Which word best completes the sentence: Seemingly ____ economic problems.

Which word best completes the sentence: Seemingly ____ economic problems.

• A. Moribund
• B. Intractable
• C. Dour
• D. Mantle

Answer: (B)

The main idea being tested is choosing a word that captures how troublesome the problems are as they appear. Seemingly intractable economic problems fits best because intractable means difficult to deal with or solve, precisely describing issues that resist resolution. The phrase suggests these problems look tough to fix, even if that appearance might be misleading at times. Moribund would imply something is dying or inactive, which doesn’t suit the sense of ongoing economic trouble. Dour describes a mood or atmosphere—gloomy or stern—rather than the inherent difficulty of solving problems. Mantle is a noun meaning a covering or a role, and doesn’t function here to describe the nature of the problems.

The main idea being tested is choosing a word that captures how troublesome the problems are as they appear. Seemingly intractable economic problems fits best because intractable means difficult to deal with or solve, precisely describing issues that resist resolution. The phrase suggests these problems look tough to fix, even if that appearance might be misleading at times.

Moribund would imply something is dying or inactive, which doesn’t suit the sense of ongoing economic trouble. Dour describes a mood or atmosphere—gloomy or stern—rather than the inherent difficulty of solving problems. Mantle is a noun meaning a covering or a role, and doesn’t function here to describe the nature of the problems.