These vocabulary words are the most difficult of the intermediate level words. They aren’t very popular in everyday usage, but an extended vocabulary will help you in reading and during further education.

 

Acumen (ahk-yoo-muhn)

Adjective

Shrewd; insightful

 

The CEO was quiet during the business meeting, but his acumen in business matters made him an asset to the company.

 

Acrimonious (ak-rim-oh-nee-us)

Adjective

Caustic; biting in wit

 

The owner of the company was usually silent, but his acrimonious answers made some employees cautious with questions.

 

Chicanery (shi-key-nuh-ree)

Noun

To deceive by means of craft

 

The used car salesman seemed to be an honest fellow, but his chicanery was unforeseen by many customers.

 

Deleterious (dell-uh-teer-ee-us)

Adjective

Harmful; causing unforeseen injury

 

The boy thought that his friends were harmful, but his parents could see their deleterious effect on his behavior.

 

Disparage (dis-pair-uhj)

Verb

To discourage; belittle

 

Although Natasha was in a good mood at the table, her parents disparaged some of her habits.

 

Erudite (air-oo-dite)

Adjective

Learned; scholarly

 

As Jeff continued through his college coursework, he became a more erudite person.

 

Incorrigible (in-core-ij-uhble)

Adjective

Unruly; unrestrained

 

Sue had three children, but of all three Robert was the most incorrigible listening to little of her requests.

 

Obsequious (ob-see-qwee-us)

Adjective

Fawning; servile; respect

 

Throughout the home, the owners of the mansion have extremely obsequious servants ready to bring food and drink to any of the guests.

 

Ostensible (os-tenz-uhble)

Adjective

Hidden truth; professed

 

While the student pleaded with the professor, her ostensible feelings hid the truth of her uncertainty.

 

Unctuous (un-kshoo-us)

Adjective

Excessive piousness; greasy

 

The court jester seemed to be innocent, but his continuous egotistical speech made him seem more unctuous.

 

Vacuous (vak-yoo-us)

Adjective

Empty; without air; no purpose

 

As the Senator continued to rally supporters, Ellen couldn’t help but think her points were completely vacuous.

 

Xenophile (zee-no-file)

Noun

Someone who is attracted to other cultures

 

Sue was born in America, but everything she did had made her a xenophile with desire to emigrate.