1.essential adj. = completely necessary; extremely important in a particular situation or for a particular activity
2.diplomat n. = an official engaged in international negotiations
3.downplay v. = to make people think that sth is less important than it really is
4.embark v. = set out on (an enterprise or subject of study); go on board
5.threshold n. = the level at which sth starts to happen or have an effect
6.discourage v. = to try to prevent sth or to prevent sb from doing sth, especially by making it difficult to do or by showing that you do not approve of it
7.expatriate n. = a person living in a country that is not their own
8.skid v. = to slide sideways or forwards in an uncontrolled way
9.slump v. = to fall in price, value, number, etc., suddenly and by a large amount
10.declaration n. = an official or formal statement, especially about the plans of a government or an organization; the act of making such a statement
11.construction n. = the process or method of building or making sth, especially roads, buildings, bridges, etc.
12.mitigation n. = a reduction in how unpleasant, serious, etc. sth is
13.blue chip n. = a common stock of a nationally known company whose value and dividends are reliable
14.shed v. = get rid of
15.plummet v. = to fall suddenly and quickly from a high level or position
16.layoff v. = the act of laying off an employee or a work force
17.corridor n. = a long narrow passage in a building, with doors that open into rooms on either side
18.fiscal adj. = connected with government or public money, especially taxes
19.voluntary adj. = done willingly, not because you are forced
20.reservation n. =an arrangement for a seat on a plane or train, a room in a hotel, etc. to be kept for you
21.accommodate v. = to consider sth, such as sb's opinion or a fact, and be influenced by it when you are deciding what to do or explaining sth
22.measure n. = an official action that is done in order to achieve a particular aim
23.drawback n. = a disadvantage or problem that makes sth a less attractive idea
24.immunologist n. = a medical scientist who specializes in immunology
25.prompt adj. = done without delay
26.escalate v. = to become or make sth greater, worse, more serious, etc.
27.tournament n. = NAmE less frequent tourney
28.severity n. = excessive sternness
29.protocol n. = the first or original version of an agreement, especially a treaty between countries, etc.; an extra part added to an agreement or treaty
30.regulation n. = an official rule made by a government or some other authority
31.implement v. = to make sth that has been officially decided start to happen or be used
32.halt v. = to stop; to make sb/sth stop
33.cabinet n. = a group of chosen members of a government, which is responsible for advising and deciding on government policy
34.expatriate n. = a person living in a country that is not their own