Set 45 · Study 1 / 5

Exit

defunct

adjective/dɪˈfʌŋkt/

definition

no longer in existence or functioning

example

The company was declared defunct after failing to meet its financial obligations for three consecutive years.

synonyms
obsoleteextinctinactive
word origin — Late Latin 'defunctus', from 'de-' meaning 'away' + 'functus', past participle of 'fungi' meaning 'to perform, execute'

GRE Vocabulary — Set 45

Set 45 of GRE Vocabulary covers 5 words: defunct, deleterious, diffident, discursive, dogged. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

  1. defunct · adjective/dɪˈfʌŋkt/

    no longer in existence or functioning

    The company was declared defunct after failing to meet its financial obligations for three consecutive years.

    Synonyms: obsolete, extinct, inactive

    Origin: Late Latin 'defunctus', from 'de-' meaning 'away' + 'functus', past participle of 'fungi' meaning 'to perform, execute'

  2. deleterious · adjective/ˌdɛlɪˈtɪriəs/

    causing harm or damage

    The study showed that the deleterious effects of pollution are more pronounced in urban areas.

    Synonyms: harmful, detrimental, injurious

    Origin: From late Latin 'deleterius', from Greek 'deleterios', meaning 'destructive or harmful'.

  3. diffident · adjective/ˈdɪfɪdənt/

    lacking confidence in one's own ability or worth

    Despite her impressive qualifications, she remained diffident about speaking in front of large groups.

    Synonyms: shy, timid, bashful

    Origin: From Latin 'diffidens', present participle of 'diffidere', meaning 'to have no confidence in'.

  4. discursive · adjective/dɪsˈkɜr.sɪv/

    relating to discourse or modes of discourse; characterized by proceeding from topic to topic in a logical manner

    The professor's discursive style made it easy for students to follow his argument as he moved fluidly from one idea to another.

    Synonyms: conversational, rambling, digressive

    Origin: From Latin 'discursus,' meaning 'running to and fro.'

  5. dogged · adjective/ˈdɔɡ.ɪd/

    persistent in effort or determination

    Her dogged determination to improve her skills paid off when she won the championship.

    Synonyms: persistent, tenacious, determined

    Origin: The word 'dogged' originates from the late 16th century, derived from the word 'dog,' which was associated with the qualities of a dog, such as loyalty and perseverance.