All Adjectives
Complete adjective vocabulary from all CEFR levels in alphabetical order with definitions and example sentences.
abiding
Enduring; lasting for a long time without weakening.
Example
She had an abiding love of literature that shaped every aspect of her professional life.
abject
Of the most wretched or degrading kind; utterly hopeless or without dignity.
Example
Millions of people continue to live in abject poverty despite decades of international aid.
able
Having the skill, intelligence, opportunity, or means needed to do something.
Example
You must be able to speak French for this job.
absent
Not in a place because of illness, etc.
Example
He was absent from work for two weeks.
abstract
Based on general ideas and not on any particular real person, thing or situation.
Example
abstract knowledge/principles
abstruse
Difficult to understand; obscure or hard to comprehend.
Example
The philosopher's most abstruse works were accessible only to specialists in the field.
absurd
Extremely silly; not logical and sensible.
Example
That uniform makes the guards look absurd.
academic
Connected with education, especially studying in schools and universities.
Example
high/low academic standards
acceptable
Agreed or approved of by most people in a society.
Example
Children must learn socially acceptable behaviour.
accessible
That can be reached, entered, used, seen, etc.
Example
The remote desert area is accessible only by helicopter.
acclaimed
Publicly praised and celebrated with great enthusiasm.
Example
The critically acclaimed novel went on to win three major literary prizes.
accountable
Responsible for your decisions or actions and expected to explain them when you are asked.
Example
The state spends taxpayers’ money and should be held accountable.
accurate
Correct and true in every detail.
Example
an accurate description/picture of something
acerbic
Sharp and forthright, especially in speech or manner; biting or cutting.
Example
Her acerbic wit made her a formidable debater but an uncomfortable colleague.
acid
That contains acid or has the essential characteristics of an acid; that has a pH of less than seven.
Example
Rye is tolerant of poor, acid soils.
acrimonious
Angry and bitter, especially in speech or manner.
Example
The acrimonious divorce proceedings lasted two years and left both parties exhausted.
actual
Used to emphasize something that is real or exists in fact.
Example
James looks younger than his wife but in actual fact (= really) he is five years older.
acute
Very serious or severe.
Example
There is an acute shortage of water.
adamant
Refusing to be persuaded or to change one's mind; utterly resolute.
Example
Despite the committee's objections, the director remained adamant that the project would proceed on schedule.
additional
More than was first mentioned or is usual.
Example
additional resources/funds/security/funding/costs
adequate
Enough in quantity, or good enough in quality, for a particular purpose or need.
Example
They'll need an adequate supply of hot water.
adjacent
Next to something.
Example
The planes landed on adjacent runways.
administrative
Connected with organizing the work of a business or an institution.
Example
an administrative job/assistant/error
adroit
Clever or skilful in using one's hands or mind; deft.
Example
The diplomat was adroit at steering conversations away from contentious political topics.
advanced
Having the most modern and recently developed ideas, methods, etc.
Example
Scientists are working on highly advanced technology to replace fossil fuels.
adverse
Negative and unpleasant; not likely to produce a good result.
Example
adverse change/circumstances/weather conditions
aesthetic
Connected with beauty and art and the understanding of beautiful things.
Example
the aesthetic appeal of the songs
affable
Friendly, good-natured, and easy to talk to.
Example
His affable manner put even the most nervous candidates at ease during interviews.
affordable
Cheap enough that people can afford to pay it or buy it.
Example
We offer quality products at affordable prices.
afraid
Feeling fear; frightened because you think that you might be hurt or suffer.
Example
Don't be afraid.
aged
Of the age of.
Example
They have two children aged six and nine.
aggressive
Angry, and behaving in a threatening way; ready to attack.
Example
Seals have been known to exhibit aggressive behaviour towards swimmers.
agricultural
Connected with the science or practice of farming.
Example
agricultural policy/land/production/development
alcoholic
Connected with or containing alcohol.
Example
alcoholic drinks/beverages
alien
Strange and frightening; different from what you are used to.
Example
an alien environment
alike
Very similar.
Example
My sister and I do not look alike.
all right
Acceptable; in an acceptable manner.
Example
Is the coffee all right?
alone
Without any other people.
Example
not alone in, Tom is not alone in finding Rick hard to work with.
aloof
Not friendly or forthcoming; cool and distant.
Example
The new professor appeared aloof at first, but gradually revealed a warm and generous character.
alternative
That can be used instead of something else.
Example
The road was closed so we had to find an alternative route.
altruistic
Showing a selfless concern for the well-being of others.
Example
Her decision to donate her entire inheritance to charity was widely praised as genuinely altruistic.
amateur
Doing something for pleasure or interest, not as a job.
Example
an amateur photographer
amazed
Very surprised.
Example
an amazed look
amazing
Very surprising, especially in a way that you like or admire.
Example
an amazing feat/story/experience
ambitious
Determined to be successful, rich, powerful, etc.
Example
a fiercely ambitious young manager
ambivalent
Having mixed or contradictory feelings about someone or something.
Example
She felt deeply ambivalent about accepting the promotion, which would require relocating abroad.
ambrosial
Exceptionally pleasing to taste or smell; divinely delicious.
Example
The ambrosial scent of jasmine drifted through the evening air as they dined on the terrace.
amenable
Open and responsive to suggestion; easily persuaded or controlled.
Example
The client proved amenable to revisions once the team presented a clear cost-benefit analysis.
amusing
Funny and giving pleasure.
Example
an amusing story/game/incident
anachronistic
Belonging to a period other than that being portrayed; outdated in relation to the present.
Example
The use of quill pens in the courtroom struck observers as decidedly anachronistic.
analogous
Comparable in certain respects, typically in a way that makes clearer the nature of the things compared.
Example
The relationship between a conductor and an orchestra is analogous to that between a CEO and a corporation.
ancient
Belonging to a period of history that is thousands of years in the past.
Example
Archaeologists are excavating the ruined temples of this ancient civilization.
angry
Having strong feelings about something that you dislike very much or about an unfair situation.
Example
Her behaviour really made me angry.
annoyed
Slightly angry.
Example
He was beginning to get very annoyed with me about my carelessness.
annoying
Making somebody feel slightly angry.
Example
This interruption is very annoying.
annual
Happening or done once every year.
Example
an annual meeting/event/report/conference
anonymous
With a name that is not known or that is not made public.
Example
an anonymous donor
antiquated
Old-fashioned or outdated; no longer suited to current needs or practices.
Example
Critics argued that the antiquated legislation failed to account for the realities of modern commerce.
anxious
Feeling worried or nervous.
Example
The bus was late and Sue began to get anxious.
apathetic
Showing or feeling no interest, enthusiasm, or concern; indifferent.
Example
The electorate had grown increasingly apathetic after years of broken political promises.
apparent
Easy to see or understand.
Example
Their devotion was apparent.
appealing
Attractive or interesting.
Example
Spending the holidays in Britain wasn't a prospect that I found particularly appealing.
applicable
That can be said to be true in the case of somebody/something.
Example
Give details of children where applicable (= if you have any).
apprehensive
Anxious or fearful that something bad or unpleasant will happen.
Example
She was apprehensive about presenting her findings to such a distinguished panel of scholars.
appropriate
Suitable, acceptable or correct for the particular circumstances.
Example
an appropriate response/measure/method
arbitrary
Not seeming to be based on a reason, system or plan and sometimes seeming unfair.
Example
The choice of players for the team seemed completely arbitrary.
arcane
Understood by few; mysterious or secret; requiring specialised knowledge.
Example
The arcane rituals of the guild had been passed down through generations without written record.
architectural
Relating to architecture and buildings.
Example
architectural features
arduous
Involving or requiring strenuous effort; difficult and tiring.
Example
The arduous ascent to base camp took eleven days and tested every member of the expedition.
armed
Involving the use of weapons.
Example
an armed robbery
artistic
Connected with art or artists.
Example
the artistic works of the period
asleep
Sleeping.
Example
I waited until they were all fast asleep (= sleeping deeply).
assiduous
Showing great care, attention, and effort; diligent and persistent.
Example
Her assiduous preparation for the bar exam resulted in one of the highest scores in the cohort.
associated
If one thing is associated with another, the two things are connected because they happen together or one thing causes the other.
Example
the risks associated with taking drugs
astonishing
Very surprising; difficult to believe.
Example
She ran 100m in an astonishing 10.6 seconds.
astute
Having an ability to accurately assess situations or people and turn this to one's advantage.
Example
The astute investor recognised the market correction as an opportunity rather than a crisis.
athletic
Physically strong, fit, and active. Relating to athletics.
Example
He has an athletic build.
audio
Connected with sound that is recorded.
Example
audio and video recordings/files/clips
auspicious
Conducive to success; giving or suggesting a sign of future success; favourable.
Example
The launch of the new research institute coincided with an auspicious series of funding announcements.
austere
Severe or strict in manner or attitude; having no comforts or luxuries; simple and plain.
Example
The monastery's austere décor reflected the monks' commitment to a life of quiet contemplation.
authentic
Known to be real and what somebody claims it is and not a copy.
Example
I don't know if the painting is authentic.
automatic
Having controls that work without needing a person to operate them.
Example
automatic doors
average
Calculated by adding several amounts together, finding a total, and dividing the total by the number of amounts.
Example
The average age of participants was 52 years.
aware
Knowing or realizing something.
Example
As you're aware, this is not a new problem.
awful
Very bad or unpleasant.
Example
That's an awful colour.
awkward
Making you feel embarrassed.
Example
There was an awkward silence.
axiomatic
Self-evidently true; taken as an established truth without requiring proof.
Example
It is axiomatic in economics that incentives shape behaviour, though the precise mechanisms remain debated.
bad
Unpleasant; full of problems.
Example
I have some bad news for you, I'm afraid.
balanced
Keeping or showing a balance so that different things or different parts of something exist in equal or correct amounts.
Example
The programme presented a balanced view of the two sides of the conflict.
baleful
Threatening harm; menacing; having a harmful or destructive influence.
Example
The governor cast a baleful glare at the journalist who dared question his integrity.
banal
So lacking in originality as to be obvious and boring; trite; commonplace.
Example
The speech was criticised as banal, offering nothing beyond platitudes the audience had heard a hundred times.
bare
Not covered by any clothes.
Example
She likes to walk around in bare feet.
based
If one thing is based on another, it uses it or is developed from it.
Example
The movie is based on a real-life incident.
beautiful
Having beauty; giving pleasure to the senses or to the mind.
Example
a beautiful woman/girl
behavioral
Relating to behavior.
Example
The study focused on behavioral patterns.
bellicose
Demonstrating aggression and willingness to fight; inclined or eager to quarrel or fight.
Example
The senator's bellicose rhetoric alarmed foreign diplomats who had hoped for a more conciliatory tone.
belligerent
Hostile and aggressive; engaged in or inclined toward war or conflict.
Example
The belligerent faction within the party actively undermined every attempt at peaceful negotiation.
beloved
Loved very much.
Example
in memory of our dearly beloved son, John
beneficial
Improving a situation; having a helpful or useful effect.
Example
A good diet is beneficial to health.
benevolent
Well meaning and kindly; generous in spirit toward others.
Example
The foundation's benevolent mission extended to funding scholarships in underserved communities worldwide.
bent
Not straight.
Example
a piece of bent wire
bereft
Lacking something or feeling a great sense of loss.
Example
After the collapse of her business, she felt utterly bereft of purpose and direction.
besotted
Strongly infatuated; filled with excessive admiration or love.
Example
He was so besotted with the young actress that he attended every single performance of the play.
better
Of a higher standard or less poor quality; not as bad as something else.
Example
We're hoping for better weather tomorrow.
bewitching
Enchantingly attractive or captivating; casting a spell-like fascination.
Example
The bewitching melody lingered in the audience's minds long after the concert had ended.
bilateral
Involving or affecting two parties, sides, or nations; of or relating to both sides.
Example
The two governments signed a bilateral trade agreement after eighteen months of complex negotiations.
biological
Connected with the science of biology.
Example
the biological sciences
bite
An act of biting.
Example
The dog gave me a playful bite.
bizarre
Very strange or unusual.
Example
a bizarre situation/incident/story
black
Having the very darkest colour, like coal or the sky at night.
Example
a shiny black car
blank
Empty, with nothing written, printed or recorded on it.
Example
Sign your name in the blank space below.
blanket
A large cover, often made of wool, used especially on beds to keep people warm.
Example
It’s cold tonight—can I have another blanket?
blind
Not able to see.
Example
Doctors think he will go blind.
blithe
Showing a casual and cheerful indifference considered to be callous or improper.
Example
His blithe disregard for the environmental consequences of the project drew sharp criticism from campaigners.
blond
Describes hair that is fair or pale yellow.
Example
She has blond hair and blue eyes.
blue
Having the colour of a clear sky or the sea on a clear day.
Example
piercing blue eyes
boisterous
Noisy, energetic, and cheerful; rowdy.
Example
The boisterous crowd celebrated the championship victory late into the night.
bombastic
High-sounding but with little real meaning; inflated or pompous in speech.
Example
The candidate's bombastic oratory impressed rally audiences but failed to translate into policy substance.
boorish
Rough and bad-mannered; coarse and unrefined in behaviour.
Example
His boorish conduct at the state banquet embarrassed the entire delegation.
bored
Feeling tired and impatient because you have lost interest in somebody/something or because you have nothing to do.
Example
There was a bored expression on her face.
boring
Not interesting; making you feel tired and impatient.
Example
He's such a boring man!
brave
Willing to do things that are difficult, dangerous or painful; not afraid.
Example
brave men and women
bright
Full of light; shining strongly.
Example
bright light/sunshine
brilliant
Extremely clever or impressive.
Example
What a brilliant idea!
broad
Wide.
Example
a broad street/avenue/river
broken
That has been damaged or injured; no longer whole or working correctly.
Example
a broken window/plate
brown
Having the colour of earth or coffee.
Example
brown eyes/hair
brusque
Abrupt or offhand in speech or manner, often to the point of rudeness.
Example
The surgeon's brusque manner masked a deep concern for her patients' outcomes.
brutal
Violent and cruel.
Example
a brutal attack/murder/rape/killing
callous
Showing or having an insensitive and cruel disregard for others.
Example
The callous dismissal of thousands of workers without notice provoked immediate industrial action.
cantankerous
Bad-tempered, argumentative, and uncooperative.
Example
The cantankerous professor terrorised first-year students but mentored the most gifted with surprising generosity.
capable
Having the ability or qualities necessary for doing something.
Example
You are capable of better work than this.
capital
Having the form and size used at the beginning of a sentence or a name.
Example
English is written with a capital ‘E’.
capricious
Given to sudden and unaccountable changes of mood or behaviour; unpredictable.
Example
The capricious funding environment made long-term research planning almost impossible.
cardinal
Of the greatest importance; fundamental.
Example
Transparency is a cardinal principle in the governance of any democratic institution.
careful
Giving attention or thought to what you are doing so that you avoid hurting yourself, damaging something or doing something wrong.
Example
Be careful!
casual
Not formal.
Example
casual clothes (= comfortable clothes that you choose to wear in your free time)
caustic
Sarcastic in a scathing and bitter way; able to burn or corrode organic tissue.
Example
The critic's caustic review reduced the playwright to tears, though it was widely regarded as accurate.
cautious
Being careful about what you say or do, especially to avoid danger or mistakes; not taking any risks.
Example
The government has been cautious in its response to the report.
certain
Strongly believing something; having no doubts.
Example
I think it was him, but I can't be certain.
characteristic
Very typical of something or of somebody’s character.
Example
Community support of families is characteristic of many societies.
charming
Very pleasant or attractive.
Example
The cottage is tiny, but it's charming.
cheap
Costing little money or less money than you expected.
Example
cheap imports/flights
cheerful
Happy, and showing it by the way that you behave.
Example
You're not your usual cheerful self today.
chemical
Connected with chemistry.
Example
changes in the chemical composition of the atmosphere
chief
Most important.
Example
the chief cause/problem/reason
chronic
Lasting for a long time; difficult to cure.
Example
chronic bronchitis/arthritis/asthma
churlish
Rude in a mean-spirited and surly way; ungracious.
Example
It would be churlish to reject such a generous offer without at least considering its merits.
circumspect
Wary and unwilling to take risks; carefully considering all circumstances and consequences.
Example
A circumspect approach to foreign investment proved wise when the regional economy deteriorated.
civic
Officially connected with a town or city.
Example
civic buildings/leaders
civil
Connected with the people who live in a country.
Example
civil unrest (= that is caused by groups of people within a country)
clandestine
Kept secret or done secretively, especially because illicit.
Example
The clandestine meetings between the two intelligence agencies were never officially acknowledged.
classic
Accepted or deserving to be accepted as one of the best or most important of its kind.
Example
a classic film/story/car/game
classical
Relating to classical music.
Example
a classical composer/musician/pianist
clean
Not dirty.
Example
Are your hands clean?
clear
Easy to understand and not confusing.
Example
She gave me clear and precise directions.
clinical
Relating to the examination and treatment of patients and their illnesses.
Example
clinical research (= done on patients, not just considering theory)
cloistered
Kept away from the outside world; sheltered from the realities of public life.
Example
His cloistered upbringing left him ill-prepared for the competitive pressures of the corporate world.
close
Near in space or time.
Example
I had no idea the beach was so close.
closed
Shut.
Example
Keep the door closed.
coastal
Of or near a coast.
Example
coastal waters/resorts/scenery
cogent
Clear, logical, and convincing; compelling.
Example
The defence counsel presented a cogent argument that cast serious doubt on the prosecution's evidence.
cognitive
Connected with mental processes of understanding.
Example
a child’s cognitive development
cold
Having a lower than usual temperature; having a temperature lower than the human body.
Example
I'm cold. Turn the heating up.
collective
Done or shared by all members of a group of people; involving a whole group or society.
Example
collective leadership/decision-making/responsibility
colonial
Connected with or belonging to a country that controls another country.
Example
a colonial power
colorful
Having much or varied color; bright. Full of interest; lively and exciting.
Example
The market was filled with colorful fabrics.
colossal
Extremely large; of extraordinary size or extent.
Example
The colossal infrastructure project required the relocation of over forty thousand residents.
comfortable
Making you feel physically relaxed; pleasant to wear, sit on, etc.
Example
It's such a comfortable bed.
comic
Humorous and making you laugh.
Example
a comic monologue/story
commensurate
Corresponding in size or degree; in proportion to something else.
Example
The salary offered was not commensurate with the level of expertise the position demanded.
commercial
Connected with the buying and selling of goods and services.
Example
residential and commercial properties
common
Happening often; existing in large numbers or in many places.
Example
a common problem/occurrence/practice
comparable
Similar to somebody/something else and able to be compared.
Example
A comparable house in the south of the city would cost twice as much.
comparative
Measured or judged by how similar or different it is to something else.
Example
Then he was living in comparative comfort (= compared with others or with his own life at a previous time).
compelling
That makes you pay attention to it because it is so interesting and exciting.
Example
Her latest book makes compelling reading.
competent
Having enough skill or knowledge to do something well or to the necessary standard.
Example
He's very competent in his work.
complacent
Showing smug or uncritical satisfaction with oneself or one's achievements.
Example
Success had made the company complacent, and it failed to notice the disruptive competitor emerging in its market.
complementary
Combining in such a way as to enhance or emphasise each other's qualities; completing something else.
Example
Their complementary skill sets made them an exceptionally productive research partnership.
complete
Including all the parts, etc. that are necessary; whole.
Example
a complete list/sequence/picture/profile
complicated
Made of many different things or parts that are connected; difficult to understand.
Example
a complicated issue/process/system
component
One of several parts of which something is made.
Example
the different organizations involved in the design of the various components
comprehensive
Including all, or almost all, the items, details, facts, information, etc., that may be involved.
Example
a comprehensive list of addresses
compulsory
That must be done because of a law or a rule.
Example
English is a compulsory subject at this level.
concerned
Worried and feeling concern about something/somebody.
