Indelible
Today's Word Indelible in-DEL-uh-buhl Definition (adjective) Not able to be erased, removed, or forgotten. Example Her words left an indelible impression on everyone in the room. Fun Fact Originally describing ink that wouldn’t wash out, indelible now applies to memories, impressions, or even emotions. From tattoos to trauma to life-changing speeches, the word shows up in memoirs, court rulings, and even marketing slogans. Anything truly indelible leaves a mark that time, regret, or scrubbing can’t undo.
Privation
Today's Word Privation PRY-vay-shun Definition (noun) A state in which essential needs are lacking. Example The documentary highlighted the long-term effects of housing privation. Fun Fact Privation is not just about discomfort—it’s about necessity being stripped away. From privation of sleep to privation of food, shelter, or security, the word describes a foundational level of deprivation. It’s often used in humanitarian, economic, and historical contexts where the absence of basic needs leads to larger consequences.
Ameliorate
Today's Word Ameliorate uh-MEEL-yuh-rayt Definition (verb) To make something better or more tolerable. Example The new policy helped ameliorate tensions between departments. Fun Fact Ameliorate comes from the Latin melior, meaning “better.” It’s a favorite of bureaucrats, academics, and corporate copywriters, usually when they want to say “we’re fixing it” without promising too much. It often shows up in PR language when damage control is underway—but improvement is still a work in progress.
Evanescent
Today's Word Evanescent ev-uh-NESS-ent Definition (adjective) Quickly fading or disappearing. Example The rainbow was evanescent, gone within minutes of appearing. Fun Fact From the Latin evanescere, meaning “to disappear,” this word often pops up in poetry, weather reports, and tech product reviews. It’s used when something is not just short-lived—but so brief it almost feels unreal. A spark, a moment, a trend—it’s there, and then it isn’t.
Sybaritic
Today's Word Sybaritic sib-uh-RIT-ik Definition (adjective) Fond of luxury and self-indulgence. Example He lived a sybaritic lifestyle, surrounded by velvet robes and vintage wine. Fun Fact The word Sybaritic comes from Sybaris, an ancient Greek city infamous for its wealthy, comfort-loving residents. Today, it’s used to describe anyone who chases pleasure and luxury—sometimes with admiration, but often with a hint of critique. It’s a favorite among lifestyle columnists, spa brochures, and Real Housewives recaps.
Gaffe
Today's Word Gaffe GAF Definition (noun) A noticeable mistake or blunder, especially in public. Example The candidate’s gaffe during the debate quickly went viral. Fun Fact From French origins meaning “hook,” gaffe originally referred to getting caught—fitting, since most gaffes get noticed and circulated fast. Politicians, celebrities, and anyone with a microphone are prone to them. What makes it a gaffe is the cringe factor: it’s not just wrong, it’s awkwardly obvious.
Lassitude
Today's Word Lassitude LASS-ih-tood Definition (noun) A state of physical or mental weariness; lack of energy. Example After weeks of stress, he sank into a kind of emotional lassitude. Fun Fact Lassitude is often used in literary writing to evoke more than just fatigue—it suggests a kind of defeated sluggishness that feels heavy and existential. It shares roots with “latitude” (from Latin latus, meaning wide), as if your energy is stretched too thin. Think more post-burnout melancholy than “just need a nap.”
Wheedle
Today's Word Wheedle WEE-dul Definition (verb) To use flattery or persuasion to get something. Example She managed to wheedle an extra day off by complimenting her boss’ new haircut. Fun Fact Wheedle has a surprisingly gentle sound for a word that’s all about manipulation—albeit the charming kind. It first appeared in English in the 1600s and was associated with purring, soft coaxing, and verbal sugar-coating. Today, it’s common in social commentary, especially when someone is using charm to get their way behind the scenes.
Callow
Today's Word Callow KAL-oh Definition (adjective) Inexperienced and immature. Example His callow remarks during the meeting made it clear he was new to the job. Fun Fact Callow originally meant “bare” or “unfledged”—as in a bird that hasn’t grown feathers. It still carries that imagery today, but metaphorically: someone who hasn’t “grown in” yet emotionally or intellectually. You’ll see it often in book reviews or film critiques, especially when describing a character who has more audacity than wisdom.
Pernicious
Today's Word Pernicious per-NISH-us Definition (adjective) Causing harm in a gradual or subtle way. Example Unchecked misinformation can have a pernicious effect on public trust. Fun Fact Back in the 15th century, pernicious was a word used to describe deadly disease or outright destruction—especially during outbreaks and plagues. But over time, its meaning shifted from the obvious to the insidious. Today, it’s used to describe things like toxic relationships, systemic inequality, or manipulative rhetoric—all of which may not seem dangerous at first, but quietly cause real harm over time.