rash

An area of red, uncomfortable spots on your skin.

• I have a rash on my arm.
• The cream helped clear her itchy rash.
• Did the medicine give you a rash?

How to use it: rash on something (He has a rash on his arms.)

Similar words: skin eruption

Common phrases: skin rash, itchy rash, develop a rash

A large number of similar problems or unpleasant events happening within a short time.

• There has been a rash of thefts.
• A recent rash of accidents worried local residents.
• The company faced a rash of complaints about delivery.

How to use it: rash of something (The town has seen a rash of burglaries.)

Similar words: spate, wave, outbreak

Common phrases: rash of thefts, rash of complaints, recent rash

Acting too quickly without thinking about possible problems or danger.

• That was a rash decision.
• Do not make rash promises when you are excited.
• Would it be rash to invest all our savings?

How to use it: rash to do something (It would be rash to quit without another job.)

Similar words: hasty, reckless, impulsive

Opposites: careful, cautious

Common phrases: rash decision, rash promise, rash action