TOEIC Word List

The adjective "abrupt" describes something that is sudden and unexpected, often in a way that seems rude or too hasty. 

• The meeting came to an abrupt end when the CEO stormed out.

• Her abrupt departure left us all in shock.

• He took an abrupt turn onto the highway, causing some cars to brake suddenly.

The adverb "abruptly" describes something that happens suddenly or unexpectedly, often without warning. 

• He stood up abruptly and left the room.

• The meeting ended abruptly after the disagreement.

• The car stopped abruptly at the red light.

Absence is the state of not being someplace, like school. It can also refer to the amount of time something has been or plans to be gone. We most commonly think of absence as the opposite of present in places like school, but really it can refer to anything that's missing or something that's lacking. Darkness is an absence of light, and cold is an absence of heat.

Example sentences of using the word absence to refer to the amount of time something has been or plans to be gone:

• Mary is going to be on maternity leave next month. Who do you think will take her place during her absence?
• I'm deputizing for the director during his absence.
• She has so many absences from work this year. I think the boss is thinking about letting her go.
• Every workplace should have its own absence policy. 

Please note that when someone gets the permission from their boss to be away from a job for a period of time; it is called leave of absence. The phrase leave of absence is used with words such as granted or given. For example:

• ​I am going to ask for a two-day leave of absence to attend my brother's wedding.
• Joseph took a two-month leave of absence to finish his dissertation.

Let's look at some example sentences where the word absence is used to show that something is missing or something that's lacking.

• The absence of oxygen in the water is causing the fish to die. 
• A lot of young people moved out of the city. In the absence of young talents, many tech companies have no choice but to outsource to India. 
• In the absence of an agreement, the court will decide according to the child's best interests. 

Absent means not there.  You will often see the phrase "absent from work or school".  Here are some example sentences:

• Alex has been absent from work for three days now.
• If you are absent from work for one day, your perfect attendance bonuses will be gone.
• You have been absent from school for two days.
• The purpose of doing the roll call is to check if any students are absent.
• James is very absent-minded and is always forgetting where he has put things.
• I am pretty absent-minded. It is easier for me to forget where I put my car keys and glasses.

Accommodation refers to a place where people can live or stay, often temporarily, such as a hotel, hostel, or apartment. It can also refer to the process of making suitable arrangements or adjustments to fit a particular situation, especially to allow different processes or conditions to work effectively together. The term is widely used in both everyday and specialized contexts, such as travel, education, and physiology.

• We need to book accommodation for our trip next month.

• Finding affordable accommodation in the city center can be challenging.

• The hotel provides accommodation and meals for all its guests.

• Due to the conference, most accommodations in the area are fully booked.

• The company made accommodations for employees who were working from home.

• The mediator helped both parties reach an accommodation to resolve the dispute.

An accountant is a person whose job is to keep, inspect, and analyze financial accounts.

Accounting is the process or work of keeping financial accounts.

• I recently started a small business on the side, and I really need some advice on accounting.
• I am considering a career in accounting.
• I have an undergraduate degree in accounting and finance.
• My brother is an auditor for a big accounting firm.
• Our priority is the modernization and upgrade of the accounting system.
• Small business owners benefit from accounting software because it helps them track accounts receivable and accounts payable. As a result, small business owners will have a clear understanding of their profitability.
• Advances in information technology have affected traditional accounting methods and practices. The most significant impact IT has made on accounting is the ability of companies to use computerized systems to track and record financial transactions.

Take over = Acquire = to get control of a company by buying enough of the shares in it

Takeover = Acquisition  = the act of taking over a company​

• In 2006, Google acquired Youtube for $1.65 billion. 
• The acquisition frenzy has coincided with an era of historically low-interest rates.
• The $165 billion acquisition between America Online and Time Warner Inc. comes in at number two in our list of biggest takeovers in history.
• The company he works for has recently been taken over.
• The company made a takeover bid for one of its rivals.

​Take over = Acquire = to get control of a company by buying enough of the shares in it

Takeover = Acquisition  = the act of taking over a company

• The new acquisition will bring cutting-edge technology to our business, allowing us to expand our offerings to customers.
• The acquisition of a rival company is expected to give our business a significant boost in the industry.
• Yahoo is making a last-ditch effort to thwart the hostile takeover by Microsoft.

If something is acting up, it is not working properly.

Admission as a word encompasses various meanings, primarily focusing on the act of allowing someone to enter a specific place or institution. It can also refer to the fee charged for entry to events or establishments. Moreover, it signifies the act of acknowledging or confessing something, often used in contexts where someone admits a mistake or a fact.

