abase

(v) to lower in rank, office, prestige, or esteem
Although he missed an opportunity to score a goal, John felt that his soccer coach unfairly abased him in front of the rest of the team.



abbreviate

(v) to reduce to a shorter form intended to stand for the whole
I wish someone could give me an abbreviated version of the novel War and Peace because there's no way I'll be able to read the whole thing before my test.

abstinence

(n) voluntary forbearance especially from indulgence of an appetite or craving
Peter's dad was an alcoholic so Peter abstained from booze and stayed sober his whole life.

abstruse

(adj) difficult to comprehend
My science professor's lessons were so abstruse I don't think I learned a thing the whole semester.


acumen

(n) keenness and depth of perception, discernment, or discrimination especially in practical matters
Donna won was so full of political acumen that she became mayor of Townsville at age 24.


adroit

(adj) having or showing skill, cleverness, or resourcefulness in handling situations
Because my Dad is adroit at fixing things, I knew he'd repair the chair I broke.


adulation

(n) excessive or slavish admiration or flattery
The fans showed their adulation towards their idol Lady Gaga by showering her with wild applause.


adversity

(n) a state, condition, or instance of serious or continued difficulty
Having been born poor and without any guidance, Horatio had to overcome a lot of adversity to become the successful man he is today.