Example
Concerned citizens can have a huge impact.
conciliatory
Intended or likely to placate or pacify; making concessions to end a dispute.
Example
The prime minister adopted a conciliatory tone in an effort to prevent the negotiations from breaking down.
concrete
Made of concrete.
Example
a concrete floor
confident
Feeling sure about your own ability to do things and be successful.
Example
She was in a relaxed, confident mood.
confused
Unable to think clearly or to understand what is happening or what somebody is saying.
Example
I'm confused—say all that again.
congressional
Related to or belonging to a congress or the Congress in the US.
Example
a congressional committee/bill
connected
(of two or more things or people) having a link between them.
Example
We do not believe that the incidents are connected.
consecutive
Following one after another in a continuous series.
Example
She was absent for nine consecutive days.
conservative
Opposed to great or sudden social change; showing that you prefer traditional styles and values.
Example
the conservative views of his parents
considerable
Great in amount, size, importance, etc.
Example
The project wasted a considerable amount of time and money.
consistent
Always behaving in the same way, or having the same opinions, standards, etc.
Example
a consistent approach to the problem
constitutional
Connected with the constitution of a country or organization, or allowed under that constitution.
Example
The court ruled that the new law was not constitutional.
contemporary
Belonging to the same time.
Example
We have no contemporary account of the battle (= written near the time that it happened).
contemptible
Deserving contempt; despicable; worthy of scorn.
Example
The tribunal described the defendant's conduct as contemptible and unworthy of a public servant.
content
Happy and satisfied with what you have.
Example
He seemed more content, less bitter.
contrary
Opposite in nature, direction, or meaning to something else.
Example
Contrary to expectations, the team won the match.
conventional
Tending to follow what is done or considered acceptable by society in general; normal and ordinary, and perhaps not very interesting.
Example
conventional behaviour/morality
convinced
Completely sure about something.
Example
Sam nodded but he didn't look convinced.
convincing
That makes somebody believe that something is true.
Example
a convincing argument/explanation/case
convivial
Friendly, lively, and enjoyable; relating to feasting and good company.
Example
The convivial atmosphere at the departmental dinner encouraged even the shyest academics to engage.
convoluted
Extremely complex and difficult to follow; intricately twisted or coiled.
Example
The convoluted tax regulations had spawned an entire industry of specialist advisers.
cool
Fairly cold; not hot or warm.
Example
cool air/water
cooperative
Involving doing something together or working together with others towards a shared aim.
Example
Cooperative activity is essential to effective community work.
copious
Abundant in supply or quantity; plentiful.
Example
She took copious notes throughout the seminar, filling three notebooks by the end of the day.
coquettish
Behaving in a flirtatious manner; playfully alluring or teasing.
Example
The heroine's coquettish behaviour in the opening scenes contrasted sharply with her later determination.
cordial
Warm and friendly; heartfelt.
Example
Despite their professional rivalry, the two scholars maintained cordial relations throughout their careers.
corporate
Connected with a large business company.
Example
corporate finance/profits/tax
correct
Accurate or true, without any mistakes.
Example
Do you have the correct time?
corresponding
Matching or connected with something that you have just mentioned.
Example
A change in the money supply brings a corresponding change in expenditure.
corrupt
Willing to use their power to do dishonest or illegal things in return for money or to get an advantage.
Example
It was seen as the only way to overthrow a corrupt regime.
costly
Costing a lot of money, especially more than you want to pay.
Example
Buying new furniture may prove too costly.
countless
Very many; too many to be counted or mentioned.
Example
I've warned her countless times.
craven
Contemptibly lacking in courage; cowardly.
Example
The editorial board condemned the government's craven capitulation to commercial pressure.
creative
Involving the use of skill and the imagination to produce something new or a work of art.
Example
a course on creative writing (= writing stories, plays and poems)
credible
That can be believed or trusted.
Example
a credible explanation/witness
credulous
Having or showing too great a readiness to believe things; gullible.
Example
The credulous investor lost his savings to a scheme that any due diligence would have exposed.
criminal
Connected with or involving crime.
Example
criminal offences/activities
critical
Saying what you think is bad about somebody/something.
Example
You should just ignore any critical comments.
crowded
Having a lot of people or too many people.
Example
We made our way through the crowded streets.
crucial
Extremely important, because it will affect other things.
Example
The next few weeks are going to be crucial.
crude
In its natural state, before it has been processed or refined.
Example
crude oil/metal
culpable
Deserving blame or censure; responsible for a fault or wrong.
Example
The inquiry found that several senior managers were culpable in the negligent handling of safety data.
cultural
Connected with the culture of a particular society or group, its customs, beliefs, etc.
Example
Teachers need to be aware of cultural differences.
cunning
Having or showing skill in achieving one's ends by deceit; crafty.
Example
The spy's cunning disguise allowed her to infiltrate the organisation undetected for three years.
curious
Having a strong desire to know about something.
Example
He is such a curious boy, always asking questions.
curly
Having a lot of curls or a curved shape.
Example
long curly hair
current
Happening now; of the present time.
Example
The necklace would be worth over $5 000 at current prices.
cursory
Hasty and therefore not thorough or detailed; superficial.
Example
A cursory glance at the financial statements revealed several irregularities worth investigating further.
curved
Having a round shape.
Example
a curved edge/surface
cute
Pretty and attractive.
Example
a cute little baby
cynical
Believing that people only do things to help themselves rather than for good or honest reasons.
Example
a cynical view/smile
daft
Silly or foolish; mentally unbalanced.
Example
The proposal struck most of the committee as frankly daft, though nobody said so aloud.
daily
Happening, done or produced every day.
Example
Many people still read a daily newspaper.
dairy
Made from milk.
Example
dairy products/produce
damaging
Causing damage; having a bad effect on somebody/something.
Example
damaging consequences/effects
dangerous
Likely to injure or harm somebody, or to damage or destroy something.
Example
The situation is extremely dangerous.
dark
With no or very little light, especially because it is night.
Example
a dark room/street/forest/night
daunting
Seeming difficult to deal with in anticipation; intimidating.
Example
The daunting scale of the reconstruction effort required unprecedented levels of international coordination.
dead
No longer alive.
Example
My mother's dead; she died in 2017.
deadly
Causing or likely to cause death.
Example
a deadly weapon/disease
dear
Used at the beginning of a letter before the name or title of the person that you are writing to.
Example
Dear Sir or Madam
debonair
Confident, stylish, and charming; suave and elegant.
Example
The debonair attaché charmed every room he entered with effortless ease.
deceitful
Guilty of or involving deception; dishonest.
Example
The tribunal concluded that the witness had been deliberately deceitful in his earlier testimony.
decisive
Very important for the final result of a particular situation.
Example
a decisive factor/victory/battle
decorous
In keeping with good taste and propriety; polite and restrained.
Example
The ceremony proceeded in a decorous manner that honoured the gravity of the occasion.
decrepit
Worn out or ruined because of age or neglect; elderly and infirm.
Example
The decrepit warehouses along the waterfront were finally demolished to make way for cultural facilities.
dedicated
Working hard at something because it is very important to you.
Example
a dedicated teacher
deep
Having a large distance from the top or surface to the bottom.
Example
a deep hole/well/river
defensive
Protecting somebody/something against attack.
Example
As a defensive measure he built a series of coastal forts and watchtowers.
defunct
No longer existing or functioning; dead.
Example
The once-influential journal had been defunct for nearly a decade before a university press revived it.
deleterious
Causing harm or damage; injurious.
Example
Prolonged exposure to the chemical proved deleterious to both the workers' health and the surrounding ecosystem.
deliberate
Done on purpose rather than by accident.
Example
a deliberate act of vandalism
delicate
Easily damaged or broken.
Example
delicate china teacups
delicious
Having a very pleasant taste or smell.
Example
Who cooked this? It's absolutely delicious.
delighted
Very pleased.
Example
a delighted smile
democratic
Controlled by representatives who are elected by the people of a country; connected with this system.
Example
a democratic country
demure
Reserved, modest, and shy; quiet and rather serious.
Example
Her demure public persona concealed an exceptionally sharp and competitive intellect.
dense
Containing a lot of people, things, plants, etc. with little space between them.
Example
a dense crowd/forest
dependent
Needing somebody/something in order to survive or be successful.
Example
a woman with several dependent children
deplorable
Deserving strong condemnation; shockingly bad in quality.
Example
The deplorable conditions in the detention facility were exposed by an independent human rights delegation.
depressed
Very sad and without hope.
Example
You mustn't let yourself get depressed.
depressing
Making you feel very sad and without enthusiasm.
Example
a depressing sight/thought/experience
derelict
In a very poor condition as a result of disuse and neglect; failing in one's duty.
Example
Dozens of derelict properties blighted the neighbourhood until a regeneration scheme transformed the area.
derisive
Expressing contempt or ridicule; mocking.
Example
The minister's explanation drew derisive laughter from the opposition benches.
derogatory
Showing a critical or disrespectful attitude; tending to diminish or belittle.
Example
The use of derogatory language in workplace communications was formally prohibited under the new policy.
desirable
That you would like to have or do; worth having or doing.
Example
She chatted for a few minutes about the qualities she considered desirable in a secretary.
desperate
Feeling or showing that you have little hope and are ready to do anything without worrying about danger to yourself or others.
Example
The prisoners grew increasingly desperate.
despondent
In low spirits from loss of hope or courage; feeling hopeless.
Example
He became increasingly despondent as months of fruitless searching yielded no new leads.
destitute
Without the basic necessities of life; extremely poor.
Example
The refugees arrived destitute, having abandoned everything in their flight from the conflict zone.
destructive
Causing destruction or damage.
Example
The war demonstrated the destructive power of modern weapons.
desultory
Lacking a plan, purpose, or enthusiasm; going from one subject to another without logical connection.
Example
The peace talks resumed in a desultory fashion, with neither side showing genuine commitment to resolution.
detailed
Giving many details and a lot of information; paying great attention to details.
Example
a detailed description of the events
determined
Having made a definite decision to do something and not letting anyone prevent you.
Example
The opposition to her plan made her more determined than ever.
detestable
Deserving intense dislike; extremely unpleasant; hateful.
Example
The jury found the defendant's premeditated cruelty to be utterly detestable.
detrimental
Tending to cause harm; damaging.
Example
Excessive screen time before sleep has been shown to be detrimental to cognitive performance the following day.
devious
Showing a skilful use of underhand tactics; cunning and deceitful.
Example
The company's devious accounting practices were eventually uncovered during a routine audit.
devoid
Entirely lacking or free from; completely without.
Example
His statement was devoid of the empathy that the situation clearly demanded.
dexterous
Showing or having skill, especially with the hands; adroit and nimble.
Example
The surgeon's dexterous hands were the product of thousands of hours of painstaking practice.
diaphanous
Light, delicate, and translucent; almost transparent.
Example
The diaphanous curtains diffused the afternoon light into a soft, golden haze.
didactic
Intended to teach, particularly in having moral instruction as an ulterior motive; excessively instructive.
Example
Some readers found the novel's didactic tone off-putting, preferring a more subtle exploration of its themes.
different
Not the same as somebody/something; not like somebody/something else.
Example
American English is significantly different from British English.
difficult
Not easy; needing effort or skill to do or to understand.
Example
The competition judges were given a very difficult task.
diffident
Modest or shy because of a lack of self-confidence.
Example
The diffident graduate student surprised everyone with an exceptionally authoritative conference presentation.
digital
Using a system of receiving and sending information as a series of the numbers one and zero, showing that an electronic signal is there or is not there.
Example
a digital camera
dilatory
Slow to act; intended to cause delay.
Example
Critics accused the administration of pursuing a dilatory strategy to avoid making a politically costly decision.
dingy
Gloomy and drab; dirty and dull in appearance.
Example
The investigators traced the operation back to a dingy warehouse on the edge of the industrial estate.
diplomatic
Connected with managing relations between countries (= diplomacy).
Example
a diplomatic crisis
dirty
Not clean.
Example
dirty hands/clothes/dishes
disabled
Having a condition that makes it difficult for you to do some things that most other people can do.
Example
physically/developmentally/intellectually disabled
disastrous
Very bad, harmful or unsuccessful.
Example
a disastrous harvest/fire/result
discordant
Disagreeing or incongruous; not in harmony; clashing.
Example
A single discordant note from the brass section disrupted an otherwise flawless orchestral performance.
dishevelled
Untidy; having the hair or clothing in a disordered state.
Example
He arrived at the meeting dishevelled and breathless, having run from the other side of the campus.
disingenuous
Not candid or sincere, typically by pretending that one knows less about something than one does.
Example
The chairman's claim that he was unaware of the financial irregularities was widely seen as disingenuous.
disinterested
Not influenced by considerations of personal advantage; impartial; having no personal stake.
Example
The dispute was referred to a disinterested panel of experts whose findings could not be dismissed as partisan.
disjointed
Lacking a coherent sequence or connection; fragmented.
Example
The documentary felt disjointed, cutting between too many narratives without establishing meaningful links.
disparate
Essentially different in kind; not able to be compared; containing elements very different from one another.
Example
The coalition drew together a disparate range of groups united only by their opposition to the proposed legislation.
dispassionate
Not influenced by strong emotion; rational and impartial.
Example
A dispassionate reading of the evidence suggests that neither party bears sole responsibility.
distant
Far away in space or time.
Example
the distant sound of music
distinct
Easily or clearly heard, seen, felt, etc.
Example
There was a distinct smell of gas.
distinctive
Having a quality or characteristic that makes something different and easily noticed.
Example
clothes with a distinctive style
disturbing
Making you feel anxious and upset or shocked.
Example
a disturbing piece of news
diverse
Very different from each other and of various kinds.
Example
People from diverse cultures were invited to the event.
divine
Coming from or connected with God or a god.
Example
divine law/love/will
divorced
No longer married because your marriage has been legally ended.
Example
My parents are divorced.
dogged
Having or showing tenacity and grim persistence; relentlessly determined.
Example
Her dogged pursuit of the truth over fifteen years finally led to the wrongful conviction being overturned.
dogmatic
Inclined to lay down principles as incontrovertibly true; asserting opinions in an authoritative manner.
Example
His dogmatic insistence on a single theoretical framework blinded him to emerging contradictory evidence.
domestic
Of or inside a particular country; not foreign or international.
Example
domestic affairs/politics
dominant
More important, powerful or easy to notice than other things.
Example
The firm has achieved a dominant position in the world market.
dormant
In a state of rest or inactivity; temporarily inactive; latent.
Example
The dormant volcano had shown no signs of activity for nearly four centuries before last week's eruption.
double
Twice as much or as many as usual.
Example
a double helping
downstairs
On a floor of a house or building lower than the one you are on, especially the one at ground level.
Example
a downstairs bathroom
downtown
In, towards or typical of the centre of a city, especially its main business area.
Example
a downtown store
downward
Toward a lower place, point, or level.
Example
There has been a downward trend in sales.
dramatic
Sudden, very great and often surprising.
Example
a dramatic increase/change/improvement/shift
dry
Not wet or sticky; without water or moisture.
Example
Is my shirt dry yet?
dual
Having two parts or aspects.
Example
his dual role as composer and conductor
dubious
Hesitating or doubting; not to be relied upon; suspect.
Example
The committee expressed dubious views about the feasibility of completing the project within the proposed budget.
due
Caused by somebody/something; because of somebody/something.
Example
The team's success was largely due to her efforts.
dull
Not interesting or exciting.
Example
Life in a small town could be deadly dull.
dumb
Stupid.
Example
That was a pretty dumb thing to do.
dust
A fine powder that consists of very small pieces of sand, earth, etc.
Example
A cloud of dust rose as the truck drove off.
dynamic
Having a lot of energy and a strong personality.
Example
a dynamic leader
eager
Very interested and excited by something that is going to happen or about something that you want to do; showing this.
Example
eager crowds outside the stadium
early
Near the beginning of a period of time, an event etc.
Example
the early morning
east
In or towards the east.
Example
East Africa
eastern
Located in the east or facing east.
Example
eastern Spain
easy
Not difficult; done or obtained without a lot of effort or problems.
Example
an easy way to make bread
ebullient
Cheerful and full of energy; exuberant.
Example
Her ebullient personality transformed the atmosphere of the entire department within her first fortnight.
eccentric
Unconventional and slightly strange; deviating from established norms in an unusual way.
Example
The eccentric billionaire's unconventional management style was credited with fostering exceptional creativity.
eclectic
Deriving ideas, style, or taste from a broad and diverse range of sources.
Example
Her eclectic reading list ranged from medieval theology to contemporary neuroscience.
ecological
Connected with the relation of plants and living creatures to each other and to their environment.
Example
We risk upsetting the ecological balance of the area.
economic
Connected with the trade, industry and development of wealth of a country, an area or a society.
Example
They discussed social, economic and political issues.
editorial
Connected with the task of preparing something such as a newspaper, a book or a television or radio programme, to be published or broadcast.
Example
the magazine’s editorial staff
educated
Having had the kind of education mentioned; having been to the school, college or university mentioned.
Example
privately educated children
educational
Connected with education.
Example
children with special educational needs
effective
Producing the result that is wanted or intended; producing a successful result.
Example
Aspirin is a simple but highly effective treatment.
efficacious
Successful in producing a desired or intended result; effective.
Example
The treatment proved efficacious in reducing symptoms in more than eighty per cent of trial participants.
efficient
Doing something in a good, careful and complete way with no waste of time, money or energy.
Example
a highly efficient worker
effusive
Expressing feelings of gratitude, pleasure, or approval in an unrestrained or heartfelt manner.
Example
The director's effusive praise for the cast made the premiere feel like a genuine celebration of collaboration.
egregious
Outstandingly bad; shocking; conspicuously and offensively wrong.
Example
The report catalogued a series of egregious failures in the regulatory oversight of the banking sector.
elated
Ecstatically happy; making someone feel exuberantly proud and joyful.
Example
The team were elated by their unexpected victory over the tournament's defending champions.
elderly
Used as a polite word for ‘old’.
Example
an elderly man/woman/lady
electoral
Connected with elections.
Example
electoral systems/reforms
electric
Connected with electricity; using, produced by or producing electricity.
Example
an electric car/vehicle
electrical
Connected with electricity; using or producing electricity.
Example
an electrical fault in the engine
electronic
Having or using many small parts, such as microchips, that control and direct a small electric current.
Example
Airline passengers no longer have to turn off all electronic devices while on the plane.
elegant
Attractive and showing a good sense of style.
Example
She was tall and elegant.
elementary
In or connected with the first stages of a course of study.
Example
an elementary English course
eligible
A person who is eligible for something or to do something, is able to have or do it because they have the right qualifications, are the right age, etc.
Example
Only those over 70 are eligible for the special payment.
eloquent
Fluent or persuasive in speaking or writing; clearly expressive or indicative.
Example
Her eloquent advocacy on behalf of the dispossessed earned her an international reputation as a human rights champion.
elusive
Difficult to find, catch, or achieve; tending to evade grasp.
Example
A complete theory of consciousness has remained elusive despite decades of intensive research.
emaciated
Abnormally thin and weak, especially as a result of illness or a lack of food.
Example
Aid workers were shocked to encounter emaciated survivors after the siege had lasted more than three months.
embarrassed
Shy, uncomfortable or ashamed, especially in a social situation.
Example
I've never felt so embarrassed in my life!
embarrassing
Making you feel shy, uncomfortable or ashamed.
Example
an embarrassing moment/situation
empirical
Based on experiments or experience rather than ideas or theories.
Example
empirical evidence/knowledge/research
empty
With no people or things inside.
Example
an empty box/glass/bottle
encouraging
That gives somebody support, courage or hope.
Example
This month's unemployment figures are not very encouraging.
endemic
Regularly found among particular people or in a certain area; native and restricted to a particular locality.
Example
Corruption had become so endemic in the civil service that reform required wholesale institutional redesign.
endless
Very large in size or amount and seeming to have no end.
Example
endless patience
engaged
Having agreed to marry somebody.