• How much do they charge for admission?

• Tickets are $10, with free admission for children under age 12.

• The cost includes free admission to the casinos.

• Many students apply for admission to more than one university.

• No admission to the park between 11 P.M. and 6 A.M.

• Congratulations on your admission to the University of Illinois.

• I failed to gain admission to my dream university.

• I submitted an application for admission to Harvard.

• Many students apply for admission to more than one university.

• We have already seen an increase in the level of emergency admissions.

• We keep careful records of all hospital admissions. 

The verb "admit" is used when someone accepts the truth of something that is typically negative or not favorable. It often involves a confession after denial or hesitation. Additionally, "admit" can refer to the act of allowing someone to enter a place, such as being admitted to a hospital or a university. This word is useful in situations requiring honesty or when discussing access and acceptance into institutions or groups.

• Children cannot be admitted to the museum unless they are accompanied by an adult.

• A group ticket admits six people to the zoo and museum.

• Latecomers will not be admitted until the interval.

• The patients lined the hospital corridors waiting to be admitted.

• The staff refused to admit the patient until she had proof of insurance.

• Margot admitted her mistake.

• Margot admitted (that) she had made a mistake.

• Margot admitted making a mistake.

• I hate to admit it, but you might be right. 

• I didn't think I'd like the movie, but I have to admit that it was good. 

• I hate to say this, but it's the calm before the storm.

The word "affect" means to have an influence on or make a change in something. 

• The movie deeply affected me, leaving me thoughtful for days.

• His decision did not affect the outcome of the project.

• Weather conditions can significantly affect the safety of a flight.

Agenda = a list of matters to be discussed at a meeting

• You're preparing the agenda for tomorrow morning's meeting, right?  Let me take a look at it before you send it to the board members.
• What is on the agenda for tomorrow's meeting? 
• It's 10 A.M. As we have a full agenda, let's get cracking!

An aircraft is a vehicle designed to travel through the air. There are various types of aircraft, including airplanes, helicopters, gliders, and hot air balloons, each with its own unique design and purpose. 

• Please remember to take all your personal possessions with you when you leave the aircraft.

• For your safety, please remain seated until the aircraft has come to a full stop and the "Fasten Seat Belt" sign has been turned off. 

• Alliance Air recently took delivery of a Dornier 228 aircraft to expand its footprint further into the regional market of the country. The made-in-India airplane is expected to start commercial operations in a few days, connecting towns in the North East region of India.

• China's civilian aviation authority ordered all Chinese airlines to temporarily ground their Boeing 737 Max 8 planes Monday after one of the aircraft crashed in Ethiopia. The crash in Ethiopia renewed safety questions about the newest version of Boeing's popular 737 airliner since the plane was new and the weather was clear at the time.

The word “airfare” refers to the price of a flight ticket.

• Round-trip airfare from Miami to Santiago is $837.

• Nowadays, many travel agent websites allow people to look at multiple airlines' schedules and up-to-the-minute airfares.

• While airfares might skyrocket the closer you get to a holiday, they are generally cheaper if you travel on the actual holiday. In fact, Thanksgiving and Christmas Day are two of the most economical times to fly—even if you book flights at the last minute.

An airline is a business that operates regular services for carrying passengers and/or goods by aircraft

• Excuse me. I would like to book a flight to Berlin next week. Which airline do you suggest I fly with?

• I don't like flying on low-cost airlines because you don't get to choose seats when booking the flight.

• These days, you can fly around the world on a budget airline.

• The airline has ordered eight new commuter planes to replace a dozen aging carriers.

• The tourism industry is seeing demand spike after the pandemic slump. Everyone seems to be traveling and airlines are struggling to keep up with this surge in demand.

• Some data suggest that air travel in summer 2022 is pretty comparable to summer 2019. Many airlines have preemptively cut flights going into the summer, some as much as 10% of their schedule. Some airlines have even ultimately ended service to some cities. And it seems like one of the biggest reasons is staffing issues.

An airliner is a type of aircraft designed primarily for transporting large numbers of passengers. Airliners are operated by airlines and are the most common type of aircraft used for long-distance travel.

• Boeing's 737 airliner is the best-selling airliner in history, and the Max airliner is the newest version of it, with more fuel-efficient engines. The Max is a central part of Boeing's strategy to compete with European rival Airbus. Boeing has delivered about 350 737 Max planes and has orders for more than 5,000. It is already in use by many airlines including American, United and Southwest.

