Tài liệu Oxford Collocations Dictionary for students of English_ Chương 2.23 ppt

Uu
Uglyadj.
1 unattractive
• VERBS be, look
• ADV. extremely,

hideously,

incredibly,

really, very

The witch was hideously ugly. I almost I pretty, quite,
rather

2 dangerous/threatening
• VERBS be, look, sound I get, turn
• ADV really, very I pretty, quite A fight started and
things got pretty ugly. I potentially

ultimatum

these proposals. I morally, politically, socially socially
unacceptable behaviour
• PREP. to Such a solution would be quite unacceptable to
the majority of people.

unaffected

adj.

• VERBS appear, be, seem I remain
• ADV. altogether, completely, entirely, quite, totally,
wholly I almost,
virtually I largely I comparatively,
relatively I apparently, seemingly She was seemingly

unaffected by his presence.
• PREP by He appeared

noun

totally

unaffected

by this

experience.

• VERB + ULTIMATUM deliver, give sb, issue, present
(sb with), send The government denied that it had presented the union with an ultimatum. I get, receive I
comply with I ignore I withdraw
• ULTIMATUM + VERB demand sth

umbilical cord noun
• VERB + UMBILICAL CORD clamp, cut, tie
• UMBILICAL CORD + VERB be
(twisted/wound)
around sb's neck

unanimous

adj.

• VERBS be
• ADV. almost, nearly, virtually
• PREP. about Doctors are unanimous about the dangers
of this drug. in They were unanimous in this decision. on

The experts are not unanimous on this point.

unavoidable

adj.

• VERBS be, prove, seem

I become I make

sth This

latest incident makes his dismissal unavoidable.
• ADV absolutely, quite, totally, utterly I almost

umbrella noun
• ADJ. furled, rolled I beach, sun I golf I nuclear, protective (both figurative) the American nuclear umbrella

over Western Europe
• VERB + UMBRELLA open, put up, unfurl I let down
She let down her umbrella andfurled it. I fold, furl

• UMBRELLA + NOUN stand I body, group, organization (all figurative) an umbrella group including members of opposition parties I heading, name, term, title,
word (all figurative) 'Herb' is an umbrella term covering

many types of plant.

unaware

adj.

• VERBS appear, be, seem I remain
• ADV completely, entirely, quite, totally, utterly, wholly I almost, virtually I generally, largely I comparatively I apparently, seemingly I evidently, obviously I
blissfully, blithely They remained blissfully unaware of

his true intentions.
• PREP of

• PREP. under an/the - She was fast asleep under a big

unbalanced

beach umbrella. 0 (figurative) The two sectors combined
under the umbrella of the Scottish Council.

1 rather mad

unable

adj.

• VERBS appear, be, feel, look, prove, seem I become

I remain I find yourself, leave sb, make sb She found

herself unable to meet his gaze. 0 The accident left him unable to walk. I deem sth The road was deemed unable to
cope with increased traffic.
• ADV completely, quite, totally, utterly, wholly I increasingly I almost,
nearly,
virtually I apparently,
seemingly He went on, apparently unable to stop. I genuinely I generally I temporarily Clare nodded, temporarily unable to speak. I still I constitutionally, physically

He seemed constitutionally unable not to give his opinion
on anything and everything.
• PHRASES unwilling or unable He remained silent, unwilling or unable to say what was in his mind.

unacceptable

adj.

• VERBS be, prove, seem I become I remain I make
sth The cost of these proposed changes makes them unacceptable. I consider sth, deem sth, find sth, regard
sth as, see sth as Most people would consider such risks

wholly unacceptable.
• ADV. completely, quite, simply, totally, utterly, Wholly
I inherently There is nothing inherently unacceptable in

adj.

• VERBS be, seem I become
• ADV. a little, slightly I mentally She became mentally

unbalanced after the accident.
2 not fair to all ideas or sides of sth
• VERBS be, seem I become
• ADV. extremely, seriously, very I completely, wholly
The report is completely unbalanced. I slightly, somewhat a somewhat unbalanced account of the events

unbearable

adj.

• VERBS be, feel, seem I become, get I make sb/sth
His arrogance made him absolutely unbearable! I find
sb/sth They found the heat unbearable.
• ADV absolutely, quite I almost

unbeatable

adj.

• VERBS be, look, seem The French team looks unbeatable. I become I remain United remain unbeatable at the

top of the League.
• ADV. almost, virtually He now has an almost unbeat-

able lead over his rtvals.

unbelievable

adj.

• VERBS be, seem, sound

I become I find

sth I find

this quite unbelievable.

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undecided

835

• ADV. really I completely, quite, totally
I almost I pretty
• PREP. to It's simply unbelievable to me.

I just,

simply

unbroken adj.
• VERBS be I remain
• ADV almost, largely, virtually

a tradition of government involvement which remained virtually unbroken
until the 1990s

uncertain adj.
1 not confident
• VERBS be, feel, look, seem I become
• ADV. deeply, very I feel deeply uncertain about the future. I a little, rather, slightly I strangely
• PREP. about, as to He seemed strangely uncertain as to
how to continue. of We were rather uncertain of the direc-

tion it camefrom.
2 not known exactly
• VERBS be, look I become I remain, seem
• ADV. extremely, highly, very I increasingly I quite,
rather, somewhat I still Whether diet is an important factor in this illness is still uncertain. I inevitably, inherently The world is inherently uncertain. I notoriously Cost

estimates are notoriously uncertain in this business.

uncertainty

• ADJ. considerable, great I growing I continuing, lingering I economic, financial, legal, political
• QUANT. degree, element
• VERB + UNCERTAINTY cause, create, give rise to,
lead to I add (to), fuel, increase Her comments will add

to the uncertainty of the situation. 0 Her comments will
add uncertainty to an already complicated situation. I reduce I bring/put an end to, eliminate, remove, resolve I
face They arefacing some uncertainty about their jobs.
• UNCERTAINTY + VERB surround sth the uncertainty
surrounding the proposed changes in the law
• PREP. - about a feeling of uncertainty about his future
- as to There's considerable uncertainty as to whether the
government's job creation strategies will work. - over uncertainty over the safety of the drug

• PHRASES an area of uncertainty One area of uncertainty remains: who will lead the team?a feeling of uncertainty, a period of uncertainty

2 feeling/causing worry/embarrassment
• VERBS appear, be, feel, look, seem I become, get He

started to get a bit uncomfortable as the conversation continued. I make sb The way he looked at her made her distinctly uncomfortable. I find sth
• ADV. acutely, decidedly, deeply, distinctly, downright, extremely, really, terribly, very I increasingly I a
bit, a little, rather, slightly I clearly, obviously, visibly
• PREP. with Planners seem a little uncomfortable with

the current government guidelines.

uncommon

adj.

• VERBS be I become
• ADV. very I by no means, far from, not at all Such attitudes were not at all uncommon thirty years ago. I fairly,
quite, rather, relatively

unconcerned

adj.

• VERBS act, appear, be, look, seem, sound l tried to act
• ADV. very I completely,
quite, totally I relatively I
apparently, seemingly
• PREP. about They appeared completely unconcerned
about what they had done. by He was apparently uncon-

cerned by his failure to gain a university place.

unconscious

adj.

