Construction Industry Jargon

noun a state of readiness or preparedness

adjective ready or prepared

• After double-checking my schedule, I can confirm that I am all set for the meeting tomorrow.
• Don't worry, I've got everything ready and I'm all set to go.
• I just need to grab my stuff and then I'll be all set to bounce.
• With my goals clearly defined, I feel like I'm all set to conquer the world.

adjective describing the depth of something as reaching up to the ankle

adverb modifying a verb or adjective to describe the depth as being up to the ankle

• The floodwaters were ankle deep in the streets after the heavy rain.
• I stepped into a puddle and got my shoes ankle deep in water.
• I was ankle deep in homework last night, it took me hours to finish.
• She was ankle deep in debt and didn't know how to get out of it.

noun A person who designs buildings and supervises their construction

• The architect was tasked with designing a new office building for the company.
• My friend's dad is an architect and he's always working on cool projects.
• That architect dude is a genius when it comes to building stuff.
• She was the architect of her own destiny, shaping her future with each decision she made.

adjective relating to architecture or the design of buildings

• The architectural design of the new building is truly impressive.
• I love checking out all the cool architectural details in old buildings.
• That house has some sick architectural features, dude.
• The architectural layout of the city reflects its rich history and culture.

noun a supplementary document or item

verb to fasten or join one thing to another

• Please attach the signed document to your email before sending it.
• Don't forget to attach the photos to your message.
• Make sure to slap on the attachment when you email me.
• It's important to attach yourself to a positive mindset for success.

verb to make a gesture with the hand, arm, or head to encourage someone to come nearer or follow

• The hostess would beckon guests to their tables with a polite gesture.
• I saw my friend beckon me over to join them at the party.
• He beckoned me to come hang out with him later.
• The call of the ocean beckons sailors to adventure.

noun an offer to pay a certain amount of money for something

verb to offer a certain amount of money for something, especially at an auction

• The company submitted a bid for the construction project.
• I'm going to put in a bid for that vintage car on eBay.
• I'm gonna throw my bid in for those concert tickets.
• She made a bid for his heart but he was already taken.

noun an offer to pay a certain price for something, especially at an auction

verb present participle of bid, which means to offer a certain amount of money for something in a competitive situation like an auction

• The company submitted their bidding for the construction project.
• They're putting in their bidding for the new contract.
• They're throwing their hat in the ring for the bidding process.
• In the game of business, you have to be strategic with your bidding to win.

noun a sudden arrival or intrusion

verb to arrive or enter suddenly or unexpectedly

• The strong winds caused debris to blow in from the neighboring construction site.
• I heard there's a new restaurant that just blew in downtown.
• I can't believe she just blew in with that new hairstyle.
• His unexpected arrival at the party really blew in some excitement.

noun a detailed plan or model of a structure or object

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• The architect presented the blueprint for the new office building.
• I saw the blueprint for the house you're planning to build - it looks amazing!
• Check out the blueprint for the sick new skate park they're building.
• The artist used the blueprint of the city as inspiration for her latest painting.

noun a place where someone can go to be alone or to avoid other people

• During the storm, the villagers sought refuge in the nearest bolt hole.
• When things got too hectic, John always had a bolt hole to escape to.
• I found a cool bolt hole to chill in while everyone else was partying.
• Reading has always been my bolt hole from the chaos of everyday life.

noun a binding agreement or promise

verb to form a close relationship or connection

• The government issued a bond to raise funds for infrastructure development.
• I bought a savings bond to start investing for my future.
• Me and my best friend have a real tight bond, we're like family.
• The shared love for music created a strong bond between the two musicians.

noun the lowest point or level

verb to reach the lowest point or level before stabilizing or improving

• The economy is expected to bottom out by the end of the year.
• I think the stock prices will bottom out soon.
• I heard that sales are going to bottom out next month.
• After facing many challenges, she felt like she had finally bottomed out.

noun a sudden or abrupt cessation

verb to separate or discontinue abruptly or forcefully

• The negotiations between the two countries may break off if they cannot reach a compromise.
• I had to break off my vacation early due to an emergency back home.
• Let's break off for lunch and reconvene in an hour.
• Sometimes it's necessary to break off toxic relationships for your own well-being.

noun an act of causing something to fall or descend to a lower position

verb to cause something or someone to fall or descend to a lower position

adjective used to describe something that is causing a decrease or downfall

• The new policies aim to bring down the unemployment rate in the country.
• We need to figure out how to bring down our expenses.
• Let's find a way to bring down the heat in this room.
• His harsh words really bring down my mood.

noun a structure with a roof and walls, such as a house or factory, used for a particular purpose

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• The architect presented the blueprints for the new building to the city council.
• We're meeting at the new building downtown for lunch today.
• That building is lit, we should definitely check it out.
• Education is the building blocks of a successful career.

verb to place a dead body in a grave or tomb

• The archaeologists carefully excavated the ancient tomb to uncover and study the burial artifacts.
• I need to bury this secret deep down and never speak of it again.
• Let's bury the hatchet and move on from this argument.
• She tried to bury her feelings for him, but they kept resurfacing.

noun a thick rope of wire or non-metallic fiber, typically used for construction, mooring ships, and towing vehicles

verb to transmit or send signals or messages using a cable

• The cable connecting the computer to the printer is not working properly.
• Can you pass me the cable so I can charge my phone?
• I need to get a new cable for my headphones, this one is busted.
• The strong friendship between them acted as a cable, keeping them connected through thick and thin.

adjective showing a lack of attention or consideration; not taking care or caution

• The careless handling of sensitive information can lead to serious consequences.
• She's so careless with her belongings, always losing things.
• Don't be so careless with your money, you'll end up broke.
• His careless attitude towards his health is like playing with fire.

noun the action or manner of carrying

verb to support the weight of something and move it from one place to another

• The porter will carry your luggage to your room.
• Can you carry these boxes for me?
• I'll just carry this bag over to your place later.
• She always carries a heavy burden of responsibility in her job.

