Word
wild card
Definition
compound. a person or thing that is unpredictable and can change the outcome of a situation. In card games, it is a card that can represent any other card.
compound. a person or thing whose influence or outcome is unpredictable; in card games, a card that can be designated as any other card to complete a set.
Examples
“The new candidate is a wild card in this election.”
“The weather remains a wild card for the outdoor festival, as forecasts change every few hours.”
“While the incumbent holds a steady lead, the third-party challenger acts as a wild card, potentially siphoning enough votes to force a runoff.”
Examples
simple
“The new candidate is a wild card in this election.”
contextual
“The weather remains a wild card for the outdoor festival, as forecasts change every few hours.”
complex
“While the incumbent holds a steady lead, the third-party challenger acts as a wild card, potentially siphoning enough votes to force a runoff.”
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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