Subtitle: Selecting the most suitable phrase for a given circumstance is an art, particularly in the professional sphere. And while it may sound harsh, that’s simply how it is! You want your vocabulary to be impactful, yet not overly complicated. It should be professional without sounding over-the-top and it must flow naturally in the conversation like you’ve used them casually before. You want people to understand what it means, but maybe Google it “just to make sure.” When it comes to workplace vocabulary, it is important that you choose words with precise and apt connotations. To make sure your language does not come off as overly ostentatious or pretentious, here are some options for expanding the scope of your lexicon!

1. Caustic /ˈkôstik/ adjective: sarcastic in a scathing and bitter way. Synonyms: derisive, acerbic, abrasive

Example: I didn’t appreciate the caustic tone of that email.

Note: Yes, it also means “able to burn or corrode organic tissue by chemical action” or “formed by the intersection of reflected or refracted parallel rays from a curved surface,” but this is less likely to be applicable in the workplace. Unless of course, you are a chemist or physicist, in which case a liberal arts major who works in book publishing is unlikely to be of much assistance anyway.

2. Idiosyncrasy /idēəˈsiNGkrəsē/ noun: a distinctive or peculiar feature or characteristic of an individual, place, or thing. Synonyms: peculiarity, oddity, eccentricity

Example: Ah, just another charming idiosyncrasy of our printers I see. [sarcasm]

3. Paradoxical /par-uh-DOK-si-kuhl/ adjective: having the nature of a paradox; self-contradictory. Synonyms: contradictory, incongruous, anomalous

Example: I know that this idea sounds paradoxical, but I believe it’s our most effective solution.

4. Beleaguer /biˈlēɡər/ verb: to cause constant or repeated trouble for a person, business, etc. Synonyms: harass, pester, badger, vex

Example: The beleaguered school system can’t take much more of this.

5. Exacerbate /iɡˈzasərˌbāt/ verb: make (a problem, bad situation, or negative feeling) worse. Synonyms: inflame, aggravate

Example: I understand that you’re trying to help, but what you’re doing is only exacerbating the situation.

[Related: The Difference Between Feeling Bored and Feeling Unhappy at Work]

6. Didactic /dīˈdaktik/ adjective: in the manner of a teacher, particularly so as to treat someone in a patronizing way. Synonyms: patronizing, pedantic

Example: He would be a good choice for the conferences if his speeches weren’t so didactic.

7. Innocuous /iˈnäkyo͞oəs/ adjective: not harmful or offensive. Synonyms: harmless, innocent

Example: There’s no need to be defensive, it was an innocuous question.

8. Parsimonious /pärsəˈmōnēəs/ adjective: unwilling to spend money or use resources. Synonyms: stingy, frugal, cheap

Example: In this campaign, there is no room to be parsimonious.

9. Bloviate /blōvēˌāt/ verb: talk at length, especially in an inflated or empty way. Synonyms: spiel

Example: It’s tough to watch them bloviate about sweeping change when our internal processes are still such a mess.

10. Aplomb /əˈpləm/ noun: self-confidence or assurance, especially when in a demanding situation. Synonyms: poise, composure

Example: It was a tense meeting, but you carried the presentation with aplomb.

[Related: 6 Ways to Work Smarter, Not Harder]

Join Forces of Women Professionals

Stay empowered, inspired, and connected with a network of incredible women. Subscribe to our email updates today and be part of a vibrant community driving change together. Don’t miss out on exclusive content, events, and opportunities. Together, we’re more vital! Subscribe now!