noun something sure or easy

verb to tighten (a saddle girth) on a horse

• Securing the belt around the suitcase was a cinch.
• Don't worry, fixing that issue will be a cinch.
• Piece of cake, installing the new software is a cinch.
• She believed passing the exam would be a cinch, but it turned out to be quite challenging.

noun a building or complex of buildings containing a number of individually owned apartments or houses

• The condominium complex is managed by a professional property management company.
• I'm thinking of buying a condo in that new condominium building.
• Let's crash at my friend's condo in the fancy condominium downtown.
• Living in a condominium is like being part of a close-knit community.

noun A crouching position or posture

verb To bend low with the legs drawn up closely beneath or against the body

• The hiker had to crouch down to pass through the low cave entrance.
• I had to crouch to avoid hitting my head on the low doorway.
• Crouch down so you don't get spotted by the security guard.
• She had to mentally crouch to deal with the criticism from her boss.

noun physical harm caused to something in such a way as to impair its value, usefulness, or normal function

verb cause harm to (something) so that it impairs its value, usefulness, or normal function

• The hurricane caused extensive damage to the coastal town.
• My brother accidentally damaged my laptop.
• I can't believe you just dinged my car! That's some serious damage.
• Her harsh words did more damage to their friendship than she realized.

noun physical harm caused to something in such a way as to impair its value, usefulness, or normal function

verb to cause harm or injury to something

• The plaintiff is seeking compensation for the damages caused by the defendant's negligence.
• The car accident left him with a lot of damages to pay for.
• She's gonna have to shell out some serious cash for those damages.
• The emotional damages from the betrayal were far worse than any physical harm.

verb to cause to be late or behind schedule

• The company is delaying the release of the new product due to production issues.
• They're delaying the party until next weekend because of the bad weather forecast.
• The teacher keeps delaying the test, it's so annoying.
• By delaying the decision, you're just prolonging the inevitable.

noun a deviation from a direct or usual route

verb to take a detour or go by way of a detour

• Due to the road closure, we had to take a detour to reach our destination.
• We had to go on a detour because of the construction work.
• Let's take a detour and grab some food before we continue our journey.
• Sometimes in life, we may encounter detours that lead us to unexpected but valuable experiences.

noun a small, sharp implement used for cutting or piercing

verb to break up, turn over, or remove earth, sand, etc., with a tool or machine

• Archaeologists carefully dig through layers of soil to uncover ancient artifacts.
• I really dig the new song by that band.
• I heard she's digging that new guy she met at the party.
• She had to dig deep to find the courage to speak up in front of the large crowd.

noun the state of being in a state of disrepair or ruin, often due to neglect or age

• The dilapidation of the old building was evident in the crumbling walls and broken windows.
• The house was in such bad shape, you could see the dilapidation from a mile away.
• That place is a total dump, the dilapidation is off the charts.
• The neglect and lack of care had led to the dilapidation of their relationship.

noun A person's job or task that is considered unpleasant, unethical, or morally questionable.

• The cleaning crew was tasked with the dirty work of sanitizing the laboratory.
• I don't mind getting my hands dirty doing the dirty work around the house.
• I'm not afraid to roll up my sleeves and do the dirty work when necessary.
• Sometimes being a leader means having to do the dirty work that no one else wants to do.

noun A person who creates technical drawings or plans, typically an architect or engineer

• The draughtsman meticulously drafted the architectural plans for the new building.
• The draughtsman is really talented at drawing up designs for buildings.
• That draughtsman is a wizard with a pencil and ruler!
• The artist was a draughtsman of emotions, capturing the complexities of human experience in his drawings.

noun a machine or boat used for removing silt, mud, etc., from the bottom of a river or harbor

verb to clean, deepen, or widen (a waterway, port, or river) by scooping out mud, weeds, etc., with a dredge

• The construction crew used a dredge to remove sediment from the riverbed.
• They had to dredge the pond to make it deeper for fishing.
• Let's dredge up some dirt on that guy and see what we find.
• She had to dredge up memories from her past for the therapy session.

verb to criticize or treat someone unfairly or unkindly

• It is inappropriate to dump on others in a professional setting.
• Don't dump on me for being late, I had a valid reason.
• Stop dumping on me, I'm doing my best.
• She felt like life was continuously dumping on her with one problem after another.

noun a dwelling with two separate living units, usually one above the other

adjective having two parts or components

• The real estate agent showed us a beautiful duplex in the city center.
• We checked out a cool duplex downtown with a great view.
• I'm thinking of moving into a swanky duplex with my roommate.
• The novel's plot had a duplex structure, with two distinct storylines intertwining.

noun the ability to withstand wear, pressure, or damage

• The durability of the materials used in this building ensures it will last for many years.
• I bought this phone because of its durability; I drop it all the time and it's still working perfectly.
• That jacket is so durable, it can handle anything you throw at it.
• The durability of their friendship was tested through thick and thin, and they always remained strong.

verb to charge with electricity; to excite or thrill greatly

• The new technology has the potential to electrify the automotive industry.
• The concert last night really electrified the crowd.
• The DJ's set at the party was so lit, it really electrified the room.
• Her passionate speech electrified the audience and inspired them to take action.

noun the process of killing someone by means of an electric shock

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• The worker died from electrocution while working on the power lines.
• He got a nasty shock from the faulty wiring, but luckily avoided electrocution.
• Don't touch that exposed wire or you'll get zapped with some serious electrocution!
• The sudden surge of emotions felt like an emotional electrocution.

verb to surround or cover something completely with a material or object

• The valuable artifact was encased in a glass display for protection.
• I always encase my phone in a sturdy case to prevent it from breaking.
• She encased her laptop in bubble wrap before packing it in her bag.
• His fear encased him like a thick fog, making it hard to see clearly.

verb to invent or create something, typically with deceitful intent

• The company was accused of attempting to fabricate evidence in the court case.
• I can't believe he tried to fabricate that story to get out of trouble.
• She's always fabricating excuses for why she's late.
• His elaborate lies began to fabricate a web of deceit that was hard to unravel.

verb to subcontract or outsource work to an external party

adverb used to describe the act of subcontracting work to an external party

• The company decided to farm out their customer service department to a third-party vendor.
• I'm going to farm out the yard work to my neighbor while I'm on vacation.
• Let's farm out the project to the new intern and see how they handle it.
• She tends to farm out her responsibilities to others instead of taking care of them herself.

noun A structure outside a building, typically made of metal, that provides a means of escape in the event of a fire.

