U Flashcards
(152 cards)
0
Q
udder
A
(n) a bag-like milk-secreting organ of a cow or ewe or female goat etc., with two or more teats.
1
Q
ubiquitous
A
(adj) being everywhere at the same time. Ubiquity (n).
2
Q
ulterior
A
(adj) beyond what is obvious or admitted, (ulterior motives).
3
Q
ultimatum
A
(n)(pl ultimatums) a final demand or statement of terms, rejection of which may lead to the ending of friendly relations or a declaration of war.
4
Q
ultra-
A
(prefix) beyond, extremely, excessively, (ultra-conservative, ultra-modern).
5
Q
ultrasonic
A
(adj) (of sound waves) with a pitch that is above the upper limit of normal human hearing.
6
Q
umber
A
(n) a natural colouring-matter like ochre but darker and browner. Burnt umber: reddish-brown.
7
Q
umbrage
A
(n) a feeling of being offended. Take umbrage: to take offence.
8
Q
umpire
A
(n) a person appointed to see that the rules of a game or contest are observed and to settle disputes (eg. in a game of cricket or baseball), or to give a decision on any disputed question. (v) to act as umpire in (a game).
9
Q
umpteen
A
(adj)(slang) very many. Umpteenth (adj).
10
Q
un-
A
(prefix)1. Not, (uncertain, uncertainty). 2. Reversing the action indicate by the simple verb (eg. unlock).
11
Q
unadulterated
A
(adj) pure.
12
Q
unanimous
A
(adj) all agreeing in an opinion or decision, (of an opinion or decision etc.) held or given by everyone. Unanimously (adv), unanimity (n).
13
Q
unassuming
A
(adj) not arrogant, unpretentious.
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Q
unawares
A
(adv) unexpectedly, without noticing.
15
Q
unbecoming
A
(adj)1. Not suited to the wearer, (an unbecoming hat). 2. Not suitable, (behaviour unbecoming to a gentleman).
16
Q
unbeknown
A
(adj)(informal) unknown; (they did it unbeknown to us), without our being aware of it.
17
Q
unbidden
A
(adj) not commanded or invited.
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Q
unbridled
A
(adj) unrestrained, (unbridled insolence).
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uncalled-for
A
(adj) offered or intruded impertinently or unjustifiably.
20
Q
uncanny
A
(adj)1. Strange and rather frightening. 2. Extraordinary, beyond what is normal, (uncanny accuracy). Uncannily (adv).
21
Q
uncertain
A
(adj)1. Not known certainly. 2. Not knowing certainly. 3. Not to be depended on, (his aim is uncertain). 4. Changeable, (an uncertain temper). Uncertainly (adv), uncertainty (n). In no uncertain terms: clearly and forcefully.
22
Q
unconditional
A
(adj) not subject to conditions or limitations, (unconditional surrender). Unconditionally (adv).
23
Q
unconscionable
A
(adj)1. Unscrupulous. 2. Contrary to what one’s conscience feels is right, outrageous.
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uncouple
(v) to disconnect from being connected by a coupling.
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uncouth
(adj) awkward or clumsy in manner, boorish.
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unction
(n)1. Anointing with oil, especially as a religious rite. 2. Pretended earnestness, excessive politeness.
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unctuous
(adj) having an oily manner, smugly earnest or virtuous. Unctuously (adv), unctuousness (n).
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under the sun
anywhere in the world, existing.
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under way
moving on water, in progress.
30
under-
(prefix)1. Below, beneath, (underseal). 2. Lower, subordinate, (under-manager). 3. Insufficiently, incompletely, (undercooked).
31
undercover
(adj)1. Doing things secretly, done secretly. 2. Engaged in spying by working among those to be spied on, (undercover agent).
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undercurrent
(n)1. A current that is below a surface or below another current. 2. An underlying feeling or influence or trend.
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undercarriage
(n) an aircraft's landing-wheels and their supports.
34
undercut
(v)(undercut, undercutting)1. To cut away the part below. 2. To sell or work for a lower price than (another person).
