23. WPME p. 154
notorious
unfavorably known
consummate
finished, perfect, artistic
incorrigible
beyond reform
inveterate
from long-standing habit
congenital
from birth
chronic
continuing over a long period of time;
recurring
pathological
diseased
unconscionable
without conscience or scruples
glib
suspiciously smooth
egregious
outstandingly bad or vicious
Do people become notorious for good acts?
No
Is Beethoven considered a consummate musical genius
Yes
If a criminal is truly incorrigible, is there any point in attempting rehabilitation?
No
Does an inveterate smoker smoke only occasionally?
No
Is a congenital deformity one that occurs late in life?
No
Is a chronic invalid ill much of the time?
Yes
Is a pathological condition normal and healthy?
No
If a person commits an unconscionable act of cruelty, is there any regret, remorse, or guilt?
No
Is a glib talker awkward and hesitant in speech?
No
Is an egregious error very bad?
Yes
outstandingly vicious; so bad as to be in a class by itself
egregious
starting at birth
congenital
happening over and over again; continuing for a long time
chronic
widely and unfavorably known (as for antisocial acts, character weaknesses, immoral or
unethical behavior, etc.)
notorious
beyond correction
incorrigible
smooth and persuasive; unusually, almost suspiciously, fluent
glib
long addicted to a habit
inviterate
perfect in the practice of an art; extremely skillful
consummate
unscrupulous; entirely without conscience
unconscionable
diseased
pathological
his person has gambled, day in and day out, for as long as anyone can remember—
gambling has become a deep-rooted habit.
inveterate gambler
Born with a clubfoot
a congenital deformity
Someone known the world over for criminal acts
a notorious criminal
An invading army kills, maims, and tortures without mercy, compunction, or regret.
unconscionable acts of cruelty
The suspect answers the detective’s questions easily, fluently, almost too smoothly.
glib responses
A person reaches the acme of perfection as an actress or actor.
a consummate performer
No one can change someone’s absurdly romantic attitude toward life.
an incorrigible romantic
A mistake so bad that it defies description
an egregious blunder
Drunk almost all the time, again and again and again—periods of sobriety are few and
very, very far between
a chronic alcoholic
Doctors find a persistent, dangerous infection in the bladder
a pathological condition