Word Formation (C2) – Worksheet 1

Match each definition with a word from the box. There are two extra words you do not need.

Example: a person who is not an expert in a particular subject → layperson

Word box misnomerdownplayinevitabilityinsatiableoverstatementsimultaneousoutnumbermisgivingoutlive

1. a name or description that is wrong or misleading

   Choose… misnomerdownplayinevitabilityinsatiableoverstatementsimultaneousoutnumbermisgivingoutlive

2. to make something seem less important than it really is

   Choose… misnomerdownplayinevitabilityinsatiableoverstatementsimultaneousoutnumbermisgivingoutlive

3. the quality of being certain to happen and impossible to avoid

   Choose… misnomerdownplayinevitabilityinsatiableoverstatementsimultaneousoutnumbermisgivingoutlive

4. impossible to satisfy

   Choose… misnomerdownplayinevitabilityinsatiableoverstatementsimultaneousoutnumbermisgivingoutlive

5. a statement that makes something seem bigger or more serious than it is

   Choose… misnomerdownplayinevitabilityinsatiableoverstatementsimultaneousoutnumbermisgivingoutlive

6. happening or done at exactly the same time

   Choose… misnomerdownplayinevitabilityinsatiableoverstatementsimultaneousoutnumbermisgivingoutlive

7. to be greater in number than another group

   Choose… misnomerdownplayinevitabilityinsatiableoverstatementsimultaneousoutnumbermisgivingoutlive

Complete each sentence with an adjective from the box. There are two extra words you do not need.

Example: Her enthusiasm for new projects seemed ___. → inexhaustible

Word box irreversibleunassailableimpeccableunprecedentedindispensableinsurmountableunequivocalinconceivableillegibleinedible

8. Scientists fear the damage to the coral reef may already be Choose… irreversibleunassailableimpeccableunprecedentedindispensableinsurmountableunequivocalinconceivableillegibleinedible and cannot be undone.

9. By half-time the team had built up an Choose… irreversibleunassailableimpeccableunprecedentedindispensableinsurmountableunequivocalinconceivableillegibleinedible lead of five goals.

10. Her written English is Choose… irreversibleunassailableimpeccableunprecedentedindispensableinsurmountableunequivocalinconceivableillegibleinedible ; there isn't a single error in the whole report.

11. The city experienced an Choose… irreversibleunassailableimpeccableunprecedentedindispensableinsurmountableunequivocalinconceivableillegibleinedible rise in visitor numbers, unlike anything seen before.

12. A good dictionary is Choose… irreversibleunassailableimpeccableunprecedentedindispensableinsurmountableunequivocalinconceivableillegibleinedible for any serious translator.

13. At first the obstacles seemed Choose… irreversibleunassailableimpeccableunprecedentedindispensableinsurmountableunequivocalinconceivableillegibleinedible , but the team eventually overcame them.

14. The director gave an Choose… irreversibleunassailableimpeccableunprecedentedindispensableinsurmountableunequivocalinconceivableillegibleinedible answer: there would be no further delays.

15. Thirty years ago it would have been Choose… irreversibleunassailableimpeccableunprecedentedindispensableinsurmountableunequivocalinconceivableillegibleinedible that people would carry powerful computers in their pockets.

Complete each sentence with a verb formed from the word in brackets. Use the correct tense or form.

Example: The tunnel will be ___ (LONG) by 200 metres. → lengthened

16. The new law will (POWER) local councils to set their own budgets.

17. The council voted to (LEGAL) street trading in the old town.

18. The government plans to (MODERN) the entire rail network by 2035.

19. Rising energy prices could (DANGER) the economic recovery.

20. Could you (CLEAR) what you meant by your last comment?

21. You shouldn't (LITTLE) her achievements just because you're jealous.

22. The gap between the two regions continues to (WIDE).

23. The film (DRAMA) the events of 1969 in vivid detail.

Use the word in capitals to form a word that fits the gap.

Example: The minister's ___ was announced this morning. (RESIGN) → resignation

24. The committee's decision was met with widespread among local residents. (BELIEVE)

25. Her instructions were so that nobody could follow them. (COMPREHEND)

26. The new policy has had a number of consequences. (FORESEE)

27. The evidence against the company was , so it accepted the fine. (REFUTE)

28. Despite repeated warnings, he remained completely about the risks. (CONCERN)

29. The of the old theatre took nearly two years. (RESTORE)

30. Critics praised the novel for its sensitive of family life. (PORTRAY)

31. The two witnesses gave completely accounts of the accident. (RECONCILE)

Each sentence contains one incorrect word form. Rewrite the sentence correctly.

Example: The film was a huge disappoint. → The film was a huge disappointment.

32. The report highlights the importance of sustainable for future generations.

33. Most of the jury found his argument completely unconvinced.

34. She spoke with remarkable eloquent at the ceremony.

35. The company has been accused of negligent in its handling of customer data.

36. Many viewers found the ending of the series deeply dissatisfied.

37. There has been a noticeable deteriorate in air quality this year.

38. The judge described the defendant's behaviour as reprehensive.

39. The organisation's response was criticised for its lack of transparent.