well-off, sufficient, unstable, commercial, competitive: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from Upper-Intermediate set 18. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. well-off · adjective/ˌwɛlˈɔf/

   financially in good circumstances, moderately rich

   The new data system is so expensive and time-consuming that only the largest, most well-off companies can afford it.

   Synonyms: wealthy, rich, affluent

2. sufficient · adjective/səˈfɪʃənt/

   enough for a particular purpose

   As a business owner, you are required to provide proof of sufficient funds to support yourself financially when applying for a travel visa.

   Synonyms: adequate

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

3. unstable · adjective/ˌənˈsteɪb(ə)l/

   lacking stability, not constant

   Trade in this part of the world is notoriously unstable as the local currency keeps fluctuating.

   Synonyms: changeable, slippery, risky

4. commercial · adjective/kəˈmərʃəl/

   related to buying and selling

   Our company's primary objectives for the upcoming year are commercial growth and the expansion of our branches.

   Synonyms: financial, economic

5. competitive · adjective/kəmˈpɛdədɪv/

   trying to win or be better than others

   She trained tirelessly every day, driven by her competitive spirit to win the national championship.

   Synonyms: ambitious, competing

   Origin: early 19th century: from Latin competit- ‘striven for’, from the verb competere (see compete), + -ive