deleterious
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C2 adjective /ˌdɛl.ɪˈtɪə.ri.əs/

deleterious

Meaning
Causing physical or mental harm or damage.
Example
Smoking has deleterious effects on health.
B1 noun /dɪˈpɑː.tʃər/

Departure

Meaning
the action of leaving, especially to start a journey; a deviation from an established course
Example
The departure of the train was delayed by thirty minutes due to technical issues.
C2 noun /dæmˈneɪ.ʃən/

Damnation

Meaning
condemnation to eternal punishment in hell; something that causes ruin or failure
Example
The preacher spoke about salvation and damnation in his sermon.
B2 adjective /dɪˈzɜːrtɪd/

deserted

Meaning
Empty of people; abandoned.
Example
The village looked completely deserted after the storm.
C2 noun /ˈdɒkɪt/

docket

Meaning
a list or schedule of cases to be tried in a court or items to be done
Example
The judge reviewed the docket before starting the session.
C1 verb /dɪˈpliːt/

deplete

Meaning
to reduce the quantity or supply of something
Example
The long war has depleted the country's resources.
B1 noun /dɪˈvɪʒən/

division

Meaning
the action of separating something into parts; or a large administrative unit
Example
The company has a separate division for research and development.
C1 noun /ˈdɛspɒt/

despot

Meaning
a ruler with absolute power, often ruling in a cruel or oppressive way
Example
The despot ruled the nation with fear and violence.
B2 noun /ˈdɛltə/

delta

Meaning
A landform at the mouth of a river where it splits into several outlets.
Example
The Nile Delta is one of the most fertile regions in Egypt.
B1 adjective /dɪˈmændɪŋ/

demanding

Meaning
requiring much effort, skill, or attention; difficult to satisfy
Example
The job is very demanding and requires long hours of work.
A2 verb /dɪˈskʌs/

discuss

Meaning
To talk about something with another person or group in detail.
Example
We need to discuss the project before finalizing it.
B1 verb /dɪˈvɛləpɪŋ/

developing

Meaning
the process of growing, improving, or becoming more advanced
Example
She is developing new skills in programming.
B1 verb /ˈdekəreɪt/

decorate

Meaning
to make something look more attractive by adding ornaments
Example
We will decorate the room for the party.
C1 adjective /dæft/

daft

Meaning
Silly or foolish.
Example
It was a daft idea to go hiking without water.
C2 adjective /daɪˈɡrɛsɪv/

digressive

Meaning
Tending to depart from the main subject in speech or writing.
Example
The speaker's digressive style made the lecture difficult to follow.
C2 noun /ˈdæl.i.əns/

Dalliance

Meaning
a casual romantic or sexual relationship; a brief involvement or experiment
Example
His dalliance with photography lasted only a few months before he lost interest.
B2 verb dɪˈtɪrɪəˌreɪts

deteriorates

Meaning
To become progressively worse; to decline in quality, condition, or strength.
Example
The quality of air deteriorates due to pollution.
B2 noun dɪˈstrækʃən

distraction

Meaning
Something that prevents concentration or takes attention away from something else.
Example
Distraction during study time can hinder learning.
B2 noun ˈdɪdʒɪtəl ˈfɔːrmæt

Digital Format

Meaning
A format in which information is stored as electronic data.
Example
A digital format family tree can be shared online.
C1 noun /ˈdeɪˌbreɪk/

daybreak

Meaning
The time in the morning when daylight first appears; dawn.
Example
They set out on their journey at daybreak.
C2 noun /dɪˈdʒɛkʃən/

dejection

Meaning
a state of sadness, depression, or low spirits
Example
She sat in a state of dejection after hearing the bad news.
C1 noun /ˈdɛljuːdʒ/

deluge

Meaning
A severe flood; an overwhelming quantity of something.
Example
The town was hit by a deluge of rain in just a few hours.
B2 verb dɪˈtɪəriəreɪt

deteriorate

Meaning
To become progressively worse in quality, condition, or performance; to decline.
Example
Unplanned growth can deteriorate living conditions.
C1 adjective /dɪˈskriːt/

discrete

Meaning
individually separate and distinct
Example
The course is divided into three discrete modules.
C1 noun dɪˌtɪə.ri.əˈreɪ.ʃən

