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ESL Master English practice by level
vocabulary Level: B2 286 words

B2 Adjectives

B2 adjective vocabulary in alphabetical order with definitions and example sentences.

vocabulary b2 adjective glossary

abstract

Adjective

Based on general ideas and not on any particular real person, thing or situation.

Example

abstract knowledge/principles

acceptable

Adjective

Agreed or approved of by most people in a society.

Example

Children must learn socially acceptable behaviour.

accurate

Adjective

Correct and true in every detail.

Example

an accurate description/picture of something

actual

Adjective

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.

additional

Adjective

More than was first mentioned or is usual.

Example

additional resources/funds/security/funding/costs

adequate

Adjective

Enough in quantity, or good enough in quality, for a particular purpose or need.

Example

They'll need an adequate supply of hot water.

affordable

Adjective

Cheap enough that people can afford to pay it or buy it.

Example

We offer quality products at affordable prices.

aggressive

Adjective

Angry, and behaving in a threatening way; ready to attack.

Example

Seals have been known to exhibit aggressive behaviour towards swimmers.

amusing

Adjective

Funny and giving pleasure.

Example

an amusing story/game/incident

annual

Adjective

Happening or done once every year.

Example

an annual meeting/event/report/conference

anxious

Adjective

Feeling worried or nervous.

Example

The bus was late and Sue began to get anxious.

apparent

Adjective

Easy to see or understand.

Example

Their devotion was apparent.

appropriate

Adjective

Suitable, acceptable or correct for the particular circumstances.

Example

an appropriate response/measure/method

armed

Adjective

Involving the use of weapons.

Example

an armed robbery

artistic

Adjective

Connected with art or artists.

Example

the artistic works of the period

associated

Adjective

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

Adjective

Very surprising; difficult to believe.

Example

She ran 100m in an astonishing 10.6 seconds.

athletic

Adjective

Physically strong, fit, and active. Relating to athletics.

Example

He has an athletic build.

audio

Adjective

Connected with sound that is recorded.

Example

audio and video recordings/files/clips

automatic

Adjective

Having controls that work without needing a person to operate them.

Example

automatic doors

awkward

Adjective

Making you feel embarrassed.

Example

There was an awkward silence.

balanced

Adjective

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.

beneficial

Adjective

Improving a situation; having a helpful or useful effect.

Example

A good diet is beneficial to health.

bent

Adjective

Not straight.

Example

a piece of bent wire

biological

Adjective

Connected with the science of biology.

Example

the biological sciences

blanket

Adjective

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

Adjective

Not able to see.

Example

Doctors think he will go blind.

bound

Adjective

Certain or likely to happen, or to do or be something.

Example

There are bound to be changes when the new system is introduced.

broad

Adjective

Wide.

Example

a broad street/avenue/river

capable

Adjective

Having the ability or qualities necessary for doing something.

Example

You are capable of better work than this.

casual

Adjective

Not formal.

Example

casual clothes (= comfortable clothes that you choose to wear in your free time)

characteristic

Adjective

Very typical of something or of somebody’s character.

Example

Community support of families is characteristic of many societies.

charming

Adjective

Very pleasant or attractive.

Example

The cottage is tiny, but it's charming.

chief

Adjective

Most important.

Example

the chief cause/problem/reason

civil

Adjective

Connected with the people who live in a country.

Example

civil unrest (= that is caused by groups of people within a country)

classic

Adjective

Accepted or deserving to be accepted as one of the best or most important of its kind.

Example

a classic film/story/car/game

colorful

Adjective

Having much or varied color; bright. Full of interest; lively and exciting.

Example

The market was filled with colorful fabrics.

comic

Adjective

Humorous and making you laugh.

Example

a comic monologue/story

comparative

Adjective

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).

complicated

Adjective

Made of many different things or parts that are connected; difficult to understand.

Example

a complicated issue/process/system

component

Adjective

One of several parts of which something is made.

Example

the different organizations involved in the design of the various components

comprehensive

Adjective

Including all, or almost all, the items, details, facts, information, etc., that may be involved.

Example

a comprehensive list of addresses

compulsory

Adjective

That must be done because of a law or a rule.

Example

English is a compulsory subject at this level.

concerned

Adjective

Worried and feeling concern about something/somebody.

Example

Concerned citizens can have a huge impact.

concrete

Adjective

Made of concrete.

Example

a concrete floor

conservative

Adjective

Opposed to great or sudden social change; showing that you prefer traditional styles and values.

