Online English Vocabulary Flashcards for Suffix -acy Words

adequacy (noun) /ˈæd ɪ kwə si/
Definition: The state or quality of being sufficient, satisfactory, or suitable for a particular purpose or requirement.
Example Sentence: "The financial report raised concerns about the adequacy of the company's capital."
Synonyms: acceptability; appropriateness; capability; competence; competency; efficacy
Opposite Meaning: inadequacy

advocacy (noun) /ˈæd və kə si/
Definition: The act or process of supporting, defending, or promoting a particular cause, idea, or group.
Example Sentence: "The politician's advocacy for education reform resonated with many voters."
Synonyms: activism; backing; championing; crusade; defense; encouragement
Opposite Meaning: opposition

aristocracy (noun) /ˌarɪˈstɒkrəsi/
Definition: A privileged class of people, typically comprising of noble birth holding hereditary titles and offices.
Example Sentence: "The aristocracy held most of the political power in the country."
Synonyms: baronage; elite; gentry; highborn; lords; nobility
Opposite Meaning: commonality

autocracy (noun) /ɔˈtɒk rə si/
Definition: A system of government in which unlimited power is concentrated in the hands of a single individual or a small group of individuals.
Example Sentence: "The autocracy stifled dissent and suppressed any form of opposition or criticism."
Synonyms: absolutism; authoritarianism; despotism; dictatorship; monarchy; oligarchy
Opposite Meaning: democracy

bureaucracy (noun) /bjʊˈrɒkrəsi/
Definition: Excessively complicated administrative procedures that can hinder efficiency.
Example Sentence: "The bureaucracy of the university's admissions process was confusing for students."
Synonyms: administration; apparatus; authority; establishment; formalities; government
Opposite Meaning: efficiency

conspiracy (noun) /kənˈspɪrəsi/
Definition: A secret plan or agreement between two or more individuals or groups to commit an illegal or harmful act.
Example Sentence: "The conspiracy to smuggle drugs across the border was uncovered by law enforcement."
Synonyms: collusion; design; intrigue; machination; manipulation; plot
Opposite Meaning: honesty

delicacy (noun) /ˈdɛlɪkəsi/
Definition: A rare or expensive food that is considered to be especially delicious or luxurious.
Example Sentence: "The truffle was considered a delicacy and was worth its weight in gold."
Synonyms: delicatessen; exotic; fine; gourmet; indulgence; luxury
Opposite Meaning: staple

democracy (noun) /dɪˈmɒkrəsi/
Definition: A system of governance characterized by the participation of citizens in decision-making processes.
Example Sentence: "Democracy values the diversity of opinions and encourages open dialogue."
Synonyms: citizenry; democratic; egalitarianism; empowerment; governance; libertarian
Opposite Meaning: dictatorship

diplomacy (noun) /dɪˈpləʊməsi/
Definition: The art and practice of managing international relations and negotiations between countries.
Example Sentence: "Diplomacy is essential for maintaining peaceful relations between nations."
Synonyms: delicacy; discretion; finesse; manners; negotiation; politics
Opposite Meaning: hostility

efficacy (noun) /ˈɛfɪkəsi/
Definition: The ability or capacity of something, typically a method, treatment, or intervention, to produce the desired or intended results or effects.
Example Sentence: "The efficacy of the new drug was tested in clinical trials."
Synonyms: adequacy; capability; competence; effectiveness; efficiency; fruitfulness
Opposite Meaning: ineffectiveness

fallacy (noun) /ˈfaləsi/
Definition: A mistaken belief, misconception, or false reasoning that leads to an incorrect or invalid conclusion.
Example Sentence: "He was able to refute the fallacy in the argument with evidence."
Synonyms: deceit; deception; delusion; distortion; error; falsehood
Opposite Meaning: truth

intimacy (noun) /ˈɪn tə mə si/
Definition: The deep emotional connection and closeness that exists between individuals, whether it be in a romantic relationship, friendship, or familial bond.
Example Sentence: "The couple's intimacy grew stronger as they shared their deepest secrets with each other."
Synonyms: affection; attachment; bond; closeness; companionship; connection
Opposite Meaning: distance

kleptocracy (noun) /klɛptˈɑːkɹəsi/
Definition: A form of government where the rulers use their political power to steal and amass wealth at the expense of the state and its people.
Example Sentence: "The kleptocracy siphoned off funds meant for public infrastructure."
Synonyms: autocracy; corruption; despotism; dictatorship; embezzlement; malfeasance
Opposite Meaning: democracy

legacy (noun) /ˈlɛɡəsi/
Definition: The lasting impact or influence that a person, event, or organization has had on society and the culture through their accomplishments or contributions.
Example Sentence: "The legacy of the Renaissance can be seen in the art and literature of today."
Synonyms: aftermath; consequences; endowment; estate; fruit; heirloom
Opposite Meaning: disappearance

meritocracy (noun) /ˌmɛrɪˈtɒkrəsi/
Definition: A political and social system in which power and opportunity are based on merit, or individual ability and achievement.
Example Sentence: "A meritocracy can create a culture of competition and pressure to succeed."
Synonyms: adeptness; competency; excellence; expertise; proficiency; qualification
Opposite Meaning: nepotism

piracy (noun) /ˈpʌɪrəsi/
Definition: The unauthorized use, reproduction, or distribution of copyrighted or trademarked materials, such as music, movies, software, and books.
Example Sentence: "The rise of streaming services has decreased the prevalence of piracy."
Synonyms: bootlegging; copying; hijacking; infringement; pirating; plagiarism
Opposite Meaning: originality

profligacy (noun) /ˈprɒf lɪ gə si/
Definition: The reckless, extravagant, and wasteful behavior, particularly in the context of excessive spending, indulgence, or immorality.
Example Sentence: "Her profligacy with water during the drought was a topic of concern among neighbors."
Synonyms: dissipation; excessiveness; extravagance; extravagancy; immoderation; indulgence
Opposite Meaning: thriftiness

supremacy (noun) /səˈprɛm ə si/
Definition: A state or condition of being supreme or dominant over others.
Example Sentence: "The battle for supremacy between the two rival gangs resulted in escalating violence in the city."
Synonyms: ascendancy; authority; control; dominance; hegemony; leadership
Opposite Meaning: inferiority