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quagmire - A soft boggy area of land that gives way underfoot

After the thunderstorm, the troops had to watch their step to avoid sinking into the quagmire of mud underneath them.

noun

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

Hurricane Katrina was one of America's worst calamities, causing widespread death and destruction.

adjective

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pathetic - Arousing pity, especially through vulnerability or sadness

The condition of the homeless person sleeping by the river was so pathetic that Bill had to give him a dollar.

noun

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cataclysm - A large-scale and violent event in the natural world

Scientists have predicted that a massive cataclysm, like a tsunami with 400-foot waves, could happen in the future.

noun

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disgrace - The reduced respect that is caused by doing something very bad

Matt couldn't forgive himself for the disgrace he had brought on his family by his terrible behavior

noun

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debacle - A sudden and ignominious failure; a fiasco

Amongst human-led disasters, the sinking of the Titanic is considered a major debacle.

noun

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slum - A very poor and crowded area, especially of a city

Since the schools and living conditions in a slum are usually very bad, it's hard to escape it to become successful.

adjective

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bitter - Feeling angry, hurt, or resentful due to a bad experience, or having a sharp, unpleasant taste (often the opposite of sweet).

When the car broke down 5 blocks from our house, we walked home in the bitter cold of winter.

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stigma - A mark of disgrace associated with a particular circumstance, quality, or person

In "The Scarlet Letter," Hester Prynne must deal with the stigma of having an out-of-wedlock child in a Puritan setting.

adjective

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nefarious - An act or behaviour that is criminal, evil or wicked.

Joe could only blame himself for the jail sentence that followed his nefarious career as a gangster.

adjective

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perverse - Showing a deliberate and obstinate desire to behave in a way that is unreasonable or unacceptable, often in spite of the consequences

Sam often acted in perverse ways around the office, such as threatening his coworkers.

noun

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woe - Great sorrow or distress

Young Billy always felt woe at school whenever the bullies would pick on him.