat) * He struggled hard to control his unruly emotions.\n    unruliness noun [U]


Words: unsafe
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (of a thing, a place or an activity) not safe; dangerous:\nThe roof was declared unsafe. * It was considered unsafe to release the prisoners. * unsafe sex (= for example, sex without a CONDOM)\n  2  (of people) in danger of being harmed:\nHe felt unsafe and alone.\n  3  (law) (of a decision in a court of law) based on evidence that may be false or is not good enough:\nTheir convictions were declared unsafe.\nOPP SAFE


Words: unsaleable
Meaning:
(also unsalable)  adjective\nthat cannot be sold, because it is not good enough or because nobody wants to buy it\nOPP SALEABLE


Words: unsatisfactory
Meaning:
adjective\nnot satisfactory; not good enough\nSYN INADEQUATE, UNACCEPTABLE\n    unsatisfactorily  adverb


Words: unsatisfied
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (of a need, demand, etc.) not dealt with in a satisfactory way\n  2  (of a person) not having got what you hoped; not having had enough of sth:\nThe novel had interested him, but left him unsatisfied.\ncompare DISSATISFIED, SATISFIED


Words: unsaturated
Meaning:
adjective\n(chemistry) unsaturated fats are easily dealt with by the body when eaten, because of the way their chemical structure is arranged:\nsoft spread with a high percentage of unsaturated fats\ncompare POLYUNSATURATED, SATURATED


Words: unsavoury
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE unsavory)  adjective\nunpleasant or offensive; not considered morally acceptable:\nan unsavoury incident / reputation * Her friends are all pretty unsavoury characters.


Words: unscathed
Meaning:
adjective\n[not before noun] not hurt\nSYN UNHARMED:\nThe hostages emerged from their ordeal unscathed.


Words: unscientific
Meaning:
adjective\n(often disapproving) not scientific; not done in a careful, logical way:\nan unscientific approach to a problem\ncompare NON-SCIENTIFIC


Words: unscramble
Meaning:
verb [VN] \n  1  to change a word, message, television signal, etc. that has been sent in a CODE (= a secret form) so that it can be read or understood\nOPP SCRAMBLE\n  2  to arrange sth that is confused or in the wrong order in a clear, correct way


Words: unscrew
Meaning:
verb [VN] \n  1  to undo sth by twisting or turning it; to become undone in this way:\n[VN] I can’t unscrew the lid of this jar. [also V] \nOPP SCREW STH UP\n  2  to take the screws out of sth:\nYou’ll have to unscrew the handles to paint the door.


Words: unscripted
Meaning:
adjective\n(of a speech, broadcast, etc.) not written or prepared in detail in advance\nOPP SCRIPTED


Words: unscrupulous
Meaning:
adjective\nwithout moral principles; not honest or fair\nSYN UNPRINCIPLED:\nunscrupulous methods / treatment\nOPP SCRUPULOUS\n    unscrupulously adverb\n    unscrupulousness noun [U]


Words: unseasonable
Meaning:
adjective\nunusual for the time of year:\nunseasonable weather\nOPP SEASONABLE\n    unseasonably  adverb:\nunseasonably warm


Words: unseat
Meaning:
verb [VN] \n  1  to remove sb from a position of power\n  2  to make sb fall off a horse or bicycle:\nThe horse unseated its rider at the first fence.


Words: unseeded
Meaning:
adjective\nnot chosen as a SEED in a sports competition, especially in tennis:\nunseeded players\nOPP SEEDED


Words: unseeing
Meaning:
adjective\n(literary) not noticing or really looking at anything although your eyes are open:\nHe gazed out to the horizon with unseeing eyes.\n    unseeingly adverb:\nThey stared unseeingly at the wreckage.


Words: unseemly
Meaning:
adjective\n(old-fashioned or formal) (of behaviour, etc.) not polite or suitable for a particular situation\nSYN IMPROPER\nOPP SEEMLY


Words: unseen
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  that cannot be seen:\nunseen forces / powers * He was killed by a single shot from an unseen soldier. * I managed to slip out the room unseen. * I had the strong sense of an unseen presence in the room.\n  2  not previously seen:\nunseen dangers / difficulties * The exam consists of an essay and an unseen translation.\n IDIOMS  see SIGHT n.


Words: unselfconscious
Meaning:
adjective\nnot worried about or aware of what other people think of you\nOPP SELF-CONSCIOUS\n    unselfconsciously adverb


Words: unselfish
Meaning:
adjective\ngiving more time or importance to other people’s needs, wishes, etc. than to your own\nSYN SELFLESS:\nunselfish motives\nOPP SELFISH\n    unselfishly adverb\n    unselfishness noun [U]


Words: unsentimental
Meaning:
adjective\nnot having or expressing emotions such as love or pity; not allowing such emotions to influence what you do:\nan unsentimental approach to life\nOPP SENTIMENTAL:\nHe told us about his father’s death in a very brisk and unsentimental way.


Words: unsettle
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] to make sb feel upset or worried, especially because a situation has changed:\nChanging schools might unsettle the kids.


Words: unsettled
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (of a situation) that may change; making people uncertain about what might happen:\nThese were difficult and unsettled times. * The weather has been very unsettled (= it has changed a lot).\n  2  not calm or relaxed:\nThey all felt restless and unsettled.\n  3  (of an argument, etc.) that continues without any agreement being reached\nSYN UNRESOLVED\n  4  (of a bill, etc.) not yet paid


Words: unsettling
Meaning:
adjective\nmaking you feel upset, nervous or worried:\nSeeing Nicky again after so long was an unsettling experience. * The country’s economic crisis had an unsettling effect on world markets.


Words: unshakeable
Meaning:
(BrE) (also unshakable AmE, BrE)  adjective\n(of a feeling or an attitude) that cannot be changed or destroyed:\nunshakeable faith / confidence / loyalty * She has an unshakeable belief in the goodness of humanity. * They have an unshakeable conviction that what they are doing is right.


Words: unshaken
Meaning:
adjective\n~ (in sth) not having changed a particular feeling or attitude:\nThey remain unshaken in their loyalty.


Words: unshaven
Meaning:
adjective\nnot having shaved or been shaved recently:\nHe looked pale and unshaven. * his unshaven face\ncompare SHAVEN


Words: unskilled
Meaning:
adjective\nnot having or needing special skills or training:\nunskilled manual workers * unskilled work\nOPP SKILLED


Words: unsmiling
Meaning:
adjective\n(written) not smiling; looking unfriendly:\nHis eyes were hard and unsmiling.\n    unsmilingly adverb


Words: unsociable
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  not enjoying the company of other people; not friendly:\nI was feeling very unsociable, so I didn’t go to the party.\nOPP SOCIABLE\n  2  = UNSOCIAL\n______________________________\n WHICH WORD? \nunsociable / antisocial / unsocial\nAn unsociable person does not enjoy being with other people.\nSuch a person can also be described as antisocial in BrE, but this word is more often used to talk about a person or behaviour that harms or annoys other people.\nUnsocial hours (BrE) are those that are outside the normal working day.\n______________________________


Words: unsocial
Meaning:
(also less frequent unsociable) (BrE) adjective\noutside the normal times of working:\nI work long and unsocial hours, so I don’t get out much.


Words: unsolicited
Meaning:
adjective\nnot asked for and sometimes not wanted:\nunsolicited comments / criticism / advice * The record company receives dozens of unsolicited demo tapes each week.


Words: unsophisticated
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  not having or showing much experience of the world and social situations:\nunsophisticated tastes / people\n  2  simple and basic; not complicated\nSYN CRUDE:\nunsophisticated equipment / methods\nOPP SOPHISTICATED


Words: unsound
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  not acceptable; not holding acceptable views:\npolitically / ideologically unsound * The use of disposable products is considered ecologically unsound.\n  2  containing mistakes; that you cannot rely on:\nThe methods used were unsound.\n  3  (of a building, etc.) in poor condition; weak and likely to fall down:\nThe roof is structurally unsound.\nOPP SOUND\n    unsoundness noun [U]\n IDIOMS \n  of unsound mind (law) not responsible for your actions because of a mental illness or condition


Words: unsparing
Meaning:
adjective (formal)\n  1  ~ (in sth) | ~ (of sb/sth) severe; not caring about people’s feelings:\nShe is unsparing in her criticism.\n  2  giving generously:\nHe is unsparing of his own peace and comfort.\ncompare SPARING\n    unsparingly adverb


Words: unspeakable
Meaning:
adjective\n(literary, usually disapproving) that cannot be described in words, usually because it is so bad:\nunspeakable suffering * I hate to think of all the vile unspeakable things he did.\n    unspeakably  adverb


Words: unspecified
Meaning:
adjective\nnot stated clearly or definitely; not having been SPECIFIED:\nThe story takes place at an unspecified date.


Words: unspoiled
Meaning:
adjective (approving)\n  1  (of a place) beautiful because it has not been changed or built on:\nunspoiled countryside\n  2  (of a person) not made unpleasant, bad-tempered, etc. by being praised too much:\nShe was an affectionate child and remarkably unspoiled.\nOPP SPOILT


Words: unspoken
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal) not stated; not said in words but understood or agreed between people\nSYN UNSTATED:\nan unspoken assumption * Something unspoken hung in the air between them.


Words: unsporting
Meaning:
adjective\n(disapproving) not fair or generous in your behaviour or treatment of others, especially of an opponent in a game\nOPP SPORTING


Words: unstable
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  likely to change suddenly:\nunstable share prices * The political situation remains highly unstable.\n  2  if people are unstable, their behaviour and emotions change often and suddenly because their minds are upset:\nemotionally / mentally unstable\n  3  likely to move or fall:\nIcebergs are notoriously unstable and are likely to turn over.\n  4  (technical) (of a substance) not staying in the same chemical or ATOMIC state:\nchemically unstable\nOPP STABLE\nsee also INSTABILITY


Words: unstated
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal) not stated; not said in words but understood or agreed between people\nSYN UNSPOKEN:\nTheir reasoning was based on a set of unstated assumptions.


Words: unsteady
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  not completely in control of your movements so that you might fall:\nShe is still a little unsteady on her feet after the operation.\n  2  shaking or moving in a way that is not controlled:\nan unsteady hand / voice / step\nOPP STEADY\n    unsteadily  adverb:\nShe walked unsteadily towards me. * ’I had to see you,’ he said unsteadily. * She swayed unsteadily as she got up from the bar.\n    unsteadiness noun [U]


Words: unstinting
Meaning:
adjective\n~ (in sth) (written) given or giving generously:\nunstinting support * They were unstinting in their praise.\n    unstintingly adverb


Words: unstoppable
Meaning:
adjective\nthat cannot be stopped or prevented:\nan unstoppable rise in prices * On form, the team was simply unstoppable.


Words: unstuck
Meaning:
adjective\n IDIOMS \n  come unstuck\n1 to become separated from sth it was stuck or fastened to:\nThe flap of the envelope had come unstuck.\n2 (BrE, informal) (of a person, plan, etc.) to fail completely, with bad results:\nTheir plans came badly unstuck. * If you keep on taking risks, you’ll come unstuck one day.


Words: unsubstantiated
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal) not proved to be true by evidence\nSYN UNSUPPORTED:\nan unsubstantiated claim / rumour


Words: unsuccessful
Meaning:
adjective\nnot successful; not achieving what you wanted to:\nHis efforts to get a job proved unsuccessful. * They were unsuccessful in meeting their objectives for the year. * She made several unsuccessful attempts to see him.\n    unsuccessfully adverb


Words: unsuitable
Meaning:
adjective\n~ (for sb/sth) not right or appropriate for a particular person, purpose or occasion:\nHe was wearing shoes that were totally unsuitable for climbing. * They considered him quite unsuitable for their daughter. * These roads are unsuitable for use by heavy vehicles.\nOPP SUITABLE\n    unsuitability noun [U]\n    unsuitably adverb:\nThey were unsuitably dressed for the occasion.