Example
When did you get engaged?
engaging
Interesting or pleasant in a way that attracts your attention.
Example
an engaging smile
enigmatic
Difficult to interpret or understand; mysterious.
Example
The enigmatic smile of the portrait has puzzled art historians since the seventeenth century.
enjoyable
Giving pleasure.
Example
an enjoyable weekend/experience
enormous
Extremely large.
Example
an enormous house/dog
entertaining
That you enjoy watching, listening to, doing or experiencing.
Example
an entertaining speech/evening
enthusiastic
Feeling or showing a lot of excitement and interest about somebody/something.
Example
an enthusiastic supporter
enticing
Attractive or tempting; alluring.
Example
The enticing prospect of full research funding drew dozens of applications from leading international scholars.
entire
Including everything, everyone or every part.
Example
The entire village was destroyed.
environmental
Connected with the natural conditions in which people, animals and plants live; connected with the environment.
Example
the environmental impact of pollution
ephemeral
Lasting for a very short time; transitory.
Example
Fame in the digital age is largely ephemeral, with viral moments rarely translating into lasting recognition.
equal
The same in size, quantity, value, etc. as something else.
Example
There is an equal number of boys and girls in the class.
equivalent
Equal in value, amount, meaning, importance, etc.
Example
250 grams or an equivalent amount in ounces
equivocal
Open to more than one interpretation; ambiguous; uncertain or questionable in nature.
Example
The minister's equivocal response failed to reassure the public that the government had a coherent strategy.
erotic
Relating to or tending to arouse sexual desire or excitement.
Example
The novel's erotic undertones were considered daring for its time but seem mild to contemporary readers.
erstwhile
Former; previously belonging to a specified role or category.
Example
The erstwhile rivals found common cause when faced with a shared threat to their respective industries.
erudite
Having or showing great knowledge or learning; scholarly.
Example
Her erudite commentary on the manuscript drew on sources spanning six centuries and four languages.
esoteric
Intended for or likely to be understood by only a small number of people with specialised knowledge.
Example
The journal published esoteric mathematical proofs that only a handful of specialists worldwide could evaluate.
essential
Completely necessary; extremely important in a particular situation or for a particular activity.
Example
an essential part/feature of something
eternal
Without an end; existing or continuing forever.
Example
the promise of eternal life in heaven
ethereal
Extremely delicate and light in a way that seems not to be of this world; heavenly.
Example
The soprano's ethereal voice seemed to fill the cathedral without any apparent physical effort.
ethical
Connected with beliefs and principles about what is right and wrong.
Example
ethical issues/standards/questions/dilemmas
ethnic
Connected with or belonging to a group of people that share a cultural tradition.
Example
ethnic background/origin
evanescent
Soon passing out of sight, memory, or existence; quickly fading or disappearing.
Example
The evanescent beauty of cherry blossoms has inspired Japanese poetry for more than a thousand years.
everyday
Used or happening every day or regularly; ordinary.
Example
Change is a part of everyday life in business.
evident
Clear; easily seen.
Example
The orchestra played with evident enjoyment.
evil
Enjoying harming others; morally bad and cruel.
Example
Police described the killer as ‘a desperate and evil man’.
evolutionary
Connected with evolution; connected with slow steady development and change.
Example
evolutionary theory
exact
Correct in every detail.
Example
The new palace is an exact replica of the original building.
exacting
Making great demands on one's endurance, skill, or attention; rigorous.
Example
The exacting standards of the conservatoire demanded practise sessions of six hours a day.
excellent
Extremely good.
Example
an excellent book/article
exceptional
Unusually good.
Example
At the age of five he showed exceptional talent as a musician.
excessive
Greater than what seems reasonable or appropriate.
Example
They complained about the excessive noise coming from the upstairs flat.
excited
Feeling or showing happiness and enthusiasm.
Example
Staff got excited when they heard they were getting a bonus.
exciting
Causing great interest or excitement.
Example
This is an exciting opportunity for me.
exclusive
Only to be used by one particular person or group; only given to one particular person or group.
Example
The hotel has exclusive access to the beach.
excruciating
Intensely painful; agonising; very embarrassing or awkward.
Example
The wait for the verdict was excruciating; every hour felt longer than the last.
execrable
Extremely bad or unpleasant; of the very worst quality.
Example
The production values were execrable, yet the film somehow achieved cult status among genre enthusiasts.
executive
Connected with managing a business or an organization, and with making plans and decisions.
Example
She has an executive position in a finance company.
exigent
Pressing and requiring immediate attention or action; exacting.
Example
The exigent demands of the crisis left little time for the kind of deliberation the situation deserved.
exorbitant
Unreasonably high; far more than what is fair or normal.
Example
The exorbitant rents in the capital city had driven most young professionals to commute from the suburbs.
exotic
From or in another country, especially a tropical one; seeming exciting and unusual because it seems to be connected with foreign countries.
Example
brightly-coloured exotic flowers/plants/birds
expected
That you think will happen.
Example
Double the expected number of people came to the meeting.
expedient
Convenient and practical although possibly improper or immoral; suited to achieving a particular end.
Example
The decision to delay the announcement was politically expedient but ultimately damaging to public trust.
expensive
Costing a lot of money.
Example
an expensive car/restaurant/holiday
experienced
Having knowledge or skill in a particular job or activity.
Example
an experienced player/teacher
experimental
Based on new ideas, forms or methods that are used to find out what effect they have.
Example
The school's experimental teaching methods include letting the children decide what to study.
expert
Done with, having or involving great knowledge or skill.
Example
to seek expert advice
explicit
Clear and easy to understand, so that you have no doubt what is meant.
Example
He gave me very explicit directions on how to get there.
explosive
Easily able or likely to explode.
Example
an explosive device (= a bomb)
exquisite
Extremely beautiful and delicate; intensely felt.
Example
The jeweller's exquisite craftsmanship attracted collectors from across three continents.
extensive
Covering a large area; great in amount.
Example
The house has extensive grounds.
external
Connected with or located on the outside of something/somebody.
Example
the external walls of the building
extra
More than is usual, expected, or than exists already.
Example
extra money/cash/funding
extraneous
Irrelevant or unrelated to the subject being dealt with; not essential.
Example
The editor removed all extraneous detail, condensing a sprawling manuscript into a focused and powerful narrative.
extraordinary
Unexpected, surprising or strange.
Example
What an extraordinary thing to say!
extreme
Very great in degree.
Example
We are working under extreme pressure at the moment.
exuberant
Filled with or characterised by a lively energy and excitement; effusively enthusiastic.
Example
The exuberant celebrations in the streets lasted well into the following morning.
fabulous
Extremely good.
Example
They put on a fabulous performance.
facetious
Treating serious issues with deliberately inappropriate humour; flippant.
Example
His facetious remarks at the memorial service were judged deeply disrespectful by those in attendance.
facile
Ignoring the true complexities of an issue; superficially shallow; achieved without due effort.
Example
The commentator's facile analysis failed to engage with the structural causes of the economic crisis.
failed
Not successful.
Example
a failed writer
fair
Acceptable and appropriate in a particular situation.
Example
a fair deal/wage/price
fake
Not what somebody claims it is; appearing to be something it is not.
Example
There were a few stalls selling fake designer clothing.
fallacious
Based on a mistaken belief; containing a flaw in logic; misleading.
Example
The defence exposed the prosecution's fallacious reasoning through a meticulous examination of the statistical evidence.
famous
Known about by many people.
Example
a famous artist/actor
fancy
Unusually complicated, often in an unnecessary way; intended to impress other people.
Example
a kitchen full of fancy gadgets
fantastic
Extremely good; excellent.
Example
He's done a fantastic job.
far
At a greater distance away from you.
Example
I saw her on the far side of the road.
farcical
Resembling a farce; absurd, ridiculous, or ludicrously futile.
Example
The summit descended into a farcical exchange of accusations that produced no meaningful agreements.
fashionable
Following a style that is popular at a particular time.
Example
fashionable clothes/ideas/styles
fast
Moving or able to move quickly.
Example
a fast car/horse
fastidious
Very attentive to and concerned about accuracy and detail; very careful about keeping clean.
Example
The fastidious archivist catalogued thousands of documents with a precision that would benefit researchers for generations.
fat
Having too much flesh on it and weighing too much.
Example
a big fat man/woman
fatal
Causing or ending in death.
Example
a fatal accident/blow/illness
fatuous
Silly and pointless; showing a lack of intelligence or thought.
Example
The candidate's fatuous comparison of tax policy to a household budget drew widespread derision from economists.
favorable
Expressing approval.
Example
The review of the book was favorable.
favorite
Liked more than all others.
Example
Blue is my favorite color.
feckless
Lacking initiative or strength of character; irresponsible.
Example
The feckless management of public funds had left the municipality on the verge of insolvency.
federal
Having a system of government in which the individual states of a country have control over their own affairs, but are controlled by a central government for national decisions, etc.
Example
a federal republic
feisty
Lively, determined, and courageous, especially in the face of difficulty; spirited and assertive.
Example
The feisty opposition leader refused to be silenced despite relentless pressure from the ruling party.
fellow
Used to describe somebody who is the same as you in some way, or in the same situation.
Example
fellow citizens/students
female
Being a woman or a girl.
Example
a female student/employee/artist/athlete
ferocious
Savagely fierce, cruel, or violent; very great; extreme.
Example
The ferocious storm caused widespread devastation along the entire coastline.
fervent
Having or displaying a passionate intensity; deeply felt and sincere.
Example
A fervent advocate for environmental justice, she devoted her career to holding polluters accountable.
fervid
Intensely enthusiastic or passionate, especially to an excessive degree.
Example
His fervid nationalism made him a compelling speaker but an unreliable statesman.
fickle
Changing frequently, especially as regards one's loyalties or affections; unpredictable.
Example
The fickle tastes of the public had made it impossible to predict which genres would dominate the market.
fierce
Angry and aggressive in a way that is frightening.
Example
a fierce dog
final
Being or happening at the end of a series of events, actions, statements, etc.
Example
his final act as party leader
financial
Connected with money and finance.
Example
the world's major financial markets/institutions
fine
In good health.
Example
‘How are you?’ ‘Fine, thanks.’
firm
Fairly hard; not easy to press into a different shape.
Example
a firm bed/mattress
fiscal
Relating to government revenue, especially taxes.
Example
The country is facing a fiscal crisis.
flagrant
Conspicuously or obviously offensive; blatant; done openly with no attempt at concealment.
Example
The tribunal condemned the flagrant abuse of due process that had characterised the entire proceedings.
flat
Having a level surface, not curved or sloping, and without holes or any bits sticking out.
Example
low buildings with flat roofs
flawed
Having a flaw; not perfect or correct.
Example
seriously/fundamentally/fatally flawed
fleeting
Lasting for a very short time; passing swiftly.
Example
A fleeting glimpse of the elusive manuscript was enough to confirm its authenticity.
flexible
Able to change to suit new conditions or situations.
Example
a more flexible approach
flimsy
Comparatively light and insubstantial; not strong or solid; weak and unconvincing.
Example
The prosecution's case rested on flimsy circumstantial evidence that the jury found insufficient.
folding
That can be folded, so that it can be carried or stored in a small space.
Example
a folding chair/bike/knife
folk
Traditional and typical of the ordinary people of a country or community.
Example
We visited an exhibition of folk art.
following
That is/are going to be mentioned next.
Example
Answer the following questions.
fond
Having warm or loving feelings for somebody, especially somebody you have known for a long time.
Example
Over the years, I have grown quite fond of her.
forlorn
Pitifully sad and abandoned; appearing lonely and neglected; having little hope.
Example
A forlorn figure stood at the station long after the last train had departed.
formal
Very correct and suitable for official or important occasions.
Example
ladies in formal evening wear
former
That existed in earlier times.
Example
This fine ruin was, in former times, a royal castle.
formidable
Inspiring fear or respect through being impressively large, powerful, intense, or capable.
Example
The committee faced the formidable task of restructuring an institution resistant to any form of change.
forthcoming
Going to happen, be published, etc. very soon.
Example
the forthcoming elections
fortuitous
Happening by a lucky chance; occurring by accident rather than design.
Example
A fortuitous encounter at a conference led to the collaboration that produced her most celebrated research.
fortunate
Having or bringing an advantage, an opportunity, a piece of good luck, etc.
Example
Remember those less fortunate than yourselves.
fractious
Easily irritated; difficult to control; prone to discord within a group.
Example
The fractious coalition managed to pass a budget only after weeks of bruising internal negotiation.
fragile
Easily broken or damaged.
Example
fragile china/glass/bones
fraught
Causing or affected by great anxiety or stress; filled with or accompanied by something undesirable.
Example
The peace process remained fraught with difficulty, as trust between the two parties was virtually non-existent.
free
Without particular plans or arrangements; not busy.
Example
Are you free on Saturday? We're having a barbecue.
frenetic
Fast and energetic in a rather wild and uncontrolled way.
Example
The frenetic pace of developments in artificial intelligence has outstripped the capacity of regulators to respond.
frequent
Happening or doing something often.
Example
He is a frequent visitor to this country.
fretful
Feeling or expressing distress or irritation; anxious and unsettled.
Example
The fretful investors demanded daily briefings as the currency continued its volatile fluctuations.
friendly
Behaving in a kind and pleasant way because you like somebody or want to help them.
Example
a warm and friendly person
frightened
Afraid; feeling fear.
Example
a frightened child
frivolous
Not having any serious purpose or value; treating serious issues with undue levity.
Example
The judge dismissed the claim as frivolous and ordered the claimant to pay the defendant's costs.
frozen
Kept at a very low temperature in order to preserve it.
Example
frozen peas/fish/pizza
frugal
Sparing or economical with food and money; simple and plain in lifestyle.
Example
His frugal habits during his working life allowed him to retire comfortably at the age of fifty-five.
frustrated
Feeling annoyed and impatient because you cannot do or achieve what you want.
Example
It's very easy to get frustrated in this job.
frustrating
Causing you to feel annoyed and impatient because you cannot do or achieve what you want.
Example
It's frustrating to have to wait so long.
full
Containing or holding as much or as many as possible; having no empty space.
Example
a full bottle of wine
full-time
For all the hours of a week during which people normally work or study, rather than just for a part of it.
Example
students in full-time education
fulsome
Complimentary or flattering to an excessive degree; excessively effusive.
Example
The fulsome tribute paid to the retiring professor went well beyond what most observers felt was warranted.
functional
Practical and useful; with little or no decoration.
Example
Bathrooms don't have to be purely functional.
fundamental
Serious and very important; affecting the most central and important parts of something.
Example
the fundamental principles of scientific method
funny
Making you laugh.
Example
a funny story/joke
furious
Very angry.
Example
Their incompetence made me furious.
furtive
Attempting to avoid notice or attention, typically because of guilt or a belief that discovery would lead to trouble; secretive.
Example
The furtive behaviour of the suspect attracted the attention of the surveillance team.
futile
Incapable of producing any useful result; pointless.
Example
Further negotiation seemed futile after both sides had publicly rejected any possibility of compromise.
garish
Obtrusively bright and showy; luridly colourful; over-decorated.
Example
The garish neon signage was widely criticised as wholly out of keeping with the conservation area.
garrulous
Excessively talkative, especially on trivial matters; loquacious.
Example
The garrulous host dominated the dinner conversation, leaving little room for his guests to contribute.
gauche
Lacking ease or grace; unsophisticated and socially awkward.
Example
His gauche attempts at small talk during the reception made the ambassador's aide visibly uncomfortable.
gay
Sexually attracted to people of the same sex.
Example
gay men
general
Affecting all or most people, places or things.
Example
books of general interest (= of interest to most people)
generic
Shared by, including or typical of a whole group of things; not specific.
Example
‘Vine fruit’ is the generic term for currants and raisins.
genetic
Connected with genes (= the units in the cells of a living thing that control its physical characteristics) or genetics (= the study of genes).
Example
genetic and environmental factors
genial
Friendly and cheerful; pleasantly warm and comfortable.
Example
Despite his formidable reputation in the courtroom, the barrister was known in private for his genial warmth.
gentle
Calm and kind; doing things in a quiet and careful way.
Example
a kind and gentle man
genuine
Real; exactly what it appears to be; not artificial.
Example
Is the painting a genuine Picasso?
germane
Relevant to a subject under consideration; pertinent.
Example
The historical precedents cited by counsel were entirely germane to the constitutional question before the court.
giant
Very large; much larger or more important than similar things usually are.
Example
The match was shown on a giant screen outside the town hall.
glib
Fluent but insincere and shallow; artfully smooth in manner or speech.
Example
His glib assurances failed to impress the shareholders, who wanted concrete evidence of a recovery plan.
global
Covering or affecting the whole world.
Example
This year the global economy will grow by about 4 per cent.
glorious
Deserving or bringing great success and making somebody/something famous.
Example
We congratulate you on this glorious victory.
gold
Bright yellow in colour, like gold.
Example
The company name was spelled out in gold letters.
golden
Made of gold.
Example
a golden crown
good
Of high quality or an acceptable standard.
Example
a good book
gorgeous
Very beautiful and attractive; giving great pleasure.
Example
a gorgeous girl/man
grand
Impressive and large or important.
Example
It's not a very grand house.
graphic
Connected with drawings and design, especially in the production of books, magazines, websites, etc.
Example
graphic design
grateful
Feeling or showing thanks because somebody has done something kind for you or has done as you asked.
Example
Thank you for doing this. I really am so grateful.
gratuitous
Uncalled for; lacking good reason; unwarranted or unnecessary.
Example
The review noted that the film's gratuitous violence added nothing to the story and alienated a significant part of its audience.
gray
Having a gray color.
Example
The sky looks gray today.
great
Very good or pleasant.
Example
He's a great bloke.
green
Having the colour of grass or the leaves of most plants and trees.
Example
green grass/leaves/vegetables
gregarious
Fond of company; sociable; living in flocks or loosely organised communities.
Example
Her gregarious nature made her a natural networker and an invaluable asset to the organisation's outreach efforts.
gross
Being the total amount of something before anything is taken away.
Example
gross weight (= including the container or wrapping)
gruelling
Extremely tiring and demanding; exhausting.
Example
The gruelling eighteen-month clinical trial demanded extraordinary commitment from both researchers and participants.
guilty
Feeling ashamed because you have done something that you know is wrong or have not done something that you should have done.
Example
Matt and Chrissy both looked equally guilty.
gullible
Easily persuaded to believe something; credulous.
Example
The scheme targeted gullible investors with promises of returns that should have raised immediate alarm.
hackneyed
Lacking significance through having been overused; unoriginal and trite.
Example
The speech was littered with hackneyed phrases that provided no insight into the government's actual intentions.
handy
Easy to use or to do.
Example
a handy little tool
haphazard
Lacking any obvious principle of organisation; done by chance rather than by design.
Example
The haphazard distribution of aid was widely criticised for failing to reach the most vulnerable communities.
hapless
Unfortunate; deserving or inciting pity; having no luck.
Example
The hapless spokesman was left to face the press with no guidance, no briefing, and no credible explanation.
happy
Feeling or showing pleasure; pleased.
Example
a happy family
hard
Difficult to do, understand or answer.
Example
a hard choice/decision/question
harmful
Causing damage or injury to somebody/something, especially to a person’s health or to the environment.
Example
the harmful effects of alcohol
harsh
Cruel, severe and unkind.
Example
The punishment was harsh and unfair.
haughty
Arrogantly superior and disdainful; showing a condescending manner.
Example
Her haughty dismissal of her colleagues' concerns did little to encourage a spirit of open collaboration.
healthy
Having good health and not likely to become ill.
Example
a healthy child/baby/adult
heavy
Weighing a lot; difficult to lift or move.
Example
a heavy weight/load
hedonistic
Engaged in the pursuit of pleasure, especially of a self-indulgent kind.
Example
The hedonistic lifestyle portrayed in the novel is ultimately revealed as an escape from profound personal emptiness.
heinous
Utterly odious or wicked; atrocious.
