Vocabulary
boost
noun buːst

something that helps increase or improve something; an increase or improvement

The expansion of the airport brought a much needed boost to the local economy.

boost
verb buːst

to increase or improve something, especially strength, confidence, or effectiveness

Regular praise from a manager can boost employees' confidence and motivation.

brute
adjective bruːt

using strength or force rather than skill or intelligence

The burglars used brute force to break open the door.

burnout
noun ˈbɜːrnaʊt

a state of extreme physical or emotional exhaustion caused by prolonged stress

After months of working overtime, she experienced burnout and decided to take a long break.

centenarian
noun ˌsentəˈneəriən

a person who is 100 years old or older

Japan is home to the highest number of centenarians in the world.

chain
noun tʃeɪn

a group of related businesses or stores owned by the same company

David prefers small local restaurants instead of eating at big fast-food chains.

charity
noun ˈtʃærɪti

an organization that helps people in need, often by collecting money

They raised money for charity by organizing a small community event.

charm
noun tʃɑːrm

a quality that makes a place or person attractive or enjoyable

The café lost some of its charm after the interior was redesigned.

competitive
adjective kəmˈpɛtɪtɪv

strong enough to succeed against others, especially in price or quality

My sister gets very competitive whenever we play board games.

confidence
noun ˈkɒnfɪdəns

the feeling of being sure about your abilities

Speaking English every day helped her build confidence.

confrontation
noun ˌkɒnfrʌnˈteɪʃən

a direct and often uncomfortable situation where people face a problem or disagreement

She laughed it off to avoid a confrontation, but it was clear that Dave’s comment bothered her.

coordination
noun kəʊˌɔːrdɪˈneɪʃn

the act of organizing people or activities so they work together smoothly

The team won because of strong coordination and smart positioning.

credential
noun krəˈdenʃl

a qualification, achievement or aspect of a person's background

His academic credentials are impressive, but his experience is what really stands out.

cue
noun kjuː

a signal or sign that tells someone what to do or what is about to happen

When she checked her watch for the third time, I took it as a cue to wrap things up.

cynicism
noun ˈsɪnɪsɪzəm

a belief that people are motivated mainly by self-interest rather than honesty or kindness

Years of broken promises led to his growing cynicism about his country's government.

desirable
adjective dɪˈzaɪərəbəl

attractive or wanted by many people

Flexible hours are more desirable to me now than a higher salary.

discourage
verb dɪˈskʌrɪdʒ

to try to stop someone from doing something, often by warning them or making it seem less attractive

Being constantly corrected can discourage learners.

discrimination
noun dɪˌskrɪmɪˈneɪʃn

the unfair treatment of a person or group because of who they are or what they are like

Gender discrimination remains a serious issue in many parts of the world.

discriminatory
adjective dɪˈskrɪməˌneɪtəri

unfairly treating people differently based on age, gender, race, or other traits

Several employees filed complaints over discriminatory treatment.

disinterest
noun dɪsˈɪntrəst

a lack of interest or curiosity about something

Her disinterest in sports made it hard for her to join the conversation.