1 in a state that is like sleep
• VERBS appear, be, lie, look They found her lying unconscious on the floor. I become I remain I batter sb,
beat sb, kick sb, knock sb, leave sb, render sb He was
knocked unconscious by the impact. 0 The attack left her
unconscious.
• ADV deeply

2 unconscious

I completely I almost I still
of sb/sth not aware of sb/sth

• VERBS appear, be, seem
• ADV quite, totally Parents are often quite unconscious

of the ways in which they influence their children.
3 done without you being aware of it

unchanged adj.
• VERBS appear, be, look I remain, stay I leave sth
• ADV completely, quite, totally I almost, practically,
virtually I largely, substantially I basically, essentially, fundamentally
The school appeared essentially unchanged since my day. I relatively

• PREP. by She was the only one of us unchanged by

events.
adj.

• VERBS be, seem
• ADV very I quite, totally I rather
• PREP. of The houses were totally uncharacteristic of the

area.

uncle noun

• VERBS be, seem
• ADV deeply I quite, totally, wholly These impulses are
often totally unconscious. I largely

unconsciousness

noun

• ADJ. deep
• VERB + UNCONSCIOUSNESSfall/lapse/sinklslip

uncontrollable

into

adj.

• VERBS be, seem I become
• ADV completely, totally I almost, virtually an almost
uncontrollable urge to laugh I apparently

undecided adj.

• ADJ. benevolent, kindly The boss smiled at us all like a
benevolent
uncle. I bachelor I maternal,
paternal I
great (= the brother of one of your grandparents)

uncomfortable

• ADV downright, extremely, incredibly, most, really,
terribly, very I increasingly I a bit, a little, pretty, quite,
rather I physically

unconcerned.

noun

uncharacteristic

uncomfortable. I find sth Ifind these chairs incredibly uncomfortable.

adj.

1 not comfortable
• VERBS be, feel, look, seem I become, get I make sth

Sharp stones on the path made walking barefoot rather

• VERBS be, feel, seem, sound

I remain I leave

sth

The question cannot be left undecided.

I quite I still I as yet She is as yet undecided in which direction she wants to make her future
career.
• PREP. aboutHe is still undecided about what to do. as to
They are undecided as to whether to buy a new car. on The
government remains undecided on this issue.
• ADV. very

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underestimate

836

underestimate

noun

The official figures are a gross

underestimate of the true number.
• ADJ.

gross, serious
-of

• PREP.

underestimate

verb

• VERB

badly, considerably, greatly, grossly, massively, seriously, substantially He realized that he had seriously underestimated their strength. I totally I fatally
• VERB + UNDERESTIMATE
tend to
• PHRASES
sth should not be underestimated The im• ADV.

portance of thesefeelings should not be underestimated.

undergraduate

noun

first-year, second-year, etc. I college, university I Harvard, Oxford, etc. I Chemistry, History, etc.
• UNDERGRADUATE
+ NOUN
course, curriculum, degree, studies I student I teaching I level I grant

• ADJ.

underground noun
• ADJ.
• VERB

iour wounded him in a way he did not really understand. I
I correctly, properly She realized that she
had never properly understood him. I easily, readily The
reasons for this decision are not easily understood. I instinctively, intuitively She intuitively understood his need
to be alone.

adequately

(to), help sb (to)
about We understand little about this disease.
• PHRASES
be commonly/generally/popularly
understood What is generally understood by 'democracy'? be
imperfectly/incompletely/poorly
understood The effects

• PREP.

of these chemicals on the body are still poorly understood.
be universally/widely

understandable

go on/by, take, travel on/by
• UNDERGROUND
+ NOUN
station, train, tunnel I system bringing the whole underground system to a halt
• PREP.
in the - I always seem to get lost in the underground. on the - passengers on the underground
+ UNDERGROUND

understood

adj.

1 seeming normal and reasonable
• VERBS
be, seem I become
• ADV.

London

be able/unable to, can/could I

+ UNDERSTAND

can't understand what all the fuss is about. I try to I
begin to I be easy to I be difficultto, be hard to It is difficult to understand why he reacted in that way. I help

wholly

very I completely,
I fairly

entirely,

perfectly,

quite,

2 easy to understand
• VERBS
• ADV.

be, seem
easily, readily Warning notices must be readily

understandable.
to The instructions must be understandable to the
average user.

• PREP.

undergrowth

noun

deep, dense, tangled, thick
patch
+ UNDERGROWTH
clear
• PREP.
into the - The snake slithered off into the undergrowth. in the - I noticed someone hiding in the undergrowth. through the- I could hear him crashing through

• ADJ.

• QUANT.

• VERB

the undergrowth.

underline verb
1 draw a line under a word
• ADV. heavily The word 'not' was heavily underlined.
2 emphasize sth
• ADV. clearly I just, merely, only, simply This disaster
merely underlines the needfor a consistent foreign. policy. I
further
+ UNDERLINE
serve to I seem to I be intended to a move intended to underline US concern over the

• VERB

issue
underline the fact that ...

• PHRASES

undermine

verb

• ADV. greatly, radically, seriously, severely His position within the government has been seriously undermined. I completely, totally I somewhat I further I effectively I fatally I subtly I gradually, increasingly, progressively I eventually I constantly

• VERB + UNDERMINE
threaten to I attempt to, seek
to, try to I help (to), serve to, tend to I be likely to I be
designed to, be intended to a terror attack intended to

undermine the morale of citizens

underpants

noun

men's
• QUANT.
pair
• PREP.
in your• ADJ.

He sat on the examination table in his

underpants.
<=)

Special

page

understand

at CLOTHES

verb

clearly, well I fully, perfectly, quite Ifully understand the reason for your decision. I not really Her behau• ADV.

understanding

noun

1 knowledge of a subject, of how sth works, etc.
• ADJ.
complete, full He showed a full understanding of
the sequence of events. I growing I clear, deep, good,
profound,

proper, sophisticated,

thorough,

true You

need to read more widely to gain a proper understanding of
the issue. I adequate, basic, broad, general, sufficient I
limited She has only a limited understanding of what the
job involves. I conceptual, critical, rational, theoretical
I historical,
musical,
scientific,
etc. I instinctive I
common Some religions have a common understanding of
the nature of a divine being.

• QUANT.
level The students seem to have a reasonable
level of understanding of how genes work.
+ UNDERSTANDING

• VERB

have

I

show

I

reflect

This change of policy reflects a growing understanding of
the extent of the problem. I lack I acquire, arrive at, gain

I give sb I advance, broaden, deepen, develop, enhance, enrich, improve, increase a book that will deepen
your understanding of global warming
• PREP.
- about The book aims to give children a balanced understanding of food, farming and the enuironment.r-oi
• PHRASES

a lack of understanding

2 intelligence
• ADJ.

human

• VERB + UNDERSTANDING
pass a level of cruelty that
passes human understanding
• PREP.
beyond (your) - The idea of eternity is beyond
our full understanding.
3 ability to feel sympathy and trust
• ADJ.
deeper, great I mutual I international
• VERB + UNDERSTANDING
showHedidn'tshowmuch
understanding towards her when she lost her job. I bring
(about), develop, lead to Greater contact between the two
groups should lead to a better mutual understanding. I
gain in, grow in After spending a month living together,
they have gained in understanding of each other. I foster,

promote, work for
- between

The association fosters a deeper
understanding between prisons and the public.