Example

the conservative views of his parents

considerable

Adjective

Great in amount, size, importance, etc.

Example

The project wasted a considerable amount of time and money.

consistent

Adjective

Always behaving in the same way, or having the same opinions, standards, etc.

Example

a consistent approach to the problem

contemporary

Adjective

Belonging to the same time.

Example

We have no contemporary account of the battle (= written near the time that it happened).

conventional

Adjective

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

Adjective

Completely sure about something.

Example

Sam nodded but he didn't look convinced.

convincing

Adjective

That makes somebody believe that something is true.

Example

a convincing argument/explanation/case

corporate

Adjective

Connected with a large business company.

Example

corporate finance/profits/tax

critical

Adjective

Saying what you think is bad about somebody/something.

Example

You should just ignore any critical comments.

crucial

Adjective

Extremely important, because it will affect other things.

Example

The next few weeks are going to be crucial.

curious

Adjective

Having a strong desire to know about something.

Example

He is such a curious boy, always asking questions.

curved

Adjective

Having a round shape.

Example

a curved edge/surface

cute

Adjective

Pretty and attractive.

Example

a cute little baby

dairy

Adjective

Made from milk.

Example

dairy products/produce

deadly

Adjective

Causing or likely to cause death.

Example

a deadly weapon/disease

deliberate

Adjective

Done on purpose rather than by accident.

Example

a deliberate act of vandalism

delighted

Adjective

Very pleased.

Example

a delighted smile

democratic

Adjective

Controlled by representatives who are elected by the people of a country; connected with this system.

Example

a democratic country

dependent

Adjective

Needing somebody/something in order to survive or be successful.

Example

a woman with several dependent children

depressed

Adjective

Very sad and without hope.

Example

You mustn't let yourself get depressed.

depressing

Adjective

Making you feel very sad and without enthusiasm.

Example

a depressing sight/thought/experience

desperate

Adjective

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.

detailed

Adjective

Giving many details and a lot of information; paying great attention to details.

Example

a detailed description of the events

disabled

Adjective

Having a condition that makes it difficult for you to do some things that most other people can do.

Example

physically/developmentally/intellectually disabled

distant

Adjective

Far away in space or time.

Example

the distant sound of music

distinct

Adjective

Easily or clearly heard, seen, felt, etc.

Example

There was a distinct smell of gas.

diverse

Adjective

Very different from each other and of various kinds.

Example

People from diverse cultures were invited to the event.

domestic

Adjective

Of or inside a particular country; not foreign or international.

Example

domestic affairs/politics

dominant

Adjective

More important, powerful or easy to notice than other things.

Example

The firm has achieved a dominant position in the world market.

downtown

Adjective

In, towards or typical of the centre of a city, especially its main business area.

Example

a downtown store

downward

Adjective

Toward a lower place, point, or level.

Example

There has been a downward trend in sales.

dramatic

Adjective

Sudden, very great and often surprising.

Example

a dramatic increase/change/improvement/shift

dull

Adjective

Not interesting or exciting.

Example

Life in a small town could be deadly dull.

dynamic

Adjective

Having a lot of energy and a strong personality.

Example

a dynamic leader

editorial

Adjective

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

efficient

Adjective

Doing something in a good, careful and complete way with no waste of time, money or energy.

Example

a highly efficient worker

elderly

Adjective

Used as a polite word for ‘old’.

Example

an elderly man/woman/lady

elegant

Adjective

Attractive and showing a good sense of style.

Example

She was tall and elegant.

elementary

Adjective

In or connected with the first stages of a course of study.

Example

an elementary English course

enjoyable

Adjective

Giving pleasure.

Example

an enjoyable weekend/experience

entertaining

Adjective

That you enjoy watching, listening to, doing or experiencing.

Example

an entertaining speech/evening

enthusiastic

Adjective

Feeling or showing a lot of excitement and interest about somebody/something.

Example

an enthusiastic supporter

entire

Adjective

Including everything, everyone or every part.

Example

The entire village was destroyed.

equivalent

Adjective

Equal in value, amount, meaning, importance, etc.

Example

250 grams or an equivalent amount in ounces

ethical

Adjective

Connected with beliefs and principles about what is right and wrong.

Example

ethical issues/standards/questions/dilemmas

ethnic

Adjective

Connected with or belonging to a group of people that share a cultural tradition.

Example

ethnic background/origin

evident

Adjective

Clear; easily seen.