deterioration

Meaning
The process of becoming progressively worse; decline in quality, condition, or strength.
Example
Poor maintenance leads to material deterioration.
C2 verb /ˈdɒdə/

dodder

Meaning
To move in a weak and unsteady way, especially due to old age.
Example
The old man doddered across the street with a cane.
B1 verb /daɪn/

dine

Meaning
to eat a meal, especially the main meal of the day
Example
We usually dine at seven o'clock in the evening.
C2 verb /dɪˈsɛvər/

dissever

Meaning
To separate or cut apart.
Example
The treaty sought to dissever the two hostile regions.
C2 adjective /ˈdɪlətɔːri/

dilatory

Meaning
Tending to cause delay; slow to act.
Example
The committee was criticized for its dilatory response to the crisis.
B2 noun /dɪˈdʌk.ʃən/

deduction

Meaning
The process of reaching a conclusion through logical reasoning.
Example
His deduction from the evidence was accurate.
A2 adjective /ˈdɜː.ti/

Dirty

Meaning
not clean; covered with dirt; unpleasant; morally corrupt
Example
The kitchen was dirty after cooking.
C2 noun /ˌdɪʃəˈbiːl/

dishabille

Meaning
The state of being only partly or loosely dressed; casual or careless attire.
Example
She answered the door in a state of dishabille, wearing just a robe.
C1 noun /dɪˌnɒmɪˈneɪʃən/

denomination

Meaning
a recognized autonomous branch of the Christian Church; a unit of value or currency
Example
The church belongs to a Protestant denomination.
B2 noun /dɪˈveləpər/

developer

Meaning
a person or company that creates software, buildings, or land projects
Example
She works as a software developer at a tech company.
B2 noun /ˌdiː.haɪˈdreɪʃən/

dehydration

Meaning
A condition in which the body or tissue lacks adequate water content.
Example
Dehydration can lead to fatigue and confusion.
B2 noun /dɪˈstɪŋk.ʃən/

Distinction

Meaning
a difference or contrast between similar things; excellence that sets someone apart; honor or recognition
Example
She graduated with distinction, earning the highest honors in her class.
A2 noun /dʌk/

Duck

Meaning
a waterbird with webbed feet and a broad flat bill
Example
The duck swam gracefully across the lake.
B2 verb /drɪp/

drip

Meaning
to fall or let fall in drops
Example
Water was dripping from the broken pipe.
C2 adjective /ˈdaʊ.di/

dowdy

Meaning
unfashionable, dull, or shabby in appearance
Example
She wore a dowdy dress to the party.
C1 noun/verb /dɪsˈkwaɪət/

disquiet

Meaning
A feeling of worry or unease; to make someone feel anxious or uneasy.
Example
The strange silence filled the room with disquiet.
C2 adjective /ˈdɛsɪkeɪtɪd/

desiccated

Meaning
completely dried, having had all moisture removed
Example
The museum displayed desiccated specimens of plants.
C2 adjective /dɪˈkɔːrəs/

decourous

Meaning
characterized by propriety, good taste, and proper manners
Example
She maintained a decourous silence during the ceremony.
B1 adjective /ˈdɛdɪˌkeɪtɪd/

dedicated

Meaning
devoted to a cause, task, or purpose
Example
She is a dedicated teacher who goes above and beyond for her students.
B2 noun /dɪˈnaɪ.əl/

Denial

Meaning
the action of declaring something to be untrue; refusal to acknowledge something
Example
His denial of involvement in the scandal was met with skepticism.
C1 noun /ˌdɪfəˈrɛnʃɪˈeɪʃən/

differentiation

Meaning
The action or process of differentiating or distinguishing between things.
Example
Differentiation from competitors can create a unique market position.
C1 adjective /dɪˈmɒnstrəbl/

demonstrable

Meaning
clearly able to be shown or proven
Example
There was demonstrable evidence that he was innocent.
C1 noun /ˌdɛsɪˈmeɪʃən/

decimation

Meaning
The act of destroying or killing a large proportion of something.
Example
The decimation of the city left thousands homeless.
B2 adjective /ˈdjʊərəbəl/

Durable

Meaning
able to withstand wear, pressure, or damage; lasting; strong
Example
This durable fabric will last for many years.
B1 noun /ˌdɛfɪˈnɪʃən/

definition

Meaning
a statement that explains the meaning of a word or concept
Example
The dictionary gives a clear definition of the word.
A2 noun /ˈdæn.sər/

