You are told that there is a problem for which a solution has not yet been found. The use of the conjunction "but" provides a big clue as to the nature of the answer choice you are looking for. The word "irreparable" means unfixable, not able to be repaired. So, the problem is not yet "unfixable," but might become that way if progress is not made soon. To provide further help, "equivocal" means unclear, ambiguous; "supercilious" means arrogant and disdainful; "pejorative" means having a derogatory impact; "quiescent" means inactive, at rest. 

Based on the context of this sentence it is clear that the underlined word must be a synonym of "wages" or "payment." So, the correct answer is "renumeration" which means money paid to someone for work. To provide further help, "chivalry" was a medieval code of conduct for knights emphasizing honor; a "buttress" is something that offers support; "dogma" is a set of principles or beliefs; "contrition" is the feeling of remorse or wanting to make amends. 

In order for the woman to be change her mind and agree to help the man the argument he made must have been convincing, well-reasoned. The correct answer is therefore "cogent" which means (of an argument) reasonable and convincing. Additionally, "venal" means corrupt; "nominal" means insignificant, unimportant; "maudlin" means overly sentimental; "enigmatic" means mysterious, cryptic. 

When something is “lucid” it is clear and bright—like light. Indeed, the word comes from the Latin word for light, which is found in other words like "translucent" and "pellucid." To say that something is “labyrinthine” is to say that it is like a maze. The implication is that Hegel’s writing style is as difficult to read as a maze is to navigate. In contrast to this, Sokolowski’s style must have been clear—that is, it was "lucid."

An “ignominy” is shame, disgrace, or humiliation, so because he suffered one final “ignominy” after death, we can infer that his tomb must have been “desecrated,” which means defiled, disrespected, or dishonored. “Absolved” means forgiven or removed blame from; “vitalized” means gave strength and energy to; and “secured” means fixed so something can’t be moved or assured the protection of.

From context, it is clear that the answer choice must mean something similar to detest, so the correct answer is “abhor.” To “abhor” means to hate, detest or greatly dislike; “abduct” means kidnap; “vacate” means leave empty or evacuate; "evaluate" means assess the quality of; “preempt” means do something to stop something from happening in the future.

The author says that cars are subject to safety tests that ensure they are "as safe as they can possibly be." This suggests that the tests must be exhausting, diligent,and thorough, and therefore the correct answer is “rigorous.” As for the other answer choices, “effortless” means done without any difficulty or effort whatsoever; “tentative” means unconfirmed or not yet decided on for sure; “tempestuous” means stormy or involving heated and frenetic emotions; and “thrifty” means economical and good at finding good prices for purchases.

The subject is an "infamous criminal," so you can infer that the judge would likely be severe in his characterization of the convicted man. The word “heinous” means wicked, evil, or odious, and so it is the best answer choice. “Laudable” means deserving of praise; “submissive” means not dominant or willing to be ordered around; “fickle” means inconsistent or changeable; and “exceptional” means unusual or uncommonly brilliant.

The context of this sentence suggests that the new father gave up his role as manager so he could assume a different position. This leads to the correct answer “relinquished,” which means renounced, gave up, or gave away. “Admonished” means criticized or rebuked; “imitated” means copied; “humbled” means lowered in self-importance or made to feel modest; and "lost" in this context means had taken from him. While "lost" and "relinquished" may each look like a potentially correct answer, the distinction is in the subject's agency. The sentence suggests that the new father acted purposely to give up his role as manager since we are given details as to his reason for acting in this way: "because he wanted to accept a position with fewer hours." "Lost" suggests that the company took the new father's position from him without his permission, whereas "relinquished" implies that it was the new father's decision to give up the position. Therefore, "relinquished" is the better answer.

It makes sense that the subject’s professors would praise her for her diligence and hard-working attitude. This leads to the correct answer “conscientious,” which means industrious, wanting to do one’s work well, diligent, and hard-working. “Ambivalent” means uncertain or indecisive; “apathetic” and “nonchalant” both describe an attitude of not caring; and “intrinsic” means innate, inherent, essential, and natural.