impediment, abundance, gratitude, stability, dissatisfaction: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from Advanced set 34. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. impediment · noun

   a hindrance that prevents progress

   The cost of higher education has become a great impediment to many students.

   Synonyms: obstacle, obstruction, barrier

2. abundance · noun/əˈbənd(ə)ns/

   a large quantity, the state of being plentiful

   You would be surprised by the abundance of plants in his garden. There were all kinds of flowers.

   Synonyms: affluence, plentifulness, profusion

   Origin: Middle English: from Latin abundantia, from abundant- ‘overflowing’, from the verb abundare (see abound)

3. gratitude · noun/ˈɡrædəˌtud/

   a state of being thankful

   Throughout his long journey and many struggles, Carl felt a deep gratitude to his family and friends for their unwavering support.

   Synonyms: gratefulness, thankfulness

   Origin: late Middle English: from Old French, or from medieval Latin gratitudo, from Latin gratus ‘pleasing, thankful’

4. stability · noun/stəˈbɪlədi/

   a state of security; a condition that is unchanging

   When Simon lost his job, the family had to make some great sacrifices to achieve economic stability.

   Synonyms: solidity, steadiness

   Origin: Middle English: from Old French stablete, from Latin stabilitas, from stabilis ‘stable’

5. dissatisfaction · noun/dɪ(s)ˌsædəsˈfækʃən/

   a condition of not being happy, especially from not receiving enough

   It was largely due to his dissatisfaction with his performance at the game that Steve became determined to train more.

   Synonyms: unhappiness, disappointment, discontent, discontentment