inept, tantamount, disparate, complacent, indigenous: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from TOEFL Vocabulary set 35. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. inept · adjective/ɪˈnɛpt/

   lacking skill or ability

   His inept handling of the situation resulted in even more confusion among the team.

   Synonyms: unskilled, incompetent, clumsy

   Origin: from Latin ineptus 'unsuitable, inappropriate', from in- 'not' + aptus 'fit, suitable'

2. tantamount · adjective/ˈtæntəmaʊnt/

   equivalent in value, significance, or effect

   The decision to eliminate the program was tantamount to abandoning the community's needs altogether.

   Synonyms: equal, equivalent, similar

   Origin: from Late Latin 'tantamountem', meaning 'amounting to as much' (from 'tantus' meaning 'so much' and 'ad' meaning 'to').

3. disparate · adjective/ˈdɪspərɪt/

   fundamentally different or distinct in quality or kind

   Despite their disparate backgrounds, the two artists found common ground in their creative expressions.

   Synonyms: divergent, distinct, dissimilar

   Origin: Derived from Latin 'disparatus', past participle of 'disparare', meaning 'to separate' or 'distinguish.'

4. complacent · adjective/kəmˈpleɪ.sənt/

   self-satisfied and unconcerned, often to the point of being unaware of potential dangers or deficiencies

   Despite the looming challenges, the team became complacent about their previous successes and failed to prepare for the upcoming competition.

   Synonyms: self-satisfied, smug, unconcerned

   Origin: From Latin 'complacentem', the present participle of 'complacere', meaning 'to please greatly, be very content'.

5. indigenous · adjective/ɪnˈdɪdʒɪnəs/

   originating or occurring naturally in a particular place; native

   The Amazon rainforest is home to many indigenous tribes who have lived in harmony with the land for centuries.

   Synonyms: native, aboriginal, original

   Origin: from Latin 'indigenus', meaning 'native, produced or originating in a country or place'.