Words
Words from B1 to C2 with American and British audio, the words they go with, and the mistakes to avoid.
466 words
- abjectadjectiveC2/ˈæb.dʒekt/extremely bad or unpleasant; or showing that you feel ashamed and have no pride
- absenteenounB2/ˌæb.sənˈtiː/someone who stays away from school, work or another place where they are expected to be
- accessnounB2/ˈæk.ses/the right or chance to use something, see someone, or enter a place
- accessorynounB1/əkˈses.ər.i/an extra item, like a bag, belt or phone case, that makes something more useful or attractive
- accuracynounB1/ˈæk.jər.ə.si/the quality of being correct or exact, without mistakes
- achieveverbB1/əˈtʃiːv/to succeed in doing or getting something, usually after a lot of effort
- acousticadjectiveC1/əˈkuː.stɪk/relating to sound or hearing; also describes a musical instrument that does not use electricity
- actualadjectiveB2/ˈæk.tʃu.əl/real or true, especially when compared with what was expected, planned or believed
- adeptadjectiveC2/əˈdept/very skilful at doing something, especially something difficult
- adhesionnounC2/ədˈhiː.ʒən/how well one material sticks to the surface of another, for example paint on a wall
- admissionnounB1/ədˈmɪʃ.ən/being allowed to enter a place, join a school or stay in hospital; also the cost of entry
- adrenalinenounC1/əˈdren.əl.ɪn/a chemical your body produces when you are afraid, excited or angry, making your heart beat faster
- advisoryadjectiveC1/ədˈvaɪ.zər.i/giving advice only, without the power to make final decisions
- affectverbB1/əˈfekt/to cause a change in someone or something, often a bad change
- affordverbB1/əˈfɔːrd/to have enough money or time to buy or do something
- afterwardadverbB1/ˈæf.tər.wərd/after the time or event that has just been mentioned; later
- agelessadjectiveB2/ˈeɪdʒ.ləs/never seeming to grow old, or staying interesting and beautiful for ever
- agencynounC2/ˈeɪ.dʒən.si/a business or organization that provides a service; also a person's power to make choices and act
- alcoholicnounB2/ˌæl.kəˈhɑː.lɪk/someone who cannot control how much alcohol they drink and finds it very hard to stop
- alignverbC1/əˈlaɪn/to put things in a straight line or correct position; also to make plans or ideas agree with each other
- allegationnounC1/ˌæl.əˈɡeɪ.ʃən/a public statement, not yet proved, that someone has done something wrong or illegal
- anchormannounB2/ˈæŋ.kər.mæn/a man who presents a news programme on TV or radio and introduces the reports
- angstnounC2/ɑːŋst/a strong feeling of worry about your life, your future or the world
- anonymitynounC2/ˌæn.əˈnɪm.ə.ti/the situation of not having your name known by other people
- anthologynounC2/ænˈθɑː.lə.dʒi/a book or collection of stories, poems or songs by different writers or artists
- antiaircraftadjectiveB2/ˌæn.tiˈer.kræft/designed to attack or destroy enemy planes from the ground
- anticlimacticadjectiveC1/ˌæn.ti.klaɪˈmæk.tɪk/disappointing because it is much less exciting than you expected
- antiquenounB1/ænˈtiːk/an old object, such as furniture or jewellery, that is valuable because of its age or beauty
- appallinglyadverbC1/əˈpɑː.lɪŋ.li/in a very bad or shocking way; also used to mean extremely, for something bad
- apprenticeverbC1/əˈpren.tɪs/to work for a skilled person for a period in order to learn their job; often 'be apprenticed to'
- aquaadjectiveC1/ˈɑː.kwə/having a bright, light blue-green colour
- artifactnounC2/ˈɑːr.tə.fækt/an object made by people long ago, especially one that is historically interesting
- assaultnounB2/əˈsɔːlt/a violent attack on a person; also a military attack, or strong criticism
- assertverbB2/əˈsɜːrt/to say firmly that something is true; also, to show clearly that you have power or rights
- astonishverbB2/əˈstɑː.nɪʃ/to surprise someone very much
- athleticsnounB2/æθˈlet.ɪks/sports such as running, jumping and throwing; in American English, sports in general
- atmospherenounB1/ˈæt.mə.sfɪr/the mood or feeling of a place or event; also the layer of gases around the earth
- attachedadjectiveB2/əˈtætʃt/liking someone or something very much and not wanting to lose them; also joined to something
- attainmentnounC2/əˈteɪn.mənt/the act of achieving something, or the level of success someone reaches, especially in education
- availableadjectiveB1/əˈveɪ.lə.bəl/able to be bought, used or reached; also, free to meet or talk
- avenuenounB1/ˈæv.ə.nuː/a wide street in a town, often with trees; also a possible way of doing something
- avianadjectiveC2/ˈeɪ.vi.ən/relating to birds
- awareadjectiveB2/əˈwer/knowing that something exists or is happening
- babbleverbC2/ˈbæb.əl/to talk quickly in a way that is silly, excited or hard to understand
- backachenounB1/ˈbæk.eɪk/a pain in your back, often after lifting things or sitting for a long time
- baldlyadverbC1/ˈbɔːld.li/in a plain, direct way, without trying to make something sound kinder or softer
- balladnounB2/ˈbæl.əd/a slow love song, or an old poem or song that tells a story
- barbershopnounB2/ˈbɑːr.bər.ʃɑːp/a shop where men go to have their hair cut or their beard shaved
- batterynounC1/ˈbæt.ər.i/a device that stores and supplies electricity; also a large group of similar things, like tests
