When something is an exception, it stands out from the regular manner of things.  Some times, we speak of "exceptional circumstances."  Thus, when someone has has lost his job, that person's mood might be very bad.  However, we tend to forgive this, for we know that he is "not his regular self."  He is experiencing exceptional circumstances.  Thus, something that is exceptional is "not regular."  Clearly, the best option that matches this is "irregularity."  An "irregularity" is something that is irregular.

When we "critique" something, we give an honest evaluation of it. Often, we think of criticism as being harsh. When someone gives a criticism of our work, it can feel like they are being nasty. There is, however, such a thing as constructive criticism. This kind of criticism involves evaluating something and suggesting ways that it could be improved. This kind of criticism does not have to be nasty. Thus, "evaluation" is an acceptable synonym for "criticism."

The word "trial" has several meanings. It can mean attempt, as when we talk about a "trial run." This is a first attempt before we actually do something. We can have a trial run of a new machine to see if it works well enough. A "trial" can also be a difficulty. Have you ever heard someone speak of something that is "trying"? It is in this sense that "trial" can mean "difficult."

For this question, you need to match the intensity of "fury." Whenever we are "furious," we are not merely annoyed. We are very angry. Therefore, the best answer is "rage." When we speak of someone's "rage," we are talking about his or her extreme anger.

The "consequences" of an action are the results that happen because of that action. Interestingly, the word comes from roots that literally mean what follows after something else. We most often think of negative consequences. Hence, the option "punishment" is likely tempting; however, "consequences" are better called "outcomes"—there can be positive as well as negative consequences. This is the best option among those provided.

"Debacle" means a total and complete failure. Therefore, the closest word to this would be a "disaster." A disaster would be considered a failure.

“Fragile” means easy to break or "breakable." As for the other answer choices, “robust” means sturdy and strong; “stern” means enforcing the rules or strict; “firm” means strong or hard and not easily forced into a different shape; “logical” means rational or not breaking any of the rules of formal logic.

The word "firm" is an adjective used to describe something that is physically solid. For example, a firm pillow is one that is somewhat hard—as opposed to a very soft pillow. Sometimes, too, this word is used to describe someone's actions. For example, to say, "He was firm about his wish to have at least eight hours of sleep," means that the person did not give up his desire for the sleep (even if others protested).

The word "compact" comes from root words meaning joined together. When we compact our garbage, we compress it into a small space. When we describe the garbage as being "compact," we are indicating that it is very densely packed together. "Dense" things do not have much air space. The same is true for compact materials.

If something is colossal, it means that it is massive or immense. For example, a mistake can be colossal if it is large.