considerable, promising, devastating, preventive, reluctant: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from Upper-Intermediate set 25. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. considerable · adjective/kənˈsɪdərəb(ə)l/

   large in size, amount, or extent; important

   Children as young as 8 years showed considerable skill in solving complex problems in groups.

   Synonyms: big, significant, substantial, noteworthy

   Origin: late Middle English (in the sense ‘capable of being considered’): from medieval Latin considerabilis ‘worthy of consideration’, from Latin considerare (see consider)

2. promising · adjective/ˈprɑməsɪŋ/

   showing signs of future success

   Gene therapy could be highly promising for the treatment of prostate cancer, but its use is currently limited by the lack of delivery systems.

   Synonyms: hopeful, bright, optimistic, favorable

3. devastating · adjective/ˈdɛvəˌsteɪdɪŋ/

   causing severe damage, destruction, or emotional shock

   The damage caused by the tsunami was devastating.

   Synonyms: destructive, detrimental, harmful, damaging

4. preventive · adjective/priˈvɛn(t)ɪv/

   designed to stop something undesirable from happening

   In recent decades, preventive measures have reduced cervical cancer cases.

   Synonyms: protective, restrictive, precautionary, obstructive

5. reluctant · adjective/rəˈləkt(ə)nt/

   unwilling or hesitant to do something

   Despite our close friendship, she was reluctant to talk about her feelings, keeping her emotions guarded.

   Synonyms: unwilling, hesitant, unenthusiastic

   Origin: early 17th century (in the sense ‘offering opposition’): from Latin reluctant- ‘struggling against’, from the verb reluctari, from re- (expressing intensive force) + luctari ‘to struggle’