The word "aisle" refers to a passageway between rows of seats in a building, such as a theater, church, or auditorium, or between areas of shelves in a supermarket or library. It is derived from the Old French word "alee," meaning "walking or passage," and it is used to facilitate movement and access in various settings.

• Please keep the aisle clear to allow free movement.

• During the wedding, the bride walked down the aisle with her father.

• The flight attendant asked the passengers to stay out of the aisle during turbulence.

Alcohol is a chemical compound that is widely used both in beverages and in industry. In beverages, it is primarily ethanol, which is produced by the fermentation of sugars by yeasts. Alcohol has a significant effect on the human body, influencing motor skills and cognitive functions. It is also used as a solvent and a fuel in various industrial applications. Due to its effects and potential for abuse, its consumption is regulated in many countries.

• Pregnant women or women trying to conceive should not drink alcohol at all.

• I could smell the alcohol on his breath.

• Did you know that the odor caused by drinking alcohol doesn't really come from the mouth? It comes from your lungs, where alcohol in the blood enters the air you exhale.

• There was a high level of alcohol in his blood at the time of the accident.

• The restaurant had a license to serve alcohol.

• You may be surprised to learn that based on the sales, the most popular spirit in the world isn't vodka, whisky, or rum but soju, a traditional Korean drink. Soju is an alcoholic beverage distilled from rice but more commonly from sweet potatoes these days. The alcohol content can range anywhere from around 15% to over 50%, and the quality can vary greatly.

• Alcohol is used in plenty of recipes out there, and you can use any type of alcoholic drink to bring some extra flavors to your food. Most people seem to think that under heat the alcohol burns off eventually. But the truth is that the food you cook in alcohol retains most of it. However, it's also true that, the longer the cooking time, the more alcohol evaporates.

All-inclusive generally refers to a pricing structure where the initial cost includes all the necessary services and amenities associated with a particular product or service, often seen in the travel and hospitality industry. This term is particularly popular in the context of resorts and cruises where lodging, meals, and entertainment are bundled into a single price, making it easier for consumers to manage their expenses without worrying about additional costs.

• ANGSANA is an all-inclusive resort which means that when you arrive everything has already been paid for.

• I was surprised to find that the all-inclusive package didn't include taxes and gratuities, so I ended up paying thousands of dollars more.

• We booked an all-inclusive resort so we wouldn't have to worry about additional expenses.

• The all-inclusive package includes meals, drinks, and various activities.

• Many tourists prefer all-inclusive vacations because they simplify budgeting. 

Allergens are substances that can trigger an allergic reaction in the body. They can be found in foods, in the air (such as pollen), or in substances like latex. When someone who is allergic to a particular allergen comes into contact with it, their immune system reacts disproportionately, potentially leading to symptoms like sneezing, itching, or more severe reactions like anaphylaxis.

• Peanuts are a common allergen that can cause severe reactions in some people.

• Many companies now label their products to indicate whether they contain common allergens.

• Certain foods seem to contain more potent allergens than others.

• Would washing my hands with antibacterial soap destroy the allergens?

• Eight food categories, including fish, shellfish, eggs, milk and peanuts, are now widely recognized as major allergens.

Allergies are hypersensitive responses from the immune system to substances that either enter or come into contact with the body. These substances, known as allergens, can trigger symptoms that range from mild to severe. Common allergens include pollen, pet dander, dust mites, and certain foods. Managing allergies often involves avoiding known allergens, taking medications to relieve symptoms, or undergoing immunotherapy.

• Many people suffer from seasonal allergies that make them sneeze and itch.

• She has a severe allergy to peanuts, which can be life-threatening.

• Doctors advised him to carry an epinephrine injector because of his food allergies.

• All the women in my family have a peanut allergy.

• I have a mild allergy to shellfish.

• In general, there is no cure for allergies, but there are several types of medications available—both over-the-counter and prescription—to help ease and treat annoying symptoms like congestion and runny nose.

Alleviate is a verb that means to make something, such as pain or problems, less severe. It is often used in contexts where there is a need to reduce the intensity or severity of a negative condition. This word comes from the Latin "alleviare," which means to lighten or relieve. In English, it is commonly used in both physical and metaphorical senses, such as alleviating pain or alleviating financial stress.

• The doctor has prescribed some drugs to alleviate the pain.

• The turmeric root has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties and can naturally alleviate pain.

• The airport is building an additional terminal to alleviate overcrowding.