Words: unsuited
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  ~ (to / for sth) | ~ (to do sth) not having the right or necessary qualities for sth:\nHe is unsuited to academic work. * She was totally unsuited for the job.\n  2  if two people are unsuited to each other they do not have the same interests, etc. and are therefore not likely to make a good couple\nOPP SUITED


Words: unsullied
Meaning:
adjective\n(literary) not spoiled by anything; still pure or in the original state:\nthe unsullied emotions of childhood


Words: unsung
Meaning:
adjective\n[usually before noun] (formal) not praised or famous but deserving to be:\nthe unsung heroes of the war


Words: unsupported
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (of a statement, etc.) not proved to be true by evidence\nSYN UNSUBSTANTIATED:\nTheir claims are unsupported by research findings.\n  2  not helped or supported financially by sb/sth else:\nShe has brought up three children unsupported.\n  3  not physically supported:\nSections of the structure have been left unsupported.


Words: unsure
Meaning:
adjective [not before noun]\n  1  ~ about / of sth | ~ (as to) whether, how, what, etc. not certain of sth; having doubts:\nThere were a lot of things I was unsure about. * He was unsure of what to do next. * I was unsure how to reply to this question. * They were unsure as to what the next move should be.\n  2  ~ (of yourself) lacking confidence in yourself:\nLike many women, deep down she was unsure of herself.\nOPP SURE


Words: unsurprising
Meaning:
adjective\nnot causing surprise:\nIt’s unsurprising that people with dogs walk more than others.\nOPP SURPRISING\n    unsurprisingly adverb:\nUnsurprisingly the plan failed.


Words: unsuspected
Meaning:
adjective\n(written) not predicted or known; that you were not previously aware of:\nScientists are investigating the previously unsuspected side effects of the drug.


Words: unsuspecting
Meaning:
adjective\n[usually before noun] (written) feeling no suspicion; not aware of danger or of sth bad:\nHe had crept up on his unsuspecting victim from behind.


Words: unsustainable
Meaning:
adjective\n(written) that cannot be continued at the same level, rate, etc:\nunsustainable growth / demands\nOPP SUSTAINABLE


Words: unsympathetic
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  ~ (to / towards sb) not feeling or showing any sympathy:\nI told him about the problem but he was totally unsympathetic.\n  2  ~ (to / towards sth) not in agreement with sth; not supporting an idea, aim, etc:\nHow can you trust a government that is unsympathetic to public opinion?\n  3  (of a person) not easy to like; unpleasant:\nAll the characters in the novel are as unsympathetic as each other.\nOPP SYMPATHETIC\n    unsympathetically adverb:\n’You’ve only got yourself to blame,’ she said unsympathetically.


Words: untainted
Meaning:
adjective\n~ (by sth) (formal) not damaged or spoiled by sth unpleasant; not TAINTED by sth:\nHe personally remained untainted by the multiple scandals that beset his party.


Words: untamed
Meaning:
adjective\n(written) allowed to remain in a wild state; not changed, controlled or influenced by anyone; not TAMED:\na wild and untamed landscape * He was so angry, he was like a untamed beast. * Her untamed curls fell around her face.


Words: untangle
Meaning:
verb [VN] \n  1  to undo string, hair, wire, etc. that has become twisted or has knots in it:\nCan you untangle all those cables on the floor? * She tried to untangle her skirt from the wire fence.\n  2  to make sth that is complicated or confusing easier to deal with or understand:\nIt will not be easy to untangle his financial affairs.


Words: untenable
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal) (of a theory, position, etc.) that cannot be defended against attack or criticism:\nHis position had become untenable and he was forced to resign.\nOPP TENABLE


Words: unthinkable
Meaning:
adjective\n~ (for sb) (to do sth) | ~ (that ...) impossible to imagine or accept\nSYN INCONCEIVABLE:\nIt was unthinkable that she could be dead.\nOPP THINKABLE\n    the unthinkable noun [sing.]:\nSuddenly the unthinkable happened and he drew out a gun. * The time has come to think the unthinkable (= consider possibilities that used to be unacceptable).


Words: unthinking
Meaning:
adjective\n(written) not thinking about the effects of what you do or say; not thinking much about serious things\n    unthinkingly adverb


Words: untidy
Meaning:
adjective\n \n  1  not neat or well arranged; in a state of disorder:\nan untidy desk / room * untidy hair / writing\n \n  2  (of a person) not keeping things neat or well organized:\nWhy do you have to be so untidy?\nOPP TIDY\n \n    untidily  adverb:\nHer hair fell untidily about her shoulders.\n    untidiness noun [U]:\nHe hated untidiness and dirt.


Words: untie
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] to undo a knot in sth; to undo sth that is tied:\nto untie a knot * I quickly untied the package and peeped inside. * He untied the rope and pushed the boat into the water. * She untied his hands and let him go.


Words: until
Meaning:
conjunction, preposition\n(also informal till, til, ’til)\n HELP NOTE  These short forms are not usually used at the beginning of a sentence.up to the point in time or the event mentioned:\nLet’s wait until the rain stops. * Until she spoke I hadn’t realized she wasn’t English. * You’re not going out until you’ve finished this. * Until now I have always lived alone. * They moved here in 1990. Until then they’d always been in the London area. * He continued working up until his death. * The street is full of traffic from morning till night. * You can stay on the bus until London (= until you reach London).


Words: untimely
Meaning:
adjective (formal)\n  1  happening too soon or sooner than is normal or expected\nSYN PREMATURE:\nShe met a tragic and untimely death at 25. * A cough at the doorway brought an untimely end to their embrace.\n  2  happening at a time or in a situation that is not suitable\nSYN ILL-TIMED:\nHis interruption was untimely.\nOPP TIMELY


Words: untiring
Meaning:
adjective\n(approving) continuing to do sth for a long period of time with a lot of effort and/or enthusiasm\nSYN TIRELESS:\nan untiring campaigner for human rights


Words: unto
Meaning:
preposition (old use)\n  1  to or towards sb/sth:\nThe angel appeared unto him in a dream.\n  2  until a particular time or event:\nThe knights swore loyalty unto death.


Words: untold
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  [only before noun] used to emphasize how large, great, unpleasant, etc. sth is:\nuntold misery / wealth * These gases cause untold damage to the environment.\n  2  (of a story) not told to anyone


Words: untouchable
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective\n  1  a person who is untouchable is in a position where they are unlikely to be punished or criticized:\nGiven his political connections, he thought he was untouchable.\n  2  that cannot be touched or changed by other people:\nShe looked delicate and untouchable, dressed in white. * The department’s budget is untouchable.\n  3  (in India) belonging to or connected with the Hindu social class (or CASTE) that is considered by other classes as the lowest\n    noun (often Untouchable) a member of a Hindu social class (or CASTE) that is considered by other classes to be the lowest


Words: untouched
Meaning:
adjective [not usually before noun]\n  1  ~ (by sth) not affected by sth, especially sth bad or unpleasant; not damaged:\nThe area has remained relatively untouched by commercial development. * Some buildings had remained untouched by the explosion. * He seemed untouched by her sarcasm.\n  2  (of food or drink) not eaten or drunk:\nShe left her meal untouched.\n  3  not changed in any way:\nThe final clause in the contract will be left untouched.


Words: untoward
Meaning:
adjective\nunusual and unexpected, and usually unpleasant:\nThat’s the plan-unless anything untoward happens. * He had noticed nothing untoward. * The dose can be increased slightly without any untoward effects.


Words: untrained
Meaning:
adjective\n~ (in sth) not trained to perform a particular job or skill; without formal training in sth:\nuntrained in keyboard skills * untrained teachers * To the untrained eye, the two products look remarkably similar.


Words: untrammelled
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE untrammeled)  adjective\n~ (by sth) (formal) not restricted or limited by sth:\nuntrammelled enthusiasm / power\ncompare TRAMMEL


Words: untreated
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  not receiving medical treatment:\nIf untreated, the illness can become severe.\n  2  (of substances) not made safe by chemical or other treatment:\nuntreated sewage\n  3  (of wood) not treated with substances to preserve it


Words: untried
Meaning:
adjective (written)\n  1  without experience of doing a particular job:\nShe chose two untried actors for the leading roles.\n  2  not yet tried or tested to discover if it works or is successful:\nThis is a new and relatively untried procedure.


Words: untrue
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  not true; not based on facts:\nThese accusations are totally untrue. * an untrue claim / statement * It would be untrue to say that something like this could never happen again.\n  2  ~ (to sb/sth) (literary) not loyal to sb/sth\nSYN UNFAITHFUL:\nIf he agreed to their demands, he would have to be untrue to his own principles.\nOPP TRUE


Words: untruth
Meaning:
1  [C] (formal) a lie. People often say ’untruth’ to avoid saying ’lie’.\ncompare TRUTH\n  2  [U] the state of being false


Words: untruthful
Meaning:
adjective\nsaying things that you know are not true\nOPP TRUTHFUL:\nThe allegations make her out to be untruthful. * an untruthful statement\n    untruthfully  adverb


Words: untutored
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal) not having been formally taught about sth:\nTo the untutored eye, all these butterflies look the same.


Words: untypical
Meaning:
adjective\n~ (of sb/sth) not typical:\nan untypical example * Schools in this area are quite untypical of schools in the rest of the country. * All in all, it had been a not untypical day (= it had been very like other days).\nOPP TYPICAL\ncompare ATYPICAL\n    untypically adverb


Words: unused
Meaning:
adjective\nnot being used at the moment; never having been used:\nThe house was left unused for most of the year. * Any unused pastry can be frozen and used at a later date.\ncompare DISUSED\n\n adjective\n~ to sth / to doing sth not having much experience of sth and therefore not knowing how to deal with it; not used to sth:\nThis is an easy routine, designed for anyone who is unused to exercise. * She was unused to talking about herself.


Words: unusual
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  different from what is usual or normal\nSYN STRANGE:\nIt’s unusual for the trees to flower so early. * She has a very unusual name. * It’s not unusual for young doctors to work a 70-hour week (= it happens often).\n  2  different from other similar things and therefore interesting and attractive:\nan unusual colour / feature / hobby


Words: unusually
Meaning:
adverb\n  1  used before adjectives to emphasize that a particular quality is greater than normal:\nunusually high levels of radiation * an unusually cold winter * The turnout was unusually low.\n  2  used to say that a particular situation is not normal or expected:\nUnusually for him, he wore a tie.


Words: unutterable
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] (formal) used to emphasize how great a particular emotion or quality is:\nunutterable loneliness / sadness / pleasure * He felt such an unutterable fool.\n    unutterably  adverb


Words: unvarnished
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  [only before noun] (written) with nothing added:\nIt was the plain unvarnished truth.\n  2  (of wood, etc.) not covered with VARNISH


Words: unveil
Meaning:
verb [VN] \n  1  to remove a cover or curtain from a painting, statue, etc. so that it can be seen in public for the first time:\nThe Queen unveiled a plaque to mark the official opening of the hospital.\n  2  to show or introduce a new plan, product, etc. to the public for the first time:\nThey will be unveiling their new models at the Motor Show.


Words: unvoiced
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  thought about but not expressed in words\ncompare VOICE v.\n  2  (phonetics) (of consonants) produced without VIBRATION of the VOCAL CORDS; not VOICED\nSYN VOICELESS:\nunvoiced consonants such as ’p’ and ’t’


Words: unwaged
Meaning:
adjective (BrE, written)\n  1  (of a person) not earning money by working\nOPP WAGED\n  2  (of work) for which you are not paid\nSYN UNPAID\n  3  (the unwaged) noun [pl.] people who are unwaged


Words: unwanted
Meaning:
adjective\nthat you do not want:\nunwanted advice / attention * unwanted pregnancies * It is very sad when children feel unwanted (= feel that other people do not care about them).