Example

The orchestra played with evident enjoyment.

evil

Adjective

Enjoying harming others; morally bad and cruel.

Example

Police described the killer as ‘a desperate and evil man’.

excessive

Adjective

Greater than what seems reasonable or appropriate.

Example

They complained about the excessive noise coming from the upstairs flat.

executive

Adjective

Connected with managing a business or an organization, and with making plans and decisions.

Example

She has an executive position in a finance company.

exotic

Adjective

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

extensive

Adjective

Covering a large area; great in amount.

Example

The house has extensive grounds.

external

Adjective

Connected with or located on the outside of something/somebody.

Example

the external walls of the building

extraordinary

Adjective

Unexpected, surprising or strange.

Example

What an extraordinary thing to say!

fabulous

Adjective

Extremely good.

Example

They put on a fabulous performance.

failed

Adjective

Not successful.

Example

a failed writer

fake

Adjective

Not what somebody claims it is; appearing to be something it is not.

Example

There were a few stalls selling fake designer clothing.

federal

Adjective

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

fellow

Adjective

Used to describe somebody who is the same as you in some way, or in the same situation.

Example

fellow citizens/students

firm

Adjective

Fairly hard; not easy to press into a different shape.

Example

a firm bed/mattress

flexible

Adjective

Able to change to suit new conditions or situations.

Example

a more flexible approach

folding

Adjective

That can be folded, so that it can be carried or stored in a small space.

Example

a folding chair/bike/knife

fond

Adjective

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.

former

Adjective

That existed in earlier times.

Example

This fine ruin was, in former times, a royal castle.

fortunate

Adjective

Having or bringing an advantage, an opportunity, a piece of good luck, etc.

Example

Remember those less fortunate than yourselves.

frequent

Adjective

Happening or doing something often.

Example

He is a frequent visitor to this country.

full-time

Adjective

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

fundamental

Adjective

Serious and very important; affecting the most central and important parts of something.

Example

the fundamental principles of scientific method

furious

Adjective

Very angry.

Example

Their incompetence made me furious.

gay

Adjective

Sexually attracted to people of the same sex.

Example

gay men

genetic

Adjective

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

genuine

Adjective

Real; exactly what it appears to be; not artificial.

Example

Is the painting a genuine Picasso?

golden

Adjective

Made of gold.

Example

a golden crown

gorgeous

Adjective

Very beautiful and attractive; giving great pleasure.

Example

a gorgeous girl/man

grand

Adjective

Impressive and large or important.

Example

It's not a very grand house.

graphic

Adjective

Connected with drawings and design, especially in the production of books, magazines, websites, etc.

Example

graphic design

harmful

Adjective

Causing damage or injury to somebody/something, especially to a person’s health or to the environment.

Example

the harmful effects of alcohol

hidden

Adjective

Something that is hidden is kept or located in a place where it cannot be seen.

Example

Hidden dangers lurk in the ocean depths.

hilarious

Adjective

Extremely funny.

Example

a hilarious joke/story

hollow

Adjective

Having a hole or empty space inside.

Example

a hollow ball/centre/tube/tree

holy

Adjective

Connected with God or a particular religion.

Example

the Holy Bible

homeless

Adjective

Having no home, and therefore typically living on the streets.

Example

The scheme has been set up to help homeless people.

household

Adjective

All the people living together in a house or flat.

Example

Most households now own at least one car.

humorous

Adjective

Funny; showing a sense of humour.

Example

He gave a humorous account of their trip to Spain.

identical

Adjective

Similar in every detail.

Example

a row of identical houses

immune

Adjective

That cannot catch or be affected by a particular disease or illness.

Example

Adults are often immune to German measles.

impatient

Adjective

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.

impressed

Adjective

Admiring somebody/something because you think they are particularly good, interesting, etc.

Example

I must admit I am impressed.

incorrect

Adjective

Not accurate or true.

Example

incorrect information/spelling

industrial

Adjective

Connected with industry.

Example

an industrial dispute

inevitable

Adjective

That you cannot avoid or prevent.

Example

It was an inevitable consequence of the decision.

initial

Adjective

Happening at the beginning; first.

Example

There is an initial payment of £60 followed by ten instalments of £25.

inner

Adjective

Inside; towards or close to the centre of a place.

Example

an inner courtyard

innovative

Adjective

Introducing or using new ideas, ways of doing something, etc.

Example

There will be a prize for the most innovative design.

instant

Adjective

Happening immediately.

Example

This account gives you instant access to your money.

intellectual

Adjective

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.

intended

Adjective

That you are trying to achieve or reach.