- benefitnounB2/ˈben.ə.fɪt/a good or helpful result that you get from something
- bequeathverbC1/bɪˈkwiːð/to officially arrange for your money or property to be given to someone after you die
- biochemistrynounB1/ˌbaɪ.oʊˈkem.ə.stri/the scientific study of the chemical processes that happen in living things
- blindnessnounB2/ˈblaɪnd.nəs/the condition of not being able to see; also not noticing or understanding something obvious
- blisterverbC1/ˈblɪs.tər/to form small bubbles of liquid under the skin, or bubbles on a painted surface
- boldadjectiveB1/boʊld/brave and confident, not afraid of risks; also strong and easy to notice, like bright colours
- bonyadjectiveB2/ˈboʊ.ni/very thin so that the bones can be seen; also full of small bones, like some fish
- bossyadjectiveB2/ˈbɑː.si/always telling other people what to do in an annoying way
- bottleverbB2/ˈbɑː.təl/to put a liquid into bottles; with 'up', to keep strong feelings hidden instead of showing them
- bouncenounB2/baʊns/the movement of something springing back after hitting a surface; also a quick rise after a fall
- boutnounC2/baʊt/a short period of illness or intense activity; also a boxing or wrestling match
- bowlverbB1/boʊl/to roll a ball in the game of bowling, or to throw the ball towards the batsman in cricket
- boxernounB2/ˈbɑːk.sər/someone who fights with their hands in padded gloves as a sport
- brainwashingnounC1/ˈbreɪn.wɑː.ʃɪŋ/forcing someone to accept beliefs by repeating ideas and controlling what they hear
- brandishverbC2/ˈbræn.dɪʃ/to wave a weapon or object in the air in a threatening or excited way
- breakdownnounB2/ˈbreɪk.daʊn/a failure of a machine, system or relationship; also a detailed list showing the parts of something
- brewerynounB2/ˈbruː.ər.i/a company or building where beer is made
- brimverbC2/brɪm/to be completely full of something, such as liquid, tears or a feeling
- broodnounC2/bruːd/a set of baby birds that come out of their eggs together; also, humorously, a big family of children
- bubblyadjectiveC1/ˈbʌb.li/cheerful, lively and full of energy; also full of bubbles
- buccaneernounC2/ˌbʌk.əˈnɪr/a pirate, especially one who attacked ships in the Caribbean long ago; also a bold, risk-taking businessperson
- budgetnounB2/ˈbʌdʒ.ɪt/a plan of how much money you can spend, or the money available for something
- burgleverbB2/ˈbɜːr.ɡəl/to enter a building illegally and steal things from it
- calculateverbB1/ˈkæl.kjə.leɪt/to find a number or amount by using maths
- calorificadjectiveC2/ˌkæl.əˈrɪf.ɪk/containing a lot of calories, so likely to make you fat; also relating to heat energy
- cancelverbB1/ˈkæn.səl/to decide that something planned will not happen, or to stop an order or booking
- captivenounB2/ˈkæp.tɪv/a person or animal that is kept somewhere and not allowed to leave
- cartonnounB1/ˈkɑːr.tən/a box made of thick paper or plastic, used for holding food or drinks
- challengenounB2/ˈtʃæl.əndʒ/something difficult that tests your ability, strength or effort
- chaseverbB2/tʃeɪs/to run or drive after someone or something to catch them; also to try hard to get something
- chemistrynounB1/ˈkem.ə.stri/the science of what substances are made of and how they react; also natural attraction between people
- circumnavigationnounC2/ˌsɜːr.kəm.næv.əˈɡeɪ.ʃən/a journey all the way around the world or around a place, especially by ship or plane
- clammyadjectiveC1/ˈklæm.i/slightly wet, cold and sticky in an unpleasant way, especially about skin
- classificationnounB2/ˌklæs.ə.fəˈkeɪ.ʃən/the act of putting things into groups by type, or the group something belongs to
- climatenounB1/ˈklaɪ.mət/the usual weather conditions in a place; also the general mood or situation at a particular time
- climbernounB1/ˈklaɪ.mər/a person who climbs mountains or rocks as a sport
- cloaknounC1/kloʊk/a long loose coat without sleeves; also, something that hides the truth
- clutchnounC1/klʌtʃ/the pedal used to change gear in a car; also a small group of things, or someone's control
- cognitiveadjectiveC2/ˈkɑːɡ.nə.tɪv/connected with thinking, learning, understanding and remembering
- collapseverbB2/kəˈlæps/to fall down suddenly, or to fail completely and suddenly
- colleaguenounB2/ˈkɑː.liːɡ/a person you work with, especially in a profession or an office
- commendverbC1/kəˈmend/to praise someone or something formally, especially in public
- commissionnounC1/kəˈmɪʃ.ən/money paid to a salesperson for each sale; also an official group that investigates or controls something
- commitverbB1/kəˈmɪt/to do something wrong or illegal; also to promise to give your time or effort to something
- completionnounB2/kəmˈpliː.ʃən/the act of finishing something, or the point when it is finished
- compliancenounC1/kəmˈplaɪ.əns/the act of obeying a rule, law or request
- complimentaryadjectiveC1/ˌkɑːm.pləˈmen.tər.i/given free, especially by a hotel, shop or company; also saying nice things about someone
- concurrencenounC2/kənˈkɜːr.əns/formal agreement or approval; also the fact of two things happening at the same time
- conglomeratenounC2/kənˈɡlɑː.mər.ət/a large company made up of several different businesses, often in unrelated industries
- congregateverbC1/ˈkɑːŋ.ɡrə.ɡeɪt/to come together in a group in one place