Words: unwarranted
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal) not reasonable or necessary; not appropriate\nSYN UNJUSTIFIED:\nMuch of the criticism was totally unwarranted. * They condemned the new law as an unwarranted intrusion into people’s private lives.


Words: unwary
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  [only before noun] not aware of the possible dangers or problems of a situation and therefore likely to be harmed in some way:\nExams are not designed to set traps for unwary students.\ncompare WARY\n  2  (the unwary) noun [pl.] people who are unwary:\nThe stock market is full of traps for the unwary.


Words: unwashed
Meaning:
adjective\nnot washed; dirty:\na pile of unwashed dishes * Their clothes were dirty and their hair unwashed.


Words: unwavering
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal) not changing or becoming weaker in any way:\nunwavering support / determination\n    unwaveringly adverb


Words: unwelcome
Meaning:
adjective\nnot wanted:\nan unwelcome visitor * To avoid attracting unwelcome attention he kept his voice down.\nOPP WELCOME


Words: unwelcoming
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (of a person) not friendly towards sb who is visiting or arriving:\nThe locals were distinctly unwelcoming.\n  2  (of a place) not attractive and looking uncomfortable to be in:\nShe went back to her cold unwelcoming house.\nOPP WELCOMING


Words: unwell
Meaning:
adjective\n[not before noun] (rather formal) ill/sick:\nShe said she was feeling unwell and went home.\nOPP WELL


Words: unwholesome
Meaning:
adjective (written)\n  1  harmful to health; not looking healthy\n  2  that you consider unpleasant or not natural\nOPP WHOLESOME:\nShe developed an obsessive and unwholesome passion for him.


Words: unwieldy
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (of an object) difficult to move or control because of its size, shape or weight\nSYN CUMBERSOME\n  2  (of a system or group of people) difficult to control or organize because it is very large or complicated


Words: unwilling
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  [not usually before noun] ~ (to do sth) not wanting to do sth and refusing to do it:\nThey are unwilling to invest any more money in the project. * She was unable, or unwilling, to give me any further details.\n  2  [only before noun] not wanting to do or be sth, but forced to by other people\nSYN RELUCTANT:\nan unwilling hero * He became the unwilling object of her attention.\nOPP WILLING\n    unwillingly adverb:\nThe country was drawn unwillingly into the war. * She agreed to their conditions, albeit unwillingly.\n    unwillingness noun [U]


Words: unwind
Meaning:
1  to undo sth that has been wrapped into a ball or around sth:\n[VN] to unwind a ball of string * He unwound his scarf from his neck. * [V] The bandage gradually unwound and fell off.\n  2  [V] to stop worrying or thinking about problems and start to relax\nSYN WIND DOWN:\nListening to music helps me unwind after a busy day.


Words: unwise
Meaning:
adjective\n~ (to do sth) showing a lack of good judgement\nSYN FOOLISH:\nIt would be unwise to comment on the situation without knowing all the facts. * an unwise decision / investment\nOPP WISE\n    unwisely adverb:\nPerhaps unwisely, I agreed to help.


Words: unwitting
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] (written) not aware of what you are doing or of the situation you are involved in:\nHe became an unwitting accomplice in the crime. * She was the unwitting cause of the argument.


Words: unwittingly
Meaning:
adverb\nwithout being aware of what you are doing or the situation that you are involved in:\nShe had broken the law unwittingly, but still she had broken it.\nOPP WITTINGLY


Words: unworkable
Meaning:
adjective\nnot practical or possible to do successfully:\nan unworkable plan / proposal\nOPP WORKABLE


Words: unworldly
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  not interested in money or the things that it buys\n  2  lacking experience of life\nSYN NAIVE\nOPP WORLDLY:\nShe was young and hopelessly unworldly.\n  3  having qualities that do not seem to belong to this world:\nThe landscape had a stark, unworldly beauty.


Words: unworried
Meaning:
adjective\n[not usually before noun] (written) not worried; calm; relaxed:\nShe appeared unworried by criticism.


Words: unworthy
Meaning:
adjective (formal)\n  1  ~ (of sth) not having the necessary qualities to deserve sth, especially respect:\nan unworthy opponent * He considered himself unworthy of the honour they had bestowed on him.\nOPP WORTHY\n  2  ~ (of sb) not acceptable from sb, especially sb who has an important job or high social position:\nSuch opinions are unworthy of educated people.\n    unworthiness noun [U]:\nfeelings of unworthiness


Words: unwrap
Meaning:
verb\n(-pp-) [VN] to take off the paper, etc. that covers or protects sth:\nDon’t unwrap your present until your birthday.\nOPP WRAP UP


Words: unwritten
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  ~ law, rule, agreement, etc. a law, etc. that everyone knows about and accepts even though it has not been made official:\nWe have an unwritten understanding that nobody leaves before five o’clock.\n  2  (of a book, etc.) not yet written:\nThe photographs were to be included in his as yet unwritten autobiography.


Words: unyielding
Meaning:
adjective (written)\n  1  if a person is unyielding, they are not easily influenced and they are unlikely to change their mind:\nsevere unyeilding parents\n  2  an unyielding substance or object does not bend or break when pressure is put on it


Words: unzip
Meaning:
verb\n(-pp-) [VN, V] if you unzip a piece of clothing, a bag, etc., or if it unzips, you open it by undoing the ZIP that fastens it\nOPP ZIP UP


Words: up
Meaning:
adverb, preposition, adjective, verb, noun \n    adverb\n HELP NOTE  For the special uses of up in phrasal verbs, look at the entries for the verbs. For example break up is in the phrasal verb section at break.\n  1  towards or in a higher position:\nHe jumped up from his chair. * The sun was already up (= had risen) when they set off. * They live up in the mountains. * It didn’t take long to put the tent up. * I pinned the notice up on the wall. * Lay the cards face up (= facing upwards) on the table. * You look nice with your hair up (= arranged on top of or at the back of your head). * (spoken) Up you come! (= said when lifting a child).\n  2  to or at a higher level:\nShe turned the volume up. * Prices are still going up (= rising). * United were 31 up at half time. * The wind is getting up (= blowing more strongly). * Sales are well up on last year.\n  3  to the place where sb/sth is:\nA car drove up and he got in. * She went straight up to the door and knocked loudly.\n  4  to or at an important place, especially a large city:\nWe’re going up to New York for the day. * (BrE, formal) His son’s up at Oxford (= Oxford University).\n  5  to a place in the north of a country:\nThey’ve moved up north. * We drove up to Inverness to see my father.\n  6  into pieces or parts:\nShe tore the paper up. * They’ve had the road up (= with the surface broken or removed) to lay some pipes. * How shall we divide up the work?\n  7  completely:\nWe ate all the food up. * The stream has dried up.\n  8  so as to be formed or brought together:\nThe government agreed to set up a committee of inquiry. * She gathered up her belongings.\n  9  so as to be finished or closed:\nI have some paperwork to finish up. * Do your coat up; it’s cold.\n  10  (of a period of time) finished; over:\nTime’s up. Stop writing and hand in your papers.\n  11  out of bed:\nI stayed up late (= did not go to bed until late) last night. * (BrE) He’s up and about again after his illness.\n  12  (spoken) used to say that sth is happening, especially sth unusual or unpleasant:\nI could tell something was up by the looks on their faces. * What’s up? (= What is the matter?) * What’s up with him? He looks furious. * Is anything up? You can tell me.\n HELP NOTE  In AmE What’s up? can just mean ’What’s new?’ or ’What’s happening?’ There may not be anything wrong.\n IDIOMS \n  be up to sb to be sb’s duty or responsibility; to be for sb to decide:\nIt’s not up to you to tell me how to do my job. * Shall we eat out or stay in? It’s up to you.\n  not be up to much (BrE) to be of poor quality; to not be very good:\nHis work isn’t up to much.\n  up against sth (informal) facing problems or opposition:\nTeachers are up against some major problems these days. * She’s really up against it (= in a difficult situation).\n  up and down\n1 moving upwards and downwards:\nThe boat bobbed up and down on the water.\n2 in one direction and then in the opposite direction:\nShe was pacing up and down in front of her desk.\n3 sometimes good and sometimes bad:\nMy relationship with him was up and down.\n  up and running (of a system, for example a computer system) working; being used:\nBy that time the new system should be up and running.\n  up before sb/sth appearing in front of sb in authority for a judgement to be made about sth that you have done:\nHe came up before the local magistrate for speeding.\n  up for sth\n1 on offer for sth:\nThe house is up for sale.\n2 being considered for sth, especially as a candidate:\nTwo candidates are up for election.\n3 willing to take part in a particular activity:\nWe’re going clubbing tonight. Are you up for it?\n  up to sth\n1 as far as a particular number, level, etc:\nI can take up to four people (= but no more than four) in my car. * The temperature went up to 35ｰC.\n2 (also up until sth) not further or later than sth; until sth:\nRead up to page 100. * Up to now he’s been very quiet.\n3 as high or as good as sth:\nHer latest book isn’t up to her usual standard.\n4 (also up to doing sth) physically or mentally capable of sth:\nHe’s not up to the job. * I don’t feel up to going to work today.\n5 (spoken) doing sth, especially sth bad:\nWhat’s she up to? * What’ve you been up to? * I’m sure he’s up to no good (= doing sth bad).\n    preposition\n  1  to or in a higher position somewhere:\nShe climbed up the flight of steps. * The village is further up the valley.\n  2  along or further along a road or street:\nWe live just up the road, past the post office.\n  3  towards the place where a river starts:\na cruise up the Rhine\n IDIOMS \n  up and down sth in one direction and then in the opposite direction along sth:\nI looked up and down the corridor.\n  up yours! (!!!, slang) an offensive way of being rude to sb, for example because they have said sth that makes you angry\n    adjective\n  1  [only before noun] directed or moving upwards:\nan up stroke * the up escalator\n  2  [not before noun] (informal) cheerful; happy or excited:\nThe mood here is resolutely up.\n  3  [not before noun] (of a computer system) working:\nOur system should be up by this afternoon.\n    verb (-pp-)\n  1  [V] (up and ...) (informal or humorous) to suddenly move or do sth unexpected:\nHe upped and left without telling anyone.\n  2  [VN] to increase the price or amount of sth\nSYN RAISE:\nThe buyers upped their offer by ｣1 000.\n IDIOMS \n  up sticks (BrE, informal) to suddenly move from your house and go to live somewhere else:\nHe upped sticks and went back to France.\nmore at ANTE\n    noun\n IDIOMS \n  on the up increasing or improving:\nBusiness confidence is on the up.\n  on the up and up (informal)\n1 (BrE) becoming more and more successful:\nThe club has been on the up and up since the beginning of the season.\n2 (AmE) = on the level at LEVEL n.:\nThe offer seems to be on the up and up.\n  ups and downs the mixture of good and bad things in life or in a particular situation or relationship:\nEvery business has its ups and downs.


Words: up to date
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  modern; fashionable:\nThis technology is bang up to date (= completely modern). * up-to-date clothes * up-to-date equipment / methods\n  2  having or including the most recent information:\nWe are keeping up to date with the latest developments. * up-to-date information / records * She brought him up to date with what had happened.\nsee also OUT OF DATE


Words: up-
Meaning:
prefix\n(in adjectives, verbs and related nouns) higher; upwards; towards the top of sth:\nupland * upturned * upgrade * uphill


Words: up-and-coming
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] (informal) likely to be successful and popular in the future:\nup-and-coming young actors


Words: up-country
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] connected with an area of a country that is situated away from large towns\n    up-country adverb


Words: up-to-the-minute
Meaning:
adjective [usually before noun]\n  1  having or including the most recent information:\nup-to-the-minute news / information\n  2  modern; fashionable:\nup-to-the-minute designs / styles\nsee also up to the minute at MINUTE n.