• The building's fire escape is located at the back for emergency exits.
• If there's a fire, just head to the fire escape and we'll meet outside.
• Let's sneak out through the fire escape and grab some food.
• She used humor as her fire escape from uncomfortable situations.

verb past tense and past participle of fit

adjective describing something that is the right size or shape for a particular purpose

• The tailor fitted the suit perfectly to the client's measurements.
• I finally found a dress that fitted me well.
• I got a new jacket that is so fitted, it makes me look sleek.
• The pieces of the puzzle fitted together seamlessly to reveal the hidden message.

noun a projecting rim or edge on a pipe, cylinder, or beam, especially to strengthen it or to attach it to another object

• The engineer carefully measured the dimensions of the flange before attaching it to the pipe.
• Make sure you tighten the bolts on the flange securely to prevent any leaks.
• I accidentally bumped into the flange and now it's all out of whack.
• The team leader acted as the flange, connecting different departments to work together seamlessly.

noun a space for vehicles to move aside or yield to another vehicle

verb to yield or make space for something or someone else

• Drivers should always give way to pedestrians at crosswalks.
• Hey, give way to the faster cars on the highway.
• Dude, just give way and let me pass first.
• Sometimes we need to give way to others' opinions in order to maintain harmony.

noun the action of biting or chewing something repeatedly

adjective causing persistent discomfort or worry

• The constant gnawing of rodents can cause damage to buildings over time.
• I can't concentrate with this gnawing hunger in my stomach.
• That gnawing feeling you get before a big test is the worst.
• The gnawing guilt of not speaking up when I had the chance still haunts me.

verb to bite or chew on something repeatedly, often making a grinding or crunching sound

• The beavers gnawed through the logs to build their dam.
• My dog loves to gnaw on his chew toy.
• I could hear my stomach gnawing away at itself from hunger.
• The guilt of his actions gnawed at him constantly.

noun A downward movement or descent

verb To move or travel from a higher to a lower place

adverb In a downward direction or manner

• The stock market experienced a sharp go down yesterday.
• Did you see how much the prices of those shoes went down?
• I heard that party was a total go down.
• Her reputation really started to go down after the scandal.

noun A word that represents a person, place, thing, or idea. In this phrase, 'town' is a noun referring to a populated area larger than a village but smaller than a city.

verb A word that expresses an action or a state of being. In this case, 'go' is a verb indicating movement towards a destination.

preposition A word that shows the relationship between a noun (or pronoun) and other words in a sentence. 'To' is a preposition indicating the direction or destination of the action.

• The committee decided to go to town on the proposal and make some significant changes.
• Let's go to town on decorating the living room this weekend.
• We should totally go to town on that new video game when it comes out.
• She really went to town on her opponent during the debate, leaving no point unaddressed.

verb to sink below the surface of water or another liquid

adverb in a submerged position or condition

preposition to be classified or categorized as

• The company may go under if they do not secure additional funding.
• I heard that the restaurant might go under because of the lack of customers.
• If we don't get more sales, our business could totally go under.
• I feel like I'm starting to go under with all the stress from work.

verb A verb is a word that expresses an action or a state of being. In this case, 'go up' is a verb phrase indicating movement in an upward direction.

• The price of oil is expected to go up due to increased demand.
• I heard that gas prices are going to go up next week.
• I bet the cost of those shoes is going to go up after the sale ends.
• His confidence seemed to go up after he received positive feedback from his boss.

noun a person who engages in dishonest or illegal activities in order to gain money or power

• The grafter worked diligently to complete the project ahead of schedule.
• My friend is a real grafter, always putting in the extra hours at work.
• He's a proper grafter, always hustling to make some extra cash.
• Being a successful entrepreneur requires being a grafter and constantly seeking new opportunities.

noun a person who cheats or swindles others, especially by overcharging

verb to cheat or swindle someone, especially by overcharging

• The gypper was arrested for fraudulently selling fake paintings.
• I heard that gypper got caught trying to scam people with counterfeit tickets.
• Don't trust that gypper, he's always trying to pull a fast one.
• Her deceptive behavior earned her the reputation of being a gypper in the office.

noun a line of hair at the edge of a person's forehead

adjective relating to or characteristic of a hairline

• The dermatologist examined the patient's receding hairline.
• I noticed your hairline is starting to go back a bit.
• His hairline is slowly creeping up to his forehead.
• The company's profits have been on a downward trend, much like a receding hairline.

verb to move or act quickly; to hurry

• In order to meet the deadline, we must hasten the completion of the project.
• Let's hasten our pace so we can finish this task quickly.
• Come on, let's hasten up and get this done!
• The setting sun seemed to hasten towards the horizon, signaling the end of the day.

noun the measurement from base to top or the highest point

adjective describing how tall or high something is

• The height of the building is 300 meters.
• She couldn't believe the height of the roller coaster.
• I can't believe the height of that dude, he's so tall!
• The height of her success was reaching the top of her career.

verb to delay or impede progress

adjective delayed or postponed

adverb in a delayed or postponed manner

• The construction of the new bridge was held up due to unforeseen weather conditions.
• I was held up in traffic on my way to the meeting.
• I got held up at the store because I couldn't find my wallet.
• Her progress in the project was held up by constant interruptions.