Example
The international tribunal was established to try those accused of the most heinous wartime atrocities.
helpful
Able to improve a particular situation.
Example
helpful advice/information
heretical
Believing or practising religious heresy; holding unorthodox or controversial opinions.
Example
What was once considered heretical in economics has now become mainstream policy in several leading democracies.
high-profile
Receiving or involving a lot of attention and discussion in the media.
Example
a high-profile campaign
hilarious
Extremely funny.
Example
a hilarious joke/story
historical
Connected with the past.
Example
You must place these events in their historical context.
histrionic
Overly dramatic or theatrical in character; excessively emotional.
Example
His histrionic response to a minor procedural setback alarmed colleagues who had previously considered him level-headed.
hollow
Having a hole or empty space inside.
Example
a hollow ball/centre/tube/tree
holy
Connected with God or a particular religion.
Example
the Holy Bible
homeless
Having no home, and therefore typically living on the streets.
Example
The scheme has been set up to help homeless people.
homogeneous
Of the same kind; alike; consisting of parts all of the same kind.
Example
Critics argued that the homogeneous composition of the board limited the diversity of strategic thinking.
hopeful
Believing that something you want will happen.
Example
hopeful (that…), I feel hopeful that we'll find a suitable house very soon.
horrible
Very bad or unpleasant; used to describe something that you do not like.
Example
What horrible weather!
hostile
Aggressive or unfriendly and ready to argue or fight.
Example
The speaker got a hostile reception from the audience.
hot
Having a high temperature; producing heat.
Example
It's hot today, isn't it?
household
All the people living together in a house or flat.
Example
Most households now own at least one car.
huge
Extremely large in size or amount; great in degree.
Example
The sums of money involved are potentially huge.
human
Of or connected with people rather than animals, machines or gods.
Example
the human body/brain
humanitarian
Connected with helping people who are suffering and improving the conditions that they are living in.
Example
to provide humanitarian aid to the war zone
humorous
Funny; showing a sense of humour.
Example
He gave a humorous account of their trip to Spain.
hypothetical
Of, based on, or serving as a hypothesis; supposed or assumed.
Example
The committee examined several hypothetical scenarios in order to stress-test the proposed emergency protocols.
identical
Similar in every detail.
Example
a row of identical houses
ideological
Based on or connected with an ideology.
Example
ideological differences
idiosyncratic
Relating to idiosyncrasy; peculiar or individual; characterised by distinctive personal characteristics.
Example
His idiosyncratic teaching method was bewildering at first but produced remarkably independent thinkers.
idyllic
Like an idyll; extremely happy, peaceful, or picturesque.
Example
The documentary portrayed an idyllic rural community that had changed little over three generations.
ignominious
Deserving or causing public disgrace or shame; humiliating.
Example
The party suffered an ignominious defeat, losing nearly half of the seats it had held for two decades.
ill
Suffering from an illness or disease; not feeling well.
Example
Her father is seriously ill in St Luke's hospital.
ill-advised
Not sensible or wise; likely to have unfortunate consequences.
Example
In retrospect, the ill-advised merger destroyed more shareholder value than it was ever likely to create.
illegal
Not allowed by the law.
Example
illegal drugs/firearms/substances
illicit
Forbidden by law, rules, or custom; not sanctioned by official approval.
Example
The inquiry revealed a pattern of illicit payments made to secure contracts in three overseas jurisdictions.
immaculate
Perfectly clean, neat, or tidy; free from flaws or mistakes.
Example
The auditors found the accounts immaculate, with every transaction documented to an exceptional standard.
immediate
Happening or done without delay.
Example
an immediate reaction/response
immense
Extremely large or great.
Example
There is still an immense amount of work to be done.
imminent
Likely to happen very soon.
Example
the imminent threat of invasion
immortal
Living forever; not mortal; deserving to be remembered forever.
Example
Shakespeare's immortal works continue to be performed in virtually every language on earth.
immune
That cannot catch or be affected by a particular disease or illness.
Example
Adults are often immune to German measles.
immutable
Unchanging over time or unable to be changed; unalterable.
Example
The constitution's framers believed certain rights to be immutable and placed them beyond legislative reach.
impartial
Treating all rivals or disputants equally; not biased; fair.
Example
The role of the ombudsman is to provide an impartial assessment of complaints against public bodies.
impassive
Not feeling or showing emotion; expressionless; unmoved.
Example
The defendant remained impassive as the sentence was read aloud, betraying no visible reaction.
impatient
Annoyed by somebody/something, especially because you have to wait for a long time.
Example
I'd been waiting for twenty minutes and I was getting impatient.
impeccable
In accordance with the highest standards; faultless; having no flaws.
Example
Her impeccable academic record and extensive fieldwork made her the outstanding candidate for the fellowship.
imperative
Of vital importance; crucial; giving an authoritative command.
Example
It is imperative that the agency publish its methodology before the findings can be treated as reliable.
imperious
Assuming power or authority without justification; arrogant and domineering.
Example
Her imperious management style created a culture of fear that stifled innovation throughout the division.
impertinent
Not showing proper respect; rude; not pertinent to a matter.
Example
The journalist's impertinent question was met with a terse refusal to engage.
imperturbable
Unable to be upset or excited; calm; not perturbed.
Example
The experienced negotiator remained imperturbable even as the talks threatened to collapse entirely.
impervious
Not allowing fluid to pass through; unable to be affected by; resistant to.
Example
He appeared impervious to criticism, pressing ahead with the programme regardless of mounting opposition.
impetuous
Acting or done quickly and without thought or care; marked by force and sudden energy.
Example
His impetuous decision to resign before securing an alternative position left him in a precarious situation.
implacable
Unable to be appeased or placated; unrelenting in hostility or opposition.
Example
The movement faced an implacable establishment determined to resist any change to the existing order.
implausible
Not seeming reasonable or probable; failing to convince; unlikely.
Example
The alibi was so implausible that even the defendant's own counsel struggled to present it with conviction.
important
Having a great effect on people or things; of great value.
Example
an important issue/question/point/factor
impracticable
Impossible in practice to do or carry out; not feasible.
Example
The proposal, though admirable in principle, was considered wholly impracticable given existing resource constraints.
impregnable
Unable to be stormed, attacked, or defeated; completely secure and resistant.
Example
The castle's position on the clifftop rendered it virtually impregnable during the medieval period.
impressed
Admiring somebody/something because you think they are particularly good, interesting, etc.
Example
I must admit I am impressed.
impressive
Making you admire them, because they are very large, good, skilful, etc.
Example
an impressive performance
impromptu
Done without being planned or rehearsed; improvised.
Example
The president's impromptu remarks to the press corps caused an immediate diplomatic incident.
inadequate
Not enough; not good enough.
Example
inadequate supplies
inadvertent
Not resulting from or achieved through deliberate planning; unintentional.
Example
The inadvertent disclosure of confidential data triggered an investigation under data protection legislation.
inane
Lacking sense or meaning; silly and empty; pointless.
Example
The focus group dismissed the campaign as inane, observing that it communicated nothing of substance.
inappropriate
Not suitable or appropriate in a particular situation.
Example
inappropriate behaviour/language
incendiary
Tending to stir up conflict; inflammatory; designed to cause fires.
Example
The publication of the incendiary pamphlet was timed to coincide with the anniversary of the uprising.
incessant
Continuing without pause or interruption; ceaseless.
Example
The incessant noise from the construction site made it impossible to concentrate on the draft report.
incisive
Intelligently analytical and clear-thinking; sharp and direct.
Example
Her incisive questioning exposed fundamental contradictions in the official account of events.
inclement
Of weather, severe and unpleasant; harsh.
Example
The expedition was forced to retreat to base camp when inclement weather rendered further progress impossible.
included
Contained as part of something.
Example
all of Europe (Britain included)
inclusive
Not excluding any section of society or any party; encompassing all.
Example
The organisation committed to building a more inclusive culture that reflected the diversity of the communities it served.
incomprehensible
Not able to be understood; impossible to comprehend.
Example
The technical jargon rendered the contract virtually incomprehensible to anyone without a legal background.
inconceivable
Not capable of being imagined or grasped mentally; totally implausible.
Example
It was inconceivable to those present that the institution could survive such a catastrophic failure of governance.
incongruous
Not in harmony or keeping with the surroundings or other aspects of something; out of place.
Example
The glass-and-steel office block looked incongruous among the Georgian townhouses that surrounded it.
incontrovertible
Not able to be denied or disputed; indisputable.
Example
The forensic evidence provided incontrovertible proof that the defendant had been present at the scene.
incorrect
Not accurate or true.
Example
incorrect information/spelling
incorrigible
Not able to be corrected, improved, or reformed; habitually bad.
Example
The judge described the repeat offender as incorrigible and imposed the maximum permissible sentence.
incredible
Impossible or very difficult to believe.
Example
an incredible story
incredulous
Unwilling or unable to believe something; showing disbelief.
Example
The auditors were incredulous when they discovered that the entire treasury had been embezzled over a single fiscal year.
indeed
Used after very and an adjective or adverb to emphasize a statement, description, etc.
Example
Thank you very much indeed!
indefatigable
Persisting tirelessly; incapable of being fatigued; untiring.
Example
An indefatigable campaigner, she continued her advocacy work well into her ninth decade.
indelible
Making marks that cannot be removed; unable to be forgotten or removed; lasting.
Example
The photographs left an indelible impression on the public conscience and galvanised international opinion.
independent
Having its own government.
Example
an independent state/nation/country
indifferent
Having no particular interest or sympathy; unconcerned; mediocre in quality or standard.
Example
The institution had long been indifferent to the welfare of its most junior staff.
indigenous
Coming from a particular place and having lived there for a long time before other people came there; relating to, belonging to or developed by these people.
Example
the indigenous peoples/languages of an area
indignant
Feeling or showing anger or annoyance at what is perceived as unfair treatment.
Example
The professor was indignant at the suggestion that her research methodology was flawed.
individual
Considered separately rather than as part of a group.
Example
We interviewed each individual member of the community.
indolent
Wanting to avoid activity or exertion; habitually lazy.
Example
The indolent administration allowed decades of infrastructure decay before any remedial action was taken.
indomitable
Impossible to subdue or defeat; unconquerable in spirit.
Example
Her indomitable determination to complete the marathon despite injury inspired thousands of spectators.
indulgent
Having or indicating a tendency to be overly generous or lenient with someone; self-gratifying.
Example
Critics found the director's three-hour cut indulgent, arguing that a tighter edit would have served the story better.
industrial
Connected with industry.
Example
an industrial dispute
industrious
Diligent and hard-working; showing constant effort.
Example
The industrious research team produced eleven peer-reviewed papers over the course of a single academic year.
ineffable
Too great or extreme to be expressed or described in words; unspeakable.
Example
She struggled to convey the ineffable sense of calm she had experienced during her time in the remote monastery.
inept
Having or showing no skill; clumsy; incompetent.
Example
The government's inept handling of the public health crisis eroded confidence in its ability to govern effectively.
inevitable
That you cannot avoid or prevent.
Example
It was an inevitable consequence of the decision.
inexhaustible
Available in limitless supply; not able to be used up; seemingly endless.
Example
His inexhaustible curiosity led him to pursue interests spanning mathematics, botany, and Renaissance painting.
inexorable
Impossible to stop or prevent; continuing despite all efforts to change.
Example
The inexorable advance of automation has fundamentally altered the labour market in manufacturing sectors.
infallible
Incapable of making mistakes or being wrong; never failing.
Example
No diagnostic tool is infallible, which is why clinicians are trained to exercise independent judgement.
infamous
Well known for being bad or evil.
Example
a general who was infamous for his brutality
inflammatory
Arousing or tending to arouse angry or violent feelings; relating to or causing inflammation.
Example
The broadcaster was censured for transmitting inflammatory commentary that the regulator deemed likely to incite violence.
influential
Having a lot of influence on somebody/something.
Example
a highly influential book
ingenious
Clever, original, and inventive; having or showing a great deal of cleverness.
Example
The engineer devised an ingenious solution that eliminated the bottleneck without any additional capital expenditure.
ingenuous
Innocent and unsuspecting; not deceptive or calculating in nature; artless.
Example
Her ingenuous account of the meeting suggested she had no idea that she was being used as an unwitting courier.
ingrained
Firmly established and unlikely to change; deeply embedded.
Example
Changing ingrained attitudes towards seniority required sustained effort over more than a decade.
inherent
That is a basic or permanent part of somebody/something and that cannot be removed.
Example
the difficulties inherent in a study of this type
inhospitable
Not offering shelter or favourable conditions; harsh and difficult to live in; unfriendly.
Example
The inhospitable terrain of the high plateau has discouraged permanent settlement throughout recorded history.
inimical
Tending to obstruct or harm; hostile; unfriendly.
Example
Short-term financial pressures proved inimical to the long-term investment required to sustain research excellence.
iniquitous
Grossly unfair and morally wrong; wicked; unjust.
Example
The report described the sentencing disparity as iniquitous and demanded immediate legislative reform.
initial
Happening at the beginning; first.
Example
There is an initial payment of £60 followed by ten instalments of £25.
inner
Inside; towards or close to the centre of a place.
Example
an inner courtyard
innocuous
Not harmful or offensive; unlikely to cause damage.
Example
What appeared to be an innocuous administrative error ultimately triggered a constitutional crisis.
innovative
Introducing or using new ideas, ways of doing something, etc.
Example
There will be a prize for the most innovative design.
innumerable
Too many to be counted; very many; countless.
Example
The archive contained innumerable unpublished letters that cast new light on the composer's development.
insatiable
Impossible to satisfy; incessantly craving more.
Example
Her insatiable appetite for knowledge led her to audit courses in disciplines far outside her own specialism.
inscrutable
Impossible to understand or interpret; impenetrable; mysterious.
Example
The veteran diplomat's inscrutable expression gave nothing away about his government's actual negotiating position.
inside
Forming the inner part of something; not on the outside.
Example
the inside pages of a newspaper
insidious
Proceeding in a gradual, subtle way but with very harmful effects; stealthily treacherous.
Example
The insidious erosion of press freedom occurred too gradually for most citizens to recognise the cumulative effect.
insipid
Lacking flavour; weak and tasteless; lacking vigour or interest.
Example
The insipid prose style drained the narrative of any emotional impact it might otherwise have had.
insolent
Showing a rude and arrogant lack of respect; impertinent.
Example
The insolent tone of the memo caused a breakdown in relations between the two departments.
insoluble
Impossible to solve; not able to be dissolved.
Example
Some philosophers argue that the mind-body problem is not merely difficult but genuinely insoluble.
insouciant
Showing a casual lack of concern; nonchalant; carefree.
Example
His insouciant attitude to deadlines eventually cost him the confidence of the entire editorial board.
instant
Happening immediately.
Example
This account gives you instant access to your money.
institutional
Connected with a large important organization, for example a university or bank.
Example
institutional investors
instrumental
Important in making something happen.
Example
The Conservation Trust performs an instrumental role in the protection of rural environments.
insufficient
Not large, strong or important enough for a particular purpose.
Example
insufficient time
insurmountable
Too great to be overcome; impossible to surmount.
Example
The financing gap initially appeared insurmountable but was eventually bridged through an innovative public-private structure.
intact
Complete and not damaged.
Example
Most of the house remains intact even after two hundred years.
integral
Being an essential part of something.
Example
Music is an integral part of the school's curriculum.
integrated
In which many different parts are closely connected and work successfully together.
Example
an integrated programme of patient care
intellectual
Connected with or using a person’s ability to think in a logical way and understand things.
Example
Gifted children typically show great intellectual curiosity and a wide range of interests.
intelligent
Good at learning, understanding and thinking in a logical way about things; showing this ability.
Example
a highly intelligent child
intended
That you are trying to achieve or reach.
Example
the intended purpose
intense
Very great; very strong.
Example
We were all suffering in the intense heat.
intensive
Involving a lot of work or activity done in a short time.
Example
an intensive language course
interactive
That allows information to be passed continuously and in both directions between a computer or other device and the person who uses it.
Example
interactive displays/video
interested
Giving your attention to something because you enjoy finding out about it or doing it; showing interest in something and finding it exciting.
Example
He sounded genuinely interested.
interesting
Attracting your attention because it is/they are special, exciting or unusual.
Example
The article raises several interesting questions.
interim
Intended to last for only a short time until somebody/something more permanent is found.
Example
an interim government/measure/report
intermediate
Located between two places, things, states, etc.
Example
an intermediate stage/step in a process
internal
Connected with the inside of something.
Example
the internal structure of a building
international
Connected with or involving two or more countries.
Example
international trade/law
internecine
Destructive to both sides in a conflict; relating to conflict within a group.
Example
The party's internecine warfare over leadership succession made it impossible to mount a credible electoral campaign.
intimate
Having a close and friendly relationship.
Example
intimate friends
intransigent
Refusing to change one's views or to agree about something; uncompromising.
Example
Both delegations left the summit criticising the other as intransigent and unwilling to engage constructively.
intrepid
Fearless; adventurous; resolutely courageous.
Example
The intrepid correspondent filed her reports from some of the most dangerous conflict zones on earth.
intrinsic
Belonging naturally; essential; inherent in the fundamental nature of something.
Example
The committee concluded that fair compensation for creative work is intrinsic to a functioning cultural economy.
intrusive
Causing disruption or annoyance through being unwelcome or uninvited; infringing on privacy.
Example
The new surveillance programme was condemned by civil liberties groups as needlessly intrusive.
invasive
Tending to spread very quickly and undesirably; involving the introduction of instruments into the body.
Example
The invasive species had disrupted the native ecosystem within a decade of its accidental introduction.
inveterate
Having a particular habit, activity, or interest that is long-established and unlikely to change.
Example
An inveterate traveller, she had visited every continent before her fortieth birthday.
invidious
Likely to arouse or incur resentment or anger in others; making unfair distinctions.
Example
The invidious comparisons drawn between the two departments created lasting resentment among staff.
invisible
That cannot be seen.
Example
a wizard who could make himself invisible
involved
Taking part in something; being part of something or connected with something.
Example
Some people tried to stop the fight but I didn't want to get involved.
irascible
Having or showing a tendency to be easily angered; irritable.
Example
The irascible editor was feared by junior staff but respected for his unwavering commitment to factual accuracy.
irrelevant
Not important to or connected with a situation.
Example
totally/completely/largely irrelevant
irreproachable
Beyond criticism; faultless; entirely blameless.
Example
Her irreproachable professional conduct over thirty years made the allegations appear particularly implausible.
irreverent
Showing a lack of respect for people or things that are generally taken seriously.
Example
The irreverent satire targeted every institution in public life without exemption or apology.
isolated
Far away from any others.
Example
isolated rural areas
itinerant
Travelling from place to place; leading a nomadic or unsettled life.
Example
The itinerant trader moved between market towns, building a network of loyal customers across the entire region.
jaded
Tired, bored, or lacking enthusiasm, typically after having had too much of something.
Example
Even the most jaded critics admitted that the production was unlike anything they had previously witnessed.
jaundiced
Affected by bitterness or envy; showing prejudice or a resentful cynical outlook.
Example
Years of professional disappointments had left him with a jaundiced view of institutional advancement.
jocular
Fond of or characterised by joking; humorous; playful.
Example
His jocular manner in the seminar concealed a formidably precise analytical mind.
joint
Involving two or more people together.
Example
a joint account (= a bank account in the name of more than one person, for example shared by a couple)
judicial
Connected with a court, a judge or legal judgement.
Example
judicial powers
judicious
Having, showing, or done with good judgement or sense; prudent.
Example
A judicious deployment of the available resources enabled the team to exceed its targets without additional funding.
junior
Having a low rank in an organization or a profession.
Example
a junior partner/minister/officer
keen
Wanting to do something or wanting something to happen very much.
Example
John was very keen to help.
kind
Caring about others; gentle, friendly and generous.