- consequencenounB2/ˈkɑːn.sə.kwens/a result of an action or situation, often a bad or unexpected one
- considerationnounB1/kənˌsɪd.əˈreɪ.ʃən/careful thought before deciding; also something you must think about, or kindness towards other people's feelings
- consoleverbB2/kənˈsoʊl/to make someone who is sad or disappointed feel better
- consternationnounC2/ˌkɑːn.stərˈneɪ.ʃən/a feeling of worry, shock or confusion, often caused by something unexpected
- consultancynounC1/kənˈsʌl.tən.si/a company that gives expert advice to other businesses, or the work of giving this advice
- contestverbC1/kənˈtest/to say formally that a decision or result is wrong; also to compete for something, like a seat
- continuousadjectiveB1/kənˈtɪn.ju.əs/happening or existing without stopping or without a break
- contractnounB2/ˈkɑːn.trækt/an official written agreement between people or companies that the law says they must keep
- contributeverbB2/kənˈtrɪb.juːt/to give money, time, ideas or help to something, or to be one cause of it
- convenientadjectiveB1/kənˈviː.ni.ənt/easy to use or suitable for your plans, so it saves you time or trouble
- copeverbB2/koʊp/to deal successfully with a difficult problem or situation
- correctionnounB1/kəˈrek.ʃən/a change that makes something right or more accurate
- coveragenounC1/ˈkʌv.ər.ɪdʒ/the reporting of news in newspapers, on TV or online; also how much something covers or includes
- craveverbC1/kreɪv/to want something very strongly, especially food, attention or love
- crediblyadverbC1/ˈkred.ə.bli/in a way that can be believed or trusted
- crudelyadverbC1/ˈkruːd.li/in a simple, rough way without much skill or detail; also in a rude, offensive way
- currentadjectiveB1/ˈkɜːr.ənt/happening, existing or being used now
- cushionnounB1/ˈkʊʃ.ən/a soft bag filled with material, used to make a seat more comfortable
- cynicnounC1/ˈsɪn.ɪk/someone who expects the worst of others and doubts that anyone does good things for honest reasons
- dauntingadjectiveC1/ˈdɑːn.tɪŋ/seeming difficult or frightening, so that you feel less confident
- debrisnounB1/ˈdeɪ.briː/broken pieces left after something has been destroyed, or rubbish lying around
- decayverbB2/dɪˈkeɪ/to be slowly destroyed by natural processes, or to become weaker and worse over time
- decisionnounB1/dɪˈsɪʒ.ən/a choice you make after thinking about what you should do
- decknounB2/dek/the floor of a ship or bus; also a wooden floor outside a house, or a set of cards
- deficitnounB2/ˈdef.ə.sɪt/the amount by which money spent or owed is more than money received; also a lack of something
- demographynounC1/dɪˈmɑː.ɡrə.fi/the study of populations, for example how many people are born, die or move, and their ages
- demonstrateverbB1/ˈdem.ən.streɪt/to show clearly that something is true, or to show how something works or is done
- denotationnounC2/ˌdiː.noʊˈteɪ.ʃən/the basic, literal meaning of a word, without the feelings or ideas connected with it
- descentnounC1/dɪˈsent/a movement down, for example of a plane; also your family's origins, especially in another country
- destinationnounB1/ˌdes.təˈneɪ.ʃən/the place where someone or something is going
- destructiveadjectiveB1/dɪˈstrʌk.tɪv/causing a lot of damage or harm
- determineverbB1/dɪˈtɜːr.mɪn/to find out the facts about something, or to be the thing that decides what happens
- devastatingadjectiveB1/ˈdev.ə.steɪ.tɪŋ/causing great damage or harm; also making someone feel very shocked and sad
- differverbB1/ˈdɪf.ər/to be not the same as something else; also, to have a different opinion
- dilemmanounB2/dɪˈlem.ə/a difficult situation where you have to choose between two things, and both choices have problems
- discardverbC1/dɪˈskɑːrd/to throw away or get rid of something because you no longer want or need it
- discountnounB1/ˈdɪs.kaʊnt/an amount of money taken off the usual price of something
- discriminateverbB2/dɪˈskrɪm.ə.neɪt/to treat people unfairly because of their race, sex, age or religion; also to notice differences between things
- discussverbB1/dɪˈskʌs/to talk about a subject with other people and share ideas about it
- disdainnounC1/dɪsˈdeɪn/the feeling that someone or something is not good enough to deserve your respect or attention
- dishonestynounB2/dɪˈsɑː.nə.sti/behaviour that is not honest, such as lying, cheating or stealing
- disillusionmentnounC1/ˌdɪs.ɪˈluː.ʒən.mənt/the disappointed feeling when you discover that something is not as good as you believed
- divinationnounC2/ˌdɪv.əˈneɪ.ʃən/the practice of trying to learn about the future or hidden things by magic or special signs
- domesticationnounC1/dəˌmes.təˈkeɪ.ʃən/the long process by which people turn wild animals into farm animals or pets, and wild plants into crops
- dormnounB2/dɔːrm/a large building where college or university students live; short for dormitory
- drawbacknounC1/ˈdrɑː.bæk/a disadvantage or problem that makes something less attractive or useful
- droughtnounB2/draʊt/a long period with little or no rain, when there is not enough water
- dubiouslyadverbC2/ˈduː.bi.əs.li/in a way that shows you doubt something; also in a way that may be dishonest or illegal
- duplicationnounB2/ˌduː.plɪˈkeɪ.ʃən/the act of copying something, or of doing the same work twice when it is not needed
