TOEFL Vocabulary — Set 16

Set 16 of TOEFL Vocabulary covers 5 words: illiterate, forlorn, unbiased, impeccable, spurious. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. illiterate · adjective/ɪˈlɪt.ə.reɪt/

   unable to read and write

   Many adults in rural areas remain illiterate, struggling to access basic education resources.

   Synonyms: uneducated, unread, ignorant

   Origin: from Latin 'illiteratus', meaning 'unlettered' or 'uneducated'; from 'in-' (not) + 'literatus' (skilled in letters)

2. forlorn · adjective/fɔrˈlɔrn/

   pitifully sad and abandoned or lonely

   The forlorn puppy sat by the empty park bench, waiting for its owner to return.

   Synonyms: desolate, abandoned, forsaken

   Origin: from Middle English 'forlorn', meaning 'lost' or 'abandoned', from the past participle of 'forleosan' (to lose).

3. unbiased · adjective/ʌnˈbaɪəst/

   free from preference or prejudice

   The journalist aimed to provide an unbiased perspective in her report, ensuring all sides of the story were presented fairly.

   Synonyms: neutral, impartial, objective

   Origin: The word 'unbiased' is formed from the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' and 'biased' derived from 'bias,' which comes from the Old French 'biais' meaning 'slant' or 'slope.'

4. impeccable · adjective/ɪmˈpɛkəbl/

   faultless or flawless; lacking any mistakes or shortcomings

   Her impeccable taste in fashion always leaves a lasting impression on everyone at the gala.

   Synonyms: flawless, perfect, immaculate

   Origin: from Latin 'impeccabilis', from 'in-' meaning 'not' and 'peccare' meaning 'to sin' or 'to make a mistake'

5. spurious · adjective/ˈspʊr.i.əs/

   not genuine or authentic; false or misleading

   The scientist dismissed the spurious claims made by the pharmaceutical company about their new drug's effectiveness.

   Synonyms: false, misleading, counterfeit

   Origin: Derived from the Latin word 'spurius', meaning 'illegitimate' or 'false'.