verb to chop or cut something with an axe, sword, or other sharp tool

• The carpenter used a chisel to hew the wood into shape.
• I watched the lumberjack hew down the tree with his axe.
• He hewed through the crowd to get to the front of the line.
• She had to hew her own path in a male-dominated industry.

verb to delay or postpone something

adverb in a manner that delays or postpones something

• The company decided to hold off on making any major decisions until they had more information.
• Let's hold off on going to the beach until the weather clears up.
• I think we should hold off on buying those concert tickets until we know for sure we can go.
• Sometimes it's best to hold off on expressing your feelings until you've had time to think things through.

noun a robbery or theft carried out with the use of force or threat of force

• The bank was closed due to a holdup earlier today.
• There was a holdup at the grocery store, so I had to wait in line for a long time.
• I can't believe there was a holdup at the gas station last night!
• The project was delayed because of a holdup in funding.

noun a person or thing that cannot be moved

adjective not able to be moved or changed

• The large stone statue in the garden was immovable, even in the strongest winds.
• No matter how hard we tried, the heavy table was just immovable.
• I swear, he's like an immovable rock when it comes to changing his mind.
• Her beliefs were so deeply ingrained that they seemed immovable.

adjective describing something that is secondary or minor in importance; occurring as a minor consequence of something else

• The incidental expenses were not included in the initial budget.
• I didn't realize there would be so many incidental costs involved.
• I hate when random incidental stuff comes up and ruins my plans.
• His words were like incidental background noise, easily ignored.

noun the quality of being unmerciful or severe

• The inclemency of the weather forced the event to be postponed.
• I can't go out today because of the inclemency outside.
• The inclemency is really messing up our plans.
• The inclemency of his personality made it difficult to work with him.

verb to put in place or set up

adjective describing something that has been put in place or set up

• The new software was successfully installed on all the computers in the office.
• I finally got the new app installed on my phone.
• I had to get my dad to help me install the game on my computer.
• Her words of wisdom were like seeds that she installed in my mind, growing into valuable life lessons.

verb to set up or place in position for use

• The technician will install the new software on your computer.
• I'm going to install the latest update on my phone.
• Let's install this cool app and see how it works.
• She decided to install a sense of calmness in her daily routine.

noun a person, place, thing, or idea

adjective a word naming an attribute of a noun

adverb a word or phrase that modifies or qualifies an adjective, verb, or other adverb

preposition a word governing, and usually preceding, a noun or pronoun and expressing a relation to another word or element in the clause

article a word that is used with a noun to specify grammatical definiteness of the noun

• The employee who is always Johnny on the spot with completing tasks is highly valued in the company.
• Whenever there's a problem, Tom is always Johnny on the spot to help out.
• When it comes to fixing cars, Mike is Johnny on the spot.
• In times of crisis, she is like Johnny on the spot, always ready to lend a hand.

noun A person or thing that joins, especially a carpenter who specializes in joining wood

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• The joiner carefully crafted the intricate woodwork for the new library.
• My uncle is a skilled joiner who can fix just about anything around the house.
• I heard that new joiner at the construction site is a real whiz with a hammer.
• As a joiner of ideas, she seamlessly connected the different concepts in her presentation.

noun a rough push or shove

verb to push, elbow, or bump against someone in a crowd

• The crowd began to jostle as they tried to board the train.
• People were jostling each other to get to the front of the line.
• I had to jostle my way through the packed concert crowd.
• The competing candidates continued to jostle for the top spot in the polls.

noun a word that functions as the name of something, such as a person, place, or thing

verb a word used to describe an action, state, or occurrence

adjective a word or phrase naming an attribute, added to or grammatically related to a noun to modify or describe it

adverb a word that modifies a verb, adjective, or other adverb, typically answering the questions how, when, or where

preposition a word governing, and usually preceding, a noun or pronoun and expressing a relation to another word or element in the clause

• It is important to keep down noise levels in a library.
• Can you please keep down the volume on the TV?
• Hey, keep it down! You're being too loud.
• She struggled to keep down her emotions during the difficult conversation.

noun a sum of money that is paid back to someone as a reward for making a purchase or achieving a certain level of sales

verb to give or receive a kickback

• The businessman was arrested for accepting a kickback in exchange for awarding a government contract.
• I heard that the company boss got a kickback for closing that deal.
• I can hook you up with some kickback if you help me out.
• After a long day at work, I like to relax and enjoy a kickback with friends.

noun a physical act of causing something to fall or be pushed over

verb to cause something to fall or be pushed over by striking it

• The strong wind was powerful enough to knock over the trees in the forest.
• I accidentally knocked over my drink while reaching for the remote.
• I can't believe you knocked over that convenience store last night!
• The sudden news of his resignation seemed to knock over all our plans for the future.

verb to move or travel in a casual or leisurely manner

adverb in a casual or leisurely manner

• The researchers decided to knock around some ideas before finalizing their hypothesis.
• Let's knock around some options before making a decision.
• We should just knock around town and see where the night takes us.
• Life has a way of knocking us around sometimes, but we always find a way to get back up.

noun work, especially hard physical work

verb to work hard

• The labor union negotiated for better working conditions for the employees.
• I'm exhausted from all the labor I put in at work today.
• I can't believe how much labor it took to finish that project.
• The labor of love she put into her art really showed in the final piece.

noun a plan or arrangement

verb to arrange or organize something, typically in a systematic way

• The architect will lay out the floor plan for the new building.
• Let's lay out our plan for the road trip before we leave.
• I'll lay out the details of the party for you later.
• The author will lay out the plot of the novel in the first few chapters.

verb to make or become longer in distance or time

• In order to lengthen the lifespan of the product, we must improve its durability.
• I need to lengthen my essay by adding more details and examples.
• If you want to lengthen your hair, you should try using this new hair growth product.
• The journey seemed to lengthen as we encountered more obstacles along the way.

noun a row of people or things standing or arranged in a straight line

verb to form a line or to get into a formation or arrangement

• Please line up in an orderly fashion for the presentation.
• Let's line up over there before the show starts.
• Hey, let's line up by the door so we can get in first.
• All the pieces of the puzzle seem to line up perfectly for our plan to work.

noun a heavy or bulky thing that is being carried or is about to be carried

verb to put a heavy or bulky thing on or in (a vehicle, ship, container, etc.)

