Intermediate150 min
No matter
We use no matter + a relative pronoun + clause to say that something is true whatever the situation is. It means the same as It doesn’t matter, but it gives more emphasis to the idea that the information is true.
It doesn’t matter when we leave. It’ll be fine.
No matter when we leave, it’ll be fine.
We use relative pronouns who, whose, what, which, where, when, why and how.
No matter whose pen I steal, I quickly lose it again!
No matter what time it is, we’ll eat something when we arrive.
No matter how tired I am, I always manage to do some exercise after work.
We use a present tense after no matter whether it refers to general habits or the future. When it refers to the future, the other clause will use a future form.
No matter where you live, I come and visit you. (general habit)
No matter where you live, I’ll come and visit you. (future promise)
Notice that when we use no matter, it has two clauses. The clauses can be reversed. When we use it doesn’t matter, we use one clause.
No matter which dessert you pick, I’ll want some!
I’ll want some of your dessert, no matter which one you pick!
It doesn’t matter which dessert you pick. I’ll want some!
We can also use no matter with that to say something is not important and won’t affect a situation.
No matter that you can’t come tomorrow. I’ll see you next week.
No matter that we’ve got no food in the house. We’ll order a takeaway.
We sometimes use no matter what at the end of a sentence.
I’ll always support you, no matter what.
I will definitely leave work by 6 p.m. and meet you tonight, no matter what.
It doesn’t matter when we leave. It’ll be fine.
No matter when we leave, it’ll be fine.
We use relative pronouns who, whose, what, which, where, when, why and how.
No matter whose pen I steal, I quickly lose it again!
No matter what time it is, we’ll eat something when we arrive.
No matter how tired I am, I always manage to do some exercise after work.
We use a present tense after no matter whether it refers to general habits or the future. When it refers to the future, the other clause will use a future form.
No matter where you live, I come and visit you. (general habit)
No matter where you live, I’ll come and visit you. (future promise)
Notice that when we use no matter, it has two clauses. The clauses can be reversed. When we use it doesn’t matter, we use one clause.
No matter which dessert you pick, I’ll want some!
I’ll want some of your dessert, no matter which one you pick!
It doesn’t matter which dessert you pick. I’ll want some!
We can also use no matter with that to say something is not important and won’t affect a situation.
No matter that you can’t come tomorrow. I’ll see you next week.
No matter that we’ve got no food in the house. We’ll order a takeaway.
We sometimes use no matter what at the end of a sentence.
I’ll always support you, no matter what.
I will definitely leave work by 6 p.m. and meet you tonight, no matter what.
Quiz
Question 1 of 10
Complete the sentence: No matter ____ you choose, you'll have fun.
which
who
when
how
Much of What Needs to Be Done Is Not Happening: The Crisis of Inaction
In an age where solutions to many of humanity's most pressing problems are within our grasp, it's sobering to realize that much of what needs to be done is simply not happening. Despite having the knowledge, technology, and resources necessary to tackle issues ranging from climate change to global poverty, we find ourselves stuck in a perpetual state of procrastination, paralyzed by a combination of political gridlock, economic short-sightedness, and social inertia.
The climate crisis stands as perhaps the most glaring example of this phenomenon. Scientists have been sounding the alarm for decades, yet meaningful action continues to fall short of what's required. While politicians pay lip service to environmental concerns and make grand pronouncements about carbon neutrality, the rubber never quite meets the road when it comes to implementing the sweeping changes necessary to prevent catastrophic warming. Instead of rolling up our sleeves and getting down to business, we're content to kick the can down the road, leaving future generations to pick up the pieces.
This pattern of inaction isn't limited to environmental issues. Public health systems around the world have been crying out for investment and reform, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic that exposed gaping holes in our preparedness. Yet rather than seizing the moment to build back better, many governments have returned to business as usual, cutting corners and hoping for the best. The writing is on the wall that another pandemic is not a matter of if but when, yet we continue to drag our feet on implementing robust prevention and response systems.