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underdog
(n) a person or country etc. in an inferior or subordinate position.
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underfoot
(adv) on the ground, under one's feet.
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undergo
(v)(underwent, undergone, undergoing) to experience, to endure, to be subjected to, (the new aircraft underwent intensive trials).
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underground
(adv)1. Under the surface of the ground. 2. In secret, into secrecy or hiding. (adj): 1. Under the surface of the ground. 2. Secret, of a secret political organisation or one for resisting enemy forces controlling a country. (n): 1. An underground railway. 2. An underground organisation.
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undergrowth
(n) shrubs and bushes etc. growing closely, especially when beneath trees.
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underhand
1. (adj)1. Done or doing things in a sly or secret way. 2. (in cricket etc.) underarm.
2. (adv) in an underhand manner. Underhanded (adj).
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underlie
(v)(underlay, underlain, underlying)1. To lie or exist beneath. 2. To be the basis of (a theory etc.), to be the facts that account for, (the underlying reasons).
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undermine
(v)1. To make a mine or tunnel beneath, especially one causing weakness at the base. 2. To weaken gradually, (his health was undermined).
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underpin
(v)(underpinned, underpinning) to support, to strengthen from beneath.
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under-secretary
(n) a person who is directly subordinate to an official who has the title of 'secretary'.
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understate
(v) to state (a thing) in very restrained terms, to represent as being less than it really is. Understatement (n).
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understudy
(n) a person who studies the part in a play or the duties etc. of another in order to be able to take his place at short notice if necessary. (v)(understudied, understudying) to act as understudy to, to learn (a part etc.) as understudy.
47
undertake
(v)(undertook, undertaken, undertaking)1. To agree or promise to do something, to make oneself responsible for, (undertook the cooking or to do the cooking). 2. To guarantee, (we cannot undertake that you will make a profit).
Undertaking (n):1. Work etc. undertaken. 2. A promise or guarantee. 3. The business of an undertaker.
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undertaker
(n) one whose business is to prepare the dead for burial or cremation and make arrangements for funerals.
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undertone
(n)1. A low or subdued tone; (they spoke in undertones), spoke quietly. 2. A colour that modifies another, (pink with mauve undertones). 3. An underlying quality or implication, an undercurrent of feeling, (a threatening undertone).
50
underworld
(n)1. (in mythology) the abode of spirits of the dead, under the earth. 2. The part of society habitually engaged in crime.
51
underwrite
(v)(underwrote, underwritten, underwriting)1. To sign and accept liability under (an insurance policy, especially for ships), thus guaranteeing payment in the event of loss or damage. 2. To undertake to finance (an enterprise). 3. To undertake to buy all the stock in (a company etc.) that is not bought by the public. Underwriter (n).
52
undoing
(n) Bringing or being brought to ruin, a cause of this, (drink was his undoing). Undone (adj)1. Unfastened. 2. Not done, (left the work undone). 3. (old use) brought to ruin or destruction, (we are undone!)
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undreamed-of/ undreamt-of
(adjs) not imagined, not thought to be possible.
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undue
(adj) excessive, disproportionate. Unduly: (adj) excessively, disproportionately.
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unearth
(v)1. To uncover or obtain from the ground by digging. 2. To bring to light, to find by searching.
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unearthly
(adj)1. Not earthly. 2. Supernatural, mysterious and frightening. 3. (informal) absurdly early or inconvenient, (getting up at this unearthly hour).
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uneconomic
(adj) not profitable, not likely to be profitable.
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uneconomical
(adj) not economical (thrifty, avoiding waste).
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be unequal to
(of a person) to be not strong enough or clever enough etc. for, (was unequal to the task).
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unequivocal
(adj) clear and unmistakable, not ambiguous. Unequivocally (adv).
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unerring
(adj) making no mistake, (with unerring accuracy). Unerringly (adv).
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UNESCO, Unesco
(abbrev) United Nations Educational, Scientific, & Cultural Organisation.
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unethical
(adj) not ethical, unscrupulous in business or professional conduct. Unethically (adv).
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unfailing
(adj) never ending, constant, reliable, (his unfailing good humour).
