| amortize |
to deduct (expenditures) by fixed amounts over a period of time. |
| bereft |
deprived or stripped of something. |
| boorish |
rude; ill-mannered; crude. |
| burgeon |
to start to grow; send forth shoots, leaves, buds, or the like (often followed by "out" or "forth"). |
| declivity |
a downward or descending slope. |
| extralegal |
not regulated or permitted by law; outside of legal authority. |
| iatrogenic |
caused by a physician or medical treatment, especially from drugs or surgery. |
| ineptitude |
incompetence; lack of skill. |
| malinger |
to pretend illness or injury, especially in order to be excused from duty or work. |
| mésalliance |
marriage with someone of lower social standing than oneself. |
| munificent |
having or showing great generosity. |
| obfuscate |
to make (something) seem or be difficult to understand; obscure or darken. |
| recidivism |
chronic return to bad habits, especially criminal relapse. |
| sere1 |
dried up or withered. |
| tummler |
an entertainer or social director who encourages participation by guests or audience. |