Words: upbeat
Meaning:
adjective\n(informal) positive and enthusiastic; making you feel that the future will be good:\nThe tone of the speech was upbeat. * The presentation ended on an upbeat note.\nOPP DOWNBEAT


Words: upbraid
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] ~ sb (for sth / for doing sth) (formal) to criticize sb or speak angrily to them because you do not approve of sth that they have said or done


Words: upbringing
Meaning:
noun\n[sing., U] the way in which a child is cared for and taught how to behave while it is growing up:\nto have a sheltered / religious / strict upbringing * He was a Catholic by upbringing.


Words: UPC
Meaning:
abbreviation\n(AmE, technical) Universal Product Code:\nThe Universal Product Code symbol, also known as the ’bar code’, is printed on products for sale and contains information that a computer can read.


Words: upcoming
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] (especially AmE) going to happen soon:\nthe upcoming presidential election * a single from the band’s upcoming album


Words: update
Meaning:
verb [VN] \n  1  to make sth more modern by adding new parts, etc:\nIt’s about time we updated our software.\n  2  ~ sb (on sth) | ~ sth to give sb the most recent information about sth; to add the most recent information to sth:\nI called the office to update them on the day’s developments. * Our records are regularly updated.\n    update  noun ~ (on sth):\na news update * The newsletter gives an update on current activities.


Words: upend
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] to turn sb/sth upside down:\nThe bicycle lay upended in a ditch. * They sat on upended wooden boxes.


Words: upfront
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  ~ (about sth) not trying to hide what you think or do\nSYN HONEST, FRANK:\nHe’s been upfront about his intentions since the beginning.\n  2  [only before noun] paid in advance, before other payments are made:\nThere will be an upfront fee of 4%.\nsee also up front at FRONT


Words: upgrade
Meaning:
verb [VN] [often passive]\n  1  to make a piece of machinery, computer system, etc. more powerful and efficient\n  2  ~ sb (to sth) to give sb a more important job\nSYN PROMOTE\n  3  ~ sb (to sth) to give sb a better seat on a plane, room in a hotel, etc. than the one that they have paid for:\nOn the flight back, we were upgraded to business class.\n  4  to improve the condition of a building, etc. in order to provide a better service:\nThe money will enable us to upgrade the town’s leisure facilities. * The towpath was upgraded for use by cyclists.\ncompare DOWNGRADE\n    upgrade  noun:\ninstructions for installing an upgrade to the existing system * Frequent flyers qualify for a free upgrade.


Words: upheaval
Meaning:
noun\n[C, U] a big change that causes a lot of confusion, worry and problems:\nthe latest upheavals in the education system * I can’t face the upheaval of moving house again. * a period of emotional upheaval


Words: uphill
Meaning:
adjective, adverb \n    adjective\n  1  sloping upwards:\nan uphill climb / slope * The last part of the race is all uphill.\nOPP DOWNHILL\n  2  ~ battle, struggle, task, etc. an argument or a struggle that is difficult to win and takes a lot of effort over a long period of time:\nHe faces an uphill struggle to be fit in time for the championships.\n    adverb towards the top of a hill or slope:\nWe cycled uphill for over an hour. * The path slopes steeply uphill.\nOPP DOWNHILL


Words: uphold
Meaning:
[VN] \n  1  to support sth that you think is right, fair, etc. and make sure that it continues to exist:\nWe have a duty to uphold the law. * The regime has been criticized for failing to uphold human rights.\n  2  (especially of a court of law) to agree that a previous decision was correct or that a request is reasonable:\nto uphold a conviction / an appeal / a complaint * The Press Council refused to uphold the complaint.\n    upholder noun:\nan upholder of traditional values


Words: upholster
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] [usually passive] ~ sth (in sth) to cover a chair, etc. with soft material (= PADDING) and fabric


Words: upholstery
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  soft covering on furniture such as ARMCHAIRS and SOFAS\n  2  the process or trade of UPHOLSTERING


Words: upkeep
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  ~ (of sth) the cost or process of keeping sth in good condition\nSYN MAINTENANCE:\nTenants are responsible for the upkeep of rented property. * Money from visitors goes towards the upkeep of the palace and grounds.\n  2  ~ (of sb/sth) the cost or process of giving a child or an animal the things that they need:\nHe makes regular payments to his ex-wife for the upkeep of their children.


Words: upland
Meaning:
noun\n[usually pl.] an area of high land that is situated away from the coast\n    upland adjective [only before noun]:\nupland agriculture


Words: uplift
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun  [U, sing.]\n  1  the fact of sth being raised or of sth increasing:\nan uplift in sales * an uplift bra (= that raises the breasts)\n  2  a feeling of hope and happiness:\nThe news gave them a much needed uplift.\n  3  (geology) the process or result of land being moved to a higher level by movements inside the earth\n    verb  [VN] (formal) to make sb feel happier or more hopeful


Words: uplifted
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  [not before noun] feeling happy and full of hope:\nEveryone left the meeting feeling uplifted.\n  2  (literary) lifted upwards:\na sea of uplifted faces


Words: upmarket
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE upscale) adjective\n[usually before noun] designed for or used by people who belong to a high social class:\nan upmarket brand / restaurant / store\nOPP DOWNMARKET\n    upmarket (BrE) (AmE upscale) adverb:\nThe company has been forced to move more upmarket.


Words: upon
Meaning:
preposition\n(formal, especially BrE) = ON:\nThe decision was based upon two considerations.\n IDIOMS \n  (almost) upon you if sth in the future is almost upon you, it is going to arrive or happen very soon:\nThe summer season was almost upon them again.\nmore at ONCE adv.


Words: upper
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective [only before noun]\n  1  situated above sth else, especially sth of the same type or the other of a pair:\nthe upper jaw / lip * the upper deck / floor / storey\n  2  at or near the top of sth:\nthe upper arm / body * the upper slopes of the mountain * a member of the upper middle class * salaries at the upper end of the pay scale * There is an upper limit of ｣20 000 spent on any one project.\n  3  (of a place) situated away from the coast, on high ground or towards the north of an area:\nthe upper reaches of the Thames\nOPP LOWER\n IDIOMS \n  gain, get, have, etc. the upper hand to get an advantage over sb so that you are in control of a particular situation\nmore at STIFF adj.\n    noun [usually pl.]\n  1  the top part of a shoe that is attached to the sole:\nshoes with leather uppers\n  2  (informal) a drug that makes you feel excited and full of energy\ncompare DOWNER\n IDIOMS \n  on your uppers (BrE, informal) having very little money


Words: upper case
Meaning:
noun\n[U] capital letters (= the large form of letters, for example A, B, C rather than a, b, c):\nHeadings should be in upper case.\ncompare LOWER CASE\n    upper case adjective:\nupper-case letters


Words: upper house
Meaning:
(also upper chamber) (also second chamber especially in BrE) noun\n[sing.] one of the parts of a parliament in countries which have a parliament that is divided into two parts. In Britain it is the House of Lords and in the US it is the Senate.\ncompare LOWER HOUSE


Words: upper school
Meaning:
noun\n(BrE) a school, or the classes in a school, for older students, usually between the ages of 14 and 18\ncompare LOWER SCHOOL, MIDDLE SCHOOL


Words: upperclassman
Meaning:
noun\n(plural upperclassmen ) (AmE) a student in the last two years of high school or college\ncompare UNDERCLASSMAN


Words: uppercut
Meaning:
noun\n(in boxing) a way of hitting sb on the chin, in which you bend your arm and move your hand upwards


Words: uppermost
Meaning:
adjective, adverb \n    adjective\n  1  [usually before noun] (written) higher or nearer the top than other things:\nthe uppermost branches of the tree\n  2  [not usually before noun] more important than other things in a particular situation:\nThese thoughts were uppermost in my mind. * Defence is no longer uppermost in their priorities.\n    adverb (written) in the highest position; facing upwards:\nPlace the material on a flat surface, shiny side uppermost.


Words: uppity
Meaning:
adjective\n(old-fashioned, informal) behaving as if you are more important than you really are, especially when this means that you refuse to obey orders


Words: upraised
Meaning:
adjective\nlifted upwards:\nShe strode towards them, her fist upraised. * He shielded his eyes against the dust with an upraised arm.


Words: upright
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective\n  1  (of a person) not lying down, and with the back straight rather than bent:\nShe sat upright in bed. * He managed to pull himself upright. * an upright posture / stance * Gradually raise your body into an upright position.\n  2  placed in a vertical position:\nKeep the bottle upright. * an upright bar * an upright freezer (= one that is taller than it is wide) * an upright chair (= one with a high straight back)\n  3  (of a person) behaving in a moral and honest way:\nan upright citizen\n IDIOMS  see BOLT adv.\n    noun\n  1  a long piece of wood, metal or plastic that is placed in a vertical position, especially in order to support sth\n  2  = UPRIGHT PIANO


Words: uprising
Meaning:
noun\n~ (against sth) a situation in which a group of people join together in order to fight against the people who are in power\nSYN REBELLION, REVOLT:\nan armed uprising against the government * a popular uprising (= by the ordinary people of the country) * to crush / suppress an uprising


Words: uproar
Meaning:
noun [U, sing.]\n  1  a situation in which people shout and make a lot of noise because they are angry or upset about sth:\nThe room was in (an) uproar. * Her comments provoked (an) uproar from the audience. * We could no longer hear him above the uproar.\n  2  a situation in which there is a lot of public criticism and angry argument about sth that sb has said or done:\nThe article caused (an) uproar when it was published.


Words: uproarious
Meaning:
adjective [not usually before noun] (written)\n  1  in which there is a lot of noise and people laugh or shout a lot:\nan uproarious party\n  2  extremely funny:\nan uproarious story\n    uproariously adverb:\nThe audience laughed uproariously. * uproariously funny


Words: uproot
Meaning:
verb [VN] \n  1  to pull a tree, plant, etc. out of the ground:\nThe storms uprooted a number of large trees.\n  2  ~ yourself / sb to leave a place where you have lived for a long time; to make sb do this:\nIf I accept the job, it will mean uprooting my family and moving to Italy.


Words: upset
Meaning:
verb, adjective, noun \n    verb  (upsetting, upset, upset)\n  1  to make sb/yourself feel unhappy, anxious or annoyed\nSYN DISTRESS:\n[VN] This decision is likely to upset a lot of people. * Try not to let him upset you. * Don’t upset yourself about it-let’s just forget it ever happened. * [VN that] It upset him that nobody had bothered to tell him about it. * [VN to inf] It upsets me to think of her all alone in that big house.\n  2  [VN] to make a plan, situation, etc. go wrong:\nHe arrived an hour late and upset all our arrangements.\n  3  [VN] ~ sb’s stomach to make sb feel sick after they have eaten or drunk sth\n  4  [VN] to make sth fall over by hitting it accidentally:\nShe stood up suddenly, upsetting a glass of wine.\n IDIOMS \n  upset the apple cart to cause problems for sb or spoil their plans, arrangements, etc.\n    adjective \n  1  [not before noun] ~ (about sth) | ~ (that ...) unhappy or disappointed because of sth unpleasant that has happened:\nThere’s no point getting upset about it. * I understand how upset you must be feeling. * She was upset that he had left without saying goodbye.\n  2  an upset stomach an illness in the stomach that makes you feel sick or have DIARRHOEA:\nI’ve been off work with an upset stomach.\n    noun \n  1  [C] a situation in which there are problems or difficulties, especially when these are unexpected:\nThe company has survived the recent upset in share prices. * His health has not been improved by all the upset at home.\n  2  [C] (in a competition) a situation in which a person or team beats the person or team that was expected to win\n  3  [C] an illness in the stomach that makes you feel sick or have DIARRHOEA:\na stomach upset\n  4  [U, C] feelings of unhappiness and disappointment caused by sth unpleasant that has happened:\nIt had been the cause of much emotional upset.


Words: upsetting
Meaning:
adjective\nmaking you feel unhappy, anxious or annoyed:\nan upsetting experience * She finds the divorce too upsetting to talk about.


