Intermediate — Set 21

Set 21 of Intermediate covers 5 words: ashamed, unpleasant, familiar, careless, unable. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

1. ashamed · adjective/əˈʃeɪmd/

   feeling shame or guilt

   Their mom got really angry and said "You should be ashamed of yourself for acting like that!".

   Synonyms: embarrassed, humiliated, mortified

   Origin: Old English āscamod, past participle of āscamian ‘feel shame’, from ā- (as an intensifier) + the verb shame

2. unpleasant · adjective/ˌənˈplɛz(ə)nt/

   causing discomfort or unhappiness

   When they entered the house, they saw that an unpleasant surprise was waiting for them.

   Synonyms: disgusting, irritating, displeasing

3. familiar · adjective/fəˈmɪljər/

   well known or easily recognized

   I am almost sure that we have met before. Your face looks very familiar to me.

   Synonyms: well known, usual, ordinary

   Origin: Middle English (in the sense ‘intimate’, ‘on a family footing’): from Old French familier, from Latin familiaris, from familia ‘household servants, family’, from famulus ‘servant’

4. careless · adjective/ˈkɛrləs/

   marked by lack of attention; not careful

   You should focus more on your work, you are making lots of careless mistakes.

   Synonyms: inattentive, reckless, absent-minded

   Origin: Old English carlēas ‘free from care’ (see care, -less)

5. unable · adjective/ˌənˈeɪb(ə)l/

   not having the necessary skill or ability

   Sometimes you might feel that you are unable to cope with the stress of daily life.

   Synonyms: powerless, incapable, impotent, incompetent