Example
a very kind and helpful person
lackadaisical
Lacking enthusiasm and determination; carelessly lazy.
Example
The lackadaisical attitude of the compliance team contributed directly to the regulatory failures identified in the audit.
lacklustre
Lacking in vitality, force, or conviction; not exciting; dull.
Example
The lacklustre performance in the first half gave way to an inspired display after the interval.
laconic
Using very few words; brief and concise.
Example
His laconic response to the lengthy interrogation frustrated investigators who had expected more.
lamentable
Deserving to be criticised; regrettably bad; deplorable.
Example
The lamentable standard of infrastructure in the region remained a persistent barrier to economic development.
languid
Displaying or having a disinclination for physical exertion or effort; slow and relaxed.
Example
The languid pace of life on the island stood in stark contrast to the frantic rhythms of the capital.
large
Big in size or quantity.
Example
a large group/city/area/crowd/family
large-scale
Involving many people or things, especially over a wide area.
Example
Large areas of the forest will be cleared for ranching as part of a large-scale development plan.
last
After anyone or anything else; at the end.
Example
He came last in the race.
late
Arriving, happening or done after the expected, arranged or usual time.
Example
I'm sorry I'm late.
latent
Existing but not yet developed or manifest; hidden or concealed.
Example
The crisis revealed a latent demand for political reform that the government had long chosen to ignore.
latter
Used to refer to the second of two things or people mentioned.
Example
He chose the latter option.
laudable
Deserving praise and commendation; praiseworthy.
Example
The organisation's laudable commitment to transparency set a standard that many of its peers were reluctant to emulate.
lazy
Unwilling to work or be active; doing as little as possible.
Example
He was not stupid, just lazy.
leery
Cautious or wary due to realistic suspicions; distrustful.
Example
Investors remained leery of the sector following the series of high-profile governance failures.
left
On the side of your body that is towards the west when you are facing north.
Example
Fewer people write with their left hand than with their right.
legal
Connected with the law.
Example
the legal profession/system
legendary
Very famous and talked about a lot by people.
Example
a legendary figure
legislative
Connected with the act of making and passing laws.
Example
a legislative assembly/body/council
legitimate
For which there is a fair and acceptable reason.
Example
a legitimate grievance
lengthy
Very long, and often too long, in time or size.
Example
lengthy delays
lenient
More merciful or tolerant than expected; not strict or severe.
Example
The appeal court concluded that the original sentence had been unduly lenient given the severity of the offence.
lesser
Not as great in size, amount or importance as something/somebody else.
Example
people of lesser importance
lethal
Causing or able to cause death.
Example
She had been given a lethal dose of poison.
lethargic
Affected by lethargy; sluggish and apathetic.
Example
The economic recovery remained lethargic despite successive rounds of monetary stimulus.
level-headed
Calm and sensible; not easily disturbed or confused; having sound judgement.
Example
Her level-headed response to the crisis prevented a bad situation from escalating into a catastrophe.
liable
Legally responsible for paying the cost of something.
Example
You will be liable for any damage caused.
liberal
Willing to understand and respect other people’s behaviour, opinions, etc., especially when they are different from your own; believing people should be able to choose how they behave.
Example
liberal attitudes/views/opinions
licentious
Promiscuous and unprincipled in sexual matters; disregarding accepted rules or conventions.
Example
The satirist used the character's licentious behaviour as a vehicle for social commentary on the hypocrisy of the ruling class.
light
Pale in colour.
Example
He's got light blue eyes.
limited
Not very great in amount or extent.
Example
We are doing our best with the limited resources available.
linear
Of or in lines.
Example
In his art he broke the laws of scientific linear perspective.
liquid
In the form of a liquid; not a solid or a gas.
Example
liquid nitrogen
literary
Connected with literature.
Example
literary criticism/theory
litigious
Excessively prone to going to law to settle disputes; of or relating to litigation.
Example
Operating in such a litigious environment required the company to maintain a legal team far larger than its size warranted.
little
Not big; small; smaller than others.
Example
a little house
live
Living; not dead.
Example
live animals
lively
Full of life and energy; active and enthusiastic.
Example
an intelligent and lively young woman
living
Alive now.
Example
all living things
local
Belonging to or connected with the particular place or area that you are talking about or with the place where you live.
Example
local people/residents/businesses
located
If something is located in a particular place, it exists there or has been put there.
Example
a small town located 30 miles south of Chicago
logical
Seeming natural, reasonable or sensible.
Example
It was a logical conclusion from the child's point of view.
long
Measuring or covering a great length or distance, or a greater length or distance than usual.
Example
She had long dark hair.
long-standing
That has existed or lasted for a long time.
Example
a long-standing relationship
long-term
Lasting or having an effect over a long period of time.
Example
Our long-term goal is to lower operating costs by 10 per cent.
longtime
Having existed for a long time.
Example
He is a longtime resident of the city.
loose
Not securely fixed where it should be; able to become separated from something.
Example
a loose button/tooth
loquacious
Tending to talk a great deal; talkative; wordy.
Example
The loquacious witness provided far more background than the court required, testing the patience of the presiding judge.
loud
Making a lot of noise.
Example
loud laughter
low
Not high or tall; not far above the ground.
Example
a low wall/building/table
loyal
Remaining constant in your support of somebody/something.
Example
a loyal friend/supporter
lucid
Expressed clearly; easy to understand; showing an ability to think clearly.
Example
The professor was celebrated for her ability to provide lucid explanations of notoriously complex theoretical concepts.
lucky
Having good luck.
Example
His friend was killed and he knows he is lucky to be alive.
ludicrous
So foolish, unreasonable, or out of place as to be amusing; ridiculous.
Example
The claim that the organisation had no knowledge of the fraud was regarded as ludicrous by those familiar with its governance structure.
lugubrious
Looking or sounding sad and dismal; mournful; excessively doleful.
Example
His lugubrious demeanour at the celebration struck guests as incongruous given the joyful occasion.
lukewarm
Only moderately warm; showing or having little enthusiasm or interest.
Example
The board's lukewarm reception of the proposal indicated that the initiative would struggle to secure approval.
luminous
Full of or shedding light; bright or shining; clearly expressed and easily understood.
Example
The luminous quality of the early-morning light made the cathedral look entirely different from its appearance at noon.
luxuriant
Rich and profuse in growth; lush; characterised by richness and extravagance.
Example
The luxuriant vegetation of the coastal rainforest concealed an extraordinary diversity of undescribed species.
mad
Very stupid; not at all sensible.
Example
You must be mad to risk it.
madcap
Amusingly eccentric or wildly impractical; recklessly impulsive.
Example
His madcap scheme to cycle across the continent in a week drew equal parts admiration and concern.
magic
Having or using special powers to make impossible things happen or seem to happen.
Example
a magic spell/charm/potion
magical
Containing magic; used in magic.
Example
magical powers
magnanimous
Generous or forgiving, especially towards a rival or someone less powerful.
Example
The magnanimous victor publicly praised her opponent's effort before accepting the award.
magnetic
Behaving like a magnet; that can be attracted by a magnet.
Example
magnetic materials
magnificent
Extremely attractive and impressive; deserving praise.
Example
The Taj Mahal is a magnificent building.
main
Being the largest or most important of its kind.
Example
Be careful crossing the main road.
mainstream
Considered normal because it reflects what is done or accepted by most people.
Example
mainstream culture/politics
male
Being a man or boy.
Example
a male friend/colleague/partner
malevolent
Having or showing a wish to do evil to others.
Example
The villain's malevolent gaze unsettled everyone in the courtroom.
malleable
Easily influenced, trained, or controlled; adaptable to changing circumstances.
Example
Young minds are particularly malleable, making early education profoundly consequential.
malodorous
Having an unpleasant or offensive smell.
Example
The malodorous canal running through the old industrial district deterred potential investors.
mandatory
Required by law.
Example
The offence carries a mandatory life sentence.
marginal
Small and not important.
Example
a marginal improvement in weather conditions
marine
Connected with the sea and the creatures and plants that live there.
Example
marine life
married
Having a husband or wife.
Example
a married man/woman
martial
Connected with fighting, soldiers, or military life.
Example
She has been studying martial arts since she was a child.
mass
Affecting or involving a large number of people or things.
Example
The world faces the tremendous problem of mass unemployment.
massive
Very large, heavy and solid.
Example
a massive rock
matching
Having the same colour, pattern, style, etc. and therefore looking attractive together.
Example
The two sisters wore matching outfits.
mathematical
Connected with or involving mathematics.
Example
mathematical calculations/problems/models
mature
Behaving in a sensible way, like an adult.
Example
Jane is very mature for her age.
maudlin
Self-pityingly or tearfully sentimental, often in an excessive or inappropriate manner.
Example
After a few glasses of wine, he became maudlin about his student years.
maximum
As large, fast, etc. as is possible, or the most that is possible or allowed.
Example
the maximum amount/number of something
meagre
Lacking in quantity or quality; insufficient.
Example
The refugees survived on meagre rations until international aid arrived.
meaningful
Serious and important.
Example
a meaningful relationship/discussion/experience
mechanical
Operated by power from an engine.
Example
a mechanical device/toy/clock
medical
Connected with illness and injury and their treatment.
Example
medical care/treatment
medieval
Connected with the Middle Ages (about AD 1000 to AD 1450).
Example
medieval architecture/castles/manuscripts
medium
In the middle between a larger and smaller size, amount, length, temperature, etc.
Example
There are three sizes—small, medium and large.
memorable
Worth remembering or easy to remember, especially because of being special or unusual.
Example
The holiday provided many memorable moments.
menacing
Suggesting the presence of danger; threatening.
Example
A menacing silence fell over the negotiating table as both sides awaited the other's concession.
mendacious
Not telling the truth; lying.
Example
The inquiry exposed the minister as mendacious, contradicting his earlier testimony.
mental
Connected with or happening in the mind; involving the process of thinking.
Example
the mental process of remembering
meticulous
Showing great attention to detail or being very careful and precise.
Example
Her meticulous research left no ambiguity in the findings she presented to the board.
middle
In a position in the middle of an object, group of objects, people, etc.; between the beginning and the end of something.
Example
Pens are kept in the middle drawer.
militant
Using, or willing to use, force or strong pressure to achieve your aims, especially to achieve social or political change.
Example
militant groups/leaders
military
Connected with soldiers or the armed forces.
Example
We may have to take military action.
minimal
Very small in size or amount; as small as possible.
Example
The work was carried out at minimal cost.
minimum
The smallest that is possible or allowed; extremely small.
Example
a minimum charge/price
minor
Not very large, important or serious.
Example
The new plan involves widening a minor road through the valley.
mischievous
Causing or showing a fondness for causing trouble in a playful way.
Example
A mischievous grin spread across his face as he withheld the punchline of his story.
miserable
Very unhappy or uncomfortable.
Example
We were cold, wet and thoroughly miserable.
misleading
Giving the wrong idea or impression and making you believe something that is not true.
Example
misleading information/advertisements
missing
That cannot be found or that is not in its usual place; that has been removed, lost or destroyed.
Example
I never found the missing piece.
mixed
Consisting of different qualities or elements.
Example
a mixed diet
mobile
Connected with mobile phones, tablets, etc.
Example
What's your mobile number?
moderate
That is neither very good, large, hot, etc. nor very bad, small, cold, etc.
Example
students of moderate ability
modern
Of the present time or recent times.
Example
the modern industrial world
monthly
Happening once a month or every month.
Example
a monthly meeting/visit/magazine
moral
Connected with principles of right and wrong behaviour.
Example
a moral issue/dilemma
mordant
Having or showing a sharp or critical quality; biting or caustic in thought or manner.
Example
Her mordant wit made the satire both entertaining and deeply uncomfortable for its targets.
moribund
In terminal decline; lacking vitality or vigour.
Example
The once-thriving textile industry was moribund by the end of the twentieth century.
morose
Sullen and ill-tempered; gloomy and unsociable.
Example
He grew increasingly morose as the project deadlines slipped further into the future.
mortifying
Causing great embarrassment or shame.
Example
It was mortifying to discover she had addressed the entire lecture hall by the wrong name.
motor
Having an engine; using the power of an engine.
Example
The street is closed to motor vehicles.
moving
Causing strong, often sad, feelings about somebody/something.
Example
a deeply moving experience
multiple
Many in number; involving many different people or things.
Example
The shape appears multiple times within each painting.
mundane
Lacking interest or excitement; dull and ordinary.
Example
Even the most mundane administrative tasks can carry significant consequences when overlooked.
municipal
Connected with or belonging to a town, city or district that has its own local government.
Example
municipal elections/councils
munificent
More generous than is usual or necessary.
Example
The munificent endowment funded three new research chairs at the university.
musical
Connected with music; containing music.
Example
musical styles/tastes
mutable
Liable to change; inconstant.
Example
Public opinion is mutable and cannot serve as the sole basis for long-term policy.
mutual
Used to describe feelings that two or more people have for each other equally, or actions that affect two or more people equally.
Example
mutual respect/understanding
myopic
Lacking imagination, foresight, or intellectual insight; short-sighted.
Example
Critics argued that the myopic focus on quarterly profits undermined the company's long-term viability.
mysterious
Difficult to understand or explain; strange.
Example
He died in mysterious circumstances.
naked
Not wearing any clothes.
Example
She was clutching the sheet around her naked body.
narrative
Describing events or telling a story.
Example
narrative fiction
narrow
Measuring a short distance from one side to the other, especially in relation to length.
Example
Stray dogs wander the steep narrow lanes of the old town.
nascent
Just coming into existence and beginning to display signs of future potential.
Example
The nascent democracy faced immense pressure from entrenched political elites.
national
Connected with a particular nation; shared by a whole nation.
Example
Decide whether it would be better to advertise in a national or a local newspaper.
nationwide
Happening or existing in all parts of a particular country.
Example
a nationwide campaign
natural
Existing in nature; not made or caused by humans.
Example
the natural world (= of trees, rivers, animals and birds)
naval
Connected with the navy of a country.
Example
a naval base/officer/battle
near
A short distance away.
Example
His house is very near.
nearby
Near in position; not far away.
Example
Her mother lived in a nearby town.
nebulous
Not clearly defined or stated; hazy and vague.
Example
The proposal was rejected for being too nebulous to support concrete budget allocations.
necessary
That is needed for a purpose or a reason.
Example
It may be necessary to buy a new one.
nefarious
Wicked or criminal; flagrantly villainous.
Example
The investigation uncovered a nefarious scheme to defraud elderly investors.
negative
Bad or harmful.
Example
The crisis had a negative effect on trade.
neighboring
Located near or next to.
Example
We visited the neighboring town.
nervous
Anxious about something or afraid of something.
Example
I felt really nervous before the interview.
net
A net amount of money is the amount that remains when nothing more is to be taken away.
Example
a net profit of £500
neutral
Not supporting or helping either side in a disagreement, competition, etc.
Example
Journalists are supposed to be politically neutral.
new
Not existing before; recently made, invented, introduced, etc.
Example
Have you read her new novel?
next
Coming straight after somebody/something in time, order or space.
Example
The next train to Baltimore is at ten.
nice
Pleasant or attractive.
Example
a nice day/smile/place
noble
Having or showing fine personal qualities that people admire, such as courage, honesty and care for others.
Example
a noble leader
noisy
Making a lot of noise.
Example
noisy children/traffic/crowds
nonchalant
Feeling or appearing casually calm and relaxed; not displaying anxiety.
Example
She appeared nonchalant during the press conference, though the stakes could not have been higher.
nonprofit
(Of an organization) not conducted or maintained for the purpose of making a profit.
Example
He works for a nonprofit organization.
north
In or towards the north.
Example
North London
northern
Located in the north or facing north; connected with or typical of the north part of the world or a region.
Example
the northern slopes of the mountains
notable
Deserving to be noticed or to receive attention; important.
Example
a notable success/achievement/example
notorious
Well known for being bad.
Example
a notorious criminal
noxious
Harmful, poisonous, or very unpleasant.
Example
Residents near the refinery complained of noxious fumes that affected their health.
nuclear
Using, producing or resulting from nuclear energy.
Example
a nuclear power plant/station
numerous
Existing in large numbers.
Example
He has been late on numerous occasions.
obdurate
Stubbornly refusing to change one's opinion or course of action.
Example
The obdurate board rejected every compromise proposal put forward by the mediator.
obscure
Not discovered or known about; uncertain; not clearly expressed or easily understood.
Example
The treaty's obscure wording gave rise to decades of conflicting legal interpretations.
obsequious
Obedient or attentive to an excessive or servile degree.
Example
His obsequious manner towards senior colleagues alienated him from his peers.
obsolete
No longer produced or used; out of date.
Example
Several legacy systems became obsolete almost immediately after the new platform launched.
obstinate
Stubbornly refusing to change one's attitude or position despite good arguments.
Example
The obstinate refusal to acknowledge new evidence damaged the scientist's reputation.
obstreperous
Noisy and difficult to control; unruly.
Example
The obstreperous crowd outside the venue forced organisers to delay the opening ceremony.
obtuse
Annoyingly insensitive or slow to understand.
Example
The manager's obtuse response to staff concerns fuelled widespread frustration.
obvious
Easy to see or understand.
Example
I know you don't like her but try not to make it so obvious.
occasional
Happening or done sometimes but not often.
Example
He works for us on an occasional basis.
offensive
Rude in a way that causes somebody to feel upset or annoyed because it shows a lack of respect.
Example
offensive remarks
official
Agreed to, said, done, etc. by somebody who is in a position of authority.
Example
an official announcement/decision/statement
officious
Asserting authority or offering advice and services in an intrusive or overbearing way.
Example
The officious clerk demanded three separate forms of identification for a minor transaction.
OK
Safe and well; in a calm or happy state.
Example
Are you OK?
old
Of a particular age.
Example
be… years, months, etc. old, The baby was only a few hours old.
old-fashioned
Not modern; no longer fashionable.
Example
old-fashioned clothes/styles/methods/equipment
ominous
Giving the impression that something bad or unpleasant is about to happen; threatening.
Example
The ominous silence from headquarters prompted widespread speculation about redundancies.
onerous
Involving an amount of effort and difficulty that is oppressively burdensome.
Example
The onerous compliance requirements dissuaded many small businesses from entering the sector.
ongoing
Continuing to exist or develop.
Example
an ongoing debate/discussion/process
online
Available on or done using the internet or other computer network.
Example
Online shopping is both cheap and convenient.
only
Used to say that no other or others of the same group exist or are there.
Example
She's their only daughter.
opaque
Not transparent; not clearly understood or expressed.
Example
The organisation's opaque funding structure attracted scrutiny from regulators.
open
Allowing things or people to go through; not closed or blocked.
Example
A wasp flew in the open window.
operational
Connected with the way in which a business, machine, system, etc. works.
Example
operational activities/costs/difficulties
opportunistic
Exploiting immediate opportunities, especially with little regard for principles.
Example
The opportunistic acquisition was timed to coincide with the competitor's financial difficulties.
opposed
Disagreeing strongly with something and trying to stop it.
Example
He was strongly opposed to modernism in art.
opposite
On the other side of a particular area from somebody/something and usually facing them.
Example
Answers are given on the opposite page.
optical
Connected with the sense of sight or the relationship between light and sight.
Example
optical effects
optimistic
Expecting good things to happen or something to be successful; showing this feeling.
Example
We are now taking a more optimistic view.
opulent
Ostentatiously rich and luxurious; exhibiting wealth.
Example
The opulent ballroom, adorned with gilded columns, hosted the annual gala.
oral
Spoken rather than written.
Example
a test of both oral and written French
orange
Between red and yellow in colour.
Example
yellow and orange flames
ordinary
Not unusual or different in any way.
Example
an ordinary sort of day
organic
Produced or practised without using artificial chemicals.
Example
organic cheese/vegetables/wine, etc.
organizational
Connected with the way in which the different parts of something are arranged; connected with an organization.
Example
organizational changes within the party
organized
Involving large numbers of people who work together to do something in a way that has been carefully planned.
