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scrounge - Seek to obtain (something, typically food or money) at the expense or through the generosity of others or by stealth

As a homeless person, Colin had to scrounge enough money from strangers in order to afford a decent meal.

verb

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scapegoat - To unfairly blame someone or something for problems, mistakes, or wrongdoings that are not their fault.

The manager tried to scapegoat the new employee for the project's delay, even though the problem had been caused by senior staff.

verb

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kowtow - To act in an excessively submissive or obedient manner, often to gain favor; to bow or kneel as a sign of deep respect or submission.

In ancient China, people would kowtow before the emperor as a sign of respect.

adjective

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craven - Contemptibly lacking in courage; cowardly

At the town hall meeting, constituents yelled at their craven representatives who refused to work together.

noun

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migrant - A person that travels to a different country or place, often in order to find work.

He grew up as a migrant worker with his family, always changing locations to find another farm to work on.

adjective

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downtrodden - Oppressed or treated badly by people in power

The downtrodden homeless man tried to survive on the harsh streets of the city.

adjective

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destitute - poor; not having money, food, home, or possessions.

The drug addict was destitute, and often resorted to stealing food in order to survive.

adjective

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enslaved - Held in physical or psychological bondage or control.

Max felt enslaved by his addiction to cigarettes, and often struggled to try to give it up.

adjective

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shorthanded - Not having the usual or necessary number of workers or helpers to get something done.

When the flood swept through the community, though the relief workers were very shorthanded, they did an amazing job rescuing the people by boat.

adjective

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beleaguered - Surrounded and under attack (especially in a military or physical sense)

After 2 weeks of fighting, the beleaguered soldiers waited for reinforcements to arrive.

noun

See verb

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scapegoat - A person or group who is unfairly blamed for the problems, mistakes, or wrongdoings of others.

The employee was made the scapegoat for the project's failure, even though the entire team had contributed to the problems.

noun

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underling - A person with a lower rank or status

The boss barked at his underlilngs without any concern for their feelings.