Educational inequality represents another area where the gap between what needs to happen and what actually occurs is painfully wide. We know that quality education is the great equalizer, capable of breaking cycles of poverty and creating opportunities for social mobility. The tools and methods for delivering excellent education to all children exist, yet millions continue to slip through the cracks of underfunded, understaffed systems that fail to meet their basic needs.
The digital divide has become increasingly pronounced as technology plays a central role in modern life. While some enjoy high-speed internet and cutting-edge devices, others are left high and dry, unable to access basic digital services that many take for granted. Bridging this gap would require sustained investment and coordinated effort, but such initiatives often get bogged down in bureaucracy or fall victim to competing priorities.
Mental health has emerged as a silent epidemic, with rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide climbing steadily across demographics. The stigma surrounding mental illness is slowly lifting, and effective treatments are available, yet mental health services remain woefully inadequate in most regions. Rather than addressing the root causes and scaling up support systems, society tends to sweep these issues under the carpet until they explode into crisis.
Infrastructure development tells a similar story of good intentions meeting harsh realities. Roads crumble, bridges deteriorate, and power grids strain under increasing demand, yet the political will to make substantial investments in modernization seems perpetually just out of reach. Everyone agrees that infrastructure is crucial for economic competitiveness and quality of life, but when push comes to shove, other priorities always seem to take precedence.
The housing crisis in many developed nations exemplifies how market failures can persist even when solutions are well understood. Zoning laws could be reformed, social housing programs could be expanded, and innovative construction methods could bring down costs, yet NIMBYism and regulatory capture ensure that the status quo remains largely unchanged. Meanwhile, homelessness increases and young people find themselves priced out of entire communities.
Food insecurity affects nearly a billion people worldwide, despite the fact that we produce enough food to feed everyone on the planet. The problem isn't scarcity but distribution, logistics, and political priorities. Addressing global hunger would require breaking down trade barriers, investing in rural infrastructure, and reforming agricultural policies, but such comprehensive approaches rarely gain traction in the face of entrenched interests.
What underlies this pervasive pattern of inaction? Part of the problem stems from the mismatch between political cycles and the long-term nature of many challenges. Politicians face pressure to deliver immediate, visible results to secure reelection, while the most important issues often require sustained effort over decades. This creates perverse incentives that favor quick fixes over fundamental solutions.
Bureaucratic inertia also plays a significant role. Large institutions, whether governmental or corporate, develop momentum that makes them resistant to change. Breaking through established procedures and ways of thinking requires enormous energy and persistence, qualities that are often in short supply among leaders who are juggling multiple competing demands.
Economic interests frequently work against necessary changes. Industries that profit from the status quo have powerful incentives to maintain existing arrangements, even when those arrangements are clearly dysfunctional. The revolving door between industry and government ensures that these interests have a voice in policy-making processes, often drowning out calls for reform.
Perhaps most troubling is the growing disconnect between expert knowledge and public policy. In an era of information overload and declining trust in institutions, evidence-based recommendations often get lost in the noise of competing narratives and ideological battles. Decision-makers cherry-pick studies that support their preferred positions while ignoring inconvenient truths that would require difficult changes.
Breaking out of this cycle of inaction will require a fundamental shift in how we approach complex problems. We need leaders willing to take political risks for long-term gains, institutions capable of sustained effort across election cycles, and citizens engaged enough to hold their representatives accountable for meaningful progress rather than empty rhetoric.
The climate crisis stands as perhaps the most glaring example of this phenomenon. Scientists have been sounding the alarm for decades, yet meaningful action continues to fall short of what's required. While politicians pay lip service to environmental concerns and make grand pronouncements about carbon neutrality, the rubber never quite meets the road when it comes to implementing the sweeping changes necessary to prevent catastrophic warming. Instead of rolling up our sleeves and getting down to business, we're content to kick the can down the road, leaving future generations to pick up the pieces.
This pattern of inaction isn't limited to environmental issues. Public health systems around the world have been crying out for investment and reform, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic that exposed gaping holes in our preparedness. Yet rather than seizing the moment to build back better, many governments have returned to business as usual, cutting corners and hoping for the best. The writing is on the wall that another pandemic is not a matter of if but when, yet we continue to drag our feet on implementing robust prevention and response systems.