Example
an organized body of workers
ornate
Elaborately adorned or decorated, often excessively so.
Example
The ornate Victorian facade contrasted sharply with the minimalist interior.
ostensible
Stated or appearing to be true, but not necessarily so; apparent.
Example
The ostensible purpose of the meeting was budget review, though the real agenda soon became clear.
ostentatious
Characterised by vulgar or pretentious display; designed to impress or attract notice.
Example
His ostentatious spending habits drew criticism from colleagues who valued discretion.
other
Used to refer to people or things that are additional or different to people or things that have been mentioned or are known about.
Example
Mr Harris and Mrs Bate and three other teachers were there.
ours
The one or ones that belong to us.
Example
Their house is very similar to ours, but ours is bigger.
outer
On the outside of something.
Example
the outer layers of the skin
outside
Of, on or facing the outer side.
Example
The outside walls are damp.
outstanding
Extremely good; excellent.
Example
an outstanding player/achievement/success
overall
Including all the things or people that are involved in a particular situation; general.
Example
There will be winners in each of three age groups, and one overall winner.
overseas
Connected with foreign countries, especially those separated from your country by the sea or ocean.
Example
The firm is expanding into overseas markets.
overweening
Showing excessive confidence or pride; arrogant.
Example
The overweening ambition of the young executive alienated those whose support he needed most.
overwhelming
Very great or very strong; so powerful that you cannot resist it or decide how to react.
Example
The evidence against him was overwhelming.
own
Used to emphasize that something belongs to or is connected with somebody.
Example
It was her own idea.
painful
Causing you pain.
Example
Is your back still painful?
painstaking
Done with or employing great care and thoroughness.
Example
The painstaking restoration of the manuscript took a team of conservators nearly four years.
palatable
Pleasant to taste; or acceptable to the mind.
Example
The revised proposal was made more palatable by including a phased implementation timeline.
palatial
Resembling a palace in being spacious and splendid.
Example
The palatial headquarters signalled the firm's ambitions far more loudly than any press release.
pallid
Pale in a way suggesting poor health or weakness; feeble.
Example
She returned from the ordeal with a pallid complexion and an uncharacteristically subdued manner.
palpable
So intense as to seem almost tangible; able to be touched or felt.
Example
The tension in the negotiating room was palpable as both delegations awaited the final offer.
paltry
Small or meagre, especially in a way considered contemptible; trivial.
Example
The settlement offered to the affected families was widely condemned as paltry.
parallel
Two or more lines that are parallel to each other are the same distance apart at every point.
Example
parallel lines
paramount
More important than anything else; supreme.
Example
Patient safety is paramount in every decision made by the hospital's ethics committee.
parochial
Having a limited or narrow outlook or scope; overly focused on local concerns.
Example
The committee's parochial perspective prevented it from engaging meaningfully with global trends.
parsimonious
Extremely unwilling to spend money or use resources; excessively frugal.
Example
His parsimonious nature extended even to refusing his employees adequate equipment.
part-time
For part of the day or week in which people work.
Example
She's looking for a part-time job.
partial
Not complete or whole.
Example
It was only a partial solution to the problem.
particular
Used to emphasize that you are referring to one individual person, thing or type of thing and not others.
Example
There is one particular patient I'd like you to see.
passionate
Having or showing strong feelings of sexual love or of anger, etc.
Example
to have a passionate nature
passive
Accepting what happens or what people do without trying to change anything or oppose them.
Example
He played a passive role in the relationship.
past
Gone by in time.
Example
in past years/centuries
peaceful
Not involving a war, violence or argument.
Example
a peaceful protest/demonstration
peculiar
Strange or unusual, especially in a way that is unpleasant or makes you worried.
Example
a peculiar smell/taste
pedantic
Overly concerned with minor details or rules, especially in academic matters.
Example
The editor's pedantic insistence on every comma placement slowed the publication process considerably.
peevish
Having or showing an irritable disposition; querulous.
Example
Fatigue rendered him peevish and uncharacteristically short with his colleagues.
pejorative
Expressing contempt or disapproval; having a disparaging connotation.
Example
The term was originally neutral but acquired pejorative overtones through decades of misuse.
pending
Awaiting resolution or settlement; not yet decided.
Example
Three major contracts remained pending at the close of the financial year.
penitent
Feeling or showing sorrow and regret for having done wrong.
Example
The penitent official issued a public apology acknowledging the harm caused by the policy.
pensive
Engaged in, involving, or reflecting deep or serious thought.
Example
She sat in a pensive silence for several minutes before offering her response.
peremptory
Insisting on immediate attention or obedience; brusquely dismissive.
Example
His peremptory tone in meetings discouraged junior staff from raising concerns.
perennial
Lasting or existing for a long or apparently infinite time; enduring.
Example
The funding gap between urban and rural schools remains a perennial challenge for policymakers.
perfect
Having everything that is necessary; complete and without faults or weaknesses.
Example
in perfect condition
perfidious
Deceitful and untrustworthy; guilty of betrayal.
Example
The general was remembered as a perfidious ally who switched sides at the moment of crisis.
perfunctory
Carried out with minimal effort or care; mechanical and routine.
Example
The safety inspection was perfunctory and failed to identify the critical fault.
perilous
Full of danger or risk; hazardous.
Example
The mountaineers faced a perilous descent through deteriorating weather conditions.
permanent
Lasting for a long time or for all time in the future; existing all the time.
Example
She was unable to find a permanent job.
pernicious
Having a harmful effect, especially in a gradual or subtle way.
Example
The pernicious influence of misinformation eroded public trust in the institution over time.
perpetual
Never ending or changing; occurring repeatedly so as to seem endless.
Example
The region was locked in a perpetual cycle of drought and humanitarian crisis.
persistent
Determined to do something despite difficulties, especially when other people are against you and think that you are being annoying or unreasonable.
Example
How do you deal with persistent salesmen who won't take no for an answer?
personal
Your own; not belonging to or connected with anyone else.
Example
The novel is written from personal experience.
perspicacious
Having a ready insight into things; shrewd and discerning.
Example
A perspicacious observer noted the inconsistency in the minister's account before the press did.
perturbed
Anxious or unsettled; troubled.
Example
He appeared perturbed by the auditor's preliminary findings and requested an immediate meeting.
pervasive
Spreading widely throughout an area or a group of people; present everywhere.
Example
A pervasive sense of disillusionment affected morale across all departments.
petulant
Childishly sulky or bad-tempered; unreasonably irritable.
Example
His petulant refusal to engage with criticism undermined his standing among peers.
philanthropic
Seeking to promote the welfare of others through generous donation of money or time.
Example
The philanthropic foundation channelled significant resources into rural education initiatives.
philosophical
Connected with philosophy.
Example
the philosophical writings of Kant
phlegmatic
Having an unemotional and stolidly calm disposition.
Example
Her phlegmatic response to the crisis impressed those who had expected panic.
physical
Connected with a person’s body rather than their mind.
Example
physical activity/fitness
pink
Pale red in colour.
Example
pale pink roses
pioneering
Involving new ideas or methods; innovative and leading the way.
Example
The pioneering research laid the groundwork for an entirely new field of medicine.
pious
Devoutly religious; or making a hypocritical display of virtue.
Example
His pious declarations about transparency rang hollow given the organisation's record.
pithy
Concise and forcefully expressive; brief but full of substance.
Example
Her pithy summary captured in two sentences what the report had taken forty pages to argue.
placid
Not easily upset or excited; calm and peaceful.
Example
The professor maintained a placid demeanour throughout the most contentious seminars.
plain
Not decorated or complicated; simple.
Example
a plain but elegant dress
plastic
Made of plastic.
Example
a plastic bag/bottle/cup
pleased
Feeling happy about something.
Example
You're coming? I'm so pleased.
plus
Used after a number to show that the real number or amount is more than the one mentioned.
Example
The work will cost £10 000 plus.
poignant
Evoking a keen sense of sadness or regret; deeply moving.
Example
The documentary ended with a poignant account from the last surviving witness to the events.
pointed
Having a sharp end.
Example
a pointed chin
poisonous
Causing death or illness if swallowed or taken into the body.
Example
poisonous chemicals/fumes/plants
political
Connected with the state, government or public affairs.
Example
a monarch without political power
pompous
Affectedly and irritatingly grand, solemn, or self-important.
Example
The pompous opening address tried the patience of an audience eager to begin the real debate.
ponderous
Slow and clumsy because of great weight; dull and laborious.
Example
The ponderous prose of the official report obscured an otherwise important set of findings.
poor
Having very little money; not having enough money for basic needs.
Example
They were too poor to buy shoes for the kids.
popular
Liked or enjoyed by a large number of people.
Example
Andalucia is a popular tourist destination.
portentous
Of great or ominous significance; done in a pompously solemn manner.
Example
In retrospect, the memo's portentous language was the first sign of the coming restructure.
positive
Good or useful.
Example
The tests have so far yielded positive results.
possible
That can be done or achieved.
Example
New technology has made it possible to communicate more easily.
posthumous
Occurring, awarded, or appearing after the death of the person concerned.
Example
The posthumous publication of her diaries shed new light on her philosophical development.
postwar
Occurring or existing after a war.
Example
The country faced many challenges in the postwar period.
potential
That can develop into something or be developed in the future.
Example
potential customers/buyers/investors/clients
powder
A dry mass of very small fine pieces or grains.
Example
milk/chilli/cocoa powder
powerful
Being able to control and influence people and events.
Example
an incredibly powerful organization
practical
Connected with real situations rather than with ideas or theories.
Example
to have gained practical experience of the work
precarious
Not securely held or in position; dangerously likely to fall or collapse.
Example
The coalition government's precarious majority made bold reforms virtually impossible.
precious
Rare and worth a lot of money.
Example
a precious vase
precipitous
Dangerously high or steep; done suddenly and without careful consideration.
Example
A precipitous drop in consumer confidence triggered a sharp market correction.
precise
Clear and accurate.
Example
precise details/instructions/measurements
precocious
Having developed certain abilities or inclinations at an earlier age than usual.
Example
The precocious student had already published two peer-reviewed papers before finishing her degree.
predictable
If something is predictable, you know in advance that it will happen or what it will be like.
Example
a predictable result
preeminent
Surpassing all others; very distinguished in some quality.
Example
She is widely regarded as the preeminent authority on post-colonial legal frameworks.
pregnant
Having a baby or young animal developing inside her/its body.
Example
My wife is pregnant.
preliminary
Happening before a more important action or event.
Example
After a few preliminary remarks he announced the winners.
premier
Most important, famous or successful.
Example
one of the country’s premier chefs
prepared
Ready and able to deal with something.
Example
We'll be better prepared next time.
preposterous
Contrary to reason or common sense; utterly absurd or ridiculous.
Example
The defence team's argument was so preposterous that even sympathetic observers struggled to credit it.
present
Existing or happening now.
Example
I am not satisfied with the present situation.
presidential
Connected with the position or activities of a president.
Example
a presidential campaign/candidate/election
prestigious
Respected and admired as very important or of very high quality.
Example
a prestigious award
presumptuous
Failing to observe the limits of what is permitted or appropriate; audaciously overconfident.
Example
It was presumptuous to assume the committee would approve the proposal without formal review.
pretentious
Attempting to impress by affecting greater importance, talent, or culture than is actually possessed.
Example
The film's pretentious symbolism drew more derision than the critical acclaim its director had anticipated.
pretty
Attractive without being very beautiful.
Example
a pretty face
prevalent
Widespread in a particular area or at a particular time.
Example
Misinformation about the treatment remained prevalent despite sustained public health campaigns.
prime
Main; most important; basic.
Example
My prime concern is to protect my property.
primeval
Of or resembling the earliest period in history; ancient and prehistoric.
Example
Walking through the primeval forest, one gained a visceral sense of nature's timescale.
principal
Most important; main.
Example
The principal reason for this omission is lack of time.
prior
Happening or existing before something else or before a particular time.
Example
Although not essential, some prior knowledge of statistics is desirable.
pristine
In its original condition; unspoilt; immaculately clean.
Example
The manuscript was in pristine condition, having been sealed in a climate-controlled vault for centuries.
private
Belonging to or for the use of a particular person or group; not for public use.
Example
The sign said, ‘Private property. Keep out.’
probable
Likely to happen, to exist or to be true.
Example
the probable cause/explanation/outcome
problematic
Difficult to deal with or to understand; full of problems; not certain to be successful.
Example
The situation is more problematic than we first thought.
prodigal
Spending money or using resources freely and recklessly; wastefully extravagant.
Example
His prodigal lifestyle consumed the inheritance within a decade.
prodigious
Remarkably or impressively great in extent, size, or degree.
Example
The composer's prodigious output continued unabated even during periods of personal hardship.
productive
Making goods or growing crops, especially in large quantities.
Example
highly productive farming land
profane
Not respectful of religious practice; irreverent; secular rather than religious.
Example
The profane language in his speech caused a significant backlash among religious communities.
profitable
That makes or is likely to make money.
Example
a highly profitable business
profligate
Recklessly extravagant or wasteful in the use of resources; licentious.
Example
The government's profligate spending during the boom years left it ill-prepared for the recession.
profound
Very great; felt or experienced very strongly.
Example
profound changes in the earth’s climate
progressive
In favour of new ideas, modern methods and change.
Example
progressive schools
prohibitive
So high as to prevent purchase or use; forbidding or restricting.
Example
The prohibitive cost of childcare forces many parents to leave the workforce.
prolific
Producing many works, results, or offspring; present in large quantities.
Example
The prolific novelist averaged two well-reviewed titles per year across four decades.
prominent
Important or well known.
Example
a prominent politician
promising
Showing signs of being good or successful.
Example
He was voted the most promising new actor for his part in the movie.
prompt
Done quickly and without delay; (of a person) acting quickly when something needs to be done.
Example
Thank you for your prompt reply to my email.
pronounced
Very obvious, easy to notice or strongly expressed.
Example
He walked with a pronounced limp.
propitious
Giving or indicating a good chance of success; favourable.
Example
The diplomatic climate was propitious for a lasting settlement, yet the opportunity was squandered.
prosaic
Having or using the style of prose rather than poetry; commonplace; unimaginative.
Example
The prosaic account of the expedition failed to capture the extraordinary nature of the discovery.
prospective
Expected to do something or to become something.
Example
a prospective buyer
protective
Providing or intended to provide protection.
Example
Workers should wear full protective clothing.
provincial
Connected with one of the large areas that some countries are divided into, with its own local government.
Example
provincial assemblies/elections
prudent
Acting with or showing care and thought for the future; cautious and sensible.
Example
A prudent investor diversifies across asset classes rather than concentrating in a single sector.
psychiatric
Relating to psychiatry or to mental illnesses.
Example
psychiatric disorders
psychological
Connected with a person’s mind and the way in which it works.
Example
the psychological development of children
public
Connected with ordinary people in society in general.
Example
The campaign is designed to increase public awareness of the issues.
puerile
Childishly silly and immature; trivial.
Example
The puerile humour in the presentation undermined what could have been a compelling argument.
pugnacious
Eager or quick to argue, quarrel, or fight; aggressive.
Example
His pugnacious style in cross-examination was effective but frequently drew rebukes from the bench.
punctilious
Showing great attention to detail or correct behaviour; very careful about rules and etiquette.
Example
The ambassador was punctilious in observing diplomatic protocol, even in informal settings.
pungent
Having a sharply strong taste or smell; (of remarks) direct and caustic.
Example
The pungent criticism in her review stung the author far more than a dismissive notice would have.
punk
A type of loud and aggressive rock music popular in the late 1970s and early 1980s.
Example
a punk band
pure
Not mixed with anything else; with nothing added.
Example
pure gold
purple
Having the colour of blue and red mixed together.
Example
a purple flower/dress
pusillanimous
Showing a lack of courage or determination; timid and cowardly.
Example
The committee's pusillanimous response to the scandal satisfied neither critics nor supporters.
quaint
Attractively unusual or old-fashioned; pleasingly curious.
Example
The quaint customs of the village attracted documentary filmmakers every summer.
querulous
Complaining in a petulant or whining manner.
Example
As the meeting dragged past midnight, even the most patient delegates grew querulous.
quick
Done with speed; taking or lasting a short time.
Example
a quick look/check/search
quiescent
In a state or period of inactivity or dormancy.
Example
The volcano had been quiescent for two centuries before the 1980 eruption.
quiet
Making very little noise.
Example
her quiet voice
quintessential
Representing the most perfect or typical example of a quality or class.
Example
The novel is considered the quintessential account of late-Victorian social anxiety.
quixotic
Exceedingly idealistic; unrealistic and impractical; resembling Don Quixote.
Example
The quixotic campaign to reform the electoral system failed to gain mainstream traction.
racial
Happening or existing between people of different races.
Example
racial hatred/prejudice/tension/violence
racing
The sport of racing horses.
Example
He used to watch the racing on TV in the afternoons.
racist
Having the belief that some races of people are better than others or having general beliefs about other people based only on their race; showing this through violent or unfair treatment of people of other races.
Example
racist attitudes/remarks
radical
Relating to the most basic and important parts of something; complete and detailed.
Example
the need for radical changes in education
rambunctious
Uncontrollably exuberant; boisterous and difficult to manage.
Example
The rambunctious energy of the crowd transformed what had been a sombre ceremony.
random
Done, chosen, etc. without somebody deciding in advance what is going to happen, or without any regular pattern.
Example
the random killing of innocent people
rapacious
Aggressively greedy or grasping; excessively acquisitive.
Example
The rapacious exploitation of natural resources left the region economically and ecologically depleted.
rapid
Happening quickly or in a short period of time.
Example
rapid change/expansion/growth/development
rare
Not done, seen, happening, etc. very often.
Example
a rare disease/occurrence/event
rational
Based on reason rather than emotions.
Example
a rational argument/choice/decision
raucous
Making or constituting a disturbingly harsh and loud noise; rowdy.
Example
The raucous debate in parliament reflected the depth of public feeling on the issue.
raw
Not cooked.
Example
raw meat
ready
Fully prepared for what you are going to do and able to start it immediately.
Example
Just a minute—I'm almost ready.
real
Actually existing or happening and not imagined or pretended.
Example
a real danger/risk/threat/concern
realistic
Accepting in a sensible way what it is actually possible to do or achieve in a particular situation.
Example
a realistic assessment/approach/view
reasonable
Fair, practical, and sensible.
Example
It is reasonable to assume that he knew beforehand that this would happen.
recalcitrant
Having an obstinately uncooperative attitude towards authority or discipline.
Example
A recalcitrant minority blocked progress at every stage of the negotiation.
recent
That happened or began only a short time ago.
Example
a recent study/report/survey
reciprocal
Given, felt, or done in return; corresponding to each other.
Example
The treaty established reciprocal trade concessions that benefited both economies.
reclusive
Avoiding the company of other people; solitary.
Example
The reclusive author granted her first interview in twenty years to mark the novel's centenary.
recondite
Not known by many people; abstruse or obscure in subject matter.
Example
His lecture delved into recondite areas of medieval land law that few in the audience had encountered.
red
Having the colour of blood or fire.
Example
bright/light/dark red lipstick
refractory
Stubbornly resistant to authority or control; resistant to a process or stimulus.
Example
The refractory patient refused the recommended treatment despite the gravity of his diagnosis.
regional
Of or relating to a region.
Example
services available at a local and regional level
regular
Following a pattern, especially with the same time or space in between each thing and the next.
Example
regular breathing
regulatory
Having the power to control an area of business or industry and make sure that it is operating fairly.
Example
regulatory bodies/authorities/agencies
related
Connected with something/somebody in some way.
Example
The amount of protein you need is directly related to your lifestyle.
relative
Considered and judged by being compared with something else.
Example
You must consider the relative merits of the two plans.
relaxed
Calm and not anxious or worried.
Example
He appeared relaxed and confident before the match.
relaxing
Helping you to rest and become less anxious.
Example
a relaxing evening with friends
relevant
Closely connected with the subject you are discussing or the situation you are in.
