Advanced — Set 13

Set 13 of Advanced covers 5 words: law-abiding, vulnerable, relentless, mediocre, futile. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. law-abiding · adjective/ˈlɔəˌbaɪdɪŋ/

   obedient to laws; following the rules

   The lawyer spoke about the defendant as a law-abiding citizen who had been falsely accused.

   Synonyms: lawful, honest, decent, principled

2. vulnerable · adjective/ˈvəlnər(ə)bəl/

   likely to be easily harmed or affected by something

   Young children are particularly vulnerable to abuse and bullying on social media.

   Synonyms: unsafe, unprotected, defenseless

   Origin: early 17th century: from late Latin vulnerabilis, from Latin vulnerare ‘to wound’, from vulnus ‘wound’

3. relentless · adjective/rəˈlɛn(t)ləs/

   without stopping; continually intense

   I had been suffering from this relentless pain in my lower back for several months before I finally found some relief with acupuncture.

   Synonyms: continuing, constant, persistent, incessant

4. mediocre · adjective/ˌmidiˈoʊkər/

   of medium quality; not good enough

   Although the new restaurant was highly recommended, I personally found the food rather mediocre and the service disappointing.

   Synonyms: ordinary, common, medium, average

   Origin: late 16th century: from French médiocre, from Latin mediocris ‘of middle height or degree’, literally ‘somewhat mountainous’, from medius ‘middle’ + ocris ‘rugged mountain’

5. futile · adjective/ˈfjudl/

   pointless; in vain

   Rachel made some futile attempts at cheering her friend up, who was too upset to notice.

   Synonyms: meaningless, useless

   Origin: mid 16th century: from Latin futilis ‘leaky, futile’, apparently from fundere ‘pour’