• The survey failed to alleviate concerns about the floundering economy in this country.

• The UN's most important objective is to alleviate world poverty.

Definition: distribution according to a plan; a share set aside for a specific purpose

Example sentences:

• Given the situation, if your asset allocation is 60 percent stocks and 40 percent bonds, you might lose 30 percent of your portfolio value.
• While economics is the study of the allocation of scarce resources, the online world is distinguished by abundance.

If you amend something that has been written such as a law, or something that is said, you change it in order to improve it or make it more accurate.

Amenities are things such as shopping centers or sports facilities that are provided for people's convenience, enjoyment, or comfort. Basic amenities are things considered to be necessary to live comfortably, such as hot water. Hotel amenities are things such as Free Wi-Fi, connectors for laptops and electronic devices, desks in the rooms, ironing kit, and laundry service in some cases.

• This property is just 5 minutes' walk from all of the local amenities, restaurants, and shops. 

• Hotel amenities include a complimentary full breakfast, sauna, steam room, free parking, a business center, and meeting space accommodating up to 80 people.

Definition: The state or experience of finding something funny:

Example sentences:

• We looked with amusement at our horoscopes

The word "appetite" refers to a natural desire to satisfy a bodily need, especially for food. It can also extend metaphorically to mean a strong desire or liking for something, such as adventure, knowledge, or power. The intensity of appetite can vary from person to person and can be influenced by various factors including emotional state, environmental conditions, and health.

• The delicious smell coming from the restaurant kitchen increased my appetite.

• You'll spoil your appetite for dinner if you have a cake now.

• People generally have a good appetite after a long day of work. 

An appetizer is a small dish served before a meal to stimulate the appetite. Typically, appetizers are chosen to contrast with the main course in flavor, texture, and temperature, providing a varied dining experience from the very beginning. They can range from simple dishes like soups and salads to more complex ones such as bruschetta or small portions of pasta.

• We ordered a plate of calamari as an appetizer.

• For our appetizers, we chose soup and a garden salad.

• The restaurant offers a variety of appetizers, including bruschetta and shrimp cocktail.

Appetizing refers to food or smells that are appealing and make you want to eat. The word is often used to describe dishes or meals that look, smell, or are expected to taste good, thus stimulating one's appetite. It can also be used metaphorically to describe anything that seems appealing or attractive.

• All the dishes on the menu look so appetizing that it's hard to know which one to choose.

• While the stew may not look very appetizing, it tastes wonderful.

• The poached pear in blackberry sauce is appetizing enough on its own.

• The aroma of the grilled chicken was very appetizing.

Something is applicable to a particular situation =  Something is relevant to or can be applied to a particular situation

• The questionnaire did not provide an opportunity for responders to indicate whether the question was "not applicable" to them.
• The constitution is equally applicable to all citizens.
• This part of the law is only applicable to companies employing more than five people.

An applicant is a person who makes a formal application for something, especially a job.

An arrivals lounge is a designated area within an airport where arriving passengers can relax, meet with people who have come to pick them up, or wait for further transportation. These lounges are equipped with various amenities to provide comfort and convenience to travelers after their journey.

• Jane, I'll meet you in the arrivals lounge. I'll be holding a sign to tell you I'm looking for you.

• The arrivals lounge was crowded with families waiting for their loved ones.

• She checked the information board in the arrivals lounge to find out when her friend's flight would land.

Artisans play a crucial role in preserving cultural heritage through their crafts. They often use techniques passed down through generations, creating products that are not only functional but also carry significant cultural value. The term "artisan" emphasizes the skill, craftsmanship, and tradition involved in creating these items, distinguishing their work from mass-produced goods.

• Baguettes are considered the most difficult bread to bake, and the art of artisan bread.

• Rollers Bakehouse is seeking an experienced baker in artisan bread and quality pastry making in this award-winning bakery. Immediate start required.

• Local artisans were selling handmade jewelry at the market.
  She apprenticed with an artisan to learn the traditional methods of leatherworking.

Ask for a raise means to ask for a salary increase。​

The word "assemble" is a verb and has a few related meanings: (1) To gather together in one place for a common purpose. (2) To fit together the separate component parts of (a machine or other object) (3) To bring or call together into a group or whole.

Assembly = the process of putting together the parts of a machine or structure

Assembly line= a production process that breaks the manufacture of a good into steps that are completed in a pre-defined sequence.

