distraught
and saddened by the deaths.
Japan's population fell by a record figure last year. While the birth rate remained flat, the country recorded its highest number of deaths since the Second World War. Government estimates suggest that overall the total number of Japanese people fell by 123,000. That's over 50,000 more than last year, itself a record. It's a rapidly growing number of pensioners in Japan,
putting pressure on
the welfare system.
BBC News
1.consolidate vt.vi.(使)巩固; (使)加强
例句:We've made a good start, now it's time to consolidate.
我们有了一个良好的开端, 现在应该加以巩固。
2.predecessor n.前任, 前辈
例句:As a scholar he is not in the same street with his predecessors.
作为学者, 他远不如其前辈。
3.eradicate vt.摧毁,完全根除,消灭,杜绝
例句:a crusading zeal to eradicate drug abuse
彻底打击滥用药物的激情
4.destabilise vt.破坏政府的稳定
5.obligatory adj.必须的, 必要的;要求的, 应尽的
例句:It is obligatory on every citizen to safeguard our great motherland.
保卫我们伟大的祖国是每一个公民应尽的义务。
6.adjacent adj.(地区、建筑、房间等 ) 与…毗连的;邻近的
例句:These young students live in adjacent rooms.