• The truck was carrying a heavy load of construction materials.
• I can't believe how much stuff you managed to load into your car!
• I helped my friend load up his new gaming PC.
• She felt like the weight of the world was a heavy load on her shoulders.

verb the action of making something less tight or strict

• The engineer recommended the loosening of the screws to prevent any damage to the machinery.
• I think we should try loosening the jar lid before we give up on opening it.
• Dude, just loosen up and enjoy the party!
• She felt like she was finally loosening the grip of her past mistakes.

noun something that is successful or of high quality

verb to fulfill or carry out a promise or commitment

adjective satisfactory or of high quality

• It is important to make good on your promises in order to maintain trust in a professional setting.
• I'll make good on my offer to help you move this weekend.
• I promise to make good on my end of the deal.
• Sometimes you have to make good on a bad situation and turn it into something positive.

noun a physical or visual indication of a boundary or limit

verb to indicate or designate a boundary or limit

adverb used to modify or describe how the action of marking off is done

• The surveyor used a measuring tape to mark off the boundaries of the property.
• I'll use some tape to mark off where we can park our cars.
• Let's use some chalk to mark off our spot at the concert.
• She decided to mark off certain tasks on her to-do list before starting a new project.

noun a repair or adjustment made to something

verb to repair or fix something

• The tailor was able to mend the tear in the fabric seamlessly.
• I need to mend my relationship with my sister after our argument.
• I'll help you mend your broken phone screen, no worries.
• Time can mend a broken heart, eventually.

noun A building equipped with machinery for grinding grain into flour.

• The mill produced over 1,000 tons of paper last month.
• Let's take a tour of the old mill down by the river.
• I heard they're hiring at the mill, wanna apply?
• Time is the mill that grinds slowly but surely.

noun a faulty construction or structure

• The misconstruction of the law led to a lengthy court battle.
• There was a misconstruction of the instructions, so we had to redo the project.
• The misconstruction of the plan totally messed things up.
• Her misconstruction of his intentions caused unnecessary drama.

adjective describing something or someone that does not conform to established standards or norms

• The company implemented a strict dress code policy to ensure that employees do not wear nonconforming attire.
• She always stands out from the crowd with her nonconforming style.
• He's such a rebel, always being nonconforming to society's norms.
• The artist's abstract painting was nonconforming to traditional art styles.

noun the space above one's head or the ceiling of a room

adjective located above or on top of something

• The overhead costs of running a business can be quite high.
• Don't forget to watch out for the overhead when budgeting for the project.
• I'm always trying to cut down on my overhead to save money.
• The dark clouds loomed overhead, signaling an incoming storm.

noun a person who oversees or directs some work, project, etc.; supervisor

• The overseer of the construction project ensured that all safety regulations were followed.
• The overseer at the factory always keeps a close eye on the workers.
• Yo, the overseer is always on our case about taking too many breaks.
• In a way, our conscience acts as an overseer, guiding our actions and decisions.

noun a hard surface, usually made of concrete or asphalt, that is used for walking or driving on

• The workers were busy repairing the pavement on the main street.
• Watch out for that crack in the pavement, you might trip.
• Let's take a stroll on the pavement and grab some ice cream.
• Her mind was a pavement of conflicting thoughts, making it hard to focus.

noun an official document or certificate that gives someone permission to do something

verb to allow or give permission

• The city council requires a permit for any construction work in the area.
• You need a permit to park in that lot.
• I didn't have a permit for the concert, but I snuck in anyway.
• Forgiveness is the permit for a new beginning.

noun a twisted piece of rope or wire

• The young girl wore her hair in two neat pigtails for the school photo.
• She always looks cute with her hair in pigtails.
• I love how she rocks those pigtail braids!
• The cables were twisted together like a pigtail, causing a short circuit.

noun a pin or bolt on which another part pivots

• The pintle is a crucial component in the design of the hinge.
• Make sure you tighten the pintle on the gate so it swings properly.
• I have no idea what this pintle thing is supposed to do.
• The pintle of trust must be firmly in place for a relationship to work.

noun a planned piece of work that is designed to achieve a particular aim

verb to estimate or forecast something on the basis of present trends or data

• The board approved the new project proposal.
• We're starting a new project next week.
• Let's get this project show on the road!
• Life is like a project with many moving parts.

verb to completely destroy or demolish something

• The city council voted to raze the old building and construct a new park in its place.
• I heard they're going to raze that abandoned house on the corner next week.
• Let's raze this place and find somewhere better to hang out.
• Her harsh words seemed to raze his confidence to the ground.

noun a type of property that includes land and any permanent structures attached to it

adjective describing the type of property as being tangible and immovable

• Real property refers to land and any structures attached to it, such as buildings or houses.
• I just bought a piece of real property out in the countryside.
• My aunt inherited some prime real property in the city.
• In literature, the mansion often symbolizes real property and wealth.

verb to shape or cut roughly, without finishing details

• The sculptor used a chisel to roughhew the marble block into a basic shape.
• I'm going to roughhew this piece of wood before sanding it down.
• Let's roughhew this project outline before presenting it to the team.
• Sometimes life throws us challenges that we must roughhew before we can move forward.

verb to drive a vehicle over someone or something

adverb in a manner that involves driving a vehicle over someone or something

• The driver accidentally ran over a pedestrian in the crosswalk.
• I almost ran over a squirrel on my way to work this morning.
• Watch out, don't run over that pothole!
• The team's offense was so strong, they ran over their opponents in the championship game.

verb to obtain or collect (something) with difficulty or by searching around for it

• During times of scarcity, it is common for people to scrounge for resources.
• I had to scrounge for some change to pay for parking.
• We scrounged up enough cash to grab some late-night snacks.
• He always manages to scrounge up some excuse for being late.