• PREP.

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unemployment

837

4 informal agreement
• ADJ.
written I verbal I tacit, unspoken There is an
unspoken understanding that Hugh will be in charge
while Jane is away.
have

+ UNDERSTANDING

• VERB

I come

to,

reach

They came to an understanding on when final payment
was to be made.
• PREP.
- between an understanding between the companies tofight against the proposed tax reform - on a tacit
understanding on the need for a pay rise I on the - I
thought you gave me the book on the understanding that I
could keep it.

understatement

wasn't amused must be the understatement of the year.
noun

considerable,
large, major, serious I worthrisky I joint the first joint undertakingofthetwosocieties
I commercial, financial Wehave to

• ADJ.

I hazardous,

decide if this is a worthwhile commercial undertaking.
2 formal promise
solemn I express I irrevocable I voluntary I
verbal, written I contractual I government I public
• VERB + UNDERTAKING
give (sb) He gave an undertaking not to leave the country before the trial. I seek I
obtain I carry out, honour, renege on The factory failed
• ADJ.

to honour its undertaking to stop dumping waste into the
local river. I sign
noun

• ADJ. sinister I racist, sexual The article uias full of ra-

cist undertones.
• VERB

• PREP.

+ UNDERTONE

have

in an- 'I don't think she's been told yet,' he said in

an undertone.
in undertones.

0

2 not done
be

• VERBS

I remain I leave sth We left the washing-up

undone and went out for the day.

undressed

adj.

be, feel She felt undressed without her hat.

• VERBS

get He got undressed and readyfor bed.
half He was half undressed when the doorbell

unease noun
• AD,!. deep, great, growing

I certain,

some, vague She

felt a vague unease. I general, public

1 piece of work/business

undertone

be I come My button's come undone again.
get sth I can't get this knot undone.

• VERBS

rang.

gross 'A little strange' is a gross understatement.
• PHRASES
a bit of/something of an understatement,
the understatement of the year (informal) To say he

while

adj.

• ADV.

noun

• ADJ.

undertaking

undone

1 not fastened or tied

• VERB + UNEASE
feel I express,
show
They expressed their deep unease about the lack of security arrangements. I hide I smiled to hide my unease. I sense
He sensed a certain unease in her. I cause, create
• UNEASE
• PREP.

-

+ VERB
grow, rise
about/at/over Many felt

unease about the

methods used.
• PHRASES
a feeling/sense of unease, a source of unease He looked in vainfor the source of his unease.

uneasyadj.
appear, be, feel, look, seem, sound I become,
get, grow We were starting to grow slightly uneasy. I remain I make sb
• ADV. decidedly, deeply, distinctly,
extremely, profoundly, very I increasingly I a bit, a little, rather,
slightly, somewhat, vaguely I strangely
• PREP.
aboutIfelt distinctly uneasy about lending her so
• VERBS

much money.

unemployed

noun the unemployed

long-term I rural, urban
• PREP.
among the - The party's policies were popular

The couple at the next table were speaking

• ADJ.

among the unemployed.

underwear

noun

wear and her toothbrush.
in your- He was getting cold standing around in
his underwear.
• PREP.

q Special

page

the plight of the unemployed, the ranks of
the unemployed He graduated with a good degree, only to

• PHRASES

long I skimpy I thermal,
warm I lace, lacy I
kinky, sexy I ladies', women's I men's I clean, dirty
• QUANT.
change, set She packed a fresh set of under• ADJ.

join the ranks of the unemployed.

unemployed

adj.

be, be registered (as) I become I remain I
leave sb, make sb The closure cf thefactory left hundreds

• VERBS

of men unemployed.

at CLOTHES

currently I newly I still I temporarily
I permanently I involuntarily, voluntarily As I was voluntar-

• ADV.

underworld
• ADJ.

noun

dark, sinister the dark underworld of smuggling

I

criminal
+ NOUN
figure
in the ... - She was a shady figure in the Dublin

• UNDERWORLD
• PREP.

underworld.

undesirable

adj.

be, seem I make sth I consider sth, deem
sth, regard sth as, see sth as
• ADV. extremely, highly, very a situation which is
highly undesirable I totally I clearly, obviously It is
clearly undesirable for the issue to be ignored. I economically, politically, socially It uias felt that the ageing of so• VERBS

ciety was socially and economically undesirable.

undignified
• VERBS
• ADV

adj.

be, feel, look, seem I become
most, very I thoroughly I rather, somewhat

ily unemployed, I wasn't entitled to benefit.

unemployment

noun

• ADJ. considerable, high, huge, large-scale, mass,
massive, serious, severe, widespread I low I rising I
falling I long-term, permanent I short-term, temporary I recurrent, seasonal I structural
I graduate,
school-leaver, youth I rural, urban
• QUANT.
level, rate
• VERB + UNEMPLOYMENT
be faced
with, face I
cause, create I alleviate, bring down, cut, keep down,
reduce I increase I combat, tackle
• UNEMPLOYMENT
+ VERB
hit sb Unemployment has
hit unskilled workers in particular. I climb, double, increase, rise, soar Unemployment climbed above two million. I decline, fall I average sth, stand at sth Unemployment averaged 15% across the country. I reach
sth, touch sth Unemployment touched 30%.
• UNEMPLOYMENT
+ NOUN
benefit, money, pay, pay-

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unexpected

838

ments, relief I compensation, cover, insurance I data,
figures, levels, numbers, percentage, rate, statistics,

total I crisis, problem I blackspot This former mining
town is now an unemployment blackspot. I trap The un-

employment trap exists when an unemployed person on
benefit would be uiorse off in a low-paid job.
• PREP.
- among Unemployment among graduates is
falling steadily.
a period of unemployment,
crease/a fall in unemployment

• PHRASES

unexpected

a rise/an in-

be, seem I consider sth, regard sth as, think
sth She thought it most unfair that girls were not allowed

• VERBS

to take part.
extremely, grossly, terribly, very I thought the
decision was grossly unfair. I quite, totally, utterly, wholly I a bit, a little, pretty, rather, slightly I blatantly, demonstrably, patently
• ADV.

He was terribly unfair to the younger children.

unfamiliar

be, feel, look, sound
• ADV. very I completely, quite, totally
slightly

environment)
to She was really unfriendly to me.

• PREP.

• ADJ. considerable,
spread I personal
• VERB

I not

entirely

I

The language was completely unfamiliar to

me.
2 not having knowledge or experience of sth
appear, be, seem
very I completely, quite I relatively
• PREP. with Wewere quite unfamiliar with the town.
• VERBS
• ADV

unfashionable

adj.

be I become I remain
• ADV extremely, terribly, very I completely I rather,
relatively She lived in a rather unfashionable part of
• VERBS

London.

mentally, physically
• PREP
for completely unfit for our purposes 0 She was

found unfit for work.
2 not in good physical health
be, feel, look, seem I become
very I completely, quite I slightly

unforgettable

adj.

totally, truly It was a truly unforgettable ex-

perience. I pretty

unfortunate

adj.

be, seem I consider sblsth
• ADV. extremely, most, particularly, singularly, very It

• VERBS

I express I cause,

widelead

be, feel, look, seem, sound

I become,

grow

deeply, desperately, distinctly, dreadfully, extremely, most, really, terribly, very, wretchedly She is

deeply unhappy. 0 He described it as 'a most unhappy and
distressing case'. I entirely Wefelt entirely unhappy with
the whole situation. I increasingly I a bit, a little, rather
I clearly, obviously I equally He was equally unhappy
with the alternative. I personally
• PREP.
about He sounded a bit unhappy about the extra
work he had to do. at She was very unhappy at the idea of
staying in London. with They were terribly unhappy with
the arrangements.

unheard adj.
go

Their protests went unheard.
a previously unheard tape of their

previously

conversations

1 unsuitable for sth/not capable of sth
• VERBS
be, look I become I make sblsth, render
sblsth His conduct made him unfit to act as director of a
company. I consider sblsth, declare sblsth, deem
sblsth, find sb/sth The house was declared quite unfit for
human habitation.
• ADV completely, quite, totally, wholly I medically,

• VERBS
be
• ADV quite,

I general,

• ADV.