Educational inequality represents another area where the gap between what needs to happen and what actually occurs is painfully wide. We know that quality education is the great equalizer, capable of breaking cycles of poverty and creating opportunities for social mobility. The tools and methods for delivering excellent education to all children exist, yet millions continue to slip through the cracks of underfunded, understaffed systems that fail to meet their basic needs.
The digital divide has become increasingly pronounced as technology plays a central role in modern life. While some enjoy high-speed internet and cutting-edge devices, others are left high and dry, unable to access basic digital services that many take for granted. Bridging this gap would require sustained investment and coordinated effort, but such initiatives often get bogged down in bureaucracy or fall victim to competing priorities.
Mental health has emerged as a silent epidemic, with rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide climbing steadily across demographics. The stigma surrounding mental illness is slowly lifting, and effective treatments are available, yet mental health services remain woefully inadequate in most regions. Rather than addressing the root causes and scaling up support systems, society tends to sweep these issues under the carpet until they explode into crisis.
Infrastructure development tells a similar story of good intentions meeting harsh realities. Roads crumble, bridges deteriorate, and power grids strain under increasing demand, yet the political will to make substantial investments in modernization seems perpetually just out of reach. Everyone agrees that infrastructure is crucial for economic competitiveness and quality of life, but when push comes to shove, other priorities always seem to take precedence.
The housing crisis in many developed nations exemplifies how market failures can persist even when solutions are well understood. Zoning laws could be reformed, social housing programs could be expanded, and innovative construction methods could bring down costs, yet NIMBYism and regulatory capture ensure that the status quo remains largely unchanged. Meanwhile, homelessness increases and young people find themselves priced out of entire communities.
Food insecurity affects nearly a billion people worldwide, despite the fact that we produce enough food to feed everyone on the planet. The problem isn't scarcity but distribution, logistics, and political priorities. Addressing global hunger would require breaking down trade barriers, investing in rural infrastructure, and reforming agricultural policies, but such comprehensive approaches rarely gain traction in the face of entrenched interests.
What underlies this pervasive pattern of inaction? Part of the problem stems from the mismatch between political cycles and the long-term nature of many challenges. Politicians face pressure to deliver immediate, visible results to secure reelection, while the most important issues often require sustained effort over decades. This creates perverse incentives that favor quick fixes over fundamental solutions.
Bureaucratic inertia also plays a significant role. Large institutions, whether governmental or corporate, develop momentum that makes them resistant to change. Breaking through established procedures and ways of thinking requires enormous energy and persistence, qualities that are often in short supply among leaders who are juggling multiple competing demands.
Economic interests frequently work against necessary changes. Industries that profit from the status quo have powerful incentives to maintain existing arrangements, even when those arrangements are clearly dysfunctional. The revolving door between industry and government ensures that these interests have a voice in policy-making processes, often drowning out calls for reform.
Perhaps most troubling is the growing disconnect between expert knowledge and public policy. In an era of information overload and declining trust in institutions, evidence-based recommendations often get lost in the noise of competing narratives and ideological battles. Decision-makers cherry-pick studies that support their preferred positions while ignoring inconvenient truths that would require difficult changes.
Breaking out of this cycle of inaction will require a fundamental shift in how we approach complex problems. We need leaders willing to take political risks for long-term gains, institutions capable of sustained effort across election cycles, and citizens engaged enough to hold their representatives accountable for meaningful progress rather than empty rhetoric.
