VOA慢速英语:A Credit Downgrade for Japan, but Some Signs of Hope

词汇讲解：

1. lower vt. 减低;减弱
例句：We have to lower our expenses.
我们得减少开支。

2. downgrade vt.使降低, 使降级
例句：She was downgraded to assistant manager.
她被降职为助理经理。

3. deficit n. 赤字, 亏空, 亏损
例句：The directors have reported a deficit of 2.5 million dollars.
董事们报告赤字为250万美元。

4. resign v. 辞职
例句：The simplest thing is for him to resign at once.
最简单的做法就是他立即辞职。

5. shrink v. 收缩; 退缩
例句：The number of students of this school has shrunk.
这所学校的学生人数在减少。

6. shrinkage n. 收缩;皱缩;缩水
例句：There has been much shrinkage of the clothes in the wash.
这些衣服洗后已缩了很多。

7. shortage n. 缺少,不足,匮乏
例句：There is a shortage of salt in this country.
这个国家缺少盐。

8. competitive adj. (价格等)有竞争力的
例句：Because of the high exchange rate, our products have lost their competitive edge.
由于汇率很高, 我们的产品失去了竞争优势。

9. weaken vt. 削弱,减弱;减少
例句：We never weaken our efforts in face of difficulties.
我们在困难面前从不松劲。

10. blame vt. 责备,指责
例句：He blamed you for the neglect of duty.
他责备你怠忽职守。