English Vocabulary Dictionary | Word Meanings, Definitions & Examples
to handle something clumsily or to make mistakes while doing something
"He fumbled with the keys and dropped them on the floor."
to disinfect or purify an area by using chemical fumes
"They fumigated the warehouse to kill the insects."
The practice of disinfecting or purifying an area using gas or smoke.
"Fumigation is an effective method to control pest infestations."
enjoyment, amusement, or light-hearted pleasure
"We had a lot of fun at the party."
An activity or purpose natural to or intended for a person or thing.
"The main function of the heart is to pump blood."
designed to be practical and useful, rather than just decorative
"The design of the chair is simple but highly functional."
The quality of being functional; the ability to work or operate as intended.
"The new refrigerator has improved functionality."
a person who has official duties in an organization, especially one with little authority
"The minor functionary was responsible for filing reports."
a sum of money saved or made available for a particular purpose; to provide money for
"The government created a fund for education."
forming a necessary base or core; of central importance
"Honesty is a fundamental principle of good leadership."
in a basic and important way; at the core
"The two theories are fundamentally different."
financial support for a project or organization
"The startup is seeking funding from investors."
the process of collecting money for a cause or project
"The organization is organizing a fundraising event."
a ceremony held to honor and bury or cremate someone who has died
"The family attended the funeral of their grandfather."
having the mournful, somber character of a funeral
"The room was filled with a funereal silence after the announcement."
a group of spore-producing organisms such as mushrooms, molds, and yeasts
"Fungi play an important role in breaking down organic matter in nature."
interchangeable; able to replace or be replaced by another identical item
"In finance, money is considered a fungible asset."
relating to or resembling a fungus
"The damp basement had a fungous smell."
a spore-producing organism feeding on organic matter, including molds, yeast, and mushrooms
"A strange fungus was growing on the old tree."
Causing laughter or amusement; humorous.
"The comedian told a very funny joke."
the thick hair covering the skin of certain animals
"The cat’s fur is soft and shiny."
to polish, renovate, or give a fresh look to something
"The workers furbished the old sword until it gleamed like new."
Extremely angry.
"She was furious when she heard the bad news."
a unit of distance equal to 220 yards or about 201 meters
"The horse ran a furlong before slowing down."
temporary leave of absence from work, especially that granted to an employee or soldier
"Many workers were placed on furlough during the crisis."
an enclosed structure in which heat is produced for a building or for melting metal
"The factory's furnace melted the metal quickly."
to provide or supply with furniture or equipment
"They furnished the new house with modern furniture."
Objects such as chairs, tables, beds, or cupboards used to make a room suitable for living or working.
"The living room was filled with beautiful wooden furniture."
An outbreak of public anger or excitement.
"The politician's remarks created a furor in the media."
A person who prepares or deals in furs.
"The furrier displayed fine coats in his shop."
A long narrow trench made in the ground by a plow; to make wrinkles or grooves.
"The farmer plowed furrows in the field."
At a greater distance; to advance or promote something.
"She studied hard to further her career."
The advancement or promotion of something.
"The new policy was introduced in furtherance of social justice."
Used to introduce an additional point or idea; in addition.
"The plan is simple and, furthermore, it is affordable."
Attempting to avoid notice or attention, typically because of guilt or a belief that discovery would lead to trouble.
"He cast a furtive glance at the door before leaving."
a painful pus-filled bump under the skin caused by infected, inflamed hair follicles
"The doctor prescribed antibiotics to treat the painful furuncle on his neck."
Wild or violent anger; extreme rage.
"She was trembling with fury after the insult."
To join or blend two or more things together into one.
"The two metals fused under high heat."
Capable of being melted or fused.
"The engineer used a fusible alloy in the experiment."
A series of shots fired or missiles thrown all at the same time or in quick succession.
"The soldiers advanced under a fusillade of bullets."
the process or result of joining two or more things together to form a single entity
"The restaurant offers a unique fusion of Asian and European cuisines."
a display of unnecessary or excessive concern about something
"She made a fuss about the delay in service."
hard to please; very concerned with details
"The child is very fussy about what she eats."
pompous or pretentious speech or writing; originally a type of thick cloth
"The politician's speech was filled with fustian and empty promises."
smelling stale, damp, or stuffy; old-fashioned
"The room smelled fusty after being closed for months."
Incapable of producing any useful result; pointless.
"All their efforts to save the old tree were futile."
The time yet to come.
"No one can predict the future with certainty."
People who have not yet been born, considered in terms of the environment or society they will inherit.
"Sustainable development ensures a better life for future generations."
A person who studies or predicts the future, especially trends in science, technology, or society.
"The futurist predicted major changes in transportation within the next decade."
Having or involving very modern technology or design.
"The futuristic design of smart cities includes AI-driven systems."