Degree & Intensity Vocabulary

more important than anything else; supreme

“Safety is of paramount importance in this industry.”

representing the most perfect example of a quality

“She is the quintessential professional.”

showing great skill and flair; complete or perfect

“He was a consummate diplomat who never offended anyone.”

of the highest quality or degree

“Her superlative performance earned a standing ovation.”

of only moderate quality; not very good

“The film received mediocre reviews from critics.”

so small or unimportant as to be not worth considering

“The difference in price is negligible.”

very small; far below the real value or cost

“They charge only a nominal fee for the service.”

minor and not important; at the edge or limit

“The improvement was marginal at best.”

unusually or disproportionately large; excessive

“He spent an inordinate amount of time on trivial details.”

unreasonably high; exceeding proper limits

“The hotel charges exorbitant prices during peak season.”

outstandingly bad; shocking

“The report contained egregious errors.”

conspicuously or obviously offensive

“The flagrant violation of rules led to disqualification.”

severe or bare in appearance; complete and absolute

“The stark contrast between rich and poor was evident.”

complete; absolute

“The project was an utter failure.”

nothing other than; unmitigated

“It was sheer luck that saved them.”

experienced or present to the maximum degree

“They lived in abject poverty.”

very great or intense; having deep meaning

“The loss had a profound effect on the family.”

present or experienced to a severe degree

“There is an acute shortage of nurses.”

persisting for a long time; constantly recurring

“The region suffers from chronic underinvestment.”

spreading widely throughout an area or group

“Corruption is pervasive in the system.”

relating to or affecting the fundamental nature of something

“Radical changes were needed to save the company.”

likely to have a strong or far-reaching effect; radical and extreme

“They took drastic measures to cut costs.”