Construction Industry Lingo

adjective describes someone or something responsible for a mistake or wrongdoing

• The investigation revealed that the driver was at fault for the accident.
• The teacher said I was at fault for not turning in my homework on time.
• I can't believe she thinks I'm at fault for the party getting shut down.
• In the game of chess, one wrong move can put you at fault for losing the match.

adjective describing a loud, deep, resonant sound or state of being prosperous or flourishing

• The economy in the city is booming, with new businesses opening up every month.
• The real estate market in this area is booming right now, so it's a good time to sell.
• The party last night was absolutely booming, everyone was having a great time.
• Her career is booming after she landed a role in a hit TV show.

noun the amount of space between two things or the space that is needed for a person or vehicle to be able to pass something safely

• The store is having a clearance sale on all winter clothing items.
• I scored some great deals at the clearance section of the store.
• I always check out the clearance rack for some cheap finds.
• After a long discussion, they finally got clearance to move forward with the project.

noun a sale of merchandise at reduced prices to get rid of excess inventory

verb to sell off merchandise at reduced prices to get rid of excess inventory

• The company decided to close out the project due to budget constraints.
• We need to close out the meeting and make a decision.
• Let's close out this conversation and move on to the next topic.
• It's time to close out this chapter of my life and start fresh.

noun a word used to identify any of a class of people, places, or things

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

• The employees work diligently day in day out to meet project deadlines.
• I have to deal with the same routine day in day out at my job.
• I'm so tired of doing the same thing day in day out, I need a change.
• His dedication to his craft is evident in the way he practices day in day out.

verb past participle of the verb 'do', indicating an action that has been completed

adjective used to describe something that is finished or completed

• The project was successfully completed and all the tasks were done on time.
• I'm finally done with my homework, now I can relax.
• I'm done with this drama, I can't deal with it anymore.
• After the breakup, I felt like my heart was done, but time healed me.

noun A passage or entrance into a building or room

• The elegant chandelier hung above the grand doorway, welcoming guests into the ballroom.
• I'll meet you by the doorway of the cafe so we can grab a table together.
• I saw him lurking by the doorway, looking all shady and suspicious.
• As she stepped through the doorway of opportunity, her life changed forever.

adjective out of control or disorderly

adverb in a state of chaos or confusion

• The financial markets went haywire after the unexpected announcement.
• My computer is acting all haywire today, I think I need to get it checked.
• His plans for the weekend went haywire when his car broke down.
• Her emotions were all haywire after the breakup.

noun a skilled worker or tradesperson who has completed an apprenticeship and is considered competent in their trade

• The journeyman carpenter had years of experience working on various construction projects.
• My dad is a journeyman electrician and he can fix just about anything.
• I heard that new guy is just a journeyman when it comes to playing basketball.
• As a journeyman in the art world, she had mastered her craft and was ready to showcase her work to the world.

adjective describing something that is able to be moved or changed in position

• The antique desk had movable drawers for easy reconfiguration.
• The chairs in the conference room are all movable, so feel free to rearrange them as needed.
• I love how this couch is so movable - makes it easy to change up the living room layout.
• His opinions on the matter are quite movable, depending on who he's talking to.

noun the act of beginning again after a pause or interruption

• The resumption of negotiations between the two parties is crucial for reaching a peaceful resolution.
• The resumption of classes after the break was a relief for the students.
• The resumption of our plans got messed up due to the unexpected delay.
• The resumption of her old habits was a setback in her journey towards self-improvement.

noun a specific type of light used in traffic control

adjective describing the type or color of light used in a signal

• The traffic officer directed vehicles to stop at the signal light.
• Make sure to slow down when you see the signal light turn yellow.
• I always try to beat the signal light before it turns red.
• His sudden change in behavior was a signal light for trouble ahead.

noun a small, typically cylindrical, soft piece of meat or fish

verb to offer or present (something) formally

adjective easily chewed or cut

• The chef prepared a tender filet mignon for the distinguished guests.
• The chicken was so tender, it practically fell off the bone.
• I can't believe how tender that steak was - it was like butter!
• Her tender heart couldn't bear to see anyone in pain.

noun material that is not wanted; something that is no longer useful or valuable

verb to use or expend carelessly, extravagantly, or to no purpose; to fail to use or take advantage of something

• It is important to properly dispose of waste to protect the environment.
• Don't waste your time on things that don't matter.
• Stop wasting your money on unnecessary things.
• She felt like a waste of space in the crowded room.

noun a ceremony or event in which a ribbon is cut as a symbol of opening or inaugurating something

• The mayor will be attending the ribbon cutting ceremony for the new library.
• Don't forget to RSVP for the ribbon cutting event next week!
• I heard there's going to be free food at the ribbon cutting, you in?
• The ribbon cutting symbolizes the beginning of a new chapter for the community.