Example

the intended purpose

intense

Adjective

Very great; very strong.

Example

We were all suffering in the intense heat.

internal

Adjective

Connected with the inside of something.

Example

the internal structure of a building

isolated

Adjective

Far away from any others.

Example

isolated rural areas

joint

Adjective

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)

junior

Adjective

Having a low rank in an organization or a profession.

Example

a junior partner/minister/officer

limited

Adjective

Not very great in amount or extent.

Example

We are doing our best with the limited resources available.

literary

Adjective

Connected with literature.

Example

literary criticism/theory

lively

Adjective

Full of life and energy; active and enthusiastic.

Example

an intelligent and lively young woman

logical

Adjective

Seeming natural, reasonable or sensible.

Example

It was a logical conclusion from the child's point of view.

long-term

Adjective

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.

loose

Adjective

Not securely fixed where it should be; able to become separated from something.

Example

a loose button/tooth

loyal

Adjective

Remaining constant in your support of somebody/something.

Example

a loyal friend/supporter

magnificent

Adjective

Extremely attractive and impressive; deserving praise.

Example

The Taj Mahal is a magnificent building.

martial

Adjective

Connected with fighting, soldiers, or military life.

Example

She has been studying martial arts since she was a child.

mass

Adjective

Affecting or involving a large number of people or things.

Example

The world faces the tremendous problem of mass unemployment.

massive

Adjective

Very large, heavy and solid.

Example

a massive rock

matching

Adjective

Having the same colour, pattern, style, etc. and therefore looking attractive together.

Example

The two sisters wore matching outfits.

maximum

Adjective

As large, fast, etc. as is possible, or the most that is possible or allowed.

Example

the maximum amount/number of something

mechanical

Adjective

Operated by power from an engine.

Example

a mechanical device/toy/clock

memorable

Adjective

Worth remembering or easy to remember, especially because of being special or unusual.

Example

The holiday provided many memorable moments.

military

Adjective

Connected with soldiers or the armed forces.

Example

We may have to take military action.

minimum

Adjective

The smallest that is possible or allowed; extremely small.

Example

a minimum charge/price

minor

Adjective

Not very large, important or serious.

Example

The new plan involves widening a minor road through the valley.

miserable

Adjective

Very unhappy or uncomfortable.

Example

We were cold, wet and thoroughly miserable.

mixed

Adjective

Consisting of different qualities or elements.

Example

a mixed diet

monthly

Adjective

Happening once a month or every month.

Example

a monthly meeting/visit/magazine

moral

Adjective

Connected with principles of right and wrong behaviour.

Example

a moral issue/dilemma

motor

Adjective

Having an engine; using the power of an engine.

Example

The street is closed to motor vehicles.

moving

Adjective

Causing strong, often sad, feelings about somebody/something.

Example

a deeply moving experience

multiple

Adjective

Many in number; involving many different people or things.

Example

The shape appears multiple times within each painting.

mysterious

Adjective

Difficult to understand or explain; strange.

Example

He died in mysterious circumstances.

naked

Adjective

Not wearing any clothes.

Example

She was clutching the sheet around her naked body.

nearby

Adjective

Near in position; not far away.

Example

Her mother lived in a nearby town.

neutral

Adjective

Not supporting or helping either side in a disagreement, competition, etc.

Example

Journalists are supposed to be politically neutral.

numerous

Adjective

Existing in large numbers.

Example

He has been late on numerous occasions.

offensive

Adjective

Rude in a way that causes somebody to feel upset or annoyed because it shows a lack of respect.

Example

offensive remarks

ongoing

Adjective

Continuing to exist or develop.

Example

an ongoing debate/discussion/process

opposed

Adjective

Disagreeing strongly with something and trying to stop it.

Example

He was strongly opposed to modernism in art.

optimistic

Adjective

Expecting good things to happen or something to be successful; showing this feeling.

Example

We are now taking a more optimistic view.

organic

Adjective

Produced or practised without using artificial chemicals.

Example

organic cheese/vegetables/wine, etc.

outer

Adjective

On the outside of something.

Example

the outer layers of the skin

outstanding

Adjective

Extremely good; excellent.

Example

an outstanding player/achievement/success

overall

Adjective

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

Adjective

Connected with foreign countries, especially those separated from your country by the sea or ocean.

Example

The firm is expanding into overseas markets.

parallel

Adjective

Two or more lines that are parallel to each other are the same distance apart at every point.