• ADV.

• VERBS

feel

great

She grew more unhappy as the years went by. I make sb It
makes me very unhappy to seeyou so miserable.

• VERBS

adj.

• ADV

+ UNHAPPINESS

deep,

to Bottling up your anger can only lead to unhappiness.
• PREP. - about He expressed his unhappiness about the
arrangements. - at the great unhappiness she felt at having to leave the town - with his deep unhappiness with the
situation

• VERBS

• VERBS

unfit

adj.

appear, be, look, seem I become
• ADV. distinctly, extremely, really, very a distinctly unfriendly tone of voice I rather I environmentally the use
of environmentally unfriendly products (= that harm the

unhappy adj.

adj.

1 not well-known to you

to

• ADV

unhappiness noun

unfair adj.

• PREP.

be, prove
completely, entirely, quite, totally, wholly I not
altogether These claims were not altogether unfounded. I
largely I manifestly

• VERBS

• VERBS

very Help came from a most unexpected
quarter. I completely, quite, totally, wholly I not entirely His death was not entirely unexpected. I rather, somewhat It happened in rather unexpected circumstances.

to

unfounded adj.

unfriendly

adj.

• VERBS
be
• ADV. most,

• PREP.

was a most unfortunate choice of expression. I a bit, a little, rather, slightly

unheard-of adj.
• VERBS

be

completely, quite, totally At that
time, it was completely unheard-of for girls to go to unioer• ADV. absolutely,

sity. I by no means I almost, practically, virtually I
hitherto, previously He was sentenced to a hitherto

unheard-of seven life terms in prison.

unification noun
• ADJ. European, German, etc. I economic, monetary,
political
• VERB + UNIFICATION
achieve, bring about

uniform noun
I smart I regulation She was wearing the
regulation uniform of tunic, hat and tie. I standard (figurative) They wore the standard uniform of the well-ta-do
American out of office hours. I traditional I dress a man
in the full dress uniform of the US Marines I army, fire• ADJ. full

man's, military, naval, nurse's, prison, school, etc.
ã PREP.

in (a/thej-ô

The limousine was driven by a chauf-

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university

839

teur in uniform. <> A man in a uniform stopped us entering.
out of- a soldier out of uniform

c:>Special page at CLOTHES

uniformity noun
• ADJ. broad I great I bland, drab, dull
• VERB + UNIFORMITY achieve, ensure, impose
• PREP. - in Government inspections ensure a high degree

of uniformity in the standard of service.

uninhabitable

adj.

• VERBS be, look, remain, seem I become I make sth,
render sth houses made uninhabitable by radioactive contamination I declare sth Fifty homes were declared

uninhabitable.
• ADV. totally

uninhibited

I almost,

virtually

I permanently

• VERBS be, feel, seem The loud music made himfeel totally uninhibited. I become
• ADV very I completely, quite, totally, utterly I pretty
I'm a pretty uninhibited sort of person.

adj.

• VERBS be, sound I become
• ADV. quite, totally I almost, practically, Virtually
largely I mutually mutually unintelligible languages
• PREP. to Dolphin sounds are unintelligible to humans.

uninterested

unit in the community
• VERB + UNIT be attached to The cancer research unit

is attached to the local university.
4 piece of furniture/equipment
• ADJ. cooking, kitchen, sink, storage I air-conditioning, control, power, processing, shower the central pro-

cessing unit in a computer
• VERB + UNIT install We're having new kitchen units
installed.
adj.

• VERBS be, seem I become I remain
• ADV. closely, firmly I absolutely, entirely, fully, totally The members of the team were absolutely united in their
common goal. <> obstacles to afully united Europe I largely I legally, politically a politically united federation
• PREP. in united in their aims

unity noun
I

adj.

• VERBS appear, be, look, seem, sound
• ADV completely, totally I apparently
• PREP. in She was completely uninterested in her sister's

career.

• ADJ. complete Complete political unity is impossible to
achieve. I greater I European, German, Irish, etc. I cultural, economic, national, party, political, religious, social a government of national unity
• VERB + UNITY achieve, bring
about I preserve I
destroy, shatter, weaken I restore He restored peace and
unity in the country after years of civil war. I call for, promote The party is calling for greater political and econom-

ic unity in Europe.
• PREP. in-r liue together in unity I-among

union noun
• ADJ. close, tight Some of the member states wanted a

tighter union rather than the loose confederation that developed. I loose I full a move towards full European
union I economic, monetary, political
• VERB + UNION create, form I dissolve
• UNION + VERB break up The Soviet Union broke up
after only afeto years of liberalization.
• PREP. - between currency union between the two countries -wlth the union with East Germany
c:>SeeTRADEUNION

unique

casualty, emergency, intensive care, maternity, psychiatric, surgical, etc. She works in the maternity unit at the
local hospital. I army, enemy, military I intelligence I
policy I research I family, social the role of the family

united

adj.

unintelligible

• ADJ. cohesive The new manager changed a talented
collection of individuals into a cohesive unit. I baby,

adj.

• VERBS be I make sb/sth Its magnificent proportions

make this palace unique among the buildings of the world.
• ADV quite, totally, truly The city has an atmosphere
which is quite unique. I by no means, far from, hardly Although such a case is rare, it is by no means unique. I almost, virtually I apparently
• PREP. to This monkey is unique to the island.

1 single thing

I basic,

fundamental The family is
the basic unit of society. I discrete, individual, single
• VERB + UNIT break sth down into, divide sth into

Large departments were broken down into smaller units.
2 fixed amount
• ADJ. basic, standard I monetary I lexical, linguistic
• UNIT + NOUN cost, length, weight
• PREP. - of a unit of currency <> a unit of length <> fifty

units of electricity
• PHRASES per unit Electricity is ten pence per unit.

3 group of people

universal

adj.