# Vocabulary from "Much of What Needs to Be Done Is Not Happening" Text
1. **Within our grasp**
*Meaning*: Achievable or obtainable with current resources
2. **Sobering** /ˈsoʊbərɪŋ/ (US), /ˈsəʊbərɪŋ/ (UK)
*Meaning*: Making one feel serious and thoughtful
3. **Perpetual** /pərˈpetʃuəl/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: Never ending or changing; continuous
4. **Procrastination** /proʊˌkræstəˈneɪʃən/ (US), /prəʊˌkræstɪˈneɪʃən/ (UK)
*Meaning*: The action of delaying or postponing something
5. **Paralyzed** /ˈpærəˌlaɪzd/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: Unable to act or function normally
6. **Gridlock** /ˈɡrɪdˌlɑk/ (US), /ˈɡrɪdˌlɒk/ (UK)
*Meaning*: A situation where no progress is possible
7. **Inertia** /ɪˈnɜrʃə/ (US), /ɪˈnɜːʃə/ (UK)
*Meaning*: Lack of activity or unwillingness to change
8. **Glaring** /ˈɡlerɪŋ/ (US), /ˈɡleərɪŋ/ (UK)
*Meaning*: Very obvious and difficult to ignore
9. **Sounding the alarm**
*Meaning*: Warning people about danger or problems
10. **Fall short of**
*Meaning*: Fail to reach a required standard or level
11. **Pay lip service**
*Meaning*: Express support without taking real action
12. **Grand pronouncements**
*Meaning*: Important-sounding public statements
13. **The rubber meets the road**
*Meaning*: When plans are put into action; when reality matters
14. **Sweeping changes**
*Meaning*: Extensive and far-reaching modifications
15. **Catastrophic** /ˌkætəˈstrɑfɪk/ (US), /ˌkætəˈstrɒfɪk/ (UK)
*Meaning*: Involving sudden great damage or suffering
16. **Rolling up our sleeves**
*Meaning*: Preparing to work hard on something
17. **Getting down to business**
*Meaning*: Starting to work seriously on something
18. **Kick the can down the road**
*Meaning*: Delay dealing with a problem
19. **Pick up the pieces**
*Meaning*: Try to return to normal after something bad has happened
20. **Crying out for**
*Meaning*: Urgently needing something
21. **In the wake of**
*Meaning*: Following as a result of something
22. **Gaping holes**
*Meaning*: Large, obvious gaps or deficiencies
23. **Seizing the moment**
*Meaning*: Taking advantage of an opportunity
24. **Build back better**
*Meaning*: Reconstruct in an improved way
25. **Business as usual**
*Meaning*: Normal operations continuing unchanged
26. **Cutting corners**
*Meaning*: Doing something in the easiest or cheapest way
27. **Hoping for the best**
*Meaning*: Being optimistic without taking action
28. **The writing is on the wall**
*Meaning*: Clear signs that something will happen
29. **Drag our feet**
*Meaning*: Delay or be reluctant to do something
30. **Robust** /roʊˈbʌst/ (US), /rəʊˈbʌst/ (UK)
*Meaning*: Strong and effective
31. **Great equalizer**
*Meaning*: Something that makes everyone equal
32. **Breaking cycles**
*Meaning*: Stopping repeating patterns
33. **Social mobility**
*Meaning*: The ability to move between social classes
34. **Slip through the cracks**
*Meaning*: Be overlooked or ignored by a system
35. **Underfunded** /ˌʌndərˈfʌndəd/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: Not given enough money to operate properly
36. **Understaffed** /ˌʌndərˈstæft/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: Not having enough workers
37. **Digital divide**
*Meaning*: The gap between those with and without technology access
38. **Pronounced** /prəˈnaʊnst/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: Very noticeable or marked
39. **Cutting-edge** /ˈkʌtɪŋ edʒ/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: The most advanced stage of development
40. **Left high and dry**
*Meaning*: Abandoned without help in a difficult situation
41. **Take for granted**
*Meaning*: Assume something will always be available
42. **Bridging the gap**
*Meaning*: Reducing the difference between two things
43. **Sustained** /səˈsteɪnd/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: Continuing for an extended period
44. **Get bogged down**
*Meaning*: Become stuck or slowed by difficulties
45. **Bureaucracy** /bjʊˈrɑkrəsi/ (US), /bjʊˈrɒkrəsi/ (UK)
*Meaning*: Complex administrative procedures
46. **Fall victim to**
*Meaning*: Be harmed or affected by something
47. **Competing priorities**
*Meaning*: Different important things that demand attention
48. **Silent epidemic**
*Meaning*: A widespread problem that isn't widely discussed
49. **Demographics** /ˌdeməˈɡræfɪks/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: Statistical data about population groups
50. **Stigma** /ˈstɪɡmə/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: Shame or disgrace associated with something
51. **Lifting** /ˈlɪftɪŋ/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: Being removed or reduced
52. **Woefully inadequate**
*Meaning*: Extremely insufficient
53. **Root causes**
*Meaning*: The fundamental reasons for problems
54. **Scaling up**
*Meaning*: Expanding to a larger size or scope
55. **Sweep under the carpet**
*Meaning*: Hide or ignore problems
56. **Explode into crisis**
*Meaning*: Suddenly become a serious problem
57. **Crumble** /ˈkrʌmbəl/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: Break down or deteriorate
58. **Deteriorate** /dɪˈtɪriəˌreɪt/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: Become progressively worse
59. **Strain** /streɪn/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: Be under pressure or stress
60. **Political will**
*Meaning*: Determination of politicians to take action
61. **Just out of reach**
*Meaning*: Almost achievable but not quite
62. **When push comes to shove**
*Meaning*: When a situation becomes critical
63. **Take precedence**
*Meaning*: Be more important than something else
64. **Exemplifies** /ɪɡˈzempləˌfaɪz/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: Serves as a typical example of something
65. **Market failures**
*Meaning*: Situations where markets don't work efficiently
66. **Well understood**
*Meaning*: Clearly known or comprehended
67. **Zoning laws**
*Meaning*: Regulations controlling land use
68. **NIMBYism** /ˈnɪmbiˌɪzəm/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: Opposition to developments in one's neighborhood
69. **Regulatory capture**
*Meaning*: When industries control their own regulation
70. **Status quo** /ˈsteɪtəs kwoʊ/ (US), /ˈsteɪtəs kwəʊ/ (UK)
*Meaning*: The existing state of affairs
71. **Priced out**
*Meaning*: Unable to afford something due to high costs
72. **Food insecurity**
*Meaning*: Lack of reliable access to sufficient food
73. **Scarcity** /ˈskersəti/ (US), /ˈskeəsəti/ (UK)
*Meaning*: Shortage or lack of something
74. **Distribution** /ˌdɪstrəˈbjuʃən/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: The way something is shared or spread
75. **Breaking down barriers**
*Meaning*: Removing obstacles or restrictions
76. **Rural** /ˈrʊrəl/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: Relating to countryside areas
77. **Comprehensive approaches**
*Meaning*: Complete and thorough methods
78. **Gain traction**
*Meaning*: Start to be successful or accepted
79. **Entrenched interests**
*Meaning*: Well-established groups with power
80. **Underlies** /ˌʌndərˈlaɪz/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: Forms the basis or foundation of something
81. **Pervasive** /pərˈveɪsɪv/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: Existing in all parts of something
82. **Mismatch** /ˈmɪsˌmætʃ/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: Failure to correspond or match
83. **Political cycles**
*Meaning*: Regular periods of political activity
84. **Perverse incentives**
*Meaning*: Rewards that encourage unwanted behavior
85. **Quick fixes**
*Meaning*: Easy but temporary solutions
86. **Fundamental solutions**
*Meaning*: Basic and complete answers to problems
87. **Bureaucratic inertia**
*Meaning*: Resistance to change in administrative systems
88. **Momentum** /moʊˈmentəm/ (US), /məʊˈmentəm/ (UK)
*Meaning*: Force that keeps something moving
89. **Resistant to change**
*Meaning*: Unwilling to accept modifications
90. **Established procedures**
*Meaning*: Official methods that have been in use
91. **Juggling** /ˈdʒʌɡəlɪŋ/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: Managing multiple tasks at once
92. **Competing demands**
*Meaning*: Different needs that conflict with each other
93. **Profit from**
*Meaning*: Gain money or advantage from something
94. **Dysfunctional** /dɪsˈfʌŋkʃənəl/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: Not working properly
95. **Revolving door**
*Meaning*: Movement of people between related organizations
96. **Drown out**
*Meaning*: Make something impossible to hear
97. **Calls for reform**
*Meaning*: Demands for change and improvement
98. **Information overload**
*Meaning*: Too much information to process effectively
99. **Evidence-based**
*Meaning*: Based on scientific proof or data
100. **Get lost in the noise**
*Meaning*: Become unnoticed among other information
101. **Ideological battles**
*Meaning*: Conflicts based on different belief systems
102. **Cherry-pick**
*Meaning*: Select only the best or most suitable items
103. **Inconvenient truths**
*Meaning*: Facts that are unwelcome or problematic
104. **Breaking out of**
*Meaning*: Escaping from a restrictive situation
105. **Fundamental shift**
*Meaning*: Basic and important change
106. **Political risks**
*Meaning*: Dangers to political careers or positions
107. **Long-term gains**
*Meaning*: Benefits that come after a long time
108. **Election cycles**
*Meaning*: Regular periods between elections
109. **Hold accountable**
*Meaning*: Make someone responsible for their actions
110. **Empty rhetoric**
*Meaning*: Impressive words without real meaning or action
1. **Within our grasp**
*Meaning*: Achievable or obtainable with current resources
2. **Sobering** /ˈsoʊbərɪŋ/ (US), /ˈsəʊbərɪŋ/ (UK)
*Meaning*: Making one feel serious and thoughtful
3. **Perpetual** /pərˈpetʃuəl/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: Never ending or changing; continuous
4. **Procrastination** /proʊˌkræstəˈneɪʃən/ (US), /prəʊˌkræstɪˈneɪʃən/ (UK)
*Meaning*: The action of delaying or postponing something
5. **Paralyzed** /ˈpærəˌlaɪzd/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: Unable to act or function normally
6. **Gridlock** /ˈɡrɪdˌlɑk/ (US), /ˈɡrɪdˌlɒk/ (UK)
*Meaning*: A situation where no progress is possible
7. **Inertia** /ɪˈnɜrʃə/ (US), /ɪˈnɜːʃə/ (UK)
*Meaning*: Lack of activity or unwillingness to change
8. **Glaring** /ˈɡlerɪŋ/ (US), /ˈɡleərɪŋ/ (UK)
*Meaning*: Very obvious and difficult to ignore
9. **Sounding the alarm**
*Meaning*: Warning people about danger or problems
10. **Fall short of**
*Meaning*: Fail to reach a required standard or level
11. **Pay lip service**
*Meaning*: Express support without taking real action
12. **Grand pronouncements**
*Meaning*: Important-sounding public statements
13. **The rubber meets the road**
*Meaning*: When plans are put into action; when reality matters
14. **Sweeping changes**
*Meaning*: Extensive and far-reaching modifications
15. **Catastrophic** /ˌkætəˈstrɑfɪk/ (US), /ˌkætəˈstrɒfɪk/ (UK)
*Meaning*: Involving sudden great damage or suffering
16. **Rolling up our sleeves**
*Meaning*: Preparing to work hard on something
17. **Getting down to business**
*Meaning*: Starting to work seriously on something
18. **Kick the can down the road**
*Meaning*: Delay dealing with a problem
19. **Pick up the pieces**
*Meaning*: Try to return to normal after something bad has happened
20. **Crying out for**
*Meaning*: Urgently needing something
21. **In the wake of**
*Meaning*: Following as a result of something
22. **Gaping holes**
*Meaning*: Large, obvious gaps or deficiencies
23. **Seizing the moment**
*Meaning*: Taking advantage of an opportunity
24. **Build back better**
*Meaning*: Reconstruct in an improved way
25. **Business as usual**
*Meaning*: Normal operations continuing unchanged
26. **Cutting corners**
*Meaning*: Doing something in the easiest or cheapest way
27. **Hoping for the best**
*Meaning*: Being optimistic without taking action
28. **The writing is on the wall**
*Meaning*: Clear signs that something will happen
29. **Drag our feet**
*Meaning*: Delay or be reluctant to do something
30. **Robust** /roʊˈbʌst/ (US), /rəʊˈbʌst/ (UK)
*Meaning*: Strong and effective
31. **Great equalizer**
*Meaning*: Something that makes everyone equal
32. **Breaking cycles**
*Meaning*: Stopping repeating patterns
33. **Social mobility**
*Meaning*: The ability to move between social classes
34. **Slip through the cracks**
*Meaning*: Be overlooked or ignored by a system
35. **Underfunded** /ˌʌndərˈfʌndəd/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: Not given enough money to operate properly
36. **Understaffed** /ˌʌndərˈstæft/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: Not having enough workers
37. **Digital divide**
*Meaning*: The gap between those with and without technology access
38. **Pronounced** /prəˈnaʊnst/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: Very noticeable or marked
39. **Cutting-edge** /ˈkʌtɪŋ edʒ/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: The most advanced stage of development
40. **Left high and dry**
*Meaning*: Abandoned without help in a difficult situation
41. **Take for granted**
*Meaning*: Assume something will always be available
42. **Bridging the gap**
*Meaning*: Reducing the difference between two things
43. **Sustained** /səˈsteɪnd/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: Continuing for an extended period
44. **Get bogged down**
*Meaning*: Become stuck or slowed by difficulties
45. **Bureaucracy** /bjʊˈrɑkrəsi/ (US), /bjʊˈrɒkrəsi/ (UK)
*Meaning*: Complex administrative procedures
46. **Fall victim to**
*Meaning*: Be harmed or affected by something
47. **Competing priorities**
*Meaning*: Different important things that demand attention
48. **Silent epidemic**
*Meaning*: A widespread problem that isn't widely discussed
49. **Demographics** /ˌdeməˈɡræfɪks/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: Statistical data about population groups
50. **Stigma** /ˈstɪɡmə/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: Shame or disgrace associated with something
51. **Lifting** /ˈlɪftɪŋ/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: Being removed or reduced
52. **Woefully inadequate**
*Meaning*: Extremely insufficient
53. **Root causes**
*Meaning*: The fundamental reasons for problems
54. **Scaling up**
*Meaning*: Expanding to a larger size or scope
55. **Sweep under the carpet**
*Meaning*: Hide or ignore problems
56. **Explode into crisis**
*Meaning*: Suddenly become a serious problem
57. **Crumble** /ˈkrʌmbəl/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: Break down or deteriorate
58. **Deteriorate** /dɪˈtɪriəˌreɪt/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: Become progressively worse
59. **Strain** /streɪn/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: Be under pressure or stress
60. **Political will**
*Meaning*: Determination of politicians to take action
61. **Just out of reach**
*Meaning*: Almost achievable but not quite
62. **When push comes to shove**
*Meaning*: When a situation becomes critical
63. **Take precedence**
*Meaning*: Be more important than something else
64. **Exemplifies** /ɪɡˈzempləˌfaɪz/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: Serves as a typical example of something
65. **Market failures**
*Meaning*: Situations where markets don't work efficiently
66. **Well understood**
*Meaning*: Clearly known or comprehended
67. **Zoning laws**
*Meaning*: Regulations controlling land use
68. **NIMBYism** /ˈnɪmbiˌɪzəm/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: Opposition to developments in one's neighborhood
69. **Regulatory capture**
*Meaning*: When industries control their own regulation
70. **Status quo** /ˈsteɪtəs kwoʊ/ (US), /ˈsteɪtəs kwəʊ/ (UK)
*Meaning*: The existing state of affairs
71. **Priced out**
*Meaning*: Unable to afford something due to high costs
72. **Food insecurity**
*Meaning*: Lack of reliable access to sufficient food
73. **Scarcity** /ˈskersəti/ (US), /ˈskeəsəti/ (UK)
*Meaning*: Shortage or lack of something
74. **Distribution** /ˌdɪstrəˈbjuʃən/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: The way something is shared or spread
75. **Breaking down barriers**
*Meaning*: Removing obstacles or restrictions
76. **Rural** /ˈrʊrəl/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: Relating to countryside areas
77. **Comprehensive approaches**
*Meaning*: Complete and thorough methods
78. **Gain traction**
*Meaning*: Start to be successful or accepted
79. **Entrenched interests**
*Meaning*: Well-established groups with power
80. **Underlies** /ˌʌndərˈlaɪz/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: Forms the basis or foundation of something
81. **Pervasive** /pərˈveɪsɪv/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: Existing in all parts of something
82. **Mismatch** /ˈmɪsˌmætʃ/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: Failure to correspond or match
83. **Political cycles**
*Meaning*: Regular periods of political activity
84. **Perverse incentives**
*Meaning*: Rewards that encourage unwanted behavior
85. **Quick fixes**
*Meaning*: Easy but temporary solutions
86. **Fundamental solutions**
*Meaning*: Basic and complete answers to problems
87. **Bureaucratic inertia**
*Meaning*: Resistance to change in administrative systems
88. **Momentum** /moʊˈmentəm/ (US), /məʊˈmentəm/ (UK)
*Meaning*: Force that keeps something moving
89. **Resistant to change**
*Meaning*: Unwilling to accept modifications
90. **Established procedures**
*Meaning*: Official methods that have been in use
91. **Juggling** /ˈdʒʌɡəlɪŋ/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: Managing multiple tasks at once
92. **Competing demands**
*Meaning*: Different needs that conflict with each other
93. **Profit from**
*Meaning*: Gain money or advantage from something
94. **Dysfunctional** /dɪsˈfʌŋkʃənəl/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: Not working properly
95. **Revolving door**
*Meaning*: Movement of people between related organizations
96. **Drown out**
*Meaning*: Make something impossible to hear
97. **Calls for reform**
*Meaning*: Demands for change and improvement
98. **Information overload**
*Meaning*: Too much information to process effectively
99. **Evidence-based**
*Meaning*: Based on scientific proof or data
100. **Get lost in the noise**
*Meaning*: Become unnoticed among other information
101. **Ideological battles**
*Meaning*: Conflicts based on different belief systems
102. **Cherry-pick**
*Meaning*: Select only the best or most suitable items
103. **Inconvenient truths**
*Meaning*: Facts that are unwelcome or problematic
104. **Breaking out of**
*Meaning*: Escaping from a restrictive situation
105. **Fundamental shift**
*Meaning*: Basic and important change
106. **Political risks**
*Meaning*: Dangers to political careers or positions
107. **Long-term gains**
*Meaning*: Benefits that come after a long time
108. **Election cycles**
*Meaning*: Regular periods between elections
109. **Hold accountable**
*Meaning*: Make someone responsible for their actions
110. **Empty rhetoric**
*Meaning*: Impressive words without real meaning or action
The /t/ sound in the middle of words
The /t/ sound in the middle of words can be pronounced in different ways depending on the word and accent. Here are some common patterns for the /t/ sound when it occurs in the middle of words:
1. Clear /t/ sound: In some words, the /t/ is pronounced clearly as a distinct 't' sound. For example, in the word 'water' (in some accents), the /t/ is pronounced distinctly.
2. Flapped /t/ (American English): In American English, the /t/ in the middle of a word is often pronounced as a quick, soft 'd' sound, called a flap. For example, 'better' sounds like 'bedder' and 'city' sounds like 'cidy.' This happens when the /t/ is between two vowel sounds.
3. Glottal stop: In some accents, like Cockney or Estuary English, the /t/ sound in the middle of a word may be replaced by a glottal stop, which is a brief catch in the throat. For example, 'bottle' may sound like 'bo'le.'
4. Silent or dropped /t/: In rapid or casual speech, sometimes the /t/ sound can be very soft or even omitted, especially in clusters like 'nt' or 'kt'. For example, 'Christmas' might sound like 'Chrismas.'
1. Clear /t/ sound: In some words, the /t/ is pronounced clearly as a distinct 't' sound. For example, in the word 'water' (in some accents), the /t/ is pronounced distinctly.
2. Flapped /t/ (American English): In American English, the /t/ in the middle of a word is often pronounced as a quick, soft 'd' sound, called a flap. For example, 'better' sounds like 'bedder' and 'city' sounds like 'cidy.' This happens when the /t/ is between two vowel sounds.
3. Glottal stop: In some accents, like Cockney or Estuary English, the /t/ sound in the middle of a word may be replaced by a glottal stop, which is a brief catch in the throat. For example, 'bottle' may sound like 'bo'le.'
4. Silent or dropped /t/: In rapid or casual speech, sometimes the /t/ sound can be very soft or even omitted, especially in clusters like 'nt' or 'kt'. For example, 'Christmas' might sound like 'Chrismas.'