Example

parallel lines

part-time

Adjective

For part of the day or week in which people work.

Example

She's looking for a part-time job.

passionate

Adjective

Having or showing strong feelings of sexual love or of anger, etc.

Example

to have a passionate nature

permanent

Adjective

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.

plain

Adjective

Not decorated or complicated; simple.

Example

a plain but elegant dress

plus

Adjective

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.

pointed

Adjective

Having a sharp end.

Example

a pointed chin

potential

Adjective

That can develop into something or be developed in the future.

Example

potential customers/buyers/investors/clients

precious

Adjective

Rare and worth a lot of money.

Example

a precious vase

precise

Adjective

Clear and accurate.

Example

precise details/instructions/measurements

predictable

Adjective

If something is predictable, you know in advance that it will happen or what it will be like.

Example

a predictable result

pregnant

Adjective

Having a baby or young animal developing inside her/its body.

Example

My wife is pregnant.

prime

Adjective

Main; most important; basic.

Example

My prime concern is to protect my property.

principal

Adjective

Most important; main.

Example

The principal reason for this omission is lack of time.

prior

Adjective

Happening or existing before something else or before a particular time.

Example

Although not essential, some prior knowledge of statistics is desirable.

probable

Adjective

Likely to happen, to exist or to be true.

Example

the probable cause/explanation/outcome

progressive

Adjective

In favour of new ideas, modern methods and change.

Example

progressive schools

promising

Adjective

Showing signs of being good or successful.

Example

He was voted the most promising new actor for his part in the movie.

prompt

Adjective

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.

psychological

Adjective

Connected with a person’s mind and the way in which it works.

Example

the psychological development of children

punk

Adjective

A type of loud and aggressive rock music popular in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

Example

a punk band

pure

Adjective

Not mixed with anything else; with nothing added.

Example

pure gold

racial

Adjective

Happening or existing between people of different races.

Example

racial hatred/prejudice/tension/violence

racist

Adjective

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

random

Adjective

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

rapid

Adjective

Happening quickly or in a short period of time.

Example

rapid change/expansion/growth/development

raw

Adjective

Not cooked.

Example

raw meat

realistic

Adjective

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

Adjective

Fair, practical, and sensible.

Example

It is reasonable to assume that he knew beforehand that this would happen.

regional

Adjective

Of or relating to a region.

Example

services available at a local and regional level

relevant

Adjective

Closely connected with the subject you are discussing or the situation you are in.

Example

relevant information/facts/documents/factors

relieved

Adjective

Feeling happy because something unpleasant has stopped or has not happened; showing this.

Example

She sounded relieved.

remarkable

Adjective

Unusual or surprising in a way that causes people to take notice.

Example

a remarkable achievement/career/talent

representative

Adjective

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?

resident

Adjective

Living in a particular place.

Example

the town’s resident population (= not tourists or visitors)

risky

Adjective

Involving the possibility of something bad happening.

Example

Life as an aid worker can be a risky business (= dangerous).

rubber

Adjective

Made of rubber.

Example

a rubber ball

rural

Adjective

Connected with or like the countryside.

Example

rural areas

satisfied

Adjective

Pleased because you have achieved something or because something that you wanted to happen has happened.

Example

a satisfied customer

secure

Adjective

Likely to continue or be successful for a long time.

Example

a secure job/income

senior

Adjective

High in rank or status; higher in rank or status than others.

Example

a senior official/officer/manager/executive

sensitive

Adjective

Aware of and able to understand other people and their feelings.

Example

a sensitive and caring man

severe

Adjective

Extremely bad or serious.

Example

His injuries are severe.

sexy

Adjective

Sexually attractive.

Example

the sexy lead singer

shallow

Adjective

Not having much distance between the top or surface and the bottom.

Example

a shallow dish/pan/bowl

shaped

Adjective

Having the type of shape mentioned.

Example

a huge balloon shaped like a giant cow

shocked

Adjective

Surprised and upset; showing that somebody feels surprised and upset.

Example

I was quite shocked when I found out what he'd done.

shocking

Adjective

That offends or upsets people; that is morally wrong.

Example

shocking behaviour

short-term

Adjective

Lasting a short time; designed only for a short period of time in the future.

Example

a short-term loan

significant

Adjective

Large or important enough to have an effect or to be noticed.

Example

There are no significant differences between the two groups of students.

sincere

Adjective

Showing what you really think or feel.