• VERBS be, seem I become I remain
• ADV truly I by no means, far from Some of the teach-

ers are technical specialists, but this isfar from universal.
I almost, near, nearly, virtually I pretty I apparently I
supposedly supposedly universal standards
• PREP. among These practices remain universal among
the islanders. in a scheme that is universal in scope

universe noun
• ADJ. entire, whole I physical
• VERB + UNIVERSE create Do you believe God created

the universe?
• PREP. in the- Could there be intelligent life elsewhere in

the universe?
• PHRASES the beginning/origin(s)

unit noun
• ADJ. large, small

The dispute
has destroyed unity among the workers. - between a degree of unity between staff and students
• PHRASES a sense of unity a leader who gave her people
a strong sense of unity unity in diversity The organization
promotes racial tolerance and unity in diversity.

of the universe

university noun
• ADJ. new I ancient I red-brick

I local,
provincial I
research, teaching
• VERB + UNIVERSITY attend, go to, study at I apply
for I enter I finish (at), graduate from, leave
• UNIVERSITY + NOUN lecturer,
professor,
staff,
teacher I graduate, student, undergraduate I course,
degree, education I term, year I vacation I entrance,
entry, place a university entrance exam <> There is stiff
competition for university places. I chair His aim was to

finish his doctorate and obtain a university chair. I department, faculty I buildings, campus, library I admin-

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unknown

840

istration, authorities I level All the staff are educated to
university level. I days, life, years I town
• PREP. at (the) - She's at university, studying engineering. "She teaches English at the University of Wales.

unknown noun
1 place/thing that you know nothing about
• ADJ. great What the weather will be like on the day is,
as always, the great unknown.
• PREP. into the- Motherhood uiasfor her ajourney into
the unknown.
• PHRASES fear of the unknown

2 sb who is not well known
• ADJ. complete The championship was won by a complete unknown. I virtual a cast of virtual unknowns

unknown adj.
These sites remain largely unknown to the British public.
• ADV absolutely, completely, entirely, quite, totally,
utterly His whereabouts were quite unknown during this
period. I almost, practically, virtually This drug was
practically unknown in Britain. I largely I comparatively, relatively She was then still comparatively unknown. I as yet, currently, still I hitherto, previously a

period of democratic development previously unknown in
their country I apparently I otherwise He cites the works
of two otherwise unknown authors, the originals of these
works having been lost.
• PREP. to Gold was totally unknown to their civilization.

adj.

• VERBS appear, be, prove, seem I become I make
sth, render sth I consider sth, deem sth, regard sth as
• ADV completely, entirely, quite, totally, wholly No, no,
that's quite unnecessary. I largely I a little, rather, somewhat I strictly
• PREP. to the possession of items strictly unnecessary io

survival

unnoticed

adj.

desk drawer for a week. "His remark passed unnoticed. I
remain
• ADV. completely, entirely There's a good chance my absence will go completely unnoticed. I almost, practically,
virtually I largely I hitherto, previously a hitherto un-

noticed detail

unorthodox

adj.

• VERBS be, seem, sound I become
• ADV. highly, very a highly unorthodox teaching style I
a little, quite, rather, slightly, somewhat

unpaid adj.
I remain I leave sth customers who leave
their bills unpaid till the last minute
• ADV virtually the virtually unpaid labour of large peasant families
unpleasant

that she would refuse.
• ADV. extremely, highly, most, very I increasingly I
not at all I a bit, pretty, quite, rather, somewhat I apparently I inherently A collapse into neuiforms offascism

is inherently unlikely in any Western democracy.

adj.

• VERBS be, feel, look, seem, smell, sound, taste I become, get, turn Things started to get unpleasant when
their neighbours called in the police. I make sth He may
make life unpleasant for the rest of us. I find sb/sth I

found the atmosphere in there extremely unpleasant.

adj.

• VERBS appear, be, seem I become
• ADV almost, virtually This new technology opens up almost unlimited possibilities. I apparently I potentially

unlucky adj.
• VERBS be, prove, seem, sound I become I consider
sb/sth, regard sb/sth as, think sb/sth The number thir-

teen is traditionally considered unlucky.

has been very unlucky with injuries this year.

The overall feeling was a strange mixture of sensations,
not altogether unpleasant. I fairly, pretty, quite, rather,
slightly, somewhat His clothes smelled pretty unpleasant.
• PREP. for tests which are unpleasant for patients to He
was very unpleasant to my friends.
adj.

• VERBS be, prove, seem I become I remain I make
sb/sth His advanced views made him unpopular with

many of the clergy.
• ADV. deeply, desperately, extremely, highly, particularly, terribly, very I increasingly I rather, somewhat I
generally, widely I politically Cuts in government ex-

adj.

• VERBS be
• ADV. quite The main symptom is a scarlet rash that's

quite unmistakable.

unmoved adj.
• VERBS appear, be, seem, sound

• ADV decidedly,
deeply, exceedingly,
extremely,
highly, most, particularly, very I thoroughly a thoroughly unpleasant man I not altogether, not entirely

unpopular

• ADV dead, desperately, extremely, very She was desperately unlucky tofall as badly as she did. I a bit, a little
• PREP. for a date that is unlucky for that family with She

unmistakable

unnecessary

• VERBS be

adj.

• VERBS appear, be, look, sound The takeover bid now
looks unlikely to succeed. I become I remain, seem I
make sth I consider sth, think sth He thought it unlikely

unlimited

• VERBS be, feel, look, seem, sound I consider sth, regard sth as
• ADV. highly, terribly, verYfoodproduced under highly
unnatural conditions I quite I almost I a bit, rather

• VERBS be, go, lie, pass The ticket lay unnoticed in my

• VERBS be I remain

unlikely

unnatural adj.

penditure are politically unpopular.
• PREP. among Highly priced shares are unpopular
among investors. with He's unpopular with the students.

unpopularity
I remain I leave

sb

Her daughter's accident had left her curiously unmoved.
• ADV. completely,
entirely, quite, totally
relatively I apparently I curiously
• PREP. by He was quite unmoved by my anger.

I largely,

noun

• ADJ. great, growing
• VERB + UNPOPULARITY increase

• PREP. - among Her close relationship with the teacher
increased her unpopularity among her schoolmates. -with

the great unpopularity of the policy with teachers

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unusual

841

unprecedented

adj.

sth, render sth Prison order is rendered unstable by young

inmates serving short sentences.
• VERBS be
• ADV. entirely, quite, totally I by no means I almost,
virtually I supposedly I historically a historically un-

precedented growth in retirement at afixed age

unprovoked

adj.

• VERBS be

• ADY. completely, totally a totally unprovoked attack

unqualified

adj.

• VERBS be
• ADV. totally
• PREP. for He is totally unqualified.for the job.

2 not mentally normal
• VERBS be, seem I become
• ADY. highly, very I rather I emotionally,

• VERBS be, feel, look, seem I become
• ADV. very I quite, totally, wholly I almost I a little,
rather, slightly I somehow He seemed somehow unreal, a
creature from another world. I curiously,
oddly,
strangely She felt curiously unreal, as if she were in the

midst of a dream.

unreasonable

adj.

• VERBS appear, be, seem, sound She did not want to
appear unreasonable. I become, get His demands were
getting more and more unreasonable. I consider sth, find

sb/sth, hold sth (law), judge sth (law), regard sth as,
think sth I find her a bit unreasonable at times. 0 This

clause in the contract was held unreasonable.
• ADY. extremely, grossly, very I completely, quite,
totally, utterly, wholly I a bit I apparently
• PREP. aboutHe was totally unreasonable about it.

mentally

vulnerable, emotionally unstable individuals
3 likely to move or fall
• VERBS be, feel, look, seem I become, get The building was beginning to get unstable. I make sth
• ADV. dangerously, extremely, very The wall was dangerously unstable. I rather, slightly

unsuitable

unreal adj.

adj.