- economicadjectiveB2/ˌek.əˈnɑː.mɪk/connected with trade, industry and money in a country or area
- economicaladjectiveB2/ˌek.əˈnɑː.mɪ.kəl/using little money, fuel or time, so that nothing is wasted
- ecstasynounC1/ˈek.stə.si/a feeling of extreme happiness or pleasure; also the name of an illegal drug
- ecstaticadjectiveC1/ekˈstæt.ɪk/extremely happy and excited
- edificationnounC2/ˌed.ə.fəˈkeɪ.ʃən/the improvement of someone's mind or character through learning, often used humorously
- effectnounB1/ɪˈfekt/a change that happens because of something else; a result
- efficientadjectiveB2/ɪˈfɪʃ.ənt/working well without wasting time, money or energy
- elationnounC2/iˈleɪ.ʃən/a feeling of great happiness and excitement
- eligibleadjectiveB2/ˈel.ə.dʒə.bəl/having the right or meeting the conditions to do or get something
- eloquencenounB2/ˈel.ə.kwəns/the ability to speak or write well in a way that moves or persuades people
- embassynounB2/ˈem.bə.si/the building where officials work to represent their own government in a foreign country
- emphasizeverbB2/ˈem.fə.saɪz/to show that something is especially important, or to say it with extra force
- employmentnounB1/ɪmˈplɔɪ.mənt/the situation of having a paid job, or the number of people who have jobs
- emulateverbC2/ˈem.jə.leɪt/to try to do as well as someone you admire; in computing, to copy how another system works
- endurancenounB2/ɪnˈdʊr.əns/the ability to continue doing something hard or painful for a long time
- engenderverbC2/ɪnˈdʒen.dər/to cause a feeling or situation to develop
- enjoyableadjectiveB1/ɪnˈdʒɔɪ.ə.bəl/giving you pleasure; fun to do or experience
- environmentnounB1/ɪnˈvaɪ.rən.mənt/the natural world of land, air, water, plants and animals; also, the conditions around you
- equalitynounB1/ɪˈkwɑː.lə.ti/the situation in which all people have the same rights, chances and treatment
- especiallyadverbB1/ɪˈspeʃ.əl.i/more than usual or more than others; in particular
- essentialadjectiveB1/ɪˈsen.ʃəl/completely necessary; so important that you cannot do without it
- estimationnounC1/ˌes.təˈmeɪ.ʃən/your opinion or judgement of something; also the process of calculating a rough amount or value
- ethnicadjectiveB2/ˈeθ.nɪk/connected with a group of people who share the same culture, traditions or origin
- eventuallyadverbB2/ɪˈven.tʃu.ə.li/in the end, after a long time or after many problems
- evidencenounB2/ˈev.ə.dəns/facts, objects or signs that show something is true
- evilnounB2/ˈiː.vəl/something very bad or harmful, or the force that makes people do very bad things
- evokeverbC1/ɪˈvoʊk/to bring a feeling, memory or image into someone's mind
- executionnounB2/ˌek.sɪˈkjuː.ʃən/the act of killing someone as an official punishment; also the way a plan is carried out
- exertverbC1/ɪɡˈzɜːrt/to use power, influence or pressure to affect something; also to make a big physical or mental effort
- exhilarationnounC1/ɪɡˌzɪl.əˈreɪ.ʃən/a very strong feeling of happiness and excitement
- exoticadjectiveB2/ɪɡˈzɑː.tɪk/unusual and exciting because it comes from, or is related to, a faraway country
- exoticallyadverbC1/ɪɡˈzɑː.tɪ.kəl.i/in a way that seems unusual and exciting because it comes from a faraway place
- experiencenounB1/ɪkˈspɪr.i.əns/knowledge and skill you get by doing something, or an event that affects you
- exploitverbB2/ɪkˈsplɔɪt/to treat someone unfairly for your own benefit; also, to use something fully to gain an advantage
- exploitationnounC1/ˌek.splɔɪˈteɪ.ʃən/unfairly using people or things for your own advantage; also using natural resources to make a profit
- explorationnounB1/ˌek.spləˈreɪ.ʃən/the act of travelling through an unknown place to learn about it, or of examining an idea carefully
- exudeverbC2/ɪɡˈzuːd/to show a quality or feeling strongly, like confidence; also to slowly give off a liquid or smell
- eyelidnounB2/ˈaɪ.lɪd/one of the two pieces of skin that move down to cover your eye
- facultynounB2/ˈfæk.əl.ti/a university department or its teaching staff; also a natural ability, such as hearing or thinking
- faintadjectiveB1/feɪnt/not strong or clear, so it is hard to see, hear or smell; also feeling weak and dizzy
- familiaradjectiveB1/fəˈmɪl.jər/known to you because you have seen or heard it before
- fanaticnounC1/fəˈnæt.ɪk/a person with extreme beliefs, or someone extremely enthusiastic about a sport or hobby
- fancyverbB1/ˈfæn.si/to want to have or do something; also, to feel attracted to someone (mainly British)
- fascinatedadjectiveB2/ˈfæs.ən.eɪ.tɪd/extremely interested in something or someone and wanting to learn more
- feedbacknounB2/ˈfiːd.bæk/comments about how well or badly someone has done something, given to help them improve
- fifthnounB1/fɪfθ/one of the five parts of the same size that something can be divided into
- fightingnounB2/ˈfaɪ.tɪŋ/violent fights, especially in a war or between groups of people
- fireverbB2/faɪr/to make someone leave their job; also to shoot a gun or other weapon
- flatadverbB2/flæt/lying straight against a surface; also completely, or exactly when talking about time
- flitverbC2/flɪt/to move quickly and lightly from one place or thing to another without staying long
- flutternounB2/ˈflʌt.ər/a quick, light movement, like that of wings; also a sudden nervous or excited feeling
