dilatory, compliant, unequivocal, maladroit, acerbic: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from Proficient Plus set 73. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. dilatory · adjective/ˈdɪlətɔri/

   tending to delay or procrastinate

   His dilatory behavior caused him to miss the important deadline.

   Synonyms: slow, tardy, sluggish

   Origin: from Latin 'dilatorius', meaning 'tending to delay'

2. compliant · adjective/kəmˈplaɪənt/

   willing to act in accordance with requests or rules

   The students were compliant with the teacher's rules during the exam.

   Synonyms: obedient, submissive, accommodating

   Origin: from Latin 'com-' (together) + 'plicare' (to fold)

3. unequivocal · adjective/ˌʌnɪˈkwɪvəkəl/

   leaving no doubt; clear and unambiguous

   Her support for the project was unequivocal, making it clear she believed in its success.

   Synonyms: clear, definite, certain

   Origin: from Latin 'unequivocus' meaning 'having only one meaning'

4. maladroit · adjective/mæl.əˈdrot/

   clumsy or awkward in movement or action

   His maladroit attempts to dance made everyone laugh at the party.

   Synonyms: clumsy, awkward, bungling

   Origin: from French 'maladroit', meaning 'unskillful', from 'mal-' (bad) + 'adroit' (skillful)

5. acerbic · adjective/əˈsɝː.bɪk/

   sharp and forthright in tone or manner

   Her acerbic comments made it clear that she was not happy with the plan.

   Synonyms: bitter, harsh, sarcastic

   Origin: from Latin 'acerbicus', meaning 'sour' or 'sharp'