• VERBS be, prove I make sth The huge proportions of

the main rooms made the house unsuitable for conversion
into flats. I consider sth, deem sth, find sth Many tasks
were considered unsuitable for women.
• ADV. highly, most, very I completely, entirely, quite,
totally, wholly I manifestly, obviously

unsure

adj.

• VERBS be, feel, look, seem, sound I felt a bit unsure
about him. I remain I leave sb, make sb His sudden

change of heart left Brenda unsure once more.
• ADY. terribly, very I completely I a bit, a little, rather
I obviously, plainly I still
• PREP. about If you're still unsure about what you are

supposed to do, speak up! as to We were unsure as to what
to do next. of She was rather unsure of her reception.

unthinkable

adj.

• VERBS be, seem I make

unrest noun
• ADJ. great, serious I violent

I widespread There was
widespread industrial unrest in the north. I popular I
growing, mounting I fresh, further, renewed The murder of a boy by police sparked renewed unrest in the occupied zone. I agrarian, civil, ethnic, industrial, labour,
political, rural, social I peasant, student
• QUANT. period, wave The increase in fees sparked a
new wave of student unrest.
• VERB + UNREST cause, spark (off), stir up I crush,

deal with, put down, quell The government's attempts to
crush serious popular unrest led to civil war.
• PREP. during (the)- Many shops were looted during the
unrest. I - over growing unrest over pay levels

unscathed

• ADY. extremely, highly, very I increasingly I rather,
relatively, somewhat I basically, inherently I notoriously The building trade is notoriously unstable. I economically, politically a politically unstable region

adj.

• VERBS be, be left, emerge, escape, get away, remain,
survive, walk away The children escaped unscathed.
• ADY. remarkably I completely, entirely, totally Amaz-

ingly, the driver walked away from the accident completely
unscathed. I almost, virtually I largely I relatively I apparently, seemingly The company came through the crisis apparently unscathed. I miraculously
• PREP. by The town centre was left unscathed by the
riots.

unscrupulous

adj.

• VERBS be, seem I become
• ADY. completely, quite, thoroughly

In his desire for
power, he has become thoroughly unscrupulous. I pretty

sth I consider sth This
wouid have been considered unthinkable only a decade
ago.
• ADV. absolutely, completely, quite I almost, practically, virtually I hitherto, previously A hitherto unthinkable question was asked. I politically
• PREP. to This course of action would have been unthinkable to the Russian generals.

untidyadj.
• VERBS be, look, seem I become, get Fve got more untidy since I stopped going out to work. I remain, stay I'm
afraid the house will have to stay untidy for now. I leave
sth, make sth My son had left the studio very untidy. 0

Books and magazines lying around make the place very
untidy.
• ADV. dreadfully, extremely, very Everything
was
dreadfully untidy. I a bit, a little, rather

unused adj.
• VERBS appear, be, lie, look, remain, sit, stand, stay
The church has lain empty and unused since 1994. I leave
sth The meeting rooms are left unusedfor long periods.
• ADV. virtually

unused to

grown unused to this sort of attention.
• ADY. quite, totally She was quite unused to this way of
life.

unusual
unstable adj.
1 likely to change suddenly
• VERBS appear, be, seem I become I remain I make

adj.

• VERBS appear, be, seem I become, grow He had

adj.

• VERBS appear, be, look, seem I become I consider
sth It was considered unusual for a gentleman's son to

study medicine.

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unveil

842

decidedly, distinctly, extremely, highly, particularly, really, very This is a highly unusual case. I by
no means, hardly, not at all It's not at all unusual to feel
very tired in the early months of pregnancy. I a bit, fairly,
a little, pretty, quite, rather, relatively, slightly, somewhat I enough, sufficiently The arrival of a taxi was
unusual enough; an unknown woman getting out of it was
sensational.
• PREP. for It's unusual/or

a woman to do this job.
• ADV.

loss of his high-paying job caused enormous domestic upheaval. I revolutionary
• VERB + UPHEAVAL
cause, provoke I go through,
undergo The company underwent a massive upheaval
after the takeover.
• PREP. during/in the- He rose to power during the political upheavals of the 1990s.
• PHRASES
a period of upheaval

uphold
unveil

verb

formally, officially The government
unveiled its plans jor tax reform.

• ADV.

unwarranted

has officially

adj.

be, seem The delay did seem unwarranted.
• ADV quite, totally, wholly a wholly

unwarranted
smear campaign
• VERBS

upkeep

adj.

• VERBS
appear, be, feel, look, seem, sound He complained of feeling unwell. I become I remain I make sb
• ADV. extremely, really, very I a little, vaguely patients
uiho justfeel vaguely unwell
• PREP. with You should delay vaccination If you are unwell with afeoer:

upbringing

contribute to, pay for Our taxes help
pay for the upkeep of the city's parks. I afford
• PHRASES
responsible/responsibility
for the upkeep
of The local council is responsiblefor the upkeep of roads.

noun

monthly, regular, weekly, etc.
• VERB + UPDATE
give (sb), provide (sb with) The report gives an update on the currency crisis. I get, receive
• PREP. - on an update on the political crisis -to We need
an update to the mailing list.

• ADJ.

update

verb

constantly, continually, continuously I regularly I annually, monthly, etc. I fully, properly The road
map has beenfully updated. I automatically I manually
updating all thefiles manually
• VERB + UPDATE
seek to, try to I wish to
• PREP. on Could you update me on how the work is progressing? with The files are continuously updated with
new information.
• ADV

upgrade

verb

significantly, substantially I constantly We are
constantly upgrading our software to meet customers'
needs.
• PREP. from, to customers who want to upgrade from
version 4.2 to version 4.5 with All the machines can be upgraded with the new processors.
• ADV

upheaval

noun

big, enormous, great, major, massive, violent I
domestic, economic, emotional, political, social The

• ADJ.

uplifting

adj.

be, feel I find sth
• ADV really, very I suitably a suitably uplifting
for thefilm I morally, spiritually
• VERBS

ending

noun

conventional Mine was a conuentionalfamily
upbringing. I sheltered, strict I Catholic, Jewish, etc., religious I cultural I middle-class, etc.
• VERB + UPBRINGING
have He had a normal middleclass upbringing.
I give sb They gave their children a
strict Catholic upbringing.
• UPBRINGING
+ VERB give sb sth, prepare sb (for
sth) Her upbringing had given her the social skills to cope
with such situations. 0 My upbringing prepared me for
anything.
• PHRASES

part of your upbringing Part of his upbringing had been not to question his elders.
• ADJ.

update

noun
+ UPKEEP

• VERB

unwell

verb

firmly, resolutely,
Vigorously I unanimously
Three judges unanimously upheld the sentence.
• VERB + UPHOLD
have a duty to I be determined to
Weare determined to uphold the law. I seek to I promise
to I vote to The IWC voted to uphold the ban on
commercial whaling. I fail to
• ADV

upright

adj.

