facilitation, epidemic, liability, calamity, fitness: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from IELTS Vocabulary set 199. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. facilitation · noun/fəˌsɪləˈteɪʃən/

   the act of making a process or task easier

   The facilitation of open communication during the project significantly improved team collaboration.

   Synonyms: simplification, ease, assistance

   Origin: from Latin 'facilitare', which means 'to make easy'

2. epidemic · noun/ˌɛpɪˈdɛmɪk/

   a widespread occurrence of an infectious disease in a community at a particular time

   The city faced an unprecedented epidemic of influenza last winter, affecting thousands of residents.

   Synonyms: outbreak, contagion, plague

   Origin: The word 'epidemic' comes from the Greek 'epidemios,' meaning 'prevalent,' derived from 'epi-' (upon) and 'demos' (people).

3. liability · noun/ˌlaɪəˈbɪlɪti/

   the state of being responsible for something, especially by law

   The company took out an insurance policy to protect itself against potential liability for any accidents that might occur on its premises.

   Synonyms: responsibility, obligation, accountability

   Origin: from the Latin 'liabilitas', from 'liabil' meaning 'binding' or 'to bind'

4. calamity · noun/kəˈlæm.ɪ.ti/

   an event causing great and often sudden damage or distress

   The earthquake was a calamity that left thousands homeless and devastated the entire city.

   Synonyms: disaster, catastrophe, tragedy

   Origin: From Latin 'calamitas', which means 'damage, loss, or misfortune'

5. fitness · noun/ˈfɪt.nəs/

   the condition of being physically fit and healthy

   Regular exercise is essential for maintaining overall fitness and well-being.

   Synonyms: wellness, health, physical condition

   Origin: Derived from the Old English word 'fit,' meaning suitable or appropriate, combined with the suffix '-ness' indicating a state or condition.