11. Cacophony/cacophonous
Definition: harsh, dissonant sounds
Example: The sudden sound of a cell phone only added to the cacophony of the boardroom executives’ heated shouting.
12. Capitulate
Definition: to stop fighting or surrender (as in a social battle or negotiation)
Example: The CEO refused to capitulate to Terry’s salary demands, so she tendered her resignation.
13. Catch-22
Definition: a lose-lose paradox in which the only solution to problem is prevented by circumstance or often a means of entrapment or political maneuvering (from the novel of the same name)
Example: Lolita’s boss presented her with a catch-22 — she couldn’t work another shift without a doctor’s sign-off, but couldn’t afford another doctor’s appointment without a paycheck.
More: 104 Urban Dictionary Slang Words That Have Made Us What We Are Today
14. Cavalier
Definition: disdainful or unceremonious
Example: His cavalier attitude toward customers made the manager wonder if he had any respect for others.
15. Chimera
Definition: something or a combination of things that’s so odd or improbable that it shouldn’t logically exist, but does
Example: The software suite of billing and graphic design software was a chimera, but the company managed to sell enough units to make a profit.
16. Clandestine
Definition: something done in secret, usually with a hidden or nefarious agenda
Example: The president had to fire her vice president when she found out he was making clandestine deals with the competition.
17. Cogent
Definition: well-reasoned, logical and compelling
Example: Ally’s points were well founded, but her inability to present a cogent argument left the stockholders wondering if she was the right woman for the job.
18. Conundrum
Definition: a difficult problem
Example: Jackie was charged with solving the shipping conundrum before the company lost money.
19. Cronyism
Definition: partiality to one’s friends, often evidenced by favors or promotions they don’t deserve or are unqualified for
Example: The boss’ cronyism became apparent when he appointed his fraternity brother’s deadbeat son as vice president.
20. Delineate
Definition: to precisely describe or outline
Example: To ensure things ran smoothly, the team moved to the conference room to delineate their plan on the whiteboard before beginning the project.
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