be, sit, stand rows of children sitting upright at
their desks I come, jerk, scramble, shoot, spring, struggle Slowly the boat came upright. 0 Polly jerked upright,

wild-eyed and blinking. I remain, stay The flag pole
wouldn't stay upright. I drag sb/sth, haul sb/sth, heave
sb/sth, jerk sb/sth, place sth, prop sth, pull sb/sth Pulling himself upright, he squared his shoulders. I hold
sb/sth, keep sth
• ADV fully afuliy upright posture I almost I relatively
I rigidly, stiffly She held herself rigidly upright.
• PHRASES
sit/stand bolt upright (= to sit/stand
with
your
back
straight)
He was sitting bolt upright on his
chair, looking very tense.
• VERBS

uprising

noun

successful I failed the failed uprising of 1830 I
armed I revolutionary I mass, national, popular I military I peasant I spontaneous
• VERB + UPRISING
provoke,
spark
(off) I stage I
crush, put down, quell, suppress
• PREP. during/in the - He was killed in the Warsaw uprising. I -againstthe 1951 uprising against colonial rule
• ADJ

uproar

noun

great I mild I emotional
• VERB + UPROAR
cause, provoke
• PREP. amid (an/the)- The trial proceeded amid uproar.
in (an/the) - Financial markets were in uproar after the
crash of the rouble. 0 The classroom was in an uproar. I
- over There was a great uproar over plans to pull down
the old library.
• ADJ.

upset

noun

big, major I minor I emotional
+ UPSET
have We had our first
when Rogers was taken off with a leg injury.

• ADJ.

• VERB

upset

major

upset

I cause

verb

badly, deeply, really, terribly I easily She was
sensitive and easily upset.
• ADV.

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use

843

+ UPSET

• VERB

not mean to, not want to, not wish to

I'm sorry-s-I didn't mean to upset you. 0 Keep the volume
down-we don't want to upset the neighbours! I be likely
to This decision is likely to upset a lot of people.

upset

resist, suppress She resisted the urge to kiss him. 0 I
suppressed a strong urge to yawn. I overcome He overcame his urge to run from the room. I satisfy
• PREP.
- for Leaving him off the guest list satisfied her
urgefor revenge.

adj.
appear, be, feel, look, seem, sound

• VERBS

I become,

urge verb

getDon'tgetso upset about it! I remain I leave sb, make
sb The incident had left him visibly angry and upset.

• ADV strongly I constantly, repeatedly He has repeatedly urged the government to do something about this. I

badly, bitterly, deeply, desperately, dreadfully,
extremely, genuinely, greatly, particularly, profoundly,
really, seriously, terribly, very She's obviously deeply
upset by his behaviour. I thoroughly I a bit, a little,
pretty, quite, rather I clearly, obviously, visibly
• PREP.
about upset about her divorce at He was upset at
missing all the excitement. by upset by the death of their
pet with I think she may be a bit upset with you.

publicly

• ADV.

upsurge noun
great, massive

• ADJ.
• PREP.

uptight

I sudden

-inanupsurgeinviolentcrime
adj.

be, feel, look, seem, sound I get Try to laugh
at it instead of getting uptight. I make sb
• ADV. really, very I all (informal) He gets all uptight if
anyone criticizes him! I a bit, quite
• PREP.
about He's feeling a bit uptight about his exam
tomorrow.
• VERBS

up-to-date

adj.

1 modern/most recent
• VERBS
be I bring sth We'll have to bring our equipment up-to-date. I keep sth
• ADV. really, very I bang, completely Today's holiday
parks are bang up-to-date.
2 having the most recent information about sth
• VERBS
be, seem I keep It is difficult to keep up-to-date
with all the developments. I bring sb I keep sb
completely, fully
• PREP.
on Bring me up-to-date on their progress. with We
• ADV.

can keep you fully up-to-date with your financial position.

upturn noun
dramatic, sharp

• ADJ.

I quietly I unsuccessfully

urgency noun
desperate, extreme, great, utmost a matter of the
utmost urgency I added, new The murders have given
added urgency to the debate about inner-city crime.
• QUANT.
note There was a note of urgency in her voice.
• VERB + URGENCY

give sth, lend sth The bomb attack
lent a new urgency to the peace talks. I increase I stress
• PREP.
with - We need to act with urgency to ensure his
safety I - about Is there any urgency about this? - in
There was an urgency in her movements.
• PHRASES
a lack of urgency We waited in the car while
he checked his tyres with an irritating lack of urgency. a
matter of urgency The refugee situation must now be addressed as a matter of urgency. a sense of urgency
• ADJ.

urgent

adj.

be, seem, sound Can you come to the phone-it
sounds urgent. I become, get
• ADV. extremely,
really, very I increasingly
the increasingly urgent political situation at home I quite, rather Don't forget that one, it's rather urgent.
• VERBS

urine noun
stale I gagged on the stench of stale urine.
drop, stream
• VERB + URINE
pass I leak He said he leaked urine
• ADJ.

• QUANT.

when he coughed.
+ NOUN
sample, specimen I analysis, test,
testing I output, production, volume I retention I flow
I infection
• PREP.
in (the/your)- sugars in urine
• PHRASES
a smell/stench of urine
• URINE

usage noun

I slight I economic

+ UPTURN
beon,takeSalesareontheupturn.o
Their fortunes have taken an upturn in recent months.
• UPTURN
+ VERB
come We expect an increase in demand when the economic upturn eventually comes.
• PREP.
-ssvasharp uoturn in oit prices
• VERB

1 way/amount that sth is used
• ADJ.
heavy, high high energy usage I low I normal

With normal usage, the equipment should last at leastfioe
years. I drug Drug usage by teenagers has increased in recent years. I energy I water
+ USAGE

• VERB

uranium noun
natural I enriched a tonne of highly enriched
uranium I depleted I weapons-grade
• VERB + URANIUM
mine I recover
• URANIUM
+ NOUN
ore, reserves I fuel I mine, miner,
mining I enrichment
• ADJ.

Urdu
cc;> Note

noun
at LANGUAGE

urge noun
• ADJ.
great, irresistible,
overwhelming,
strong, terrible, uncontrollable, violent, wild

+ VERB

• USAGE

powerful,
I

I sudden

felt a sudden urge to smash the teapot against the wall. I
instinctive, natural an instinctive urge to tap your feet to
the beat of the music I primal, primeval, primitive the
primal urge to reproduce I biological, creative, sexual
• VERB + URGE
feel, get, have I control, fight (back),

increase I reduce
increase I fall

• PREP.
- of Usage of computers in schools is increasing.
2 way that words are used

common, everyday, general, normal, ordinary,
popular That word is no longer in common usage. I current, modern a book on current English usage I actual

• ADJ.

