A neophyte is a person who has just started learning or doing something.

// As an acting neophyte, Femi took a while to adjust to his newfound Hollywood fame.

An effort, action, or emotion described as futile has no result or effect, and therefore serves no useful purpose.

// City officials attempted to stifle the scandal, but their efforts were futile.

Something described as lucrative produces money or wealth. //

The author parlayed the success of her books into a lucrative second career as a public speaker

To wane is to become smaller or less, or in other words, to decrease in size, extent, or degree.

// The national scandal caused her popularity to wane.

To instigate something is to cause it to happen or begin.

// The pair was accused of instigating a plot to oust the newly elected mayor.

To zhuzh something up is to improve its flavor or appearance by way of a small improvement, adjustment, or addition.

// He likes to zhuzh up his outfits with brightly-colored ties.