Example
relevant information/facts/documents/factors
relieved
Feeling happy because something unpleasant has stopped or has not happened; showing this.
Example
She sounded relieved.
religious
Connected with religion or with a particular religion.
Example
religious beliefs/convictions/faith
reluctant
Hesitating before doing something because you do not want to do it or because you are not sure that it is the right thing to do.
Example
He finally gave a reluctant smile.
remarkable
Unusual or surprising in a way that causes people to take notice.
Example
a remarkable achievement/career/talent
reminiscent
Tending to remind one of something; suggesting a likeness or analogy.
Example
The architecture was reminiscent of Baroque civic buildings found throughout Central Europe.
remiss
Lacking care or attention to duty; negligent.
Example
It would be remiss to publish the findings without first disclosing the study's methodological limitations.
remote
Far away from places where other people live.
Example
a remote village/island/location/region
renowned
Famous and respected.
Example
a renowned author
rental
The amount of money that you pay to use something for a particular period of time.
Example
Telephone charges include line rental.
repeated
Happening, said or done many times.
Example
repeated absences from work
replete
Filled or well-supplied with something; sated after eating.
Example
The report was replete with statistical evidence but noticeably short on policy recommendations.
reprehensible
Deserving censure or condemnation; shameful.
Example
The court described the defendant's conduct as reprehensible and warranting an exemplary sentence.
representative
Typical of a particular group of people; that is a typical example of something.
Example
Is a questionnaire answered by 500 people truly representative of the population as a whole?
repugnant
Extremely distasteful; unacceptable; in conflict with.
Example
The proposal was repugnant to the committee's founding principles and was rejected without debate.
resident
Living in a particular place.
Example
the town’s resident population (= not tourists or visitors)
residential
Suitable for living in; consisting of houses rather than factories or offices.
Example
a quiet residential area
residual
Remaining after the greater part or quantity has gone; relating to a residue.
Example
Residual tension between the two delegations continued to complicate subsequent negotiations.
resilient
Able to withstand or recover quickly from difficult conditions.
Example
A resilient supply chain proved to be the company's greatest competitive advantage during the crisis.
resolute
Admirably purposeful, determined, and unwavering.
Example
She remained resolute in pursuing reform despite fierce opposition within her own party.
respective
Belonging or relating separately to each of the people or things already mentioned.
Example
They are each recognized specialists in their respective fields.
resplendent
Attractive and impressive through being richly colourful or sumptuous.
Example
The delegates arrived in resplendent traditional dress, transforming the opening ceremony into a vivid spectacle.
restive
Unable to remain still, silent, or submissive; restless or fidgety.
Example
A restive population demanded faster reform than the transitional government was willing to deliver.
reticent
Not revealing one's thoughts or feelings readily; reserved.
Example
He was reticent about the details of the agreement, citing ongoing confidentiality obligations.
reverent
Feeling or showing deep and solemn respect.
Example
The students listened in reverent silence as the emeritus professor gave her final lecture.
reverential
Feeling or showing profound respect and veneration.
Example
The biographer's reverential tone was criticised for preventing a fully balanced assessment of his subject.
revolutionary
Connected with political revolution.
Example
a revolutionary leader
rich
Having a lot of money or property.
Example
She's one of the richest women in the world.
right
True or correct as a fact.
Example
Did you get the answer right?
rigorous
Extremely thorough and careful; accurate and scrupulous.
Example
Only studies meeting the most rigorous methodological standards were included in the meta-analysis.
risky
Involving the possibility of something bad happening.
Example
Life as an aid worker can be a risky business (= dangerous).
robust
Strong and healthy.
Example
She was almost 90, but still very robust.
romantic
Connected with or about love or a sexual relationship.
Example
a romantic candlelit dinner
rough
Having a surface that is not even or regular.
Example
rough ground
round
Having a shape like a circle or a ball.
Example
a round plate
royal
Connected with or belonging to the king or queen of a country.
Example
the royal family
rubber
Made of rubber.
Example
a rubber ball
rural
Connected with or like the countryside.
Example
rural areas
sacred
Connected with God or a god; considered to be holy.
Example
a sacred image/shrine/temple
sacrosanct
Too important or valuable to be interfered with; regarded as too sacred to be changed.
Example
The principle of judicial independence was considered sacrosanct by all parties in the constitutional debate.
sad
Unhappy or showing unhappiness.
Example
We are very sad to hear that you are leaving.
safe
Protected from any danger, harm or loss.
Example
The children are quite safe here.
sagacious
Having or showing keen mental discernment and good judgement; shrewd.
Example
The sagacious investor anticipated the market correction and repositioned her portfolio accordingly.
salacious
Having or conveying undue or inappropriate interest in sexual matters; lecherous.
Example
The tabloid's salacious coverage obscured the genuine public interest issues at stake.
salient
Most noticeable or important; prominent.
Example
The report's most salient recommendation was the immediate establishment of an independent oversight body.
salubrious
Health-giving; healthy; (of a place) pleasant and not run-down.
Example
The clinic recommended a month in the more salubrious climate of the coast for recuperation.
same
Exactly the one or ones referred to or mentioned; not different.
Example
We have lived in the same house for twenty years.
sanctimonious
Making a show of being morally superior to other people; self-righteously pious.
Example
His sanctimonious lecture on corporate ethics was undermined by his own company's record.
sanguine
Optimistic, especially in a difficult situation; blood-red in colour.
Example
Analysts were less sanguine about the economic outlook than the government's press release suggested.
sardonic
Grimly mocking or cynical; disdainfully humorous.
Example
Her sardonic commentary on the proceedings was appreciated by those in the know.
satisfied
Pleased because you have achieved something or because something that you wanted to happen has happened.
Example
a satisfied customer
scared
Frightened of something or afraid that something bad might happen.
Example
The thieves got scared and ran away.
scary
Frightening.
Example
It was a really scary moment.
scathing
Witheringly scornful; severely critical.
Example
The ombudsman's scathing report called into question the competence of the entire senior leadership.
scattered
Spread far apart over a wide area or over a long period of time.
Example
a few scattered settlements
scientific
Involving science; connected with science.
Example
a scientific discovery/theory/fact
scrupulous
Diligent, thorough, and extremely attentive to details; having moral integrity.
Example
The auditor was scrupulous in documenting every discrepancy, no matter how minor.
scurrilous
Making or spreading scandalous claims about someone with the intention of damaging their reputation.
Example
The candidate sought legal redress after scurrilous allegations appeared in an anonymous pamphlet.
secret
Known about by only a few people; kept hidden from others.
Example
secret information/meetings/talks
secular
Not connected with spiritual or religious matters.
Example
secular music
secure
Likely to continue or be successful for a long time.
Example
a secure job/income
sedentary
Tending to spend much time seated; involving little physical exercise.
Example
Sedentary work patterns are strongly associated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes.
seditious
Inciting or causing people to rebel against the authority of a state or ruler.
Example
The pamphlet was immediately suppressed on the grounds that its content was seditious.
sedulous
Showing dedication and diligence; assiduous.
Example
Her sedulous attention to the archival sources distinguished her scholarship from that of her contemporaries.
selective
Affecting or involving only a small number of people or things from a larger group.
Example
the selective breeding of cattle
seminal
Strongly influencing later developments; highly original and important.
Example
The 1962 paper is now regarded as seminal in the development of behavioural economics.
senior
High in rank or status; higher in rank or status than others.
Example
a senior official/officer/manager/executive
sensible
Able to make good judgements based on reason and experience rather than emotion; practical.
Example
She's a sensible sort of person.
sensitive
Aware of and able to understand other people and their feelings.
Example
a sensitive and caring man
separate
Forming a unit by itself; not joined to something else.
Example
They have begun to sleep in separate rooms.
serendipitous
Occurring or discovered by chance in a happy or beneficial way.
Example
A serendipitous encounter at a conference led to the collaboration that produced the prize-winning research.
serial
Doing the same thing in the same way several times; done in the same way several times.
Example
a serial rapist
serious
Bad or dangerous.
Example
a serious illness/offence/crime
servile
Having or showing an excessive willingness to serve or please others; submissive.
Example
A servile press corps that never challenged official statements failed in its democratic function.
severe
Extremely bad or serious.
Example
His injuries are severe.
sexual
Connected with the physical activity of sex.
Example
sexual behaviour/activity/desire
sexy
Sexually attractive.
Example
the sexy lead singer
shallow
Not having much distance between the top or surface and the bottom.
Example
a shallow dish/pan/bowl
sharp
Having a fine edge or point, especially of something that can cut or make a hole in something.
Example
a sharp knife
sheer
Used to emphasize the size, degree or amount of something.
Example
The area is under threat from the sheer number of tourists using it.
shiny
Smooth and bright; reflecting the light.
Example
shiny black hair
shocked
Surprised and upset; showing that somebody feels surprised and upset.
Example
I was quite shocked when I found out what he'd done.
shocking
That offends or upsets people; that is morally wrong.
Example
shocking behaviour
shoddy
Badly made or done; lacking moral principle; sordid.
Example
The shoddy construction was exposed within a year as cracks appeared across the facade.
short
Measuring or covering a small length or distance, or a smaller length or distance than usual.
Example
He had short curly hair.
short-term
Lasting a short time; designed only for a short period of time in the future.
Example
a short-term loan
shrouded
Enveloped or obscured; covered and hidden from sight.
Example
The summit was shrouded in cloud, rendering the approach both treacherous and disorienting.
sick
Physically or mentally ill.
Example
a sick child
significant
Large or important enough to have an effect or to be noticed.
Example
There are no significant differences between the two groups of students.
silver
Shiny grey-white in colour.
Example
a silver car
similar
Like somebody/something but not exactly the same.
Example
We have very similar interests.
simple
Not complicated; easy to understand or do.
Example
a simple solution/explanation/question/task/example
sincere
Showing what you really think or feel.
Example
a sincere apology
single
Only one.
Example
He sent her a single red rose.
singular
Exceptionally good or great; remarkable; strange or eccentric.
Example
Her singular contribution to the field earned her recognition that transcended disciplinary boundaries.
situated
In a particular place or position.
Example
My bedroom was situated on the top floor of the house.
skeptical
Not easily convinced; having doubts or reservations.
Example
I am skeptical of his claims.
skilled
Having enough ability, experience and knowledge to be able to do something well.
Example
a skilled engineer/negotiator/craftsman
slight
Very small in degree.
Example
a slight increase/change/difference
slow
Not moving, acting or done quickly; taking a long time; not fast.
Example
a slow pace/speed
small
Not large in size, number, degree, amount, etc.
Example
a small town/village/community
smart
Looking clean and neat; well dressed in fashionable and/or formal clothes.
Example
I have to be smart for work.
smooth
Completely flat and even, without any rough areas or holes.
Example
the smooth surface of the metal
snooty
Showing disapproval of those considered to be of a lower social class; supercilious.
Example
The restaurant's snooty staff made many potential regulars feel unwelcome.
so-called
Used to show that you do not think that the word or phrase that is being used to describe somebody/something is appropriate.
Example
the opinion of a so-called ‘expert’
social
Connected with activities in which people meet each other for pleasure.
Example
She has a busy social life.
soft
Changing shape easily when pressed; not stiff or hard.
Example
soft margarine
solar
Of or connected with the sun.
Example
solar radiation
sole
Only; single.
Example
the sole surviving member of the family
solemn
Formal and dignified; deeply earnest and sincere.
Example
A solemn vow of confidentiality bound every member of the commission.
solicitous
Characterised by or showing interest or concern; eager to do something.
Example
The nurse was solicitous in her attention to the patient's comfort and anxiety.
solid
Hard; not in the form of a liquid or gas.
Example
The planet Jupiter may have no solid surface at all.
solitary
Done or existing alone; single; without companions.
Example
He led a solitary life in the archives, rarely emerging except for the weekly seminar.
solo
Done by one person alone, without anyone helping them.
Example
his first solo flight
sombre
Dark or dull in colour or tone; serious, grave, or depressing.
Example
The anniversary was marked by a sombre ceremony attended by heads of state.
sophisticated
Clever and complicated in the way that it works or is presented.
Example
highly sophisticated computer systems
sordid
Involving immoral or dishonest activities; dirty and squalid.
Example
The inquiry laid bare the sordid details of the corruption network.
south
In or towards the south.
Example
South Wales
southern
Located in the south or facing south; connected with or typical of the south part of the world or a region.
Example
the southern slopes of the mountains
spare
Available to do what you want with rather than work.
Example
He's studying music in his spare time.
special
Not ordinary or usual; different from what is normal.
Example
The school will only allow this in special circumstances.
specialized
Designed or developed for a particular purpose or area of knowledge.
Example
specialized equipment
specific
Connected with one particular thing only.
Example
specific needs/requirements
specious
Superficially plausible but actually wrong; misleading in appearance.
Example
The committee saw through the specious reasoning that dressed up a conflict of interest as due diligence.
spectacular
Very impressive.
Example
The coastal road has spectacular scenery.
spiritual
Connected with the human spirit, rather than the body or physical things.
Example
a spiritual experience
spurious
Not being what it purports to be; false or fake; based on false reasoning.
Example
The correlation turned out to be spurious, driven by a confounding variable the team had not controlled for.
squalid
Extremely dirty and unpleasant; showing a contemptible lack of moral standards.
Example
Investigators discovered families living in squalid conditions while their landlord collected full rent.
square
Having four straight equal sides and four angles of 90°.
Example
a square room
stable
Fixed or steady; not likely to move, change or fail.
Example
The patient's condition is stable (= it is not getting worse).
stagnant
Showing no activity; dull and sluggish; not flowing.
Example
A stagnant economy and rising unemployment created fertile ground for political extremism.
staid
Respectable and unadventurous; sedate; dull.
Example
The staid institutional culture made it difficult to attract the innovative talent the firm needed.
standard
Average or normal rather than having special or unusual features.
Example
the standard rate of tax (= paid by everyone)
stark
Unpleasant; real, and impossible to avoid.
Example
The author paints a stark picture of life in a prison camp.
stately
Having a dignified, unhurried, and grand manner; impressively large.
Example
The delegation arrived in a stately procession through the ceremonial gates.
statistical
Connected with or based on statistics.
Example
statistical analysis
staunch
Very loyal and committed in attitude; firm and steadfast.
Example
A staunch defender of press freedom, she took on legal cases that others declined.
steady
Developing, growing, etc. gradually and in an even and regular way.
Example
We've had five years of steady economic growth.
steep
Rising or falling quickly, not gradually.
Example
a steep hill/slope
sticky
Made of or covered in a substance that sticks to things that touch it.
Example
sticky fingers covered in jam
stiff
Difficult to bend or move.
Example
a sheet of stiff black cardboard
stoic
Enduring pain or hardship without showing one's feelings or complaining.
Example
He faced the diagnosis with a stoic calm that both inspired and worried those close to him.
stolid
Calm, dependable, and showing little emotion or animation.
Example
His stolid reliability made him indispensable even if he rarely received public recognition.
straight
Without a bend or curve; going in one direction only.
Example
a straight road
straightforward
Easy to do or to understand; not complicated.
Example
It's a relatively straightforward process.
strange
Unusual or surprising, especially in a way that is difficult to understand.
Example
A strange thing happened this morning.
strategic
Done as part of a plan that is meant to achieve a particular purpose or to gain an advantage.
Example
strategic planning
strict
That must be obeyed exactly.
Example
strict rules/regulations
strident
Loud and harsh; presenting a point of view in an excessively forceful way.
Example
The strident demands of the more extreme faction prevented any productive dialogue.
striking
Interesting and unusual enough to attract attention.
Example
a striking feature
stringent
Strict, precise, and exacting in requirements; leaving no room for latitude.
Example
Stringent testing protocols ensured the vaccine's safety before it entered the general population.
strong
Having a lot of physical power so that you can lift heavy weights, do hard physical work, etc.
Example
He's strong enough to lift a car!
structural
Connected with the way in which something is built or organized.
Example
Storms have caused structural damage to hundreds of homes.
stunning
Extremely attractive or impressive.
Example
You look absolutely stunning!
stupid
Showing a lack of thought or good judgement.
Example
a stupid mistake/question/idea
sublime
Of such excellence, grandeur, or beauty as to inspire great admiration or awe.
Example
The final movement achieved a sublime quality that left the audience in prolonged silence.
subsequent
Happening or coming after something else.
Example
subsequent generations
substantial
Large in amount, value or importance.
Example
substantial sums of money
subtle
Not very obvious or easy to notice.
Example
subtle colours/flavours/smells, etc.
suburban
In or connected with a suburb.
Example
suburban areas
subversive
Seeking or intended to undermine the power and authority of an established system.
Example
The novel's subversive humour masked a serious critique of post-war social conformity.
successful
Achieving your aims or what was intended.
Example
The experiment was entirely successful.
successive
Following immediately one after the other.
Example
This was their fourth successive win.
succinct
Briefly and clearly expressed; admirably concise.
Example
Her succinct summary made the thousand-page commission report accessible to a general audience.
sudden
Happening or done quickly and unexpectedly.
Example
News of his sudden and unexpected death came as a great shock.
sufficient
Enough for a particular purpose; as much as you need.
Example
Allow sufficient time to get there.
suitable
Right or appropriate for a particular purpose or occasion.
Example
a suitable candidate
sullen
Bad-tempered and sulky; gloomy and dismal.
Example
The sullen atmosphere in the office reflected how poorly the redundancy announcement had been handled.
sumptuous
Splendid and expensive-looking; lush and luxurious.
Example
The banquet was a sumptuous affair that belied the austerity measures the government was promoting.
super
Extremely good.
Example
a super meal
superb
Excellent; of very good quality.
Example
a superb player
superficial
Existing or occurring at or on the surface; not thorough or deep; shallow.
Example
The superficial reforms satisfied no one and left the structural problems entirely intact.
superfluous
Unnecessary, especially through being more than enough; redundant.
Example
Entire chapters of the first draft were superfluous and were excised before submission.
superior
Better in quality than somebody/something else; greater than somebody/something else.
Example
vastly superior
supine
Failing to act as a result of moral weakness or indolence; passive and compliant.
Example
A supine legislature allowed the executive to accumulate powers far beyond its constitutional mandate.
supple
Bending and moving easily and gracefully; adaptable and flexible.
Example
The supple diplomacy of his predecessor had been replaced by an altogether more confrontational approach.
supportive
Encouraging somebody or giving them help or sympathy.
Example
a supportive family
supreme
Highest in rank or position.
Example
the Supreme Commander of the armed forces
sure
Confident that you know something or that you are right.
Example
‘Is that John over there?’ ‘I'm not sure’.
surgical
Used in or connected with surgery.
Example
surgical procedures
surprised
Feeling or showing surprise.
Example
a surprised look
surprising
Causing surprise.
Example
It’s not surprising (that) they lost.
surreptitious
Kept secret, especially because it would not be approved of; stealthy.
Example
The surreptitious recording of the board meeting was later used as evidence in the tribunal.
surrounding
That is near or around something.
Example
Oxford and the surrounding area
susceptible
Likely or liable to be influenced or harmed by a particular thing.
Example
Elderly patients are particularly susceptible to adverse drug interactions.
suspicious
Feeling that somebody has done something wrong, illegal or dishonest, without having any proof.
Example
They became suspicious of his behaviour and contacted the police.
sustainable
Involving the use of natural products and energy in a way that does not harm the environment.
Example
sustainable forest management
sweet
Containing, or tasting as if it contains, a lot of sugar.
Example
a cup of hot sweet tea
sycophantic
Behaving or done in an obsequious way to gain favour; fawning.
Example
The sycophantic reviews in the controlled press bore no resemblance to the public's actual reception of the policy.
symbolic
Containing symbols, or being used as a symbol.
Example
He shook his fist in a symbolic gesture of defiance.
sympathetic
Kind to somebody who is hurt or sad; showing that you understand and care about their problems.
Example
a sympathetic listener
systematic
Done according to a system or plan, in a complete, efficient or determined way.
