ashamed, unpleasant, familiar, careless, unable: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from Intermediate set 21. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

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, sorry

   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: nasty, not nice

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, easy to recognize

   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/

   not giving enough attention to what you are doing

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

   Synonyms: sloppy, inattentive

   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: incapable, helpless