| accountability |
the state or quality of being responsible for providing an explanation or justification. |
| aloft |
high above the ground. |
| attrition |
a gradual erosion of strength or morale. |
| confidant |
one to whom a secret or secrets are entrusted. |
| cordon |
a chain of guards or military stations forming a defense or containment line around an area. |
| deficit |
The amount by which something is less than what is needed. A deficit of money is caused by spending more than has been taken in. |
| disuse |
the state or condition of not being used or practiced any longer. |
| financier |
a person skilled in or occupied in financial operations, usually on a large scale. |
| gouge |
a cut or hole made with something sharp. |
| interminable |
endless or seemingly endless; monotonously long. |
| moot |
not clearly settled; arguable; debatable. |
| retraction |
a withdrawal or disavowal of an opinion, promise, or the like. |
| schism |
a division into factions with opposing beliefs, especially in a Christian church. |
| stigmatize |
to label or brand as disgraceful or shameful. |
| superficial |
of, pertaining to, or located on the surface. |