He _ the problem to gain sympathy in front of his colleagues.

Explanation

- Correct Answer: b. Ignored - Explanation: The correct answer is 'ignored,' which means paying no attention to something. In this context, the person is deliberately not addressing the problem to gain sympathy. - Why other options are not correct: - a. Accentuated: Accentuating the problem does not fit the context of deliberately not addressing it. - c. Undermined: Undermining the problem implies actively working against it, which is not the intended meaning. - d. Overlooked: Overlooking the problem fits the context but does not capture the deliberate choice to gain sympathy as strongly as "ignored."