Words: upshot
Meaning:
noun\n(the upshot) [sing.] the final result of a particular series of events:\nThe upshot of it all was that he left college and got a job.


Words: upside down
Meaning:
adverb\nin or into a position in which the top of sth is where the bottom is normally found and the bottom is where the top is normally found:\nThe canoe floated upside down on the lake. * Turn the cake upside down and cover it with cream.\nOPP RIGHT SIDE UP\n    upside down adjective [not usually before noun]:\nThe painting looks like it’s upside down to me.\n IDIOMS \n  turn sth upside down\n1 to make a place untidy when looking for sth:\nThe police turned the whole house upside down looking for clues.\n2 to cause large changes and confusion in a person’s life:\nHis sudden death turned her world upside down.


Words: upstage
Meaning:
adverb, adjective, verb \n    adverb at or towards the back of the stage in a theatre\n    upstage adjective [only before noun] \n    verb [VN] to say or do sth that makes people notice you more than the person that they should be interested in:\nShe was furious at being upstaged by her younger sister.


Words: upstairs
Meaning:
adverb, adjective, noun \n    adverb up the stairs; on or to a floor of a house or other building higher than the one that you are on:\nThe cat belongs to the people who live upstairs. * I carried her bags upstairs. * She went upstairs to get dressed.\nOPP DOWNSTAIRS\n    upstairs adjective [only before noun]:\nan upstairs room / window\n IDIOMS  see KICK v.\n    noun [sing.] the floor or floors in a building that are above the ground floor:\nWe’ve converted the upstairs into an office.\nOPP DOWNSTAIRS


Words: upstanding
Meaning:
adjective\n[usually before noun] (formal) behaving in a moral and honest way\nSYN UPRIGHT:\nan upstanding member of the community


Words: upstart
Meaning:
noun\n(disapproving) a person who has just started in a new position or job but who behaves as if they are more important than other people, in a way that is annoying


Words: upstate
Meaning:
adverb\n(AmE) in or to the northern part of a state that is far from its main cities:\nThey retired and went to live upstate. * We drove upstate in search of snow.\n    upstate adjective [only before noun]:\nupstate New York


Words: upstream
Meaning:
(also less frequent upriver) adverb\n~ (of / from sth) along a river, in the opposite direction to the way in which the water flows:\nThe nearest town is about ten miles upstream. * upstream of / from the bridge\nOPP DOWNSTREAM


Words: upsurge
Meaning:
noun\n[usually sing.] ~ (in / of sth) (written) a sudden large increase in sth:\nan upsurge in violent crime * a recent upsurge of interest in his movies


Words: upswing
Meaning:
noun\n[usually sing.] ~ (in sth) (written) a situation in which sth improves or increases over a period of time\nSYN UPTURN:\nan upswing in economic activity * an upswing in the team’s fortunes


Words: uptake
Meaning:
noun\n[U, sing.] ~ (of sth) (technical) the process by which sth is taken into a body or system; the rate at which this happens:\nthe uptake of oxygen by muscles\n IDIOMS \n  be quick / slow on the uptake to be quick/slow to understand sth: (informal) Is he always this slow on the uptake?


Words: uptight
Meaning:
adjective ~ (about sth) (informal)\n  1  anxious and/or angry about sth:\nRelax! You’re getting too uptight about it.\n  2  (especially AmE) nervous about showing your feelings:\nI remember him when he was an uptight teenager.


Words: uptown
Meaning:
adverb\n(AmE) in or to the parts of a town or city that are away from the centre:\nThey live in an apartment uptown. * We walked uptown a couple of blocks until we found a cab.\ncompare DOWNTOWN, MIDTOWN\n    uptown adjective [only before noun]:\nan uptown district / train


Words: uptrend
Meaning:
noun\n[sing.] (AmE) a situation in which business activity or performance increases or improves over a period of time:\nThe dollar’s uptrend may not continue much longer\nOPP DOWNTREND


Words: upturn
Meaning:
noun\n[usually sing.] ~ (in sth) a situation in which sth improves or increases over a period of time\nSYN UPSWING:\nThere are signs of an upturn in the economy. * a sharp upturn in the number of tourists visiting the capital * Their fortunes have taken an upturn. * The restaurant trade is on the upturn.\nOPP DOWNTURN


Words: upturned
Meaning:
adjective [usually before noun]\n  1  pointing or facing upwards:\nan upturned nose (= that curves upwards at the end) * She looked down at the sea of upturned faces.\n  2  turned upside down:\nShe sat on an upturned box. * The children clung to the upturned boat.


Words: upward
Meaning:
adjective [only before noun]\n  1  pointing towards or facing a higher place:\nan upward gaze / look * an upward curve\n  2  increasing in amount or price:\na sharp upward movement in property prices * an upward trend in the rate of unemployment\nOPP DOWNWARD


Words: upwardly mobile
Meaning:
adjective\nmoving towards a higher social position, usually in which you become richer:\nupwardly mobile immigrant groups * an upwardly mobile lifestyle\n    upward mobility noun [U]:\na society which encourages upward mobility


Words: upwards
Meaning:
(especially BrE) (also upward especially in AmE) adverb\n  1  towards a higher place or position:\nA flight of steps led upwards to the front door. * Place your hands on the table with the palms facing upwards. * The corners of her mouth curved upwards in amusement.\nOPP DOWNWARDS\n  2  towards a higher amount or price:\nBad weather forced the price of fruit upwards. * The budget has been revised upwards.\nOPP DOWNWARDS\n  3  ~ of sth more than the amount or number mentioned:\nYou should expect to pay upwards of ｣50 for a hotel room.


Words: upwind
Meaning:
adverb\nin the opposite direction to the way in which the wind is blowing:\nto sail upwind * The house was upwind of the factory and its smells (= the wind did not blow the smells towards the house).\nOPP DOWNWIND\n    upwind adjective


Words: uranium
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (Symbol U) a chemical element. Uranium is a heavy, silver-white, RADIOACTIVE metal, used mainly in producing nuclear energy.


Words: urban
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] connected with a town or city:\ndamage to both urban and rural environments * urban areas / centres / populations * urban life / unrest * urban development (= the process of building towns and cities or making them larger) * urban renewal / regeneration (= the process of improving the buildings, etc. in the poor parts of a town or city) * efforts to control urban sprawl (= the spread of city buildings into the countryside)\ncompare RURAL


Words: urbane
Meaning:
adjective\n(written) (especially of a man) good at knowing what to say and how to behave in social situations; appearing relaxed and confident:\nHe was charming and urbane, full of witty conversation.\n    urbanely adverb\n    urbanity  noun [U]


Words: urbanized
Meaning:
(BrE also urbanised)  adjective\n  1  (of an area, a country, etc.) having a lot of towns, streets, factories, etc. rather than countryside\n  2  (of people) living and working in towns and cities rather than in the country:\nan increasingly urbanized society\n    urbanization, urbanisation (BrE)  noun [U]


Words: urchin
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (old-fashioned) a young child who is poor and dirty, often one who has no home:\na dirty little street urchin\n  2  = SEA URCHIN


Words: urethra
Meaning:
noun\n(anatomy) the tube that carries liquid waste out of the body. In men and male animals SPERM also flows along this tube.\n    urethral adjective [only before noun]


Words: urge
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb\n  1  to advise or try hard to persuade sb to do sth:\n[VN to inf] She urged him to stay. * Police are urging anyone who saw the accident to contact them immediately. * [V that] The report urged that all children be taught to swim. [also V speech, VN speech]\n  2  [VN] ~ sth (on / upon sb) to recommend sth strongly:\nThe situation is dangerous, but the UN is urging caution.\n  3  [VN +adv./prep.] (written) to make a person or an animal move more quickly and/or in a particular direction, especially by pushing or forcing them:\nHe urged his horse forward.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  urge sb<->on to encourage sb to do sth or support them so that they do it better:\nShe could hear him urging her on as she ran past.\n    noun ~ (to do sth) a strong desire to do sth:\nsexual / creative urges * I had a sudden urge to hit him.


Words: urgent
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  that needs to be dealt with immediately:\nan urgent appeal for information * a problem that requires urgent attention * ’Can I see you for a moment?’ ’Is it urgent?’ * Mark the message ’urgent’, please. * The law is in urgent need of reform. * They’ve called an urgent meeting for this evening. * (formal) It is urgent that the law be changed.\n  2  (written) showing that you think that sth needs to be dealt with immediately:\nan urgent look / whisper * Her voice sounded urgent on the phone.\n    urgency  noun [U, sing.]:\nThis is a matter of some urgency. * The attack added a new urgency to the peace talks. * There was a note of urgency in his voice.\n    urgently adverb:\nNew equipment is urgently needed. * I need to speak to her urgently. * ’We must find him,’ she said urgently.


Words: urinary
Meaning:
adjective\n[usually before noun] (medical) connected with URINE or the parts of the body through which it passes:\na urinary infection * the urinary tract


Words: urine
Meaning:
(also spoken wee especially in BrE) noun\n[U] the waste liquid that collects in the BLADDER and that you pass from your body


Words: urn
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  a tall decorated container, especially one used for holding the ashes of a dead person\n \n  2  a large metal container with a tap, used for making and/or serving tea or coffee:\na tea urn


Words: urology
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (medical) the scientific study of the URINARY system\n    urological  adjective\n    urologist  noun


Words: US
Meaning:
(also U.S. especially in AmE)  abbreviation\nUnited States (of America):\nShe became a US citizen. * the US dollar


Words: us
Meaning:
pronoun (the object form of we)\n  1  used when the speaker or writer and another or others are the object of a verb or preposition:\nShe gave us a picture as a wedding present. * We’ll take the dog with us. * Hello, it’s us back again.\n  2  (BrE, spoken, informal) me:\nGive us the newspaper, will you?


Words: USA
Meaning:
(also U.S.A. especially in AmE)  abbreviation\nUnited States of America:\nDo you need a visa for the USA?


Words: usable
Meaning:
adjective\nthat can be used; in good enough condition to be used:\nThe bike is rusty but usable. * How can we display this data in a usable form?\nOPP UNUSABLE


Words: usage
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U, C] the way in which words are used in a language:\ncurrent English usage * It’s not a word in common usage.\n  2  [U] the fact of sth being used; how much sth is used:\nland usage * Car usage is predicted to increase.


