Words for Harmful or Negative Effects

Question 1

Pernicious

Answer 1

Pernicious – /pəˈnɪʃəs/ (per-NISH-us)
Meaning: Harmful in a subtle or gradual way.
Example: The spread of misinformation on social media has a pernicious effect on public opinion.

Question 2

Cacophony

Answer 2

Cacophony – /kəˈkɒfəni/ (kuh-KOF-uh-nee)
Meaning: A harsh, discordant mixture of sounds.
Example: The cacophony of car horns made it impossible to concentrate.

Question 3

Lugubrious

Answer 3

Lugubrious – /luːˈɡuːbriəs/ (loo-GOO-bree-us)
Meaning: Looking or sounding sad and dismal.
Example: His lugubrious expression made it clear that he had bad news.

Question 4

Quixotic

Answer 4

Quixotic – /kwɪkˈsɒtɪk/ (kwik-SOT-ik)
Meaning: Extremely idealistic, unrealistic, and impractical.
Example: His quixotic dream of becoming a world-famous poet led him to quit his job.