noun a septic tank or system

adjective relating to or caused by infection

• The septic tank needs to be emptied regularly to prevent overflow.
• I think there's something wrong with the septic system in the backyard.
• The septic situation at the cabin is grossing me out.
• The septic atmosphere of negativity was palpable in the room.

verb to place or arrange something in a particular position

adverb in a downward direction

• The judge set down the rules for the courtroom.
• Can you please set down the remote control on the coffee table?
• I'll just set down my bag here and grab a drink.
• She set down her worries and focused on the present moment.

noun a thorough search for hidden items or illegal activities

verb to search thoroughly or to extort money from someone

• The police conducted a thorough shake down of the suspect's belongings.
• I heard the security guards are planning a shake down of the lockers tomorrow.
• The gang members tried to shake down the shop owner for protection money.
• The unexpected news shook down the entire community.

verb taking cover or protecting someone or something from harm or inclement weather

• The city is currently sheltering hundreds of homeless individuals in temporary housing facilities.
• I saw a stray cat sheltering under the porch during the rainstorm.
• We're just sheltering at home tonight, watching movies and ordering takeout.
• Her kind words were like a warm blanket, sheltering me from the harsh realities of life.

verb to make or become less active, vigorous, intense, etc.; slow down or lessen

• The manager instructed the team to slacken their pace in order to avoid making mistakes.
• Hey, can you slacken a bit on the deadlines? I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed.
• Dude, you need to totally slacken off and chill out for a bit.
• As the tension in the room began to slacken, everyone felt a sense of relief.

noun a sudden severe or prolonged fall in the price, value, or amount of something

verb to decline or fall suddenly and significantly

• The economy is experiencing a significant slump due to the global recession.
• Sales have taken a slump this quarter, but we're hoping for a turnaround soon.
• I can't believe how much I slumped on that test.
• After losing the championship game, the team's morale took a slump.

verb to accumulate or increase in quantity or amount

adverb in a way that allows for accumulation or increase

• The company will need to analyze how their financial projections stack up against industry standards.
• I wonder how our team's performance will stack up compared to the competition.
• I heard that new restaurant really stacks up in terms of flavor and value.
• When faced with challenges, it's important to remember how your strengths stack up against your weaknesses.

verb a word used to describe an action, state, or occurrence

• The official document was stamped with the government seal.
• I stamped my foot in frustration when I found out the news.
• She stamped out of the room in a huff.
• His unique style of music is stamped with his signature sound.

verb to watch or supervise closely

preposition to be positioned above or covering something

• The supervisor will not stand over you while you work, but will be available for any questions you may have.
• Don't worry, I won't stand over you while you're trying to figure out the problem.
• I hate it when my boss stands over me like I don't know what I'm doing.
• The dark clouds seemed to stand over the town, casting a shadow over everything.

verb to remove or take off clothing or covering

adjective having had something removed, such as clothing or covering

• The walls of the old building were stripped down to the original brickwork.
• I stripped off my wet clothes after getting caught in the rain.
• She stripped the gears on her bike trying to go too fast.
• The scandal stripped away his reputation and left him with nothing.

noun a pit or hollow in which liquid collects, especially one in the floor of a building to collect drainage

• The sump in the basement collects excess water and prevents flooding.
• Make sure to keep an eye on the sump pump to avoid any water damage.
• I had to roll up my pants and wade through the sump to fix the leak.
• The sump of emotions overflowed as she finally let out all her pent-up feelings.

verb to oversee or direct a person or group of people in order to ensure that a task is carried out correctly

• The manager will supervise the team during the project.
• Can you supervise the kids while I run to the store?
• I'll be supervising the party to make sure everything stays under control.
• The teacher's role is to supervise the students' progress in learning.

noun the process of overseeing and managing a project or activity

• Under the close supervision of the project manager, the team was able to complete the task ahead of schedule.
• My mom keeps a close eye on me when I'm cooking, it's like constant supervision in the kitchen.
• I can't believe my boss is always breathing down my neck, it's like I'm under constant supervision at work.
• The artist felt like her creativity was stifled under the strict supervision of the art director.

noun a wrestling move where one opponent brings the other to the ground

verb to physically lower something from a higher position

• The police were able to take down the suspect without any injuries.
• I watched the game last night and saw the quarterback take down the opposing team's defense.
• I can't believe she was able to take down that huge burger in just a few minutes!
• She knew she had to take down her opponent in the debate in order to win over the audience.

noun the act of vomiting

verb to eject the contents of the stomach through the mouth

• After ingesting the spoiled food, she felt nauseous and eventually had to throw up.
• I ate too much at the buffet and now I feel like I might throw up.
• I had way too many shots last night and ended up throwing up in the bathroom.
• The overwhelming stress of the situation made her feel like she was going to throw up.

noun an act of throwing something

verb to propel something through the air with a rapid motion of the arm and hand

• The athlete prepared to throw the javelin with precision.
• I can't believe you threw out my old baseball glove!
• He's always throwing shade at people for no reason.
• She decided to throw caution to the wind and pursue her dreams.

noun a connection or fastening

verb to secure or fasten with a rope, string, or cord

• The project manager had to tie up some loose ends before the deadline.
• I need to tie up a few things before we can leave.
• Let's tie up this meeting and grab some lunch.
• The detective was able to tie up all the loose ends of the case and solve it.

verb to fasten or secure with a knot or string

adjective busy or occupied with something

adverb in a state of being fastened or secured with a knot or string

• The suspect was tied up and taken into custody by the police.
• I can't go out tonight, I'm all tied up with work.
• I was so tied up in traffic that I missed my appointment.
• Her emotions were all tied up in the decision she had to make.

noun the act of making something tighter

verb to make or become tighter

• The company needs to tighten its budget to improve financial stability.
• I need to tighten my belt if I want to save money for the trip.
• I gotta tighten up my spending habits or I'll go broke.
• She needs to tighten her grip on the situation to avoid any further complications.

noun the action of making something tighter or more secure

verb the act of making something tighter or more secure

• The company is tightening its budget in response to the economic downturn.
• I need to start tightening my spending if I want to save up for a vacation.
• My jeans are so tight, I can barely breathe!
• The government is tightening its grip on social media regulation.

noun the quality or state of being tight or closely packed

adjective tight or closely packed

• The tightness of the screws ensured that the structure would remain stable.
• I can't move my arm because of the tightness of this bandage.
• I need to loosen my belt, the tightness is killing me.
• The tightness of the deadline made everyone work faster.

noun A long, narrow ditch typically used for military purposes such as defense or drainage.