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unfeeling
(adj)1. Lacking the power of sensation or sensitivity. 2. Unsympathetic, not caring about others' feelings.
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unflappable
(adj)(informal) remaining calm in a crisis, not getting into a flap.
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unfounded
(adj) with no foundation of facts.
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unfurl
(v) to unroll, to spread out.
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ungainly
(adj) awkward-looking, clumsy, ungraceful. Ungainliness (n).
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ungodly
(adj)1. Not giving reverence to God, not religious, wicked. 2. (informal) outrageous, very inconvenient, (phoning at this ungodly hour).
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unheard
(adj) not heard. Unheard-of: (adj) not previously known of or done.
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unhinge
(v) to cause to become mentally unbalanced, (the shock unhinged his mind).
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unhoped-for
(adj) not hoped for or expected.
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unilateral
(adj) one-sided, done by or affecting one person or group or country etc. and not another. Unilaterally (adv).
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unimpeachable
(adj) completely trustworthy, not open to doubt or question, (unimpeachable honesty). Unimpeachably (adv).
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uninviting
(adj) not attractive.
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unit price
the price charged for each unit of goods.
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unkempt
(adj) looking untidy or neglected.
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unleash
(v)1. To set free from a leash or restraint. 2. To set (a thing) free so that it can attack or pursue something.
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unmanned
(adj) operated without a crew.
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unmentionable
(adj) so bad or embarrassing or shocking that it may not be spoken of. Unmentionables (pl n): unmentionable things or people.
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unmistakable
(adj) clear and obvious, not able to be mistaken for another. Unmistakably (adv).
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unnerve
(v) to cause to lose courage or determination.
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unparalleled
(adj) not paralleled, never yet equalled, (unparalleled enthusiasm).
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unplaced
(adj) not placed as one of the first three in a race etc.
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unprecedented
(adj) for which there is no precedent, unparalleled.
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unprepossessing
(adj) unattractive, not making a good impression.
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unprincipled
(adj) without good moral principles, unscrupulous.
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unqualified
(adj)1. (of a person) not legally or officially qualified to do something. 2. Not restricted or modified, (give it our unqualified approval).
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unquestionable
(adj) not questionable, too clear to be doubted. Unquestionably (adv).
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unrelenting
(adj) not becoming less in intensity or severity.
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unremitting
(adj) not relaxing or ceasing, persistent.
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unrequited
(adj)(of love) not returned or rewarded.
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unreservedly
(adv) without reservation or restriction, completely.
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unrest
(n) restlessness, agitation.
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unruly
(adj) not easy to control or discipline, disorderly. Unruliness (n).
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unsavoury
(adj)1. Disagreeable to the taste or smell. 2. Morally unpleasant or disgusting, (has an unsavoury reputation).
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unscathed
(adj) without suffering any injury.
99
unscrupulous
(adj) without moral scruples, not prevented from doing wrong by scruples of conscience. Unscrupulously (adv).
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unsolicited
(adj) not asked for, given or done voluntarily.
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unstinted
(adj) given freely and lavishly.
102
unstuck
(adj) detached after being stuck on or together. Come unstuck: (informal) to suffer disaster, to fail.
103
unstudied
(adj) natural in manner, not affected, (with unstudied elegance).
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unsullied
(adj) not sullied, pure.
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unswerving
(adj) not turning aside, unchanging, (unswerving loyalty).
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untapped
(adj) not tapped, not yet made use of, (the country's untapped resources).
107
untenable
(adj)(of a theory) not tenable, not able to be held, because strong arguments can be produced against it.
108
unthinkable
(adj) incredible, too unlikely or undesirable to be considered.
109
unthinking
(adj) thoughtless, done or said etc. without consideration.
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untimely
(adj)1. Happening at an unsuitable time. 2. Happening too soon or sooner than is normal, (his untimely death).
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untold
(adj)1. Not told. 2. Not counted, too much or too many to be counted, (untold wealth or wealth untold).
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untoward
(adj) inconvenient, awkward, (if nothing untoward happens).
