Advanced Vocabulary for the GRE - Success Is a Sure Thing, Failure Is Not!

to determine something with certainty by careful examination or investigation

a thing that is essential or desired

to completely confuse someone

a certain stage or point in an activity, a process, or a series of events, particularly important

a state of uncertainty about what decision to make in a challenging situation

an individual who regularly questions and doubts the validity of ideas, beliefs, or information, particularly those that are commonly accepted

having reasons that are acceptable and valid

to fail at accomplishing an obligation, particularly a financial one

bad in a noticeable and extreme way

having the potential of being done successfully

full of calmness, happiness, and prosperity

a period in which someone or something was at its height of success, fame, or strength

highly distinguished, admired, or well-known due to exceptional and outstanding characteristics or features

to create difficulty or obstacles that make it hard for something to happen or progress

occurring unintentionally or without deliberate thought or planning

something that is used as an encouraging and motivating factor

cannot be endured due to being extremely annoying, uncomfortable, or unpleasant

complex and difficult to understand due to many connected parts

the admiration, praise, and recognition someone receives for their achievements, deeds, or social standing

difficult and needing a lot of energy and effort

a small excusable offense or mistake

the state in which a person or thing is of the highest importance, rank, or power

to experience or express the feeling of fear

to gain something, particularly something beneficial, as the result of one's actions

intending to correct or improve a thing that is unsuccessful or wrong

failing to give the needed amount of attention and care toward fulfilling one's obligations

to make a decision with determination

a delightful feeling gained from other people's misfortunes or troubles

the fact of accidentally experiencing or discovering something that is pleasant or valuable

possessing a lot of physical strength

to stop something, particularly something undesirable, from developing or spreading

the use of deceptive methods or devices to achieve something

(of circumstances) unlikely to result in success

cannot do what it is intended to successfully

(of biological organisms) capable of living or growing, often in a particular environment or under specific conditions

not sufficient in amount, quality, or degree

to prevent the occurrence or achievement of something