English word of the day

Definition: (noun) A person who has suddenly risen to a higher economic status but has not gained social acceptance of others in that class. Synonyms: arriviste, nouveau-riche, parvenu. Usage: He is an upstart, a man of no name, who will only be the tool of a party in France.

Definition: (noun) A performer who receives prominent billing. Synonyms: star. Usage: My sister moved to New York with dreams of becoming a headliner on Broadway.

Definition: (adjective) Falling short of some prescribed norm. Synonyms: deficient, inferior. Usage: Substandard housing endangers the welfare of residents.