| astute |
keen in understanding and judgment; shrewd. |
| cantankerous |
irritable, stubborn, and quarrelsome. |
| demarcate |
to set apart or separate, as if with boundaries. |
| derelict |
failing to fulfill one's responsibilities or obligations; remiss. |
| Draconian |
(often lower case) harshly cruel or rigorous. |
| flak |
(informal) irritating opposition, criticism, or dissent. |
| malfeasance |
an illegal act or wrongdoing, especially by a public official. |
| ontogeny |
the process of biological growth and development of a particular living organism. |
| perquisite |
a payment or benefit in addition to the wages or salary associated with a position. |
| pungency |
sharpness or bite in taste or smell. |
| repose2 |
to put or place (confidence, hope, or the like) in someone or something. |
| spurn |
to reject, refuse, or treat with scorn; disdain; despise. |
| untoward |
unexpected and unfortunate. |
| virago |
a shrewish, domineering woman; nag or scold. |
| vouchsafe |
to grant or give with condescension or as a special favor. |