• The soldiers dug a deep trench to protect themselves from enemy fire.
• I almost tripped and fell into that trench on the side of the road.
• That party was so boring, I felt like I was stuck in a social trench all night.
• She felt like she was in a deep emotional trench after the breakup.

verb to support or strengthen from below; to provide a foundation or basis for

• The research study was undergirded by a strong theoretical framework.
• The success of the project was undergirded by teamwork and dedication.
• His confidence was undergirded by his new haircut.
• The principles of democracy undergird the foundation of our society.

adjective a term used to describe a situation where there are not enough people to do a job or task effectively

• The team was undermanned for the important project deadline.
• We were undermanned for the game, so we had to work extra hard.
• The restaurant was undermanned during the lunch rush.
• The soldiers felt undermanned as they faced the overwhelming enemy forces.

verb a word that expresses an action or state of being

• The project was successfully undertaken by the team of experts.
• They've finally undertaken the task we've been putting off for weeks.
• I can't believe he actually undertook that dare, what a legend!
• She undertook the challenge of starting her own business with determination and passion.

noun a task or project that requires effort or commitment

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• The company is currently undertaking a comprehensive market research analysis.
• I heard John is undertaking a big project at work.
• I can't believe she's undertaking that risky venture.
• Embarking on a new relationship can be a daunting undertaking.

noun the act of unloading cargo or goods

verb to remove a load or cargo from a vehicle or container

• The workers will unload the shipment of goods from the truck.
• Can you help me unload the groceries from the car?
• Let's get together and unload all the juicy gossip.
• She needed to unload her emotions and finally opened up to her therapist.

noun a type of vehicle used for transporting goods or people

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• The van arrived to transport the goods to the warehouse.
• Let's take the van to the beach for a picnic.
• I'll catch a ride in the van with my buddies.
• The van of progress is moving steadily towards our goals.

noun a joining together of two or more pieces of metal by melting and fusing them together

verb to join together by heating and melting the edges, usually with the addition of a filler metal

• The skilled welder used a precise technique to weld the metal pieces together.
• I'm going to weld these two pipes together to fix the leak.
• I heard he can weld like nobody's business.
• The bond between them was so strong, it was as if their souls were welded together.

noun a panel of glass or other transparent material that protects the occupants of a vehicle from wind and weather

• The crack on the windshield of my car needs to be repaired as soon as possible.
• I can't see properly through my windshield because of all the bugs splattered on it.
• I almost lost my hat when I stuck my head out of the car window and the windscreen wiper hit me in the face.
• Her vision was clear as a windshield, unaffected by the distractions around her.

noun a storm with strong winds

• The windstorm caused extensive damage to the buildings in the area.
• Did you hear about the windstorm last night? It was crazy!
• That windstorm was a real doozy, wasn't it?
• The emotional turmoil felt like a windstorm raging inside her.

noun a loud, sharp cry, especially of pain, surprise, or anger

verb to shout loudly, typically when angry, excited, or in pain

• The teacher had to yell to get the attention of the noisy students.
• I had to yell at my brother to stop playing his music so loud.
• She was so angry, she just started yelling at everyone in the room.
• The thunderstorm seemed to yell at the earth with its loud cracks of lightning.

noun a situation where things are not properly aligned or arranged

verb to position or arrange something incorrectly or improperly

• The misaligned panels caused a disruption in the overall aesthetic of the building.
• The crooked shelves made the room look messy.
• The wonky picture frame made the wall look janky.
• Her priorities were misaligned, causing her to lose focus on what truly mattered.

noun the practice of using natural light to illuminate interior spaces

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• Daylighting is the practice of using natural light to illuminate the interior of a building.
• I love how daylighting brightens up our office space during the day.
• Let's make sure we have good daylighting in the new house to save on electricity bills.
• His positive attitude was like daylighting in the midst of a dark situation.

noun a fragment of a material that has broken away from its main mass, typically as a result of decay or deterioration

• The engineer studied the spall patterns on the concrete wall to determine the cause of the damage.
• I noticed some spall marks on the old building, indicating its age and wear.
• The construction crew had to fix the spall in the foundation before continuing with the project.
• The relationship between the two countries began to spall as tensions rose.

noun SFH stands for Single Family Home, which is a type of residential property that is designed to house one family or household.

• The real estate agent specializes in selling single-family homes (SFH).
• I'm looking to buy a SFH in a quiet neighborhood.
• My dream is to own a cozy SFH by the beach.
• The SFH represents stability and security for many families.

noun A word that represents a person, place, thing, or idea. In this case, 'tunnel talks' could also refer to a specific event or series of conversations held in a tunnel.

• The diplomats engaged in tunnel talks to negotiate a peace agreement between the two warring countries.
• I heard there were some tunnel talks going on to settle the dispute.
• The tunnel talks were a way for them to hash things out behind closed doors.
• Their relationship was like a dark tunnel, but they managed to find light through their tunnel talks.

noun A person or entity who enters into a contract with another party.

