Hard-working; industrious. Marked by or requiring long, hard work. “It was a laborious project, but they still kept it under budget.”

Unselfish concern for the welfare of others; selflessness.  (also ‘Altruistic’). “Despite his miserly demeanor, his life is driven by Altruism.” “Altruistic motives.

Large in quantity; abundant. Abounding in matter, thoughts, or words; wordy.  “He took copious notes during the business meeting.”

 Open to more than one interpretation: “An ambiguous response.” Doubtful or uncertain. “The survey results were ambiguous.”

1. Markedly simple without adornment or ornamentation. “An austereoffice;” “An austere writing style.” 2. Strict or stern in appearance or manner. “He was an austere movie critic.”

A mild, inoffensive expression that is substituted for one that is often considered harsh or offensive. “To pass away” is a euphemism for “to die.”

Stated or appearing to be true, but not necessarily so. Being such in appearance, plausible rather than demonstrably true or real. “The ostensible purpose of the trip was for business.”

 Not straightforward or candid; insincere or calculating.  “It was disingenuous of her to claim she had no financial interest in the company.”

Given to or marked by deliberate deceptiveness in behavior or speech. “They warned him not to trust the duplicitous telemarketer.”

Expressing contempt or ridicule; mocking or scornful. “A derisive laugh.”

Remarkably or impressively great in extent, size, or degree. “Her prodigious sales performance resulted in a promotion.”

Stubborn, often defiant of authority; difficult to manage or control. “After months of recalcitrant behavior, the employee was terminated.”

Deviating from what is standard, normal, or expected. “The marketing department could not explain the anomalous sales performance.”

1. Quarrelsome or combative in nature; belligerent. 2. Expressing an argument or opinion very forcefully. “Rather than maintaining a calm demeanor, his boss was quite pugnacious.”

Of or relating to the pleasant aspects of country life. “He retired to a more bucolic life on his farm.”

To appease or pacify; make (someone) less angry or hostile. “The customer service representative tried to placate the dissatisfied customer.”

Not conforming to type; unusual or irregular. Deviating from what is usual or common or to be expected; often somewhat odd or strange. “The strong sales were atypical of the normally weak market.”

Being or seeming to be everywhere, or in all places, at the same time; omnipresent. “Ubiquitous cell phones.”

Happening by accident or chance. Happening by a fortunate accident or chance. Lucky or fortunate. “The check could not have arrived at a more fortuitous time.”

Lacking flavor or zest; not tasty. Lacking qualities that excite, stimulate, or interest; dull. “The insipid play caused many to walk out of the theater.”

Having great volume, fullness, size, or number; ample or lengthy in speech or writing. “Voluminous paperwork.”

A keen feeling of mental unease, as of annoyance or embarrassment, caused by failure, disappointment, or a disconcerting event. “He decided to take the day off, much to the chagrin of his boss.”