Words: use
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb )\n  1  [VN] ~ sth (for sth / for doing sth) | ~ sth (as sth) to do sth with a machine, a method, an object, etc. for a particular purpose:\nCan I use your phone? * Have you ever used this software before? * How often do you use (= travel by) the bus? * They were able to achieve a settlement without using military force. * We used a carrot for the snowman’s nose. * Police used tear gas to disperse the crowds. * The blue files are used for storing old invoices. * The building is currently being used as a warehouse. * The applicator makes the glue easy to use. * The oven looked as if it had never been used. * You can’t keep using your bad back as an excuse. * I have some information you may be able to use (= to get an advantage from).\n  2  [VN] to take a particular amount of a liquid, substance, etc. in order to achieve or make sth:\nThis type of heater uses a lot of electricity. * I hope you haven’t used all the milk.\n  3  [VN] (disapproving) to be kind, friendly, etc. to sb with the intention of getting an advantage for yourself from them:\nCan’t you see he’s just using you for his own ends? * I felt used.\n  4  to take illegal drugs:\n[VN] Most of the inmates have used drugs at some point in their lives. * [V] (slang) She’s been using since she was 13.\n IDIOMS \n  I, you, etc. could use sth (spoken) used to say that you would like to have sth very much:\nI think we could all use a drink after that!\n  use your head (BrE also use your loaf) (informal) used to tell sb to think about sth, especially when they have asked for your opinion or said sth stupid:\n’Why don’t you want to see him again?’ ’Oh, use your head!’\n ORIGIN  From rhyming slang, in which loaf of bread stands for ’head’.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  use sth<->up to use all of sth so that there is none left:\nMaking soup is a good way of using up leftover vegetables.\n    noun \n  1  [U, sing.] the act of using sth; the state of being used:\nA ban was imposed on the use of chemical weapons. * The software is designed for use in schools. * I’m not sure that this is the most valuable use of my time. * The chapel was built in the 12th century and is still in use today. * The bar is for the use of members only.\n  2  [C, U] a purpose for which sth is used; a way in which sth is or can be used:\nI’m sure you’ll think of a use for it. * This chemical has a wide range of industrial uses.\n  3  [U] ~ (of sth) the right or opportunity to use sth, for example sth that belongs to sb else:\nI have the use of the car this week.\n  4  [U] the ability to use your mind or body:\nHe lost the use of his legs (= became unable to walk) in an accident.\n IDIOMS \n  be no use (to sb) (also formal be of no use) to be useless:\nYou can throw those away-they’re no use to anyone.\n  be of use (to sb) (formal) to be useful:\nCan I be of any use (= can I help)?\n  come into / go out of use to start/stop being used:\nThese pesticides are gradually being phased out of use. * When did this word come into common use?\n  have its / their / your uses (informal, often humorous) to be useful sometimes:\nI know you don’t like him, but he has his uses.\n  have no use for sb to dislike sb:\nI’ve no use for people who don’t make an effort.\n  have no use for sth to not need sth:\nLiving underground and having little use for eyes, moles are virtually blind.\n  it’s no use (doing sth) | What’s the use (of doing sth)? used to say that there is no point in doing sth because it will not be successful or have a good result:\nWhat’s the use of worrying about it? * It’s no use-I can’t persuade her.\n  make use of sth/sb to use sth/sb, especially in order to get an advantage:\nWe could make better use of our resources. * You should make use of your contacts.\n  put sth to good use to be able to use sth for a purpose, and get an advantage from doing so:\nShe’ll be able to put her languages to good use in her new job.


Words: used
Meaning:
adjective\n~ to sth / to doing sth familiar with sth because you do it or experience it often:\nI’m not used to eating so much at lunchtime. * I found the job tiring at first but I soon got used to it. -> USED TO\n\n adjective\n[usually before noun] that has belonged to or been used by sb else before\nSYN SECOND-HAND:\nused cars


Words: used to
Meaning:
modal verb\n(negative didn’t use to ) used to say that sth happened continuously or frequently during a period in the past:\nI used to live in London. * We used to go sailing on the lake in summer. * I didn’t use to like him much when we were at school. * You used to see a lot of her, didn’t you? -> MODAL\n______________________________\n WHICH WORD? \nused to / be used to\nDo not confuse used to do sth with be used to sth.\nYou use used to do sth to talk about something that happened regularly or was the case in the past, but is not now: I used to smoke, but I gave up a couple of years ago.\nYou use be used to sth/to doing sth to talk about something that you are familiar with so that it no longer seems new or strange to you: We’re used to the noise from the traffic now. * I’m used to getting up early. You can also use get used to sth: Don’t worry - you’ll soon get used to his sense of humour. * I didn’t think I could ever get used to living in a big city after living in the country.\n______________________________\n\n______________________________\n GRAMMAR POINT \nused to\nExcept in negatives and questions, the correct form is used to: I used to go there every Saturday. * _I_ _u_s_e_ _t_o_ _g_o_ _t_h_e_r_e_ _e_v_e_r_y_ _S_a_t_u_r_d_a_y.\nTo form questions, use did: Did she use to have long hair? Note that the correct spelling is use to, not ’used to’.\nThe negative form is usually didn’t use to, but in BrE this is quite informal and is not usually used in writing.\nThe negative form used not to (rather formal) and the question form used you to...? (old-fashioned and very formal) are only used in BrE, usually in writing.\n______________________________


Words: useful
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  ~ (to do sth) | ~ (to sb) | ~ (for sth / for doing sth) that can help you to do or achieve what you want:\na useful gadget / book * It can be useful to write a short summary of your argument first. * He might be useful to us. * These plants are particularly useful for brightening up shady areas. * Don’t just sit watching television-make yourself useful! * This information could prove useful. * Your knowledge of German may come in useful (= be useful in a particular situation). * Some products can be recycled at the end of their useful life.\n  2  (BrE, informal) good; satisfactory:\nHe’s a very useful player.\n    usefully  adverb:\nThe money could be more usefully spent on new equipment. * Is there anything I can usefully do here?


Words: usefulness
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the fact of being useful or possible to use:\nThere are doubts about the usefulness of these tests. * The building has outlived its usefulness.


Words: useless
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  ~ (to do sth) | ~ (doing sth) not useful; not doing or achieving what is needed or wanted:\nThis pen is useless. * He knew it was useless to protest. * It’s useless worrying about it. * The quality ranged from acceptable to worse than useless. * She tried to work, but it was useless (= she wasn’t able to).\n  2  ~ (at doing sth) (informal) not very good at sth; not able to do things well:\nI’m useless at French. * Don’t ask her to help. She’s useless.\n    uselessly adverb:\nHis arm hung uselessly at his side (= it was injured and he could not move it).\n    uselessness noun [U]


Words: user
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a person or thing that uses sth:\nroad users * computer software users * Please enter your user name. * a user manual\n  2  (slang) a person who is ADDICTED TO drugs


Words: user-friendly
Meaning:
adjective\neasy for people who are not experts to use or understand:\nComputer programs have become more user-friendly.\n    user-friendliness noun [U]


Words: usher
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n\n \n  1  a person who shows people where to sit in a church, public hall, etc.\n \n  2  an official who has special responsibilities in a court of law, for example allowing people in and out of the court\n \n  3  a friend of the BRIDEGROOM at a wedding, who has special duties\n    verb [VN +adv./prep.] to take or show sb where they should go:\nThe secretary ushered me into his office. * We were asked to leave and ushered out of the door.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  usher sth<->in (formal) to be the beginning of sth new or to make sth new begin:\nThe change of management ushered in fresh ideas and policies.


Words: usherette
Meaning:
noun\n(especially BrE) a woman whose job is to lead people to their seats in a theatre or cinema/movie theater


Words: usual
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  ~ (for sb/sth) (to do sth) that happens or is done most of the time or in most cases:\nShe made all the usual excuses. * He came home later than usual. * She sat in her usual seat at the back. * It is usual to start a speech by thanking everybody for coming. * He didn’t sound like his usual happy self. * They asked me why I wanted the job and why I thought I was suitable-you know, the usual thing. -> NORMAL\ncompare UNUSUAL\n  2  (the usual) noun [sing.] (spoken) what usually happens; what you usually have, especially the drink that you usually have\n IDIOMS \n  as usual in the same way as what happens most of the time or in most cases:\nSteve, as usual, was the last to arrive. * As usual at that hour, the place was deserted. * Despite her problems, she carried on working as usual.\nmore at BUSINESS, PER


Words: usually
Meaning:
adverb\nin the way that is usual or normal; most often:\nI’m usually home by 6 o’clock. * We usually go by car. * How long does the journey usually take?


Words: usurer
Meaning:
noun\n(old-fashioned, disapproving) a person who lends money to people at unfairly high rates of interest


Words: usurp
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] (formal) to take sb’s position and/or power without having the right to do this:\nHe attempted to usurp the principal’s authority.\n    usurpation  noun [U, C]:\nthe usurpation of power / rights\n    usurper noun


Words: usury
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (old-fashioned, disapproving) the practice of lending money to people at unfairly high rates of interest


Words: uterus
Meaning:
noun\n(anatomy) the organ in women and female animals in which babies develop before they are born\nSYN WOMB\n    uterine  adjective [only before noun] \nsee also INTRAUTERINE DEVICE


Words: utilitarian
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (formal) designed to be useful and practical rather than attractive:\na utilitarian building\n  2  (philosophy) based on or supporting the ideas of utilitarianism


Words: utilitarianism
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (philosophy) the belief that the right course of action is the one that will produce the greatest happiness of the greatest number of people


Words: utility
Meaning:
noun, adjective \n    noun (plural utilities)\n  1  [C] (especially AmE) a service provided for the public, for example an electricity, water or gas supply:\nthe administration of public utilities * Rescue teams worked desperately to restore utilities in the area shattered by the hurricane.\n  2  [U] (formal) the quality of being useful:\nThis information is of the highest utility to a historian.\n  3  [C] (computing) a piece of computer SOFTWARE that performs a particular task\n    adjective [only before noun] that can be used for several different purposes:\na utility vehicle * an all-round utility player (= one who can play equally well in several different positions, for example in football)


Words: utility room
Meaning:
noun\na room, especially in a private house, that contains large pieces of equipment such as a washing machine, FREEZER, etc.


Words: utilize
Meaning:
(BrE also utilise)  verb\n[VN] ~ sth (as sth) (formal) to use sth, especially for a practical purpose:\nThe Romans were the first to utilize concrete as a building material. * The resources at our disposal could have been better utilized. * Vitamin C helps the body utilize the iron present in your body.\n    utilization, utilisation  noun [U]:\nthe utilization of resources


Words: utmost
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective (also less frequent uttermost) [only before noun] greatest; most extreme:\nThis is a matter of the utmost importance. * You should study this document with the utmost care.\n    noun [sing.] the greatest amount possible:\nOur resources are strained to the utmost. * He did his utmost (= tried as hard as possible) to persuade me not to go.


Words: Utopia
Meaning:
noun\n[C, U] an imaginary place or state in which everything is perfect:\na Socialist Utopia\n    Utopian  adjective:\nUtopian ideals\n    Utopianism noun [U]


Words: utter
Meaning:
adjective, verb \n    adjective [only before noun] used to emphasize how complete sth is:\nThat’s complete and utter nonsense! * To my utter amazement she agreed. * He felt an utter fool!\n    utterly adverb:\nWe’re so utterly different from each other. * She utterly failed to convince them.\n    verb [VN] (formal) to make a sound with your voice; to say sth:\nto utter a cry / groan / moan / sigh * She did not utter a word during lunch (= said nothing).


Words: utterance
Meaning:
noun (formal)\n  1  [U] the act of expressing sth in words:\nto give utterance to your thoughts\n  2  [C] something that you say:\none of her few recorded public utterances


Words: uvula
Meaning:
noun\n(plural uvulae ) (anatomy) a small piece of flesh that hangs from the top of the inside of the mouth just above the throat


Words: V
Meaning:
noun, abbreviation, symbol \n    noun (also v) (plural V’s, v’s )\n  1  [C, U] the 22nd letter of the English alphabet:\n’Violin’ begins with (a) V / ’V’.\n  2  a thing shaped like a V:\nAhead was the deep V of a gorge with water pouring down it.\nsee also V-CHIP, V-NECK, V-SIGN\n    abbreviation (in writing) VOLT(S):\na 1.5 V battery\n    symbol (also v) the number 5 in ROMAN NUMERALS


Words: v abbreviation
Meaning:
1  (also vs especially in AmE) (in sport or in a legal case) versus (= against):\nEngland v West Indies * the State vs Kramer (= a case in a court of law)\n  2  (BrE, informal, written) very:\nI was v pleased to get your letter.


Words: V-chip
Meaning:
noun\na computer CHIP in a television RECEIVER that can be programmed to block material that contains sex and violence


Words: V-neck
Meaning:
noun\nan opening for the neck in a piece of clothing shaped like the letter V; a piece of clothing with a V-neck:\na V-neck sweater * I went out and bought a navy V-neck.\n \n    V-necked adjective:\na V-necked sweater


Words: V-sign
Meaning:
noun\na sign that you make by holding up your hand and making a V-shape with your first and second fingers. When the PALM (= inside part) of your hand is facing away from you, the sign means ’victory’; when the palm is facing towards you the sign is used as a way of being rude to other people.\ncompare TWO FINGERS


Words: vac
Meaning:
noun\n(BrE, informal) a university VACATION:\nthe Christmas / Easter / summer vac * He spent the long vac (= the summer vacation) working at the local hospital.