• The contracting party must adhere to all terms and conditions outlined in the agreement.
• Make sure the contracting party knows what they're responsible for in the contract.
• The contracting party better not try to weasel out of the deal.
• As a contracting party, you are like a puzzle piece fitting into the larger picture of the agreement.

noun a thin, flexible thread of metal

preposition to put or send a message through a communication system

• The electrician carefully wired into the circuit to ensure proper connection.
• I saw him trying to wire into the speaker system at the party.
• He's always trying to wire into the WiFi without asking for the password.
• She managed to wire into the conversation seamlessly, despite joining late.

verb past tense of bid; to offer a certain price for something in an auction or competition

• He bidded farewell to his colleagues as he left the company for a new job opportunity.
• She bidded on the antique vase at the auction but was outbid in the end.
• I bidded on that concert ticket so fast, I couldn't believe I won!
• The sun bidded adieu to the sky as it set behind the horizon.

noun a slang term for an electrician or someone who works with electrical systems

• The sparkie arrived to fix the electrical wiring in the building.
• Hey, have you seen the sparkie around? I need him to check the lights in my room.
• I heard that sparkie is really good at what he does.
• Her presence was like a sparkie in the room, lighting up everyone's mood.

noun a type of strong tea typically drunk by construction workers in the UK

• The construction workers took a break and enjoyed a cup of builder’s tea.
• I always start my day with a strong cup of builder’s tea.
• Hey mate, fancy a brew of builder’s tea?
• After a long day, a hot mug of builder’s tea can feel like a reward.

noun a place where permits are issued or managed

• The permitry process for building a new structure can be quite tedious.
• I'm still waiting for the permitry to go through so I can start construction on my house.
• The permitry paperwork is such a hassle to deal with.
• Navigating through the permitry of life can be challenging at times.

noun A word that represents a person, place, thing, or idea. In this case, 'drains' can be a noun when referring to plumbing fixtures that remove water or waste.

verb A word that describes an action, occurrence, or state of being. In this case, 'drains' is a verb indicating the action of removing liquid or waste from a place.

adverb A word that modifies or describes a verb, adjective, or other adverb. In this case, 'up' is an adverb that indicates the direction in which the draining is happening.

• The plumber was called to fix the drains up in the kitchen.
• I need to unclog the drains up in the bathroom.
• I can't believe how much hair clogs the drains up in the shower.
• The constant stress of work really drains me up.

noun A Russian word meaning 'roof'.

• The krysha of the building provides shade for the outdoor seating area.
• Let's meet on the krysha of the house for a barbecue.
• The party is going down on the krysha tonight, don't miss out!
• She always felt like the krysha of the family, providing shelter and protection for everyone.

noun a short break from work, typically taken to smoke a cigarette or have a snack

• During the designated smoko break, employees are allowed to take a 15-minute rest outside of the workplace.
• Let's meet for a quick smoko break at the back of the office.
• I could really use a smoko right now, I'm feeling so tired.
• Taking a smoko break from all the stress can really help clear your mind.

noun a collection of objects, typically one on top of another

verb arranging in a stack or piles

• The process of stacking boxes in the warehouse is done systematically to maximize space.
• I'm just stacking up these books on the shelf for now.
• I'm stacking cash like there's no tomorrow.
• She's stacking up her achievements one by one, aiming for success.

noun a person who plinths or works with plinths

• The museum curator carefully placed the ancient artifact on the plinther for display.
• I saw a cool statue on the plinther at the art gallery.
• Check out that awesome sculpture on the plinther!
• She felt like she was on a plinther, being watched by everyone in the room.

noun a word that represents a person, place, thing, or idea

adjective a word that describes or modifies a noun or pronoun

• The actual time of arrival for the flight was delayed by two hours.
• I thought the movie started at 7, but the actual time is 7:30.
• I'll be there at 5, but you know my actual time is always closer to 5:30.
• She always seems to arrive at the party at the actual time when things start getting interesting.

noun a plural form of the noun addendum, which means an item of additional material added at the end of a book or other publication

• The contract was signed with several addenda attached for further clarification.
• I found a bunch of addenda at the end of the report that I didn't even know were there.
• I skimmed through the addenda and didn't see anything important.
• In life, we often encounter unexpected addenda that can change our plans.

verb to decide or rule upon as a judge; to pass judgment on

• The judge will adjudge the case based on the evidence presented in court.
• I can't believe they adjudge him guilty without any proof!
• They adjudge him as the winner of the competition.
• She adjudge him as the most talented musician in the group.

noun the action of adjudicating a case

• The adjudicatio of the case took several weeks to complete.
• The final decision on the matter is still pending adjudicatio.
• I heard the adjudicatio went in favor of the plaintiff.
• The adjudicatio of their relationship marked the end of an era.

noun A person who assesses or makes adjustments, especially insurance claims or mechanical devices.

• The insurance adjuster will assess the damage to your property and determine the appropriate coverage.
• I had to meet with the adjuster to go over the details of the car accident.
• The adjuster said my claim was 'on fleek' and would be processed quickly.
• Sometimes life throws unexpected challenges at us, and we have to be our own adjuster to adapt and overcome.

verb to measure or determine the dimensions of something, especially land or a building

• The surveyor spent hours admeasuring the land to determine its exact dimensions.
• The guy was out there admeasuring the property all day long.
• I'm not sure why he's admeasuring the field, seems like a waste of time to me.
• She was admeasuring her options before making a decision.

adverb in a position that is near the door or doors

preposition used to indicate the location of something near a door or doors

• The grand entrance adoors were intricately carved with ornate designs.
• I always forget to lock the adoors when I leave the house.
• Let's hang out at my place, I just got a new sound system installed adoors.
• She kept her emotions adoors, not letting anyone see how she truly felt.

noun AEC can stand for 'Australian Electoral Commission', the agency responsible for conducting federal elections and referendums in Australia.

• The AEC (Association of Southeast Asian Nations Economic Community) aims to promote economic cooperation among its member countries.
• My company is attending the AEC conference next week to explore new business opportunities.
• I heard the AEC event is going to be lit, you should definitely come along.
• The AEC project is like a puzzle, with each member country playing a crucial role in completing the bigger picture.