In each of the following questions, choose the option nearest in meaning to the word or phrase underlined. Unemployment among school leavers has reached epi...
In each of the following questions, choose the option nearest in meaning to the word or phrase underlined.
Unemployment among school leavers has reached epidemic proportions.
Answer Details
The word "epidemic" is often used to describe a situation where a condition or problem is spreading rapidly and affects a large number of people or a community. While it is commonly associated with infectious diseases, it can also be used metaphorically to describe any widespread phenomenon.
In the context of the phrase "Unemployment among school leavers has reached epidemic proportions," it means that the problem of unemployment is not confined to a small area or group, but rather it is very extensive and affects a significant portion of school leavers across a large area or population, similar to how an epidemic disease can spread widely and affect many people.
Therefore, the word that is nearest in meaning to "epidemic" in this context is extensive, as it conveys the idea of something being widespread or having a broad impact.