Actual usage of the word is different from the meaning
given in the dictionary. I correct I American, English,
etc. I language, linguistic, word I colloquial

• VERB + USAGE
come into, enter The term 'ecotourism' entered common usage in the 1990s.
• PREP.
in - The word has a slightly different meaning in
popular usage.
• PHRASES
patterns of usage Dictionary definitions
tend to show stereotypical patterns of usage.

use noun
1 using/being used
• ADJ.

considerable,

extensive, great, heavy, liberal

I

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use

844

full, maximum He made full use of the opportunity to
travel. I excessive a style of writing with an excessive use
of metaphor I increased, increasing I constant, continued, daily, everyday, frequent, regular, repeated, routine the daily use of a deodorant I wide, widespread a

campaign to encourage wider use of public transport I
common, current, general, normal, ordinary This software isno longer in common use. I limited I occasional I
appropriate, careful, clever, correct, effective, efficient,
good, judicious, legitimate, optimum, proper, safe, selective Holding a lavish party was not the best use of

scarce funds. 0 an efficient use of resources 0 an article
with a judicious use of examples 0 The layout of thefurniture makes optimum use of the space available. I indiscriminate, poor I illegal, unauthorized I personal, private I external, internal This antiseptic isfor external use
only. I home fire extinguishers for home use I clinical,
commercial, industrial I official I exclusive for the exclusive use of club members I free Guests have free use of
the hotel swimming pool. I immediate Only half the land
toasfit for immediate use. I drug, heroin, etc. Drug use in
this age group is on the increase. I land I language I energy I library
• VERB + USE make We made use of the car while you
were away. I bring sth (back) into, come into a technol-

ogy which came into use at the end of the last century I go
out of The expression went out of use some time ago.
• PREP for - This phone number is only for use in an
emergency. in - The phone is in constant use.
• PHRASES ease of use This model has been designed for
greater ease of use. for use as The record is intended for
use as background music. ready for use This room is now
ready for use.
2 purpose for which sth is used
• ADJ. different I new
• VERB + USE have This herb has a variety of uses. I
find, put sth to Can you find a use for this old table? 0
Don't throw that box away-Fm sure I could put it to some
use.
• PHRASES a variety of uses

3 ability/permission to use sth
• ADJ. full thefull use of your mental faculties
• VERB + USE have Since his stroke he hasn't had the
use of his left hand. I give sb, offer (sb) Wegave them the
use of our house while we were on holiday. I deny sb They
denied us use of the college library. I lose I recover, regain After a while she regained the use of her fingers.
• PREP. -of She lost the use of her legs in a car accident.
4 how useful sth is
• ADJ. practical
• VERB + USE be of Could this old coat be of use toyou? I
have I have no usefor my golf clubs any more.
• PREP. of ... - It's of no practical use to me. I - to Is it

any use to you?
• PHRASES be no use It's no use running-the

• PREP. as The tennis court is sometimes used as a car
park. for chemicals that are usedfor cleaning
• PHRASES permission to use sth

used

adj.

• VERBS be, look The board game looked used.
• ADV. commonly, extensively, frequently, regularly,
well, widely a widely used technique for assessing the
strength of metals I little, rarely a little-used path through

the wood

used to

adj.

• VERBS appear, be, seem, sound I become, get, grow

Don't worry, you'll soon get used to your new school. 0 She
had gradually grown used to him.
• ADV very, well

useful

I quite I pretty

adj.

• VERBS be, look,
prove,
seem I become I make
yourself She told Fred to make himself useful. I consider
sth, find sth some leaflets which you mightfind useful
• ADV enormously, especially, exceptionally, extremely, genuinely, highly, more than (informal), particularly,
really, tremendously, very making an exceptionally use-

ful contribution to the debate 0 In all departments, Leeds
looked a more than useful side (~ they played very well). I
fairly, pretty, quite I equally The same information is
equally useful when negotiating. I generally, universally

This method has proved the most generally useful. I potentially I practically The subject is practically useful
and will stand you in good stead when looking for a job. I
undoubtedly an undoubtedly useful skill I socially to
provide rewarding and socially useful employment
• PREP. as useful as a short-term measure for useful for a
variety of purposes 0 useful for people who need a short
break in She was very useful in dealing with foreign visitors. to information which will be useful to new mothers

usefulness noun
• ADJ. limited, some I general I practical I potential
• VERB + USEFULNESS have I increase I diminish,
limit, reduce Badly written questions limit the usefulness
of questionnaires. I assess, evaluate, question I demonstrate, prove I exhaust, outlive The advisory group

has outlived its usefulness.
• PREP. of ... - The theory is of limited usefulness. I -for
the exam's usefulness for ranking students - in the drug's
usefulness in the treatment of cancer - to The report is of
potential usefulness to the government.

useless

adj.

10f no use
train has

already gone.

use verb

• ADV. carefully, efficiently I sparingly This paint is
very expensive, so please use it sparingly. I indiscriminately I frequently, generally, habitually, normally, regularly, usually Do you habitually use display screen equipment as a significant part of your job? I occasionally,
rarely I up The oil had all been used up.
• VERB + USE be easy to, be simple to These garden
shears are lightweight and easy to use. I be difficult to, be
hard to I be ready to I be likely to, tend to the factors

that make people likely to use heroin 0 Manufacturers tend
to use disks made in the Us. I decide to I intend to, plan
to I attempt to, try to I allow sb to, be entitled to, let sb,
permit sb to Candidates are not allowed to use dictionaries in the exam. I forbid sb to I teach sb to

• VERBS be, feel, prove Her efforts to avoid him proved
useless. I become I leave sth, make sth, render sth The
condition rendered her legs virtually useless. I reject sth
as They rejected the designs as useless.
• ADV. bloody (taboo) I absolutely, completely, entirely, quite, totally, utterly, wholly I worse thanA computer
program with too many icons is worse than useless. I all
but, almost,
practically,
virtually I largely I fairly,
pretty I equally There are two manuals, both of them

equally useless.
• PREP. as A candle is practically useless as a light
source. for The land is uselessfor cattle. in This drug is useless in the treatment of patients with Aids. to The information was useless to him.
2 weak/not successful
• VERBS be
• ADV. bloody (taboo) I completely
• PREP. atFmprettyuselessatthisjob.

I pretty

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U-turn

845

user noun
• ADJ. heavy, large heavy users of credit 0 The larger
users of the service have to pay more. I small I daily,
regular I current, existing Existing users will be able to
upgrade their software at a reduced price. I first-time,
novice They offer a short course to first-time users of the
software. I end The company supplies its computers direct
to the end user. I computer, PC I business, home a computer intended for business and home users I bus, car,
rail, road, transport I wheelchair A special entrance is
being builtfor wheelchair users. I library I service a survey of health service users I telephone I electricity, energy I drug, heroin, etc.

usual

adj.

• VERBS be I become
• ADV very I quite Don't worry-it's quite usual to have
a feto problems at first. I fairly I far from This kind of be-

haviour isfur from usual in children of this age.

• PREP. for It's usual for the man topropose marriage.
• PHRASES as per usual (informal) Everyone blamed me
as per usual. as usual (= in the same way as what happens most of the time or in most cases) Steve, as usual,
was the last to arrive. business as usual (= things will
continue as normal in spite of a difficult situation) It's
business as usual at the factory, even while investigators
sift through the bomb wreckage. in the usual way The
metal can then bepainted in the usual way.

utility noun
1 usefulness
• ADJ. great, high I low I social He argued that the arts

have great social utility.
• VERB + UTILITY have
• PREP. of ... - This computer is of low utility for the

home user.
2 service provided for the public
• ADJ. public,
state-owned I privatized
water a privatized electricity utility

I electricity,

utilize verb
• ADV. heavily I extensively I fully, to the full The new
computer system is not being fully utilized yet. I effectively, successfully
• PREP. as Concrete had long been utilized as a bonding

and covering material.

U-turn noun
1 movement in a car
• VERB + U-TURN do, execute, make

2 sudden change of plan
• ADJ. complete I dramatic, spectacular
ing, humiliating I government, policy

I embarrass-

• VERB + U·TURN do, execute, make, perform Thegovernment has made a spectacular U-turn on taxes.
• PREP. -on a U-turnoneducationpolicy-overagovernment U-turn over plans to cut social security payments

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