ECL Vocabulary and Language Practice

Vocabulary and idiom flashcards based on key ECL practice examination items and definitions.

Headquarters

The main administrative center or command post of a military or organizational group.

Half-dozen

A group or set containing six items.

Famines

Extreme scarcities of food leading to widespread starvation.

Integrate

To combine or join separate systems or economies together into a unified whole.

Compiled

Collected and assembled facts, data, or information from various sources.

Splinter

A small, sharp piece of wood or other hard material broken off from a larger mass.

Lucid

Clear, logical, and easy to understand; intelligible.

Taps

A bugle call sounded at military ceremonies or funerals, such as for a fallen comrade.

Sluggish

Slow-moving, inactive, or lacking energy.

Jettison

To throw cargo or goods overboard from a ship or aircraft to lighten the load.

Outflank

To move around the side of an enemy position or force.

Hit the nail on the head

To describe or state something with exact accuracy.

Ratified

Formally approved, confirmed, or signed, such as a treaty.

Refreshments

Light snacks and drinks provided during or following a meeting, conference, or event.

Counterpart

A person who holds a position or performs a function corresponding to that of another in a different system or organization.

Conservation

A protected environment or sanctuary where rare animal species are preserved by law.

Abolished

Formally ended, annulled, or done away with, such as a law or tax.

Strife

Bitter conflict, struggle, or disagreement between opposing parties.

Fruitful

Producing good, useful, or effective results.

Disseminated

Spread, distributed, or scattered widely, such as information across the Internet.

Agile

Able to move quickly, easily, and nimbly.

Inclement

Severe, harsh, or stormy weather conditions.

Debark

To unload goods or disembark/get off from a ship.

Ranch

A large farm consisting of extensive land used primarily for raising cattle or livestock.

Primitive

Simple, crude, or basic tools and methods from an early stage of human development.

Political savvy

Practical understanding, capability, and know-how in dealing with political or organizational issues.

Assault

A sudden, violent physical attack.

Linger

To remain or stay in a place or in the air longer than expected.

Amphibious operation

A military operation involving both sea and land vehicles and forces.

Flock

A group of birds or sheep feeding or resting together.

Rust

A reddish-brown substance that forms on iron or steel when exposed to moisture and air.

Adversity

Difficulties, hardship, or adverse circumstances.

Heresy

Beliefs or opinions contrary to established religious doctrine.

Up a creek without a paddle

In a difficult or troublesome situation without easy means of solution.

Ransack

To search through a place thoroughly and roughly.

Tariff

A tax or duty imposed on imported or exported goods.

Nepotism

Favoritism shown to relatives by those with power, especially by giving them jobs.

Calamity

An event causing great and often sudden damage or distress; a disaster.

Tightwad

A stingy person who is unusually reluctant to spend money.

Flee

To run away or escape from a place or danger.

Rapture

A feeling of intense pleasure, joy, or ecstasy.

Perpendicular

Lines or surfaces that meet or intersect at a $90^\text{o}$ angle.

Falsify

To alter or sign false details on a document intentionally to deceive.

Dime

A small United States coin worth ten cents ($10\text{ cents}$).

Quadruple

To increase or multiply by four times as great.

Foot the bill

To pay the entire cost or bill for everyone.

Crestfallen

Sad, disappointed, or dejected.

Gist

The main idea, general sense, or essence of a written or spoken text.

Rudiments

The basic facts, foundational principles, or elements of a subject.

Poignant

Evoking a keen sense of sadness, regret, or deep emotion; moving.

Emaciated

Abnormally thin and weak, especially because of lack of food or illness.

Corroborate

To confirm, support, or back up a statement or finding with evidence.

Arson

The criminal act of deliberately setting fire to property.

Finicky

Overly particular, fussy, or demanding regarding food or details.

Obstinate

Stubbornly refusing to change one's opinion or chosen course of action.

Fragged

Deliberately killed or wounded by one's own military comrades.

Counterfeit

Made in exact imitation of something valuable with the intent to deceive; bogus or fake.

Grub

Informal slang term for food or chow.

Gloat

To express or feel excessive self-satisfaction or triumph over an achievement.

Eschew

To deliberately avoid using, attending, or indulging in something.

Maimed

Severely and permanently injured or crippled.

Fink on

To inform on or rat out a friend or associate.

Euphemism

A mild or indirect word or expression substituted for one considered harsh or blunt (e.g., using 'pass away' for 'die').

Squander

To waste money, time, or resources in a reckless and foolish manner.

Allotting

Distributing or allocating scarce resources for a specific purpose.

Bland

Mild, unseasoned, and non-irritating food recommended for medical conditions like ulcers.

Refuge

A place providing safety, shelter, or protection for wildlife or people.

Tourniquet

A band or tight device applied around a limb to stop severe bleeding.

Morale

The level of confidence, enthusiasm, and spirit of a group or military force.

Per diem

A daily allowance granted to employees for travel or daily work expenses.

Arduous

Involving or requiring strenuous effort; difficult and tiring.

Brag

To boast or talk excessively about one's achievements or possessions.

Cloak and dagger

Involving intrigue, secrecy, or espionage activities.

Barter system

A system of exchange where goods or services are directly traded without using money.

Red herring

Something introduced to mislead or distract attention from the main subject.

Bone idle

Extremely lazy or inactive.

Balmy

Pleasantly warm, mild, and refreshing weather.

Flounder

To struggle helplessly or make panicked, irrational choices when overwhelmed by fear.

Acrid

Unpleasantly pungent, harsh, or bitter in taste or smell, such as smoke from burning rubber.

Grounded

Subjected to a disciplinary measure restricting activities or privileges.

Perk up

To gain energy, enthusiasm, or show improvement after a period of decline.

Cut out for

Suited or qualified by nature or training for a specific job or role.

Adverse

Unfavorable, harmful, or hostile in effect.

Dirt cheap

Extremely inexpensive or low in price.

Thermostat

A device that automatically regulates and maintains temperature within a set range.

Set aside

To save or reserve money or resources for a future purpose.

Racket

A loud, disturbing, or chaotic noise.