English Vocabulary Dictionary | Word Meanings, Definitions & Examples
CEFR Level
to release from a duty, responsibility, or place; to let something out
"The hospital decided to discharge the patient after a full recovery."
to make something known; to reveal information that was previously secret or hidden
"The company refused to disclose details of the agreement."
the action of making something known or public
"The disclosure of the company's financial status was delayed."
A feeling of slight pain, unease, or awkwardness.
"She shifted in her chair due to discomfort in her back."
to detach or separate from a connection or source
"Please disconnect the charger from the power outlet."
to make someone less confident or enthusiastic about doing something
"Failure should not discourage you from trying again."
making someone feel less confident or enthusiastic about doing something
"The coach's discouraging words affected the team's morale."
Written or spoken communication or debate.
"The professor gave a discourse on ancient philosophy."
careful and prudent in one's speech or actions, especially to keep something confidential or avoid embarrassment
"She was discreet about the details of their conversation."
the quality of behaving or speaking in a way to avoid causing offense or revealing private information; the freedom to decide what should be done in a particular situation
"The manager acted with discretion in handling the sensitive matter."
To treat someone unfairly based on race, gender, or other differences; or to recognize a distinction.
"The law prohibits employers from discriminating against women."
Unfair treatment of people based on race, gender, age, or other differences.
"The law prohibits discrimination in the workplace."
affected by disease; suffering from illness; sick
"The diseased tree had to be removed from the garden."
Loss of respect, honor, or reputation due to shameful behavior.
"He was dismissed in disgrace after the scandal."
shameful; bringing dishonor; worthy of condemnation
"His disgraceful behavior shocked everyone at the party."
to change the appearance of something or someone so as to conceal identity
"He disguised himself as a police officer."
a feeling of revulsion or strong disapproval aroused by something unpleasant
"She expressed her disgust at the politician's corrupt behavior openly."
feeling a strong sense of dislike or revulsion
"She was disgusted by the way he treated the animals."
to clean something thoroughly to destroy bacteria or viruses
"The nurse disinfected the wound before applying a bandage."
a chemical substance used to kill harmful microorganisms on surfaces
"The cleaner sprayed disinfectant on the table."
a sudden loss of courage or confidence, often caused by disappointment or fear
"She was filled with dismay when she heard the bad news."
to remove someone from a job or position; to decide something is not important
"The manager dismissed the employee for being late too often."
the act of removing someone from their job; the act of treating something as unimportant
"His unfair dismissal led to a lawsuit against the company."
refusing or failing to obey rules or authority
"The teacher scolded the disobedient students."
A state of confusion or lack of order; also a medical or mental condition.
"The protest ended in disorder when the crowd became violent."
to send off to a destination or for a purpose
"The company dispatched aid to the flood victims."
To send off to a destination or for a purpose.
"A team was dispatched quickly."
the action or process of getting rid of something
"The disposal of waste is crucial for maintaining a clean environment."
To get rid of something, or to arrange or incline towards something.
"He disposed of the old furniture responsibly."
a disagreement or argument about something important
"The two countries are in dispute over the border issue."
To ignore something; lack of consideration or respect for something.
"He disregarded the warning signs and kept driving."
to interrupt or disturb the normal flow or process
"The protest disrupted traffic in the city center."
disturbance or problems that interrupt an event, activity, or process
"The disruption in the schedule caused delays in the project."
Something that brings major changes to existing markets or industries
"E-commerce has been disruptive to traditional retail businesses."
to melt or become liquid; to officially end or break up an agreement or organization
"The sugar will dissolve quickly in hot tea."
clearly different or separate from others of its kind
"The twins have distinct personalities."
a difference or contrast between similar things or people; excellence that sets someone apart
"She graduated with distinction from the university."
having a quality or characteristic that makes something different and easily noticed
"The restaurant is known for its distinctive flavors."
to recognize or show the differences between two or more things; to set apart as different
"It can be difficult to distinguish between truth and rumor."
notable; honored; famous; having a dignified appearance or manner
"He is a distinguished professor at the university."
to twist or change the shape, appearance, or meaning of something so it is not true or accurate
"The mirror distorted her reflection."
to take someone's attention away from what they are doing or focusing on
"The loud noise distracted her during the exam."
something that prevents you from concentrating
"The loud noise outside was a constant distraction during the exam."
Things that prevent someone from concentrating on something else.
"Eliminate distractions for better productivity."
extreme anxiety, sorrow, or pain
"He felt a deep sense of distress when he heard the bad news."
feeling or showing extreme anxiety, sorrow, or pain
"She looked distressed after hearing the bad news."
the act of sharing or delivering something to multiple people or places
"The company manages the distribution of food supplies to rural areas."
to interrupt or cause someone to stop what they are doing
"Please don’t disturb me while I’m studying."
the interruption of a settled and peaceful condition; anxiety or mental uneasiness
"The loud music created a disturbance that bothered all the neighbors."
causing anxiety, worry, or emotional distress
"The news about the accident was deeply disturbing."