Example
a systematic approach to solving the problem
tacit
Understood or implied without being stated.
Example
There was a tacit agreement among the senior partners never to discuss the failed merger publicly.
taciturn
Reserved or uncommunicative in speech; saying little.
Example
The taciturn minister offered only monosyllabic answers, frustrating even sympathetic journalists.
tactical
Connected with the particular method you use to achieve something.
Example
tactical planning
talented
Having a natural ability to do something well.
Example
a talented player/musician/artist
tall
Having a greater than average height.
Example
She's tall and thin.
tangential
Diverging from a previous course or line; relating to or along a tangent; only slightly relevant.
Example
Several tangential issues were raised but ultimately set aside to preserve focus on the core agenda.
tangible
Perceptible by touch; clear and definite; real.
Example
After two years of negotiation, the parties finally achieved tangible progress on emissions targets.
tantamount
Equivalent in seriousness to; virtually the same as.
Example
Refusing to testify was, in the court's view, tantamount to an admission of guilt.
tawdry
Showy but cheap and of poor quality; sordid and unpleasant.
Example
The tawdry spectacle of the press conference damaged the brand far more than the original story had.
technical
Connected with the practical use of machines, methods, etc. in science and industry.
Example
We offer free technical support for those buying our software.
technological
Connected with technology.
Example
technological advances
tedious
Too long, slow, or dull; tiresome and monotonous.
Example
The tedious procedural wrangling consumed three sessions before substantive discussion could begin.
tempestuous
Very stormy; characterised by strong and turbulent emotion.
Example
Their tempestuous relationship was the subject of considerable academic and popular speculation.
temporal
Relating to worldly rather than spiritual affairs; of or relating to time.
Example
The temporal authority of the institution had waned considerably since the previous century.
temporary
Lasting or intended to last or be used only for a short time; not permanent.
Example
to hire temporary workers
tenacious
Tending to keep a firm hold of something; persistent and determined.
Example
Her tenacious pursuit of the story over three years ultimately exposed the scandal.
tentative
Not certain or fixed; provisional; done without confidence; hesitant.
Example
A tentative agreement was reached, subject to ratification by both national legislatures.
tenuous
Very weak or slight; excessively fine; having little substance or validity.
Example
The causal link the prosecutor sought to establish was tenuous at best and speculative at worst.
terminal
That cannot be cured and will lead to death, often slowly.
Example
He has terminal lung cancer.
terrible
Very unpleasant; making you feel very unhappy, upset or frightened.
Example
a terrible experience
terrific
Excellent; wonderful.
Example
I feel absolutely terrific today!
terse
Sparing in the use of words; abruptly brief.
Example
His terse response to the complaint suggested that he had not fully read the submission.
theatrical
Connected with the theatre.
Example
a theatrical agent
theirs
Of or belonging to them.
Example
Theirs are the children with very fair hair.
theoretical
Connected with the ideas and principles on which a particular subject is based, rather than with practice and experiment.
Example
a theoretical approach
thorough
Done completely; with great attention to detail.
Example
a thorough knowledge of the subject
thought-provoking
Making people think seriously about a particular subject or issue.
Example
a brilliant and thought-provoking play
thoughtful
Quiet, because you are thinking.
Example
He looked thoughtful.
thrilled
Very excited and pleased.
Example
‘Are you pleased?’ ‘I'm thrilled.’
tight
Held or fixed in position securely; difficult to move, open or separate.
Example
He kept a tight grip on her arm.
timely
Happening at exactly the right time.
Example
A nasty incident was prevented by the timely arrival of the police.
timorous
Showing or suffering from nervousness, fear, or a lack of confidence.
Example
The timorous approach to environmental regulation satisfied neither industry nor activists.
tired
Feeling that you would like to sleep or rest; needing rest.
Example
to be/look/feel tired
torpid
Mentally or physically inactive; lethargic; dormant.
Example
The torpid bureaucracy took eighteen months to process an application that required two signatures.
torrid
Very hot and dry; full of difficulty; intensely passionate.
Example
After a torrid opening quarter, the team found its composure and dominated the second half.
tortuous
Full of twists and turns; excessively complex and indirect.
Example
The tortuous path to ratification tested the patience of all parties involved.
total
Being the amount or number after everyone or everything is counted or added together.
Example
Their total cost was $18 000.
totalitarian
Relating to a system of government that is centralised and dictatorial, requiring complete subservience to the state.
Example
The regime's totalitarian methods included surveillance of citizens' private correspondence.
tough
Having or causing problems or difficulties.
Example
a tough childhood
toxic
Containing poison; poisonous.
Example
toxic chemicals/fumes/gases/substances
tractable
Easy to deal with or manage; readily handled or controlled.
Example
The new framework rendered previously intractable disputes considerably more tractable.
traditional
Being part of the beliefs, customs or way of life of a particular group of people, that have not changed for a long time.
Example
traditional dress/music/art/culture/dance
tragic
Making you feel very sad, usually because somebody has died or suffered a lot.
Example
He was killed in a tragic accident at the age of 24.
tranquil
Free from disturbance; calm and peaceful.
Example
The tranquil surroundings of the retreat facilitated the kind of focused writing that city life precluded.
transient
Lasting only for a short time; impermanent.
Example
The initial spike in public support proved transient, fading within weeks of the announcement.
translucent
Allowing light to pass through diffusely; semi-transparent.
Example
The translucent screen created a sense of privacy without entirely blocking the natural light.
transparent
Allowing you to see through it.
Example
The insect's wings are almost transparent.
treacherous
Guilty of or involving betrayal or deception; presenting hidden or unpredictable dangers.
Example
Treacherous ice made the mountain pass impassable for three months of the year.
tremendous
Very great.
Example
a tremendous explosion
trenchant
Vigorous or incisive in expression or style; sharply perceptive.
Example
Her trenchant analysis of the policy's unintended consequences proved prescient.
tribal
Connected with a tribe or tribes.
Example
tribal art
trite
Overused and consequently of little import; lacking originality or freshness.
Example
The closing remarks were trite and did nothing to acknowledge the gravity of the situation.
tropical
Coming from, found in or typical of the tropics.
Example
tropical fish/birds/fruit
troubled
Worried and anxious.
Example
She looked into his troubled face.
truculent
Eager or quick to argue or fight; aggressively defiant.
Example
The truculent witness repeatedly refused to answer straightforward questions.
tumultuous
Making a loud, confused noise; excited, confused, or disorderly.
Example
The decade was tumultuous, defined by political upheaval and rapid social change.
turbulent
Characterised by conflict, disorder, or confusion; not stable.
Example
Investors sought safe havens during the turbulent period that followed the referendum result.
typical
Having the usual qualities or features of a particular type of person, thing or group.
Example
a typical Italian cafe
ubiquitous
Present, appearing, or found everywhere.
Example
The ubiquitous presence of surveillance cameras raised questions about the limits of public privacy.
ultimate
Happening at the end of a long process.
Example
our ultimate goal/aim/objective/target
unable
Not having the skill, strength, time, knowledge, etc. to do something.
Example
a former soldier who has been unable to find work since the war ended
unacceptable
So bad that you think it should not be allowed.
Example
Such behaviour is totally unacceptable in a civilized society.
unanimous
(Of two or more people) fully in agreement; (of an opinion) held by all parties.
Example
The unanimous verdict removed any grounds for appeal and drew the case to a definitive close.
uncomfortable
Not letting you feel physically comfortable; unpleasant to wear, sit on, etc.
Example
uncomfortable shoes
unctuous
Excessively flattering or ingratiating; oily or greasy.
Example
His unctuous manner towards clients was off-putting to colleagues who valued directness.
undaunted
Not intimidated or discouraged by difficulty, danger, or disappointment.
Example
Undaunted by the initial setbacks, the research team continued to refine their hypothesis.
underground
Under the surface of the ground.
Example
an underground bunker/tunnel
unemployed
Without a job although able to work.
Example
How long have you been unemployed?
unenviable
Difficult, unpleasant, or undesirable.
Example
She faced the unenviable task of delivering the news to a workforce that had expected promotion.
unequivocal
Leaving no doubt; unambiguous.
Example
The scientific consensus on the matter is unequivocal, whatever the lobbyists may assert.
unexpected
If something is unexpected, it surprises you because you were not expecting it.
Example
Things took an unexpected turn.
unfair
Not right or fair according to a set of rules or principles; not treating people equally.
Example
They had been given an unfair advantage.
unfathomable
Incapable of being fully explored or understood; incomprehensible.
Example
The scale of the displacement was unfathomable to those who had not witnessed it directly.
unhappy
Not happy; sad.
Example
to feel/look/seem/sound/become unhappy
united
Joined together as a political unit or by shared aims.
Example
the United States of America
universal
Done by or involving all the people in the world or in a particular group.
Example
Such problems are a universal feature of old age.
unknown
Not known or identified.
Example
A previously unknown group claimed responsibility for the bombing.
unlike
Different from a particular person or thing.
Example
Music is quite unlike any other art form.
unnecessary
Not needed; more than is needed.
Example
They were found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to animals.
unpalatable
Not pleasant to taste; difficult to accept or put up with.
Example
The truth about the programme's cost overruns was unpalatable but could no longer be suppressed.
unpleasant
Not pleasant or comfortable.
Example
an unpleasant experience/surprise/task
unpretentious
Not attempting to impress others with an appearance of greater importance than is actually the case.
Example
The unpretentious restaurant near the university became a beloved institution over four decades.
unremitting
Never relaxing or slackening; incessant.
Example
The unremitting pressure of the audit process wore down even the most composed members of the team.
unrivalled
Better than everyone or everything of the same type; unequalled.
Example
Her unrivalled command of the archival sources made her the definitive authority on the period.
unruly
Disorderly and disruptive; difficult to control or discipline.
Example
The unruly parliament struggled to pass legislation during the most critical weeks of the crisis.
unsullied
Not spoiled or made impure; unblemished.
Example
His unsullied reputation allowed him to take on the mediation role with the confidence of all parties.
untenable
Not able to be maintained or defended against attack or objection.
Example
After the third revision of the official account, the original position had become untenable.
unthinkable
Too unlikely or undesirable to be considered; inconceivable.
Example
A merger between the two rival firms had once been considered unthinkable but was now under active negotiation.
untrodden
Not previously explored or ventured into; not walked on.
Example
The research opened untrodden terrain at the intersection of linguistics and cognitive neuroscience.
unwieldy
Difficult to carry or move because of its size, shape, or weight; hard to manage effectively.
Example
The unwieldy governance structure slowed decision-making and frustrated all stakeholders.
unwitting
Not aware of the full facts; unintentional.
Example
She was an unwitting participant in the scheme, having been misled about the nature of the transaction.
upper
Located above something else, especially something of the same type or the other of a pair.
Example
her upper lip
uproarious
Provoking loud laughter; very funny; characterised by noise and excitement.
Example
The after-dinner speech was uproarious, putting even the most reserved guests at ease.
upstairs
On a floor of a house or other building that is higher than the one that you are on.
Example
an upstairs room/window/bathroom
urban
Connected with a town or city.
Example
urban and rural communities
urbane
Suave, courteous, and sophisticated in manner.
Example
His urbane charm made him an effective ambassador at receptions where others struggled.
urgent
That needs to be dealt with or happen immediately.
Example
The police have issued an urgent appeal for information.
used
Familiar with something because you do it or experience it often.
Example
I'm not used to eating so much at lunchtime.
useful
That can help you to do or achieve what you want.
Example
a useful tool
useless
Not useful; not doing or achieving what is needed or wanted.
Example
This pen is useless.
utmost
Greatest or most extreme; of the highest degree.
Example
The negotiation was conducted with the utmost discretion to prevent the markets from reacting prematurely.
vacuous
Having or showing a lack of thought or intelligence; empty of ideas or substance.
Example
The vacuous marketing copy was immediately dismissed by an audience that expected substantive claims.
vague
Not clear in a person’s mind.
Example
to have a vague impression/memory/recollection of something
vain
Producing no result or having no useful outcome; or excessively proud of one's appearance or achievements.
Example
Decades of vain attempts to reform the institution had left the staff cynical about any new initiative.
valid
That is legally or officially acceptable.
Example
Do you have a valid passport?
valuable
Worth a lot of money.
Example
My home is my most valuable asset.
vanquished
Defeated thoroughly in conflict or competition.
Example
The vanquished party returned to opposition with a depleted parliamentary contingent and a divided leadership.
vapid
Offering nothing that is stimulating or challenging; lacking liveliness or interest.
Example
Critics found the sequel vapid by comparison with the original's sharp social commentary.
variable
Often changing; likely to change.
Example
variable temperatures
varied
Of many different types.
Example
varied opinions
variegated
Marked by a variety of colours, types, or characteristics; diverse in composition.
Example
The membership was variegated enough that consensus on any substantive question was almost impossible to engineer.
various
Several different.
Example
various types/forms/kinds of somebody/something
vast
Extremely large in area, size, amount, etc.
Example
a vast area of forest
venal
Showing or motivated by susceptibility to bribery; corrupt.
Example
The venal official accepted payments in exchange for accelerating permit applications.
venerable
Accorded a great deal of respect, especially because of age, wisdom, or character.
Example
The venerable institution marked its bicentenary with a programme of public lectures and exhibitions.
verbal
Relating to words.
Example
The job applicant must have good verbal skills.
verbose
Using or expressed in more words than are needed.
Example
The verbose memorandum could have conveyed its key points in a single paragraph.
verdant
Lush green with growing vegetation; covered in fresh growth.
Example
The verdant valley contrasted starkly with the parched terrain that surrounded it on every side.
vertical
Going straight up or down from a level surface or from top to bottom in a picture, etc.
Example
the vertical axis of the graph
vexatious
Causing or tending to cause annoyance, frustration, or worry; denoting a legal action brought without proper grounds.
Example
The tribunal dismissed the complaint as vexatious and awarded costs to the respondent.
viable
That can be done; that will be successful.
Example
a viable option/proposition
vibrant
Full of life and energy.
Example
a vibrant city
vicarious
Experienced through the feelings or actions of another person rather than directly.
Example
She derived vicarious satisfaction from her former students' professional achievements long after her own retirement.
vicious
Violent and cruel.
Example
a vicious attack
vigilant
Keeping careful watch for possible danger or difficulties.
Example
Border agencies were instructed to remain vigilant for new trafficking methods.
vile
Extremely unpleasant, disgusting, or morally reprehensible.
Example
The vile rhetoric employed during the campaign normalised forms of public discourse that had long been considered unacceptable.
vindictive
Having or showing a strong or unreasoning desire for revenge.
Example
The dismissal was found to be vindictive rather than performance-related, and damages were awarded.
virtual
Made to appear to exist by the use of computer software, for example on the internet.
Example
a system to help programmers create virtual environments
virulent
Extremely severe or harmful in its effects; bitterly hostile.
Example
A virulent strain of the pathogen spread rapidly before containment measures could be established.
visceral
Relating to deep, instinctive feelings rather than reasoned thought.
Example
His opposition to the proposal was visceral rather than analytical, and no quantity of evidence would soften it.
visible
That can be seen.
Example
The house is clearly visible from the beach.
visual
Of or connected with seeing or sight.
Example
the visual arts
vital
Necessary or essential in order for something to succeed or exist.
Example
the vitamins that are vital for health
vitriolic
Filled with bitter criticism or harsh, cutting language.
Example
The vitriolic exchanges that followed her testimony illustrated how thoroughly the discourse had degenerated.
vivacious
Attractively lively and animated.
Example
Her vivacious personality animated every room she entered and put nervous interviewees at ease.
vocal
Connected with the voice.
Example
vocal music
vociferous
Expressing or characterised by vehement opinions; loud and forceful.
Example
A vociferous minority within the membership threatened to derail the ratification vote.
volatile
Liable to change rapidly and unpredictably, especially for the worse; easily evaporated.
Example
The volatile political climate made long-term strategic planning almost impossible.
voracious
Wanting or devouring great quantities of food; having a very eager approach to an activity.
Example
A voracious reader since childhood, she had worked through the entire library catalogue by sixteen.
vulnerable
Weak and easily hurt physically or emotionally.
Example
These offices are highly vulnerable to terrorist attack.
wanton
Deliberate, unprovoked, and lacking moral restraint; carried out without justification.
Example
The judge described the destruction as wanton, noting that no purpose other than intimidation could be discerned.
wary
Feeling or showing caution about possible dangers or problems.
Example
Investors remained wary of emerging markets following the currency crises of the previous decade.
wayward
Difficult to control or predict; behaving in an erratic or wilful manner.
Example
The author's wayward youth had become, by middle age, a literary asset she would mine for the remainder of her career.
weak
Not physically strong.
Example
She is still weak after her illness.
wealthy
Having a lot of money, possessions, etc.
Example
a wealthy businessman/individual/family
weekly
Happening, done or published once a week or every week.
Example
weekly meetings
weird
Very strange or unusual and difficult to explain.
Example
I had a really weird dream last night.
welcome
Accepted or wanted somewhere.
Example
I'll go, then. I know when I'm not welcome.
west
In or towards the west.
Example
West Africa
western
Located in the west or facing west.
Example
western Spain
wet
Covered with or containing liquid, especially water.
Example
wet clothes/hair/grass
wheedling
Using flattery or coaxing speech to persuade someone to do something.
Example
No amount of wheedling persuasion could induce her to disclose what she had heard during the closed session.
whimsical
Playfully quaint or fanciful, especially in an appealing and amusing way.
Example
The architect's whimsical touches — such as the hidden reading nook — delighted occupants for decades.
white
Having the colour of fresh snow or of milk.
Example
a crisp white shirt
whole
Full; complete.
Example
Let's forget the whole thing.
wide
Measuring a large distance from one side to the other.
Example
It's a wide, fast-flowing river.
widespread
Existing or happening over a large area or among many people.
Example
The storm caused widespread damage.
wild
Living or growing in natural conditions; not kept in a house or on a farm.
Example
wild animals/birds/flowers
willing
Not objecting to doing something; having no reason for not doing something.
Example
Many consumers are willing to pay more for organic food
wise
Able to make sensible decisions and give good advice because of the experience and knowledge that you have.
Example
a wise man
wistful
Having or showing a feeling of vague or regretful longing.
Example
A wistful expression crossed her face whenever the conversation turned to her years abroad.
wizened
Shrivelled or wrinkled with age.
Example
The wizened figure who emerged to greet them bore little resemblance to the imposing patriarch of family memory.
wonderful
Very good, pleasant or a lot of fun.
Example
This is a wonderful opportunity to invest in new markets.
wooden
Made of wood.
Example
a wooden box/door/floor
working
Having a job for which you are paid.
Example
the working population
worldwide
Affecting all parts of the world.
Example
an increase in worldwide sales
worried
Thinking about unpleasant things that have happened or that might happen and therefore feeling unhappy and afraid.
Example
Don't look so worried!
worse
Of poorer quality or lower standard; more unpleasant.
Example
The rooms were awful and the food was worse.
worst
Of the poorest quality or lowest standard; worse than any other person or thing of a similar kind.
Example
It was by far the worst speech he had ever made.
worth
Having a value in money, etc.
Example
Our house is worth about £100 000.
wretched
In a very unhappy or unfortunate state; of poor quality; contemptible.
Example
The wretched conditions in the temporary shelters prompted an urgent review by the oversight body.
written
Expressed in writing rather than in speech.
Example
Having a written record of what I've done is very valuable.
wry
Showing dry, often mocking humour about an unpleasant or ironic situation.
Example
She offered a wry observation about the symmetry between the founding crisis and the one now unfolding under their successors.
yellow
Having the colour of lemons or butter.
Example
pale yellow flowers
young
Having lived or existed for only a short time; not fully developed.
Example
Young babies need to be wrapped up warmly.
zealous
Having or showing great energy or enthusiasm in pursuit of a cause or an objective.
Example
The zealous enforcement of the new regulations surprised businesses that had expected a lenient transition period.