- frameverbB2/freɪm/to put a picture in a border, express an idea in a particular way, or falsely make someone seem guilty
- fraudnounB2/frɑːd/the crime of tricking people to get money or goods; also a person who does this
- galenounC2/ɡeɪl/a very strong wind; also, a sudden loud burst of laughter
- geologicallyadverbC1/ˌdʒiː.əˈlɑː.dʒɪ.kəl.i/in a way that is connected with rocks, soil and the history of the earth
- getawaynounB2/ˈɡet.ə.weɪ/a short holiday somewhere relaxing; also an escape after a crime
- giraffenounB1/dʒəˈræf/a tall African animal with a very long neck, long legs and brown spots
- goodsnounB1/ɡʊdz/things that are made to be sold, or things that you own and can carry
- gownnounB1/ɡaʊn/a long, formal dress for special events; also a loose robe worn by doctors, patients or graduates
- graphicadjectiveB1/ˈɡræf.ɪk/related to drawing and design; or showing something unpleasant, like violence, in very clear detail
- groundverbC1/ɡraʊnd/to stop a plane from flying; to punish a teenager by keeping them home; to base something on facts
- groundsnounC1/ɡraʊndz/a good reason for doing, saying or believing something; also the land around a large building
- guitaristnounB1/ɡɪˈtɑːr.ɪst/a person who plays the guitar
- gushnounC1/ɡʌʃ/a large amount of liquid suddenly flowing out; also a sudden strong feeling
- gustonounC1/ˈɡʌs.toʊ/great energy and enjoyment while you are doing something
- haggleverbC1/ˈhæɡ.əl/to argue with a seller to agree on a lower price
- handshakenounB1/ˈhænd.ʃeɪk/the act of holding and shaking another person's hand when you meet, agree, or say goodbye
- harassverbC1/həˈræs/to keep annoying, attacking or threatening someone, often over a long period
- harassmentnounC1/həˈræs.mənt/behaviour that repeatedly annoys, threatens or upsets someone, especially at work or online
- headstrongadjectiveC1/ˈhed.strɑːŋ/determined to do what you want and unwilling to listen to advice
- heapverbB2/hiːp/to put a lot of things in a messy pile; also to give someone a lot of praise or blame
- helicopternounB2/ˈhel.ə.kɑːp.tər/an aircraft with large spinning blades on top that can rise straight up and stay still in the air
- helplessadjectiveB1/ˈhelp.ləs/not able to look after yourself or to do anything to change a bad situation
- hesitateverbB1/ˈhez.ə.teɪt/to pause before you do or say something because you are unsure or nervous
- hoistverbC2/hɔɪst/to lift something heavy, often using ropes or a machine
- homelyadjectiveC1/ˈhoʊm.li/(British) simple, warm and comfortable, like home; (American) not attractive
- honknounC1/hɑːŋk/the loud sound made by a car horn, or the sound a goose makes
- horizonnounB1/həˈraɪ.zən/the line far away where the sky seems to meet the land or the sea
- hospitableadjectiveB2/hɑːˈspɪt.ə.bəl/friendly, generous and welcoming to guests and visitors
- hourlyadjectiveB2/ˈaʊr.li/happening every hour, or calculated for each hour
- humanitynounB1/hjuːˈmæn.ə.ti/all people in the world as a group; also kindness and care shown to others
- humidadjectiveB1/ˈhjuː.mɪd/warm and wet, so the air feels heavy and uncomfortable
- hurriedlyadverbB1/ˈhɜːr.ɪd.li/very quickly, often because you do not have much time
- impactnounB2/ˈɪm.pækt/a strong effect that something has on a person, situation or thing
- impedeverbC1/ɪmˈpiːd/to slow down or block the movement or progress of something
- impersonationnounC1/ɪmˌpɜːr.səˈneɪ.ʃən/copying the way someone talks and behaves to entertain people; also pretending to be someone else to trick people
- improvementnounB1/ɪmˈpruːv.mənt/a change that makes something better, or the process of becoming better
- incumbentadjectiveC2/ɪnˈkʌm.bənt/holding an official job at the present time; also, being someone's formal duty to do something
- independentlyadverbB2/ˌɪn.dɪˈpen.dənt.li/without help or control from other people; also separately, without being connected
- indexnounB2/ˈɪn.deks/an alphabetical list at the back of a book, or a number that shows how something changes
- indirectlyadverbB1/ˌɪn.dəˈrekt.li/not in a straight or open way; through another person, thing or step
- indispensableadjectiveC1/ˌɪn.dɪˈspen.sə.bəl/so important or useful that you cannot manage without it
- individualitynounC1/ˌɪn.də.vɪdʒ.uˈæl.ə.ti/the qualities that make a person or thing different from all others
- infernaladjectiveC2/ɪnˈfɜːr.nəl/extremely annoying or unpleasant; also related to hell
- influencenounB2/ˈɪn.flu.əns/the power to change how someone thinks or behaves, or how something develops
- infringementnounB2/ɪnˈfrɪndʒ.mənt/an action that breaks a law or rule, or that limits someone's rights or freedom
- ingratiateverbC2/ɪnˈɡreɪ.ʃi.eɪt/to try to make someone like you, especially by praising them or doing what they want
- inherentlyadverbC1/ɪnˈher.ənt.li/as a basic, natural part of something that cannot be separated from it
- initiativenounB2/ɪˈnɪʃ.ə.tɪv/a new plan to solve a problem; also the ability to act and decide things without being told
- injurynounB1/ˈɪn.dʒər.i/physical harm or damage to a person's body, for example in an accident
- inspirationaladjectiveB2/ˌɪn.spəˈreɪ.ʃən.əl/giving people new ideas and making them want to do something, especially something good
