Alphabetic U

adjective

1 of 59

Bad / Uncomfortable

Url audio

uneasy - Feeling anxious, worried, or uncomfortable about something; feeling a sense of discomfort or restlessness.

She felt uneasy walking alone through the dark alley.

noun

2 of 59

Bad / Powerless

audio

underling - A person with a lower rank or status

The boss barked at his underlilngs without any concern for their feelings.

noun

3 of 59

Other / Up+Down

audio

uptick - a small increase in the level or value of something

The economist sensed that the uptick in prices was a sign that greater inflation was ahead.

verb

4 of 59

Other / Up+Down

Url audio

uproot - To remove or tear away from a native place or environment

The new leader tried to uproot and erase what had been a spirit of bribery and corruption in the government.

verb

5 of 59

Bad / Aggressive

Url audio

usurp - To take a position of power or importance illegally or by force; to seize or assume something without the right to do so.

Throughout history, many rulers have usurped thrones through deceit and betrayal

noun

6 of 59

Bad / Dangerous

Url audio

upheaval - A sudden and dramatic change or disruption, especially one that causes confusion and societal disorder.

The economic downturn led to political upheaval and widespread unrest across the nation.

verb

7 of 59

Bad / Hostile

Url audio

undercut - To sell goods or services at a lower price than your competitors

He didn't know if he could remain in business because the new store across the street was undercutting his prices by up to 75%.

noun

See verb

8 of 59

Bad / Mistake

Url audio

unforgivable - So bad as to be unable to be forgiven or excused

He was fired because the company felt that stealing money was an unforgivable act.

noun

9 of 59

Good / Happy

Url audio

utopia - A real or imaginary place or state of things where everything is perect.

Sometimes people who strive for utopia are so naïve that the society they create is very flawed and less than ideal.

adjective

10 of 59

Other / Surprise

Url audio

untimely - Not happening at a useful or expected time.

The serious and untimely injury of the tennis star forced him to quit sports.

adjective

11 of 59

Good / Happy

audio

upbeat - Having an attitude that is positive, hopeful, and optimistic.

Even though there was a recession, Francine was upbeat about her chances of getting an excellent job after graduating business school.

adjective

12 of 59

Good / Successful

Url audio

upscale - Of superior quality or status, often used to describe products, services, or areas.

They opened an upscale restaurant in the heart of the city.