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untrammelled
(adj) not hampered.
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untried
(adj) not yet tried or tested.
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unutterable
(adj) too great or too intense to be expressed in words, (unutterable joy). Unutterably (adv).
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unveil
(v)1. To remove a veil from, to remove one's veil. 2. To remove concealing drapery from, as part of a ceremony, (unveiled the portrait). 3. To disclose, to make publicly known.
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unwarranted
(adj) unauthorised, unjustified.
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unwholesome
(adj)1. Harmful to health or to moral well-being. 2. Unhealthy-looking. Unwholesomeness (n).
119
unwieldy
(adj) awkward to move or control because of its size or shape or weight. Unwieldiness (n).
120
unwind
(v)(unwound, unwinding)1. To draw out or become drawn out from being wound. 2. (informal) to relax after a period of work or tension.
121
unwitting
(adj)1. Unaware. 2. Unintentional. Unwittingly (adv).
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up (v)
(v)(upped, upping) (informal)1. To begin to do something suddenly or unexpectedly, (he upped and demanded an inquiry). 2. To raise.
123
up against
close to; in or into contact with; (informal) faced with, as an opponent or problem; (up against it), in great difficulties.
124
ups and downs
alternate good and bad fortune.
125
up to
to (the place or time or amount etc. specified), (can take up to four people); comparable with, (not up to your usual standard); occupied with, doing, (what is he up to?); required as a duty or obligation from, (it's up to us to help her); capable of, (don't feel up to a long walk).
126
up to date
in current fashion; in accordance with what is now known or required, (bring the files up to date). Up-to-date (adj).
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upbraid
(v) to reproach.
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up-end
(v) to set or rise up on end.
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upheaval
(n)1. A sudden heaving upwards. 2. A violent change or disturbance.
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uphill
(adv) in an upward direction, on an upward slope. (adj)1. Going or sloping upwards. 2. Difficult, (it was uphill work).
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uphold
(v)(upheld, upholding) 1. To support, to keep from falling. 2. To support a decision or statement or belief.
132
upholster
(v) to put a fabric covering, padding, springs, etc. on (furniture). Upholsterer (n). Upholstery (n).
133
upkeep
(n) keeping something in good condition and repair, the cost of this.
134
upper crust
(informal) the aristocracy.
135
the upper hand
mastery, dominance, (gained the upper hand).
136
upright
(adj)1. In a vertical position. 2. (of a piano) with the strings mounted vertically. 3. Strictly honest or honourable. (n)1. A post or rod placed upright, especially as a support. 2. An upright piano. Uprightness (n).
137
uprising
(n) a rebellion, a revolt against the authorities.
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uproar
(n) an outburst of noise and excitement or anger.
139
uproot
(v)1. To pull out of the ground together with its roots. 2. To force to leave a native or established place, (we uprooted ourselves and went to live abroad).
140
upshot
(n) outcome.
141
upstage (v)
(v)1. To move upstage (nearer the back of a theatre stage) from (an actor) and make him face away from the audience. 2. To divert attention from or outshine (a person).
142
uptake
(n)1. Taking up, lifting. 2. Ability to understand what is meant, (quick in or on the uptake).
143
uptight
(adj)(informal)1. Nervously tense. 2. Annoyed.
144
upturn (2)
(n)1. An upheaval. 2. An upward trend in business or fortune etc., an improvement.
145
urbane
(adj) having manners that are smooth and polite. Urbanely (adv), urbanity (n).
146
urchin
(n)1. A mischievous or needy child. 2. A sea-urchin.
147
usurp
(v) to take (power or a position or right) wrongfully or by force. Usurpation (n), usurper (n).
148
usury
(n)1. The lending of money at excessively high interest. 2. An excessively high rate of interest.
149
utilitarian
(adj) designed to be useful rather than decorative or luxurious, severely practical.
150
utmost
(adj) furthest, greatest, extreme, (with the utmost care). (n) the furthest point or degree etc. Do one's utmost: to do as much as possible.
151
utter (1)
(adj) complete, absolute, (utter bliss). Utterly (adv).