Words: vacancy
Meaning:
noun (plural vacancies)\n  1  [C] ~ (for sb/sth) a job that is available for sb to do:\na casual / temporary vacancy * vacancies for bar staff * to fill a vacancy * There’s a vacancy in the accounts department.\n  2  [C] a room that is available in a hotel, etc:\nI’m sorry, we have no vacancies.\n  3  [U] (written) lack of interest or ideas\nSYN EMPTINESS:\nThe vacancy of her expression.


Words: vacant
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (of a seat, hotel room, house, etc.) empty; not being used:\nvacant properties * The seat next to him was vacant. * (especially AmE) a vacant lot (= a piece of land in a city that is not being used) * There is a room vacant, as it happens.\ncompare ENGAGED, OCCUPIED\n  2  (formal) if a job in a company is vacant, nobody is doing it and it is available for sb to take:\nWhen the post finally fell (= became) vacant, they offered it to Fiona. * (BrE) Situations Vacant (= a section in a newspaper where jobs are advertised) * The position left vacant in July has not yet been filled.\n  3  (written) (of a look, an expression, etc.) showing no sign that the person is thinking of anything:\na vacant look / stare * She had large vacant brown eyes.\n    vacantly adverb:\nto look / smile / stare vacantly


Words: vacant possession
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (BrE, technical) the fact of owning a house that is empty because the people who lived there have moved out:\nThey want to sell the house with vacant possession so they have asked their tenants to leave.


Words: vacate
Meaning:
verb [VN] (formal)\n  1  to leave a building, seat, etc., especially so that sb else can use it:\nGuests are requested to vacate their rooms by noon on the day of departure.\n  2  to leave a job, position of authority, etc. so that it is available for sb else:\nShe has taken over the role vacated by her boss.


Words: vacation
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  (in Britain) one of the periods of time when universities or courts of law are closed; (in the US) one of the periods of time when schools, colleges, universities or courts of law are closed:\nthe Christmas / Easter / summer vacation * (BrE) the long vacation (= the summer vacation)\nsee also VAC\n  2  [U, C] (AmE) = HOLIDAY:\nThey’re on vacation in Hawaii right now. * You look tired-you should take a vacation. * The job includes two weeks’ paid vacation. * a vacation home -> HOLIDAY\n    verb [V] (AmE) = HOLIDAY:\nThey are currently vacationing in Florida.


Words: vaccinate
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] [often passive] ~ sb (against sth) to give a person or an animal a vaccine, especially by INJECTING it, in order to protect them against a disease:\nHave you been vaccinated against polio?\ncompare IMMUNIZE, INOCULATE\n    vaccination  noun [C, U]:\nMake sure your vaccinations are up to date. * vaccination against hepatitis B


Words: vaccine
Meaning:
noun\n[C, U] a substance that is put into the blood and that protects the body from a disease:\na polio / measles vaccine * There is no vaccine against HIV infection.


Words: vacillate
Meaning:
verb\n[V] (formal) to keep changing your opinion or thoughts about sth, especially in a way that annoys other people\nSYN WAVER:\nThe country’s leaders are still vacillating between confrontation and compromise.\n    vacillation  noun [U, C]


Words: vacuous
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal) showing no sign of intelligence or sensitive feelings:\na vacuous look / expression / smile\n    vacuously adverb:\nHe stared down at her, grinning vacuously.\n    vacuousness noun [U]


Words: vacuum
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  a space that is completely empty of all substances, including all air or other gas:\na vacuum pump (= one that creates a vacuum in an enclosed space) * vacuum-packed foods (= in a package from which most of the air has been removed)\n  2  [usually sing.] a situation in which sb/sth is missing or lacking:\nHis resignation has created a vacuum which cannot easily be filled.\n  3  [usually sing.] the act of cleaning sth with a vacuum cleaner:\nto give a room a quick vacuum\n IDIOMS \n  in a vacuum existing separately from other people, events, etc. when there should be a connection:\nThis kind of decision cannot ever be made in a vacuum.\n    verb to clean sth using a vacuum cleaner\nSYN HOOVER [VN] Have you vacuumed the stairs? [also V]


Words: vacuum cleaner
Meaning:
(BrE also Hoover) noun\nan electrical machine that cleans floors, carpets, etc. by sucking up dirt and dust


Words: vacuum flask
Meaning:
(also flask) (both BrE) (AmE vacuum bottle) noun\na container like a bottle with double walls with a vacuum between them, used for keeping liquids hot or cold\ncompare THERMOS


Words: vagabond
Meaning:
noun\n(old-fashioned, disapproving) a person who has no home or job and who travels from place to place:\nbeggars, rogues and vagabonds


Words: vagina
Meaning:
noun\nthe passage in the body of a woman or female animal between the outer sex organs and the WOMB\n    vaginal  adjective [only before noun]


Words: vagrancy
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (law) the crime of living on the streets and BEGGING (= asking for money) from people:\nHe was convicted of drunkenness and vagrancy.


Words: vagrant
Meaning:
noun\n(formal or law) a person who has no home or job, especially one who BEGS (= asks for money) from people\n    vagrant adjective


Words: vague
Meaning:
adjective (vaguer, vaguest)\n  1  not clear in a person’s mind:\nto have a vague impression / memory / recollection of sth * They had only a vague idea where the place was.\n  2  ~ (about sth) not having or giving enough information or details about sth:\nShe’s a little vague about her plans for next year. * The politicians made vague promises about tax cuts. * He was accused of being deliberately vague. * We had only a vague description of the attacker. * He outlined the policy in vague terms.\n  3  (of a person’s behaviour) suggesting a lack of clear thought or attention:\na vague expression / look * His vague manner concealed a brilliant mind.\n  4  not having a clear shape\nSYN INDISTINCT:\nIn the darkness they could see the vague outline of a church.\n    vagueness noun [U]


Words: vaguely
Meaning:
adverb\n  1  in a way that is not detailed or exact:\na vaguely worded statement * I can vaguely remember my first day at school.\n  2  slightly:\nThere was something vaguely familiar about her face. * He was vaguely aware of footsteps behind him. * The story is only vaguely amusing.\n  3  in a way that shows that you are not paying attention or thinking clearly:\nHe smiled vaguely, ignoring her questions. * ’I’ll be in touch,’ she said vaguely.


Words: vain
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  that does not produce the result you want\nSYN USELESS:\nShe closed her eyes tightly in a vain attempt to hold back the tears. * I knocked loudly in the vain hope that someone might answer.\n  2  (disapproving) too proud of your own appearance, abilities or achievements\nSYN CONCEITED:\nShe’s too vain to wear glasses.\nsee also VANITY\n IDIOMS \n  in vain without success:\nThey tried in vain to persuade her to go. * She waited in vain for her son to return. * All our efforts were in vain.\nmore at NAME n.


Words: vainglorious
Meaning:
adjective\n(literary, disapproving) too proud of your own abilities or achievements\n    vainglory  noun [U]


Words: valance
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  a narrow piece of fabric like a short curtain that hangs around the frame of a bed, under a shelf, etc.\n \n  2  (especially AmE) = PELMET


Words: vale
Meaning:
noun\n(old use or literary) (also used in modern place names) a valley:\na wooded vale * the Vale of the White Horse


Words: valedictorian
Meaning:
noun\n(AmE) the student who has the highest marks/grades in a particular group of students and who gives the valedictory speech at a GRADUATION ceremony


Words: valedictory
Meaning:
adjective\n[usually before noun] (formal) connected with saying goodbye, especially at a formal occasion:\na valedictory speech


Words: valency
Meaning:
especially in AmE)\n  1  (chemistry) a measurement of the power of an atom to combine with others, by the number of HYDROGEN atoms it can combine with or DISPLACE:\nCarbon has a valency of 4.\n  2  (linguistics) the number of GRAMMATICAL elements that a word, especially a verb, combines with in a sentence


Words: valentine
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (also valentine card) a card that you send to sb that you love on St Valentine’s Day (14 February), often without putting your name on it\n  2  a person that you send a valentine to


Words: valet
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun \n  1  a man’s personal servant who takes care of his clothes, serves his meals, etc.\n  2  (BrE) a hotel employee whose job is to clean the clothes of hotel guests\n  3  (AmE) a person who parks your car for you at a hotel or restaurant\n    verb \n  1  [VN] (BrE) to clean a person’s car thoroughly, especially on the inside:\na car valeting service\n  2  [V] to perform the duties of a valet


Words: valiant
Meaning:
adjective\n(especially literary) very brave or determined:\nvaliant warriors / efforts * She made a valiant attempt not to laugh.\n    valiantly adverb


Words: valid
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  that is legally or officially acceptable:\na valid passport * a bus pass valid for 1 month * They have a valid claim to compensation.\n  2  based on what is logical or true:\nShe had valid reasons for not supporting the proposals. * The point you make is perfectly valid.\n  3  (computing) that is accepted by the system:\na valid password\nOPP INVALID\n    validly adverb:\nThe contract had been validly drawn up. * It can be validly argued that they were not to blame.


Words: validate
Meaning:
verb [VN] (formal)\n  1  to prove that sth is true:\nto validate a claim / theory\nOPP INVALIDATE\n  2  to make sth legally valid:\nto validate a contract\nOPP INVALIDATE\n  3  to state officially that sth is useful and of an acceptable standard:\nCheck that their courses have been validated by a reputable organization.\n    validation  noun [U, C]


Words: validity
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  the state of being legally or officially acceptable:\nThe period of validity of the agreement has expired.\n  2  the state of being logical and true:\nWe had doubts about the validity of their argument.


Words: valley
Meaning:
noun\nan area of low land between hills or mountains, often with a river flowing through it; the land that a river flows through:\na small town set in a valley * the Loire Valley


Words: valour
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE valor)  noun\n[U] (literary) great courage, especially in war:\nacts of valour\n    valorous  adjective\n IDIOMS  see DISCRETION


Words: valuable
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  ~ (to sb/sth) very useful or important:\na valuable experience / resource / tool / insight * The book provides valuable information on recent trends. * This advice was to prove valuable. * Spinach is a valuable source of iron.\n  2  worth a lot of money:\nvaluable antiques / jewellery * My home is my most valuable asset.\nOPP VALUELESS, WORTHLESS\ncompare INVALUABLE, PRICELESS


Words: valuables
Meaning:
noun\n[pl.] things that are worth a lot of money, especially small personal things such as jewellery, cameras, etc:\nNever leave cash or other valuables lying around.


Words: valuation
Meaning:
noun [C, U]\n  1  a professional judgement about how much money sth is worth; its estimated value:\nland valuation * Surveyors carried out a valuation of the property. * Experts set a high valuation on the painting.\n  2  (formal) a judgement about how useful or important sth is; its estimated importance:\nShe puts a high valuation on trust between colleagues.


Words: value
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  how much sth is worth\n  1  [U, C] how much sth is worth in money or other goods for which it can be exchanged:\nto go up / rise / increase in value * to go down / fall / drop in value * rising property values * The winner will receive a prize to the value of ｣1 000. * Sports cars tend to hold their value well.\nsee also MARKET VALUE, STREET VALUE\n  2  [U] (especially BrE) how much sth is worth compared with its price:\nto be good / excellent value (= worth the money it costs) * to be bad / poor value (= not worth the money it costs) * Charter flights give the best value for money. * They’re only ｣40-not bad value, really. * This great value-for-money offer is only available to society members.\n  being useful / important\n  3  [U] the quality of being useful or important:\nThe value of regular exercise should not be underestimated. * The arrival of canals was of great value to many industries. * to be of little / no value to sb * food with a high nutritional / energy value * The story has very little news value. * This ring has great sentimental value for me. * I suppose it has a certain novelty value (= it’s interesting because it’s new) but you’ll soon get bored of it.\n  beliefs\n  4  (values) [pl.] beliefs about what is right and wrong and what is important in life:\ncultural / social / moral values * a return to traditional values in education, such as firm discipline * The young have a completely different set of values and expectations.\n  mathematics\n  5  [C] the amount represented by a letter or symbol:\nLet y have the value 33.\n    verb [VN]\n  consider important\n  1  (not used in the progressive tenses) ~ sb/sth (as sth) | ~ sb/sth (for sth) to think that sb/sth is important:\nI really value him as a friend. * The area is valued for its vineyards. * a valued member of staff * They don’t seem to value honesty very highly.\n  decide worth\n  2  [usually passive] ~ sth (at sth) to decide that sth is worth a particular amount of money:\nThe property has been valued at over $2 million.


