Advanced — Set 82

Set 82 of Advanced covers 5 words: indispensable, ambiguous, sufficient, attainable, unbearable. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. indispensable · adjective/ˌɪndəˈspɛnsəb(ə)l/

   a person or a thing that you cannot live without, because it is really necessary

   Minerals are an indispensable part of our lives, as everything from tiny objects to large buildings are made of them.

   Synonyms: fundamental, crucial, essential, vital

   Origin: mid 16th century (in the sense ‘not to be allowed or provided for by ecclesiastical dispensation’): from medieval Latin indispensabilis, from in- ‘not’ + dispensabilis (see dispensable)

2. ambiguous · adjective/æmˈbɪɡjəwəs/

   something that is not clear due to having more than one meaning

   The survey contained many ambiguous questions, which could easily distort the results as they can be interpreted in many ways.

   Synonyms: unclear, obscure, inconclusive

   Origin: early 16th century (in the sense ‘indistinct, obscure’): from Latin ambiguus ‘doubtful’ (from ambigere ‘waver, go around’, from ambi- ‘both ways’ + agere ‘to drive’) + -ous

3. sufficient · adjective/səˈfɪʃ(ə)nt/

   something that is as much as you need, enough

   The accused can only be sentenced to imprisonment with sufficient evidence provided to the court.

   Synonyms: adequate, enıugh, satisfactory

   Origin: Middle English (in the sense ‘legally satisfactory’): from Old French, or from Latin sufficient- ‘meeting the need of’ (see suffice)

4. attainable · adjective/əˈteɪnəb(ə)l/

   something that is possible to achieve

   When you set realistic and attainable goals, you also begin to improve your self confidence as you see how they can be achieved.

   Synonyms: achievable, obtainable, reachable

5. unbearable · adjective/ˌənˈbɛrəb(ə)l/

   something that is too painful or unpleasant to tolerate

   Experiencing an unbearable pain in his chest, John knew he needed immediate medical attention and called 911.

   Synonyms: intolerable, unacceptable, extreme, unendurable