Dancer

Meaning
a person who performs dance, typically as a profession or art form
Example
The dancer performed gracefully on the stage.
C2 noun /ˈdɪfɪdəns/

diffidence

Meaning
Lack of self-confidence; shyness or modesty.
Example
Her diffidence made it hard for her to speak in public.
B2 adjective /dɪˈbeɪtəbl̩/

debatable

Meaning
open to discussion or doubt; not certain
Example
It is debatable whether the policy will work.
B2 adverb dɪˈlɪb.ər.ət.li

deliberately

Meaning
Consciously and intentionally; on purpose.
Example
The actions were deliberately planned to cause harm.
C2 noun /ˌdɪsprəˈpɔːrʃən/

disproportion

Meaning
a lack of balance or symmetry; an inequality
Example
There is a clear disproportion between rich and poor in many societies.
B2 noun /ˈdoʊnər/

donor

Meaning
A person who gives something, especially to a charity or cause.
Example
The donor contributed generously to the hospital’s new wing.
C1 adjective /dɪˈsɪd.ju.əs/

deciduous

Meaning
Referring to trees that shed their leaves seasonally, typically in autumn.
Example
Oak and maple trees are deciduous, shedding leaves in autumn.
A1 noun /dɔːɡ/

Dog

Meaning
a domesticated carnivorous mammal that is typically kept as a pet or for work
Example
The loyal dog waited patiently for its owner to return home.
C2 adjective /dɪˈrɒɡətɪv/

derogative

Meaning
Expressing a low opinion or showing lack of respect.
Example
He made a derogative remark about her work.
B2 noun /ˈdɪdʒɪt/

digit

Meaning
a numeral from 0 to 9; also a finger or toe
Example
You must enter a four-digit code to unlock the phone.
A2 verb dɪˈvɛləp

develop

Meaning
To grow or bring to a more advanced or effective state; to start to exist, experience, or possess gradually.
Example
Develop a brand based on your passion and skills.
C2 verb /dɪsˈteɪn/

distain

Meaning
to treat with scorn or contempt (archaic form of disdain)
Example
He would never distain those who had less fortune than him.
B1 verb /ˌdɪsəˈpɔɪnt/

disappoint

Meaning
to fail to fulfill the hopes or expectations of someone; to make someone feel sad or displeased
Example
I hope I won't disappoint you with my performance.
C1 adjective /dɪˈreɪndʒd/

deranged

Meaning
mentally disturbed or insane; behaving irrationally
Example
The deranged man shouted nonsense in the street.
C1 adjective /daɪˈvɜːrsɪfaɪd/

diversified

Meaning
Made or having variety in form, nature, or content.
Example
The company adopted a diversified business strategy to reduce risks.
C1 verb /dɪsˈoʊn/

disown

Meaning
to refuse to acknowledge or accept responsibility for someone or something
Example
He decided to disown his reckless brother.
B2 noun /ˈdɪɡ.nə.ti/

Dignity

Meaning
the state of being worthy of honor or respect; composure and self-respect
Example
Despite facing hardships, she maintained her dignity throughout the ordeal.
C2 noun /dɪˈspɔɪlər/

despoiler

Meaning
A person who robs, plunders, or violently takes things from others.
Example
The despoilers left the city in ruins.
C1 adjective /dɪˈbɪl.ɪ.teɪ.tɪŋ/

debilitating

Meaning
Making someone or something weak and infirm.
Example
The disease had a debilitating effect on his health.
B2 noun /dɪˈpləʊməsi/

diplomacy

Meaning
The profession, activity, or skill of managing international relations or handling affairs tactfully.
Example
Effective diplomacy helped avoid the conflict.
B2 adjective /dɪˈtætʃt/

detached

Meaning
separate or disconnected; showing a lack of emotional involvement
Example
He lived in a detached house away from the city.
C1 verb /dɪˈteɪn/

detain

Meaning
to keep someone from proceeding; to hold back, especially by official authority
Example
The police detained the suspect for questioning.
B1 noun /ˈdɛv.əl/

devil

Meaning
An evil spirit or supernatural being often regarded as the embodiment of wickedness and harm.
Example
The story warned children about making deals with the devil.
C2 adjective /ˌdɪskəmˈbɑːbjuleɪtɪd/

