Huge power cuts in Spain and Portugal: BBC Learning English from the News
BBC Learning English • 2025-04-30T13:01:00Z • 7:19 • intermediate • News
Lead
Power cuts can cause chaos, but they also bring important lessons. Dive into the recent blackouts in Spain and Portugal and discover the vocabulary that can help you understand this significant event.
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Vocabulary
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chaos
/ˈkeɪɑs/
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Definition
a state of complete disorder and confusion.
Example
The sudden power cut caused chaos in the city as people struggled to find their way in the dark.
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crippling
/ˈkrɪpəlɪŋ/
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Definition
causing serious harm or damage.
Example
The crippling blackout left thousands without electricity for days.
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blackout
/ˈblækaʊt/
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Definition
a situation where there is no light or electricity.
Example
During the blackout, many residents relied on candles for light.
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woefully
/ˈwoʊfəli/
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in a manner that is very bad or inadequate.
Example
The team was woefully unprepared for the severe weather conditions.
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disruption
/dɪsˈrʌpʃən/
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a disturbance that interrupts an event, activity, or process.
Example
The disruption in power supply affected businesses and public transport.
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rule out
/ruːl aʊt/
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Definition
to decide that something is not a possibility.
Example
The investigators ruled out foul play after examining the evidence.
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