• The cars are assembled on an assembly line.
• Many assembly line workers are being replaced by robots.
• This is the first session in the training that you all are going to receive for your new roles at our factory. As assembly line workers, you'll be working around conveyor belts regularly. While potentially dangerous, the machinery is quite safe if properly handled. 
• (It) requires assembly.
• (Some) assembly required.
• I really like this swivel chair with mesh backrest. Does it require assembly?
• In order to offer the lowest prices possible, and so that your furniture arrives damage-free, some of the items available at Handy Furniture will require some assembly.

Astigmatism is a common vision condition that causes blurred vision due either to the irregular shape of the cornea, the clear front cover of the eye, or occasionally the curvature of the lens inside the eye. It is a type of refractive error, similar to nearsightedness and farsightedness, and can be corrected with eyeglasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery. People with astigmatism have an eye that is shaped more like a football than a perfectly round basketball, which distorts the light as it enters the eye and causes visual distortion.

• I have an astigmatism.

• I am extremely nearsighted and I have an astigmatism, so it is hard for me to find a place to get my prescription filled. 

• If you have astigmatism, don't worry, it can easily be corrected with glasses or soft contact lenses.

Attend = to go to an event or a place.

• I'll be away for the next three days to attend a conference.
• Mr. Lee is organizing the company banquet, so please let him know if you are able to attend.
• Many publishers are attending the International Fashion Fair, which is starting on Friday.
• All new hires are required to attend a training session which will take place on Friday, October 13 from 9:30 A.M. until 3:30 P.M. The session will be conducted in Meeting Room 3, and lunch will be provided.
• This year's WWDC will take place from June 6 to June 10. The conference will once again take place in an online format and will be free for all developers to attend.  (WWDC = Worldwide Developers Conference)

Attendence = the fact of going to an event or a place.

Perfect Attendance means that a student or an employee goes to school or work every day of a year.

• I had perfect attendance this year.
• When I was little, I got five medals for perfect attendance at Sunday school.
• Just a few weeks before graduation, Elijah was expelled from the school for poor grades and bad attendance.

Attendence = the number of people going to an event or a place.

Be in attendance = have to attend

• At last month's meeting, attendance was poor.
• Attendance at this training is mandatory for everyone hired since June of this year. 
• Please notify the employees who need to be in attendance.
• Theater attendance worldwide is still not close to what it was before the Covid-19 pandemic.

An attendant is someone whose job is to assist, serve, or take care of another person or a group, often in a specific setting. This role can vary widely depending on the context, including settings such as flights, where they are known as flight attendants, or in large buildings or events, where they might manage facilities or assist guests. 

• Michelle has five years of experience as a flight attendant.

• Being a flight attendant opens up a lot of opportunities to discover the world. The lifestyle is ideal for anyone who doesn't like routine.

• During boarding, one of my jobs as a flight attendant is to help passengers stow their bags.

• The flight attendants will begin serving beverages after take-off. Thank you.

• Please present this ticket with your payment to the parking attendant when you return to pick up your vehicle.

Attendee = someone who goes to an event or a place.

• We were expecting more attendees at the meeting.
• Did you get a list of the seminar attendees?

The noun "attribute" means a quality or characteristic that is inherent in or ascribed to someone or something. 

• Patience is an important attribute for a teacher.

• Honesty might be considered an important attribute for a leader to have
  
  

The verb "attribute" means to regard something as being caused by someone or something. 

• Many financial analysts attributed the recent market boom to increased investment in real estate from foreign investors.

• Climate change is widely attributed to the buildup of greenhouse gasses. 

• His doctor attributes his health problems to a poor diet and a lack of exercise.

1. Audit = make an official examination of the accounts of a business and produce a report (Verb)

• They audit our company's accounts each year.
• We have finished auditing our company's account. Everything seems to be correct

2. Audit = an official examination of the accounts of a business (Countable noun)

• The audit of our company's account was completed yesterday.
• We carry out a full internal audit once a year.
• We are going to conduct an audit of the accounts for the year 2019/20 tomorrow. 

3. Audit = go to a class without being tested or receiving a grade at the end  (Verb)

• To audit a class you need to go through the registration process. To sit-in in a class, you only need to talk to the instructor before the class starts.
• Many colleges allow auditing in their courses. But since you're paying for it, you might as well go the extra mile and get credit for your work. 

An audition is a sample performance by an actor, singer, musician, or dancer. It is typically used to evaluate the suitability of the performer for a particular role or job in a film, television show, or theater production. Auditions help directors and producers choose the most fitting talent for their projects. Audition can also be a verb. To audition means to perform a piece or routine in front of a director, casting team, or judges to try out for a role or position in a production.