- insultverbB2/ɪnˈsʌlt/to say or do something rude that upsets someone or shows you do not respect them
- interactverbB1/ˌɪn.tərˈækt/to communicate with, work with or affect each other
- interludenounC2/ˈɪn.tər.luːd/a short period of time between two longer events, or a short piece of music between parts
- interpersonaladjectiveB2/ˌɪn.tərˈpɜːr.sən.əl/connected with the way people communicate and get on with each other
- ironynounC1/ˈaɪ.rə.ni/an odd situation that is the opposite of what you expect, or saying the opposite of what you mean
- irrationaladjectiveB2/ɪˈræʃ.ən.əl/not based on clear thinking or good reasons
- irrelevancynounC2/ɪˈrel.ə.vən.si/something that is not important or not connected with the subject being discussed
- irritatingadjectiveB2/ˈɪr.ə.teɪ.tɪŋ/making you feel annoyed, or making your skin or eyes sore
- issuenounB2/ˈɪʃ.uː/an important subject or problem that people discuss or argue about
- jokeverbB1/dʒoʊk/to say something funny or not serious, to make people laugh
- jurisdictionnounC1/ˌdʒʊr.ɪsˈdɪk.ʃən/the official power to make legal decisions, or the area where this power applies
- justifyverbB2/ˈdʒʌs.tə.faɪ/to give a good reason for something that others think is wrong or unreasonable
- kineticadjectiveC2/kɪˈnet.ɪk/related to movement, or full of energy and constant movement
- knowledgenounB1/ˈnɑː.lɪdʒ/information, facts and understanding that you get from learning or experience
- laryngitisnounC2/ˌler.ɪnˈdʒaɪ.tɪs/an illness of the throat that makes it painful to speak and can make you lose your voice
- latentadjectiveC1/ˈleɪ.tənt/existing but not yet active, developed or noticed
- lawnnounB2/lɑːn/an area of short grass, usually in a garden or park
- leaguenounB1/liːɡ/a group of sports teams that play matches against each other during a season
- leapnounB2/liːp/a big jump, or a sudden large change or improvement
- lecturenounB1/ˈlek.tʃər/a talk to a group of people about a subject, especially at a university
- liaisonnounC1/liˈeɪ.zɑːn/communication and cooperation between groups or people; also a person whose job is to keep it going
- listenernounB2/ˈlɪs.ən.ər/a person who listens, especially to the radio or to someone who is talking
- lorrynounB1/ˈlɔːr.i/a large road vehicle for carrying goods; the usual British word for a truck
- lotterynounB1/ˈlɑː.tər.i/a game in which people buy numbered tickets and win money if their numbers are chosen
- ludicrousadjectiveC1/ˈluː.dɪ.krəs/so silly or unreasonable that it is almost funny
- maintainverbB2/meɪnˈteɪn/to keep something at the same level, or to keep it in good condition
- majoritynounB1/məˈdʒɔːr.ə.ti/more than half of a group of people or things
- manufacturingnounB2/ˌmæn.jəˈfæk.tʃər.ɪŋ/the business of making goods in large numbers, usually in factories using machines
- marathonnounB2/ˈmer.ə.θɑːn/a running race of about 42 kilometres; also any activity that takes a very long time
- meticulousadjectiveC2/məˈtɪk.jə.ləs/very careful and paying great attention to every small detail
- microphonenounB2/ˈmaɪ.krə.foʊn/a device that picks up sound so it can be recorded, made louder or sent somewhere
- microscopicadjectiveB2/ˌmaɪ.krəˈskɑː.pɪk/too tiny to see without a microscope; also used informally for anything extremely small
- microwavenounB2/ˈmaɪ.kroʊ.weɪv/an oven that cooks or heats food very quickly using invisible waves of energy
- minutiaenounC1/mɪˈnuː.ʃi.aɪ/the small, exact details of something
- miserynounB1/ˈmɪz.ər.i/great unhappiness or suffering, often lasting a long time
- misleadingadjectiveB2/ˌmɪsˈliː.dɪŋ/giving a wrong idea or false impression, sometimes on purpose
- misunderstandverbB2/ˌmɪs.ʌn.dərˈstænd/to understand someone or something wrongly
- monotonousadjectiveC1/məˈnɑː.tən.əs/boring because it never changes, or always stays the same in sound or pattern
- mortifyverbB2/ˈmɔːr.tə.faɪ/to make someone feel extremely embarrassed or ashamed
- mutuallyadverbC1/ˈmjuː.tʃu.ə.li/in a way that is shared by or affects two or more people or groups equally
- myriadadjectiveC2/ˈmɪr.i.əd/extremely many; too many to count
- mystiquenounC2/mɪˈstiːk/a special, mysterious quality that makes someone or something seem attractive and interesting
- nourishverbB2/ˈnɜːr.ɪʃ/to give a person, animal or plant the food it needs to grow and stay healthy
- nuisancenounB2/ˈnuː.səns/a person, thing or situation that annoys you or causes small problems
- obviousadjectiveB1/ˈɑːb.vi.əs/easy to see or understand, so that almost everyone notices it
- occupationaladjectiveC1/ˌɑː.kjəˈpeɪ.ʃən.əl/connected with your job or the work you do
- oceannounB1/ˈoʊ.ʃən/the huge area of salt water that covers most of the earth, or one of its main parts
- offhandadverbB2/ˌɑːfˈhænd/immediately, without time to think or check the facts
- opaqueadjectiveC2/oʊˈpeɪk/not letting light pass through, so you cannot see through it; also, difficult to understand
- opportunitynounB1/ˌɑː.pərˈtuː.nə.ti/a time or situation when it is possible for you to do something you want
- optionnounB1/ˈɑːp.ʃən/something that you can choose from a number of possibilities
- opulencenounC2/ˈɑː.pjə.ləns/great wealth and luxury, often shown in an expensive, impressive way
- ornateadjectiveC2/ɔːrˈneɪt/covered with a lot of detailed decoration