discombobulated

Meaning
confused and disoriented; feeling unsettled
Example
She looked discombobulated after hearing the unexpected news.
C1 noun dɪˈtɜː.mɪ.nənt

determinant

Meaning
A factor that decisively affects the nature or outcome of something.
Example
Education is a key determinant of success.
C1 noun /ˈdɪɡnɪˌtɛri/

dignitary

Meaning
a person considered to be important because of high rank or office
Example
Several foreign dignitaries attended the state banquet.
B2 adjective /dɪˈfɪnɪtɪv/

definitive

Meaning
serving as a final or most authoritative form; conclusive and decisive
Example
The committee reached a definitive agreement on the policy.
C2 verb /dɒf/

doff

Meaning
to take off an item of clothing, especially a hat, as a sign of respect
Example
He doffed his hat as the procession passed.
C2 noun /ˈdɛkəˌɡræm/

decagram

Meaning
A metric unit of mass equal to ten grams.
Example
The package weighed exactly one decagram.
B2 verb /dɪˈraɪv/

derive

Meaning
To obtain something from a source.
Example
Many English words derive from Latin.
C2 verb /dɪˈkæmp/

decamp

Meaning
To depart suddenly or secretly, often to avoid trouble or escape.
Example
The thief decamped before the police arrived.
B2 adjective /dɛns/

dense

Meaning
Closely compacted in substance; having parts crowded together.
Example
The forest was so dense that little sunlight reached the ground.
C2 noun /dɪˈstreɪnər/

distrainor

Meaning
a person, usually a landlord, who seizes another's property for unpaid debt or rent
Example
The distrainor took possession of the tenant's car until the debt was cleared.
B1 noun /doʊˈneɪ.ʃən/

Donation

Meaning
something that is given to a charity, especially a sum of money; the act of giving
Example
The generous donation helped the hospital purchase new medical equipment.
C2 noun /dɪˈstɛnʃən/

distention

Meaning
The state of being swollen due to internal pressure.
Example
The patient complained of abdominal pain and distention.
C2 noun /ˈdɔːrmər/

dormer

Meaning
A window that projects vertically from a sloping roof.
Example
The old house had a dormer overlooking the garden.
C1 verb /dɪsˈpleɪs/

displace

Meaning
to force someone or something out of their usual or original position; to replace or substitute
Example
The new technology will displace many traditional manufacturing jobs.
C1 adjective /dɪˈfɛnsəbəl/

defensible

Meaning
Capable of being protected against attack or criticism; justifiable.
Example
Her decision was legally defensible.
C2 adjective /ˈdɔːnt.ləs/

dauntless

Meaning
Showing fearlessness and determination; brave and resolute.
Example
The dauntless soldier fought against all odds.
C1 adjective /dɪˈsiːtfəl/

deceitful

Meaning
Deliberately misleading or dishonest.
Example
She gave a deceitful answer to hide the truth.
C2 noun /ˈdɒɡ roʊz/

Dog-rose

Meaning
A wild rose species with pink or white flowers and thorny stems, common in hedgerows
Example
The dog-rose bush grew wild along the countryside path.
C1 verb /diːˈhaɪdreɪt/

dehydrate

Meaning
to remove water from something; to lose water or body fluids
Example
Running in the heat can quickly dehydrate you.
C1 verb /daɪˈluːt/

dilute

Meaning
To make a liquid thinner or weaker by adding water or another solvent.
Example
You should dilute the juice with water before serving it to children.
B1 verb /ˈdɛmənˌstreɪt/

demonstrate

Meaning
to clearly show or prove something through evidence, explanation, or action
Example
The teacher demonstrated the experiment to the class.
C2 adjective /dɪˈmjʊər/

demure

Meaning
reserved, modest, and shy
Example
She gave him a demure smile.
C2 noun /ˌdɛrɪˈlɪkʃən/

dereliction

Meaning
the state of being abandoned; neglect of duty
Example
The officer was charged with dereliction of duty.
A1 adjective /dɪr/

dear

Meaning
loved or cherished; sometimes used as a polite form of address
Example
She is very dear to her grandparents.
C2 noun /ˌdaɪələˈtɪʃən/

dialectician

Meaning
A person skilled in dialectic or logical argument.
Example
Socrates is often considered the greatest dialectician in history.
B2 noun /ˈdræɡ.ən.flaɪ/