• Emma auditioned for the starring role but wound up with a bit part.

• In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, the Irish actor Cillian Murphy revealed that he had auditioned for the role of Batman before landing the role of Dr. Jonathan Crane, aka Scarecrow.

• We auditioned more than 200 dancers before deciding on Jane Carter.

• They auditioned several actors for the role of James Bond.

• Emma had an audition for the starring role. 

• I have an audition for a Broadway play tomorrow.

• Samantha sang really badly at her audition, so she didn't get into the choir.

• An orchestra is holding auditions to fill an opening for a cellist and a violinist.

• Unless directed otherwise during registration, please arrive at the audition venue at 7:00 AM on audition day.

• Due to the current pandemic, auditions are currently delayed until rehearsal and concert venues reopen. However, please feel free to fill out an audition request and we will reach out at a future date once rehearsals resume.

Auditer = someone whose job is to carry out an official examination of the accounts of a business and to produce a report

• The company's accounts were checked twice over, the second time by an independent auditor.
• My brother is an auditor for a big accounting firm.

Authentic is an adjective used to describe something that is real, genuine, or not a copy. It is often used to refer to items that are original and not reproductions, such as in art, antiques, and cultural dishes. The authenticity of an item or information can greatly affect its value and credibility.

• The restaurant's atmosphere is casual, and the menu is extensive and authentic.

• That, my friend, is an authentic Italian recipe for cannelloni!

• This is an authentic painting by Monet.

• How can you be sure that the product you are buying is authentic and not a replica?

• While the number of online storefronts operated by authentic sellers has exploded in recent years, so have illicit e-commerce sites selling counterfeit goods.

• The painting was certified as authentic by several experts.

• She prepared an authentic Mexican meal that reminded me of my trip to Mexico.

The adjective authorized comes from the verb authorize, which means "give formal approval." So when an authority grants her approval or permission to do something, it becomes authorized. 

An auto repair shop is a facility where automobiles are repaired by auto mechanics and technicians. These shops can offer a range of services, from basic maintenance like oil changes and tire rotations to more complex repairs such as engine rebuilds or transmission work. People usually seek out auto repair shops when they encounter problems with their vehicle that they cannot fix themselves.

• I suggest you take your vehicle to an independent auto repair shop for car servicing. 

• Auto repair shops that specialize in your vehicle's automaker are more likely to have the proper training, equipment, and up-to-date information. 

• It was undoubtedly the worst experience I've had. I would avoid this auto repair shop at all costs.

Autographs are personal signatures, usually of a famous person, written by hand. They are often collected by fans and can be found on books, photographs, or other memorabilia. The act of giving an autograph can be a gesture of goodwill or appreciation towards fans.

May I have an autograph?

• Famous people are asked for their autographs all the time.

• I can see why fans like her so much. She's always smiling and she has never refused to take a photo or to give an autograph.

• The actor told the BBC reporter, “he enjoys signing autographs for fans and still receives fan mail.

• We asked her to autograph her photograph.

The word "award" can be used both as a noun and a verb, reflecting its dual usage in English. As a noun, it refers to a prize given in recognition of an achievement, a quality, or a competition victory. As a verb, it involves the act of giving such prizes or making a formal decision to give something based on merit or legal entitlement. Awards are common in educational, artistic, and scientific fields, among others, and they serve as motivation and recognition for individuals' efforts and talents.

• She has won numerous awards for her books.

• Ang Lee won the Academy Award for Best Director for the film Life of Pi (2002).

• In 2002, Halle Berry made history when she became the first black woman to win the Best Actress Oscar Award.

• Carlos was awarded first prize in the essay competition.

• The winner was awarded a gold medal.

• The Nobel Prize was not awarded between 1940 and 1942 due to the outbreak of World War II.

• The actress was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 44th Annual Grammy Awards.

• He was awarded a patent for his invention.

• You must go and see this Academy Award-winning movie. It really deserves its five Oscars.

• The award-winning actress gave a marvelous performance in the film.

To cut jobs = to ax jobs/to shed jobs/to slash jobs = to fire employees

• Sony Pictures Entertainment will cut about 1,700 jobs, according to a report published Wednesday.
• The company confirmed Monday it is to ax about 1,600 jobs across the country to slash costs. Salaries for all remaining staff will be frozen.
• Times are hard, even profitable companies are shedding jobs.
• The company's decision to slash 10 percent of its workforce comes as it struggles with weak TV sales and swelling losses.