| attrition |
a gradual erosion of strength or morale. |
| cavil |
to make petty criticisms or objections; carp (usually followed by "at" or "about"). |
| copious |
abundant in number or quantity; plentiful. |
| criteria |
a set of standards or tests by which to judge or decide something. |
| decadence |
a decline into immorality; loss of moral values. |
| diffuse |
in the physical sciences, to flow toward regions of lower concentration. |
| gouge |
a cut or hole made with something sharp. |
| innuendo |
an indirect and usually derogatory hint, allusion, or insinuation. |
| lobbyist |
one who attempts, on behalf of a special interest group, to influence the way legislators vote. |
| mesmerize |
to induce a hypnotic trance in; hypnotize. |
| monolithic |
large, unyielding, and without diversity. |
| nonchalant |
not showing excitement or anxiety; coolly confident, unflustered, or unworried;casually indifferent. |
| obituary |
a printed announcement of a person's death, usually including a brief biography and information about funeral arrangements. |
| ovation |
a prolonged or enthusiastic episode of applause for someone, as following a performance. |
| umbrage |
a feeling of offense, irritation, or resentment. |