- outgrowverbB2/ˌaʊtˈɡroʊ/to become too big for something, or too old or mature to keep enjoying or needing it
- outlinenounB2/ˈaʊt.laɪn/a short description of the main facts or ideas; also, the line around the edge of a shape
- outpatientnounC2/ˈaʊt.peɪ.ʃənt/a person who goes to a hospital for treatment but does not stay there overnight
- outragenounB2/ˈaʊt.reɪdʒ/a strong feeling of anger and shock, or an action that causes this feeling
- outsetnounC1/ˈaʊt.set/the start or beginning of an event, process or period
- outskirtsnounB2/ˈaʊt.skɜːrts/the areas at the edge of a town or city, far from the centre
- overallsnounC1/ˈoʊ.vər.ɑːlz/loose work clothes covering the body and legs, worn over other clothes to keep them clean
- oversizeadjectiveB2/ˌoʊ.vərˈsaɪz/bigger than the usual size, sometimes on purpose as a fashion style
- paternaladjectiveC1/pəˈtɜːr.nəl/relating to a father, or to your father's side of the family
- pedestriannounB2/pəˈdes.tri.ən/a person who is walking in a street rather than travelling in a vehicle
- perceptionnounB2/pərˈsep.ʃən/the way you think about or understand someone or something; also the ability to notice things
- perceptiveadjectiveC1/pərˈsep.tɪv/quick to notice and understand things, especially what other people feel
- performernounB1/pərˈfɔːr.mər/a person who entertains an audience, for example by acting, singing, dancing or playing music
- persuadeverbB1/pərˈsweɪd/to make someone agree to do or believe something by giving them good reasons
- pervasiveadjectiveC2/pərˈveɪ.sɪv/spreading through every part of something, often in a way that is hard to stop
- pervasivenessnounC2/pərˈveɪ.sɪv.nəs/the quality of being present or felt everywhere in a place, group or system
- perverseadjectiveC2/pərˈvɜːrs/strange and unreasonable, often doing the opposite of what is expected or wanted
- philanthropistnounC2/fɪˈlæn.θrə.pɪst/a rich person who gives a lot of money to help people in need
- pitchverbB2/pɪtʃ/to throw a ball; to put up a tent; or to try to sell an idea or product to someone
- plaquenounC1/plæk/a metal or stone sign on a wall honouring a person or event; also a sticky layer on teeth
- ploynounC1/plɔɪ/a clever trick or plan used to get an advantage or make someone do what you want
- plumbingnounC1/ˈplʌm.ɪŋ/the system of pipes and taps that carries water through a building; also, the work of fitting them
- plungenounC1/plʌndʒ/a sudden big fall in amount or value; also a quick jump or dive into water
- poiseverbC2/pɔɪz/to keep something balanced and still, ready to move; (be poised to) be about to do something
- politynounB2/ˈpɑː.lə.ti/a society or state seen as an organized political unit with its own government
- pollutionnounB1/pəˈluː.ʃən/damage to air, water or land caused by dirty or harmful substances
- poseverbC1/poʊz/to cause a problem or danger; to ask a question; or to sit or stand for a photo
- predecessornounC1/ˈpred.ə.ses.ər/a person who had a job or position before someone else, or something that came before
- preferencenounB1/ˈpref.ər.əns/a feeling of liking one thing more than another
- pretendadjectiveB2/prɪˈtend/not real but imagined, especially in children's games
- preventiveadjectiveB2/prɪˈven.tɪv/done or used to stop something bad, such as illness or damage, from happening
- pricelessadjectiveB2/ˈpraɪs.ləs/so valuable that you cannot say how much it is worth; also, very funny (informal)
- priestnounB1/priːst/a person trained to perform religious ceremonies, especially in the Christian church
- profilenounB2/ˈproʊ.faɪl/a short description of someone, or the information about you on a website or app
- profitableadjectiveB2/ˈprɑː.fɪ.tə.bəl/making money; also bringing a useful result or advantage
- prophetnounC1/ˈprɑː.fɪt/a person thought to carry messages from God; also, someone who tells what will happen or champions a new idea
- propositionnounC2/ˌprɑː.pəˈzɪʃ.ən/an idea, offer or plan that is suggested; also a statement to think about or test
- protagonistnounC1/proʊˈtæɡ.ən.ɪst/the main character in a story, film or play; also a leading supporter of an idea
- provocativelyadverbC1/prəˈvɑː.kə.tɪv.li/in a way that is meant to make people angry, excited or eager to react
- punctualitynounB2/ˌpʌŋk.tʃuˈæl.ə.ti/the habit of arriving or doing things at the agreed time, not late
- punitivelyadverbC2/ˈpjuː.nə.tɪv.li/in a way that is meant to punish, or so severely that it seems like a punishment
- pureadjectiveB1/pjʊr/not mixed with anything else; also clean, or complete and total
- puritynounC1/ˈpjʊr.ə.ti/the quality of being clean and not mixed with anything else; also moral goodness
- queueverbB2/kjuː/to wait in a line of people or vehicles until it is your turn
- racismnounB2/ˈreɪ.sɪ.zəm/unfair treatment of people, or the belief that some people are better, because of their race
- rapportnounC1/ræˈpɔːr/a friendly relationship in which people understand each other and communicate well
- recessnounC1/ˈriː.ses/a break when a parliament or court stops work, or a break between school lessons (US)
- reclusenounC2/ˈrek.luːs/a person who lives alone and avoids other people
- reclusiveadjectiveC2/rɪˈkluː.sɪv/preferring to live alone and avoid meeting or talking to other people