Words: value judgement
Meaning:
(also value judgment especially in AmE) noun\n[C, U] (sometimes disapproving) a judgement about how good or important sth is, based on personal opinions rather than facts


Words: valueless
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal) without value or worth\nSYN WORTHLESS:\nHer shares in the company have become valueless.\nOPP VALUABLE


Words: valve
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  a device for controlling the flow of a liquid or gas, letting it move in one direction only\n \n  2  a structure in the heart or in a VEIN that lets blood flow in one direction only\n \n  3  a device in some BRASS musical instruments for changing the note


Words: vampire
Meaning:
noun\n(in stories) a dead person who leaves his or her grave at night to suck the blood of living people


Words: van
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  a covered vehicle with no side windows in its back half, usually smaller than a lorry/truck, used for carrying goods or people:\na furniture / removal van * a police van (= for carrying police officers or prisoners) * a delivery van * a van driver\n \n  2  (AmE) a covered vehicle with side windows, usually smaller than a lorry/truck, that can carry about twelve passengers\n \n  3  (BrE) a closed railway carriage for carrying bags, cases, etc. or mail:\na mail / luggage van\n \n IDIOMS \n \n  in the van (BrE, formal) at the front or in the leading position:\nThese artists felt themselves in the van of the movement, true pioneers.


Words: vanadium
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (Symbol V) a chemical element. Vanadium is a soft poisonous silver-grey metal that is added to some types of steel to make it stronger.


Words: vandalism
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the crime of destroying or damaging sth, especially public property, deliberately and for no good reason:\nan act of vandalism


Words: vandalize
Meaning:
(BrE also vandalise)  verb\n[VN] [usually passive] to damage sth, especially public property, deliberately and for no good reason:\nThe pay phone had been vandalized and wasn’t working.


Words: vane
Meaning:
noun\na flat blade that is moved by wind or water and is part of the machinery in a WINDMILL, etc:\nThe windmill’s sails are wooden vanes whose angle can be adjusted from inside the mill.\nsee also WEATHERVANE


Words: vanguard
Meaning:
noun (usually the vanguard) [sing.]\n  1  the leaders of a movement in society, for example in politics, art, industry, etc:\nThe company is proud to be in the vanguard of scientific progress. * The party claimed to be the vanguard of the world revolutionary movement.\n  2  the part of an army, etc. that is at the front when moving forward to attack the enemy:\nThe army was advancing steadily and the vanguard was already at the border.\nOPP REARGUARD


Words: vanilla
Meaning:
noun, adjective \n    noun [U] a substance obtained from the beans of the tropical vanilla plant, used to give flavour to sweet foods, for example ice cream: (BrE) vanilla essence * (AmE) vanilla extract * (BrE) a vanilla pod * (AmE) a vanilla bean\n    adjective\n  1  flavoured with vanilla:\nvanilla ice cream\n  2  (informal, especially AmE) plain and ordinary:\nThe city is pretty much plain vanilla. * This is only the vanilla version of the software.


Words: vanish
Meaning:
verb [V] \n  1  to disappear suddenly and/or in a way that you cannot explain:\nHe turned around and vanished into the house. * The magician vanished in a puff of smoke. * My glasses seem to have vanished. * He seems to have vanished without trace.\n  2  to stop existing:\nthe vanishing woodlands of northern Europe * All hopes of a peaceful settlement had now vanished. * All thoughts of leaving vanished from his mind.\n IDIOMS  see ACT n., FACE n.


Words: vanity
Meaning:
noun (plural vanities)\n  1  [U] (disapproving) too much pride in your own appearance, abilities or achievements:\nShe had no personal vanity (= about her appearance). * The invitation to head the committee flattered his vanity and he agreed.\nsee also VAIN\n  2  [U] (literary) the quality of being unimportant, especially compared with other things that are important:\nthe vanity of human ambition in the face of death\n  3  (vanities) [pl.] behaviour or attitudes that show people’s vanity:\nPolitics is too often concerned only with the personal vanities of politicians.\n  4  [C] (AmE) = DRESSING TABLE


Words: vanquish
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] (literary) to defeat sb completely in a competition, war, etc.\nSYN CONQUER:\na vanquished enemy / opponent


Words: vantage point
Meaning:
(also formal vantage) noun\na position from which you watch sth; a point in time or a situation from which you consider sth, especially the past:\nThe cafe was a good vantage point for watching the world go by. * From the vantage point of the late 20th century, the war seems to have achieved nothing.


Words: vapid
Meaning:
adjective\n(rare, formal) lacking interest or intelligence:\nThe vapid conversation bored her.\n    vapidity  noun [U]


Words: vaporize
Meaning:
(BrE also vaporise)  verb\n[VN] (technical) to turn into gas; to make sth turn into gas\n    vaporization, vaporisation  noun [U]


Words: vapour
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE vapor)  noun\n[C, U] a mass of very small drops of liquid in the air, for example steam:\nwater vapour


Words: variability
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (written) the fact of sth being likely to vary:\nclimatic variability * a degree of variability in the exchange rate


Words: variable
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective\n  1  often changing; likely to change:\nvariable rainfall / temperature * The acting is of variable quality (= some of it is good and some of it is bad).\ncompare INVARIABLE\n  2  able to be changed:\nThe drill has variable speed control. * variable lighting\n    variably  adverb \n    noun a situation, number or quantity that can vary or be varied:\nWith so many variables to consider, it is difficult to calculate the cost. * The temperature remained constant while pressure was a variable in the experiment.\nOPP CONSTANT


Words: variance
Meaning:
noun\n[U, C] (formal) the amount by which sth changes or is different from sth else:\nvariance in temperature / pay * a note with subtle variances of pitch\n IDIOMS \n  at variance (with sb/sth) (formal) disagreeing with or opposing sb/sth:\nThese conclusions are totally at variance with the evidence. * He uttered a string of oaths, so oddly at variance with his usual smooth and civilized manner.


Words: variant
Meaning:
noun\n~ (of / on sth) a thing that is a slightly different form or type of sth else:\nThis game is a variant of / on baseball.\n    variant adjective:\nvariant forms of spelling * a variant form of oxygen known as ozone


Words: variation
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C, U] ~ (in / of sth) a change, especially in the amount or level of sth:\nThe dial records very slight variations in pressure. * Currency exchange rates are always subject to variation. * regional / seasonal variation (= depending on the region or time of year)\n  2  [C] ~ (on sth) a thing that is different from other things in the same general group:\nThis soup is a spicy variation on a traditional favourite.\n  3  [C] ~ (on sth) (music) any of a set of short pieces of music based on a simple tune repeated in a different and more complicated form:\na set of variations on a theme by Mozart * (figurative) His numerous complaints are all variations on a theme (= all about the same thing).


Words: varied
Meaning:
adjective (usually approving)\n  1  of many different types:\nvaried opinions / cultures / menus * a wide and varied selection of cheeses\n  2  not staying the same, but changing often:\nHe led a full and varied life. * I’ve had a varied career.


Words: variegated
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (technical) having differently coloured spots or marks:\na plant with variegated leaves\n  2  (rare, written) consisting of many different types of thing or person


Words: variety
Meaning:
noun (plural varieties)\n  1  [sing.] ~ (of sth) several different sorts of the same thing:\nThere is a wide variety of patterns to choose from. * He resigned for a variety of reasons. * This tool can be used in a variety of ways. * I was impressed by the variety of dishes on offer.\n  2  [U] the quality of not being the same or not doing the same thing all the time:\nWe all need variety in our diet. * We want more variety in our work.\n  3  [C] ~ (of sth) a type of a thing, for example a plant or language, that is different from the others in the same general group:\nApples come in a great many varieties. * a rare variety of orchid * different varieties of English * (spoken) My cooking is of the ’quick and simple’ variety.\n  4  (AmE also vaudeville) [U] a form of theatre or television entertainment that consists of a series of short performances, such as singing, dancing and funny acts:\na variety show / theatre\n IDIOMS \n  variety is the spice of life (saying) new and exciting experiences make life more interesting


Words: various
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  several different:\nTents come in various shapes and sizes. * She took the job for various reasons. * There are various ways of doing this.\n  2  (formal) having many different features:\na large and various country


Words: variously
Meaning:
adverb\n(written) in several different ways, usually by several different people:\nHe has been variously described as a hero, a genius and a bully. * The cost has been variously estimated at between ｣10 million and ｣20 million.


Words: varnish
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun [U, C] a liquid that is painted onto wood, metal, etc. and that forms a hard shiny transparent surface when it is dry:\nI’ll give the shelves a coat of varnish.\nsee also NAIL VARNISH\n    verb to put varnish on the surface of sth: [VN] The doors are then stained and varnished. * (BrE) Josie was sitting at her desk, varnishing her nails. * [VN-N] Her nails were varnished a brilliant shade of red.


Words: varsity
Meaning:
noun, adjective \n    noun (plural varsities) (AmE) the main team that represents a college or high school, especially in sports competitions\n    adjective [only before noun] (old-fashioned, BrE, informal) used when describing activities connected with the universities of Oxford and Cambridge, especially sports competitions:\nthe varsity match


Words: vary
Meaning:
verb (varying, varied, varied)\n  1  [V] ~ (in sth) (of a group of similar things) to be different from each other in size, shape, etc.\nSYN DIFFER:\nThe students’ work varies considerably in quality. * The quality of the students’ work varies considerably. * New techniques were introduced with varying degrees of success.\n  2  [V] ~ (with sth) | ~ (from sth to sth) | ~ (between A and B) to change or be different according to the situation:\nThe menu varies with the season. * Prices vary according to the type of room you require. * Pulse rates vary slightly from person to person. * Class numbers vary between 25 and 30. * ’What time do you start work?’ ’It varies.’\n  3  [VN] to make changes to sth to make it slightly different:\nThe job enables me to vary the hours I work. * The aerobics instructor varies the routine each week.\nsee also VARIED -> CHANGE


Words: vascular
Meaning:
adjective\n[usually before noun] (technical) of or containing VEINS (= the tubes that carry liquids around the bodies of animals and plants):\nthe vascular system * vascular disease / tissue


Words: vase
Meaning:
noun\na container made of glass, etc., used for holding cut flowers or as an ornament:\na vase of flowers


Words: vasectomy
Meaning:
noun\n(plural vasectomies) (medical) a medical operation to remove part of each of the tubes in a man’s body that carry SPERM, after which he is not able to make a woman pregnant:\nto have a vasectomy


Words: Vaseline
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a thick soft clear substance that is used on skin to heal or protect it, or as a LUBRICANT to stop surfaces from sticking together


Words: vassal
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a man in the Middle Ages who promised to fight for and be loyal to a king or other powerful owner of land, in return for being given land to live on\n  2  a country that is dependent on and controlled by another country


Words: vast
Meaning:
adjective\nextremely large in area, size, amount, etc.\nSYN HUGE:\na vast area of forest * a vast crowd * a vast amount of information * At dusk bats appear in vast numbers. * His business empire was vast. * In the vast majority of cases, this should not be a problem. * Your help made a vast difference. * We’ve hired a marquee at vast expense.\n    vastness (written) noun [U, C]:\nthe vastness of space


