His unguided choices often led to unpredictable outcomes in his career.
synonyms
adriftuncontrolledunled
word origin — The word 'unguided' is formed by the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' and 'guided' which derives from 'guide,' having origins in Old French 'guider' and Latin 'guidare'.
SAT Vocabulary Level 3 — Set 194
Set 194 of SAT Vocabulary Level 3 covers 5 words: unguided, vituperative, untested, perspicacious, ungainly. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.
unguided · adjective/ʌnˈɡaɪdɪd/
not directed or controlled by guidance
His unguided choices often led to unpredictable outcomes in his career.
Synonyms: adrift, uncontrolled, unled
Origin: The word 'unguided' is formed by the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' and 'guided' which derives from 'guide,' having origins in Old French 'guider' and Latin 'guidare'.
vituperative · adjective/vaɪˈtjuːpərətɪv/
characterized by harsh or abusive language
The politician's vituperative comments during the debate alienated many potential voters.
Synonyms: scathing, abusive, insulting
Origin: from Latin 'vituperativus', from 'vituperare' meaning 'to blame, scold, or find fault with'
untested · adjective/ʌnˈtɛstɪd/
not having been tried or evaluated
The scientists were hesitant to proceed with the experiment, as it involved untested technology that had never been used in clinical trials.
Synonyms: unproven, experimental, unverified
Origin: From the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' and the past participle 'tested' from the verb 'test'.
perspicacious · adjective/ˌpɜr.spɪˈkeɪ.ʃəs/
having a ready insight into and understanding of things
Her perspicacious observations during the meeting helped identify the issues that others overlooked.
Synonyms: perceptive, insightful, astute
Origin: From Latin 'perspicax', meaning 'able to see through', from 'perspicere' meaning 'to look through' or 'to see clearly'.
ungainly · adjective/ʌnˈɡeɪnli/
lacking grace or ease of movement; clumsy
Despite his ungainly movements on the dance floor, he was having the time of his life.
Synonyms: awkward, clumsy, ungainly
Origin: The word 'ungainly' comes from the Middle English 'ungainly', which is derived from 'gainly' meaning 'graceful', combined with the prefix 'un-' indicating negation.