CEFR Level
A reduction in the value of an asset over time, especially due to wear and tear.
"The company recorded a large depreciation on its equipment this year."
A drug that reduces functional or nervous activity in the body.
"Alcohol acts as a depressant on the central nervous system."
The state of lacking basic necessities or comforts of life.
"Children growing up in deprivation often face many challenges."
mentally disturbed or insane; behaving irrationally
"The deranged man shouted nonsense in the street."
The removal or reduction of government regulations and controls, often involving liberalization, free market policies, or privatization.
"The deregulation of industries boosted economic growth."
in poor condition due to neglect or disuse; a homeless or neglected person
"The old factory stood derelict for decades."
to mock or ridicule someone or something
"The critics derided the new movie for its poor script."
Contemptuous ridicule or mockery.
"His ideas were greeted with derision by the audience."
Expressing contempt or ridicule.
"She gave a derisive laugh at his attempt to sing."
The origin or development of something from a source.
"The derivation of the word comes from Latin."
Something that is based on another source; in math, a measure of how a function changes.
"The film was criticized for being too derivative of earlier works."
A doctor who specializes in the treatment of skin diseases.
"She consulted a dermatologist for her skin allergy."
The branch of medicine concerned with the skin and its diseases.
"He studied dermatology at medical school."
Showing a critical or disrespectful attitude.
"The article contained derogatory comments about the politician."
To make someone less sensitive or reactive to something through repeated exposure.
"Constant exposure to violence can desensitize people."
The process by which fertile land becomes desert, typically as a result of drought, deforestation, or inappropriate agriculture.
"Deforestation accelerates desertification."
the action of choosing someone for a position; a name, title, or official status
"His designation as team leader came with additional responsibilities and authority."
to stop doing something, especially an action considered wrong or undesirable
"The judge ordered the company to desist from unfair practices."
Empty, bleak, and without people; feeling very sad and lonely.
"The once lively town now stood desolate after the flood."
Deserving hatred and contempt; vile or shameful.
"His despicable actions shocked the entire community."
feeling or showing deep hopelessness or discouragement
"She felt despondent after losing her job."
a ruler with absolute power, often ruling in a cruel or oppressive way
"The despot ruled the nation with fear and violence."
absolute power exercised in a cruel and oppressive way
"The people revolted against the era of despotism."
extremely poor and lacking the means to provide for oneself
"The earthquake left many families destitute."
the state of being separated or emotionally uninvolved
"She observed the situation with complete detachment."
to keep someone from proceeding; to hold back, especially by official authority
"The police detained the suspect for questioning."
the easing of strained relations, especially between countries
"The treaty helped bring about a détente between the two nations."
the action of keeping someone in custody or confinement
"The student faced detention for his misbehavior."
the process of becoming progressively worse
"There has been a deterioration in the quality of service."
a factor that decisively affects the nature or outcome of something
"Education is a key determinant of economic growth."
Something that discourages or prevents someone from doing something.
"The new law is expected to be a deterrent against crime."
The act of exploding or causing something to explode.
"The sudden detonation shook the entire building."
The process of removing toxic substances or effects from the body.
"Detoxification is often the first step in treating drug addiction."
To reduce or take away the worth or value of something.
"His rude behavior will detract from his good reputation."
The state of being harmed or damaged.
"He continued smoking to the detriment of his health."
Causing harm or damage.
"Lack of sleep can be detrimental to your performance."
Behavior that differs from accepted social or moral standards.
"The book studies deviance in urban youth culture."
To depart from an established course or norm.
"He decided to deviate from the original plan."
The action of departing from an accepted standard or norm.
"Any deviation from the rules will not be tolerated."
Skillful at using underhanded tactics to achieve goals; not straightforward.
"He used a devious plan to gain control of the company."
Completely lacking or without something.
"His speech was devoid of any real emotion."
To pass power, responsibility, or duties to another person or group.
"The responsibility will devolve on the new manager."
A person who is very enthusiastic about or strongly dedicated to something or someone.
"He is a great devotee of classical music."
Skill in using the hands or body; mental quickness.
"She showed great dexterity in playing the piano."
Skillful and quick, especially with the hands.
"The craftsman was dexterous in carving wood."
Wicked, cruel, or outrageously bad; resembling the devil.
"The dictator’s diabolical rule brought misery to the nation."
A particular form of a language spoken in a specific region or by a specific group.
"He speaks a dialect of Bengali that is common in rural areas."