quandary (n.

)
state of uncertainty or perplexity especially as
requiring a choice between equally unfavorable
options
Steve certainly is in a quandary: if he doesn't call
Elaine, she will blame him for everything, but if
he does call her, the evidence of where he
currently is could cost him his job.
undermine (v.)
to gradually make someone or something less
strong or effective

Their trading position has been seriously

undermined by the minister's remarks.
hoard (v.)
to collect and save large amounts of food,
money etc., especially when it is not necessary
to do so
They've been hoarding food and water,
convinced that some kind of catastrophe is
coming.
acknowledge (v.)
to admit or accept that something is true or that
a situation exists
He never acknowledges his mistakes.
if people acknowledge something, they
recognize how good or important it is
We gratefully acknowledge the contributions
of everyone who helped us.
acumen (n.)
the ability to think quickly and make good
judgments
We are looking for someone with both
business acumen and technical expertise.
analogy (n.)
something that seems similar between two
situations, processes, etc.
He uses the analogy of the family to explain
the role of the state.
Our manager is fond of drawing analogies
between business and football.
commitment (n.)
a promise to do something or to behave in a
particular way

The government has failed to demonstrate

its commitment to the environment.
impede (v.)
to make it difficult for someone or something to
move forward
Progress has been impeded by a number of
economic factors.
compatible (adj.)
able to exist or be used together without causing
problems
The two businesses have compatible aims,
and a merger would be to everyone's
advantage.
insinuate (v.)
to say something which seems to mean
something unpleasant without saying it openly,
especially suggesting that someone is being
dishonest
Are you insinuating that the money was
stolen?
conceal (v.)
to hide something carefully

Several drug companies are accused of

concealing information from the Food and
Drug Administration.
nullify (v.)
to officially state that something has no legal
force
The election results were nullified because of
voter fraud.
to make something lose its effect or value
Recent inflation could nullify the economic
growth of the last several years.
reticent (adj.)
disinclined to talk, not revealing one's thoughts

When asked about her father, Helen lost her

outward enthusiasm and became rather
reticent .
exacerbate (v.)
make worse

Her sleeplessness exacerbated her cold--

when she woke up the next day, her sinuses
were completely blocked.