Dragon-fly

Meaning
a large insect with four transparent wings that lives near water
Example
The dragonfly hovered over the pond.
B2 adjective /dɪˈstrɛst/

distressed

Meaning
feeling or showing extreme anxiety, sorrow, or pain
Example
She looked distressed after hearing the bad news.
C1 noun dəˌmɛstɪˈkeɪʃən

domestication

Meaning
The process of taming an animal and keeping it as a pet or for farm produce.
Example
Domestication of animals has been crucial for human survival.
B2 verb, noun /dɑːrt/

dart

Meaning
to move suddenly and quickly; a small pointed missile thrown at a target
Example
The cat darted across the street to avoid the car.
C1 adjective /ˈdɛkədənt/

decadent

Meaning
Characterized by or reflecting a state of moral or cultural decline; excessively self-indulgent.
Example
The party was filled with decadent luxury and excess.
C1 noun ˌdɪs.ɪnˈfek.ʃən

disinfection

Meaning
The process of destroying harmful microorganisms to prevent infection.
Example
Kitchen appliances require frequent disinfection.
C1 adjective /ˈdaɪ.si/

dicey

Meaning
Risky or unpredictable; potentially dangerous.
Example
Investing in that company looks pretty dicey right now.
B2 adjective /ˈdɛlɪkət/

delicate

Meaning
Easily broken or damaged; requiring careful handling.
Example
The vase is very delicate, so handle it with care.
C2 noun /ˈdɛskænt/

descant

Meaning
An additional melody or counterpoint sung or played above the main melody.
Example
The choir added a beautiful descant to the hymn.
C1 verb /ˌdɪsɪmˈbɑːrk/

disembark

Meaning
To leave a ship, aircraft, or other vehicle.
Example
The passengers disembarked from the plane after landing.
B2 adjective /dɪˈskriːt/

discreet

Meaning
careful and prudent in one's speech or actions, especially to keep something confidential or avoid embarrassment
Example
She was discreet about the details of their conversation.
C1 noun /ˈdræm.ə.tɪst/

dramatist

Meaning
a person who writes plays
Example
Shakespeare is one of the greatest dramatists in history.
C1 noun /ˈdɪsənˌtɛri/

dysentery

Meaning
An infection of the intestines resulting in severe diarrhea with blood and mucus.
Example
Many soldiers suffered from dysentery during the war.
B2 noun /ˌdel.ɪˈɡeɪ.ʃən/

delegation

Meaning
A group of people chosen to represent others in negotiations or discussions.
Example
The delegation presented their country's agenda.
B2 verb /dɪˈsɛnd/

descend

Meaning
To move or fall downward; to come or go down from a higher place.
Example
The hikers descended the steep mountain path.
C2 verb /dɪˈbɑːrk/

debark

Meaning
to disembark or get off a ship, aircraft, or vehicle
Example
The passengers debarked as soon as the ship docked.
C1 noun /ˈdɒktrɪn/

doctrine

Meaning
A set of beliefs or principles held and taught by a religious, political, or other group.
Example
The church follows a strict doctrine on moral values.
C1 noun /ˈdɛmənˌstreɪtər/

demonstrator

Meaning
a person who shows how something works or takes part in a public protest
Example
The demonstrators marched peacefully through the city streets.
B2 adjective dɪˈlɪbəreɪt

deliberate

Meaning
Done consciously and intentionally; carefully considered.
Example
His deliberate actions showed great care and thoughtfulness.
B2 noun /ˈdeb.riː/

debris

Meaning
Scattered pieces of waste or remains.
Example
Debris in the eyes causes irritation.
C1 adjective /dɪˈbeɪst/

debased

Meaning
having lost quality, value, or moral character
Example
The debased currency lost the trust of the people.
C1 noun /doʊ/

doe

Meaning
a female deer, especially an adult one
Example
The doe and her fawn were grazing in the meadow.
B1 noun dɪˈskʌvəriz

discoveries

Meaning
The action or process of finding or learning something for the first time; facts or things discovered.
Example
His discoveries revolutionized multiple fields.
A2 verb /ˈdʌbəl/

double

Meaning
to make twice as much in size, number, or amount
Example
The company hopes to double its profits this year.