Example

a sincere apology

skilled

Adjective

Having enough ability, experience and knowledge to be able to do something well.

Example

a skilled engineer/negotiator/craftsman

slight

Adjective

Very small in degree.

Example

a slight increase/change/difference

so-called

Adjective

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’

solar

Adjective

Of or connected with the sun.

Example

solar radiation

sophisticated

Adjective

Clever and complicated in the way that it works or is presented.

Example

highly sophisticated computer systems

spare

Adjective

Available to do what you want with rather than work.

Example

He's studying music in his spare time.

spectacular

Adjective

Very impressive.

Example

The coastal road has spectacular scenery.

spiritual

Adjective

Connected with the human spirit, rather than the body or physical things.

Example

a spiritual experience

stable

Adjective

Fixed or steady; not likely to move, change or fail.

Example

The patient's condition is stable (= it is not getting worse).

steady

Adjective

Developing, growing, etc. gradually and in an even and regular way.

Example

We've had five years of steady economic growth.

steep

Adjective

Rising or falling quickly, not gradually.

Example

a steep hill/slope

sticky

Adjective

Made of or covered in a substance that sticks to things that touch it.

Example

sticky fingers covered in jam

stiff

Adjective

Difficult to bend or move.

Example

a sheet of stiff black cardboard

strict

Adjective

That must be obeyed exactly.

Example

strict rules/regulations

stunning

Adjective

Extremely attractive or impressive.

Example

You look absolutely stunning!

subsequent

Adjective

Happening or coming after something else.

Example

subsequent generations

sufficient

Adjective

Enough for a particular purpose; as much as you need.

Example

Allow sufficient time to get there.

super

Adjective

Extremely good.

Example

a super meal

surrounding

Adjective

That is near or around something.

Example

Oxford and the surrounding area

sustainable

Adjective

Involving the use of natural products and energy in a way that does not harm the environment.

Example

sustainable forest management

sympathetic

Adjective

Kind to somebody who is hurt or sad; showing that you understand and care about their problems.

Example

a sympathetic listener

technological

Adjective

Connected with technology.

Example

technological advances

temporary

Adjective

Lasting or intended to last or be used only for a short time; not permanent.

Example

to hire temporary workers

thorough

Adjective

Done completely; with great attention to detail.

Example

a thorough knowledge of the subject

tough

Adjective

Having or causing problems or difficulties.

Example

a tough childhood

tragic

Adjective

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.

tropical

Adjective

Coming from, found in or typical of the tropics.

Example

tropical fish/birds/fruit

ultimate

Adjective

Happening at the end of a long process.

Example

our ultimate goal/aim/objective/target

unacceptable

Adjective

So bad that you think it should not be allowed.

Example

Such behaviour is totally unacceptable in a civilized society.

unexpected

Adjective

If something is unexpected, it surprises you because you were not expecting it.

Example

Things took an unexpected turn.

universal

Adjective

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

Adjective

Not known or identified.

Example

A previously unknown group claimed responsibility for the bombing.

upper

Adjective

Located above something else, especially something of the same type or the other of a pair.

Example

her upper lip

urban

Adjective

Connected with a town or city.

Example

urban and rural communities

urgent

Adjective

That needs to be dealt with or happen immediately.

Example

The police have issued an urgent appeal for information.

useless

Adjective

Not useful; not doing or achieving what is needed or wanted.

Example

This pen is useless.

valid

Adjective

That is legally or officially acceptable.

Example

Do you have a valid passport?

vast

Adjective

Extremely large in area, size, amount, etc.

Example

a vast area of forest

vertical

Adjective

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

virtual

Adjective

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

visible

Adjective

That can be seen.

Example

The house is clearly visible from the beach.

visual

Adjective

Of or connected with seeing or sight.

Example

the visual arts

vital

Adjective

Necessary or essential in order for something to succeed or exist.

Example

the vitamins that are vital for health

wealthy

Adjective

Having a lot of money, possessions, etc.

Example

a wealthy businessman/individual/family

weekly

Adjective

Happening, done or published once a week or every week.

Example

weekly meetings

weird

Adjective

Very strange or unusual and difficult to explain.

Example

I had a really weird dream last night.

widespread

Adjective

Existing or happening over a large area or among many people.

Example

The storm caused widespread damage.

willing

Adjective

Not objecting to doing something; having no reason for not doing something.

Example

Many consumers are willing to pay more for organic food

wise

Adjective

Able to make sensible decisions and give good advice because of the experience and knowledge that you have.

Example

a wise man