- recommendverbB1/ˌrek.əˈmend/to say that someone or something is good, or to advise someone to do something
- recordingnounB1/rɪˈkɔːr.dɪŋ/sounds or images stored so they can be played again; also the act of storing them
- recreationnounB2/ˌrek.riˈeɪ.ʃən/activities that people do for fun and relaxation when they are not working
- reduceverbB1/rɪˈduːs/to make something smaller in size, amount, number or level
- refinerynounB2/rɪˈfaɪ.nər.i/a factory where raw materials such as oil or sugar are made pure
- refreshverbC1/rɪˈfreʃ/to make someone feel less tired or hot; to reload a web page; or to help you remember
- regardlessadverbB2/rɪˈɡɑːrd.ləs/without being affected or stopped by something, even if there are problems
- rehearsalnounB2/rɪˈhɜːr.səl/a practice of a play, concert or other event before it is performed for real
- relapsenounC1/ˈriː.læps/a time when someone becomes ill again, or returns to bad habits, after getting better
- relationshipnounB1/rɪˈleɪ.ʃən.ʃɪp/the way two or more people or groups feel about and behave towards each other
- reliableadjectiveB2/rɪˈlaɪ.ə.bəl/able to be trusted to work well or to do what you expect
- relievedadjectiveB2/rɪˈliːvd/happy and calm because something bad did not happen or a worry has ended
- reluctantlyadverbC1/rɪˈlʌk.tənt.li/in a way that shows you do not really want to do something
- remembrancenounB1/rɪˈmem.brəns/the act of remembering and showing respect for someone who has died or a past event
- reptilianadjectiveC2/repˈtɪl.i.ən/connected with or like reptiles; also describing a person who seems cold and unfriendly
- requestverbB1/rɪˈkwest/to ask for something politely or officially
- reservationnounB1/ˌrez.ərˈveɪ.ʃən/an arrangement to keep a table, room or seat for you; also a doubt about something
- resourcenounB1/rɪˈsɔːrs/something useful, such as money, people, materials or information, that you can use when needed
- respectableadjectiveB1/rɪˈspek.tə.bəl/considered by society to be good, honest and proper; also good enough, though not excellent
- responsibilitynounB2/rɪˌspɑːn.səˈbɪl.ə.ti/a duty to deal with or take care of something, so you are blamed if it goes wrong
- responsibleadjectiveB1/rɪˈspɑːn.sə.bəl/having the duty to deal with something; also, being the cause of something
- restoreverbB1/rɪˈstɔːr/to bring something back to its earlier good condition, or to make something exist again
- retailernounB2/ˈriː.teɪ.lər/a person or company that sells goods directly to the public, usually in shops or online
- reverberationnounC2/rɪˌvɜːr.bəˈreɪ.ʃən/a sound that continues by bouncing off surfaces; also a long-lasting effect of an event
- ripeadjectiveB1/raɪp/ready to be picked and eaten; also ready or suitable for something to happen
- rosyadjectiveB2/ˈroʊ.zi/pink and healthy-looking; or hopeful, suggesting that things will be good
- rotateverbC1/ˈroʊ.teɪt/to turn in a circle around a central point; also to take turns or change in a regular order
- rubbernounB1/ˈrʌb.ər/a strong material that stretches and bends, made from trees or chemicals; in British English, also an eraser
- ruraladjectiveB2/ˈrʊr.əl/connected with the countryside, not with towns or cities
- rustlenounC1/ˈrʌs.əl/a soft, light sound made when things like leaves or paper move against each other
- salarynounB1/ˈsæl.ər.i/the fixed amount of money you get from your employer, usually every month
- saleswomannounB2/ˈseɪlzˌwʊm.ən/a woman whose job is selling things, in a shop or to other companies
- scandalnounB2/ˈskæn.dəl/an event involving dishonest or shocking behaviour that makes the public angry
- scareverbB1/sker/to make a person or animal feel afraid
- scholarnounB1/ˈskɑː.lər/a person who studies a subject in great detail, especially at a university
- scornfullyadverbC1/ˈskɔːrn.fəl.i/in a way that shows you think someone or something is stupid or not good enough
- seismicadjectiveC2/ˈsaɪz.mɪk/connected with earthquakes; also, having a very great effect or causing big changes
- severeadjectiveB1/səˈvɪr/very bad or serious, causing a lot of harm or pain; also very strict
- shamblesnounC1/ˈʃæm.bəlz/a situation or place that is very badly organized or very untidy
- shoalnounC2/ʃoʊl/a large group of fish swimming together; also a large number of people or things
- showyadjectiveC1/ˈʃoʊ.i/very bright, colourful or expensive-looking, in order to attract attention
- sighverbB2/saɪ/to breathe out slowly and loudly because you are tired, sad, bored, or relieved
- significantlyadverbB2/sɪɡˈnɪf.ə.kənt.li/in a way that is large or important enough to be noticed or to have an effect
- skeletonnounB1/ˈskel.ə.tən/the frame of bones that supports the body of a person or animal; also the basic structure of something
- skyscrapernounB1/ˈskaɪˌskreɪ.pər/a very tall modern building in a city
- slabnounC2/slæb/a thick, flat piece of stone, wood, concrete or food
- slapverbB2/slæp/to hit someone or something quickly with the flat inside part of your hand
- slightadjectiveB2/slaɪt/small in amount or degree, and not very important or serious
- snoozeverbC1/snuːz/to sleep lightly for a short time; also, to stop an alarm so it rings again later
- soakverbB2/soʊk/to put something in liquid for a time, or to make something completely wet
- