conflict, corruption, famine, drought, poverty: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from Upper-Intermediate set 62. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. conflict · noun/ˈkɑnˌflɪk(t)/

   an open clash between two opposing groups or individuals

   The government's policy regarding the Syrian refugees has created a conflict between immigrants and locals.

   Synonyms: clash, disagreement

   Origin: late Middle English: from Latin conflict- ‘struck together, fought’, from the verb confligere, from con- ‘together’ + fligere ‘to strike’; the noun is via Latin conflictus ‘a contest’

2. corruption · noun/kəˈrəpʃən/

   dishonest or illegal behavior by people in positions of power

   Political corruption in a country has adverse effects on the economy of the country as foreign investors wouldn't trust the politicians.

   Synonyms: bribery, fraud

   Origin: Middle English: via Old French from Latin corruptio(n-), from corrumpere ‘mar, bribe, destroy’ (see corrupt)

3. famine · noun/ˈfæmən/

   a severe shortage of food

   In the summer of 1921, one of the worst famines in Russian history took place and Americans helped them generously and efficiently in these difficult times.

   Synonyms: hunger, starvation

   Origin: late Middle English: from Old French, from faim ‘hunger’, from Latin fames

4. drought · noun/draʊt/

   a severe shortage of water

   The whole region was severely affected by drought and the food prices has gone up due to that.

   Synonyms: dryness, insufficiency

   Origin: late Old English drūgath ‘dryness’, of Germanic origin; compare with Dutch droogte; related to dry

5. poverty · noun/ˈpɑvərdi/

   the state of having little or no money and few or no material possessions

   The research suggests that children experiencing poverty at young ages have lower academic achievement greater behavioral issues.

   Synonyms: shortage, poorness

   Origin: Middle English: from Old French poverte, from Latin paupertas, from pauper ‘poor’