In our daily lives, we often encounter various problems and obstacles that require clear communication to resolve. Enhancing your English vocabulary with practical words for everyday issues can significantly improve your ability to express your needs and understand others. Here’s a list of useful English vocabulary that covers common everyday problems, along with their definitions and examples.
Malfunction
Definition: A failure to function or operate in the normal or correct manner.
The printer had a malfunction, so I couldn’t print my report on time.
Delay
Definition: A situation in which something happens later than it should.
There was a significant delay in the flight schedule due to bad weather.
Outage
Definition: A temporary suspension of operation, especially of electrical power supply.
We experienced a sudden power outage in our neighborhood last night.
Obstacle
Definition: Something that blocks one’s way or prevents or hinders progress.
The main obstacle in completing the project was the lack of adequate funds.
Complaint
Definition: A statement that something is unsatisfactory or unacceptable.
He filed a complaint with the company after receiving poor service.
Breakdown
Definition: A failure of a relationship or system to function; a collapse.
There was a breakdown in communication which caused confusion among the team members.
Leak
Definition: (of a container or covering) accidentally lose or admit contents, especially liquid or gas, through a hole or crack.
The pipe under the sink has a leak; we need to call a plumber.
Disruption
Definition: Disturbance or problems which interrupt an event, activity, or process.
The strike caused a major disruption in train services across the city.
Error
Definition: A mistake.
The document contains several spelling errors that need to be corrected.
Damage
Definition: Physical harm caused to something which impairs its value, usefulness, or normal function.
The storm caused significant damage to the coastal properties.
Defect
Definition: A shortcoming, imperfection, or lack, especially one that affects the normal functioning and so reduces the quality or efficiency of something.
The device was returned due to a manufacturing defect that affected its performance.
Shortage
Definition: A state or situation in which something needed cannot be obtained in sufficient amounts.
There’s a shortage of qualified teachers in rural areas.
Overcharge
Definition: Charge (someone) too much for goods or a service.
I was overcharged for my meal at the restaurant and had to speak with the manager.
Breakage
Definition: The action of breaking or the state of being broken.
The company agreed to replace the breakage that occurred during shipment.
Miscommunication
Definition: Failure to communicate adequately.
The project failed due to miscommunication between the teams involved.
Misunderstanding
Definition: A failure to understand something correctly.
There was a misunderstanding about the meeting time, which is why I arrived late.
Dysfunction
Definition: Abnormality or impairment in the function of a specified bodily organ or system.
The dysfunction in the company’s logistics department led to delays in product delivery.
Contamination
Definition: The action or state of making or being made impure by polluting or poisoning.
There was a report of contamination in the water supply, prompting a boil water advisory.
Expiration
Definition: The coming to an end of a period of time; expiry.
Please check the expiration date on the milk carton before you use it.
Depletion
Definition: Reduction in the number or quantity of something.
The continuous exploitation of natural resources has led to the depletion of our planet’s biodiversity.
Blockage
Definition: The action or condition of blocking or being blocked.
A blockage in the drainage system caused the street to flood during the rainstorm.
Setback
Definition: A reversal or check in progress.
The project suffered a significant setback when the lead engineer resigned suddenly.
By familiarizing yourself with these words, you can improve your ability to describe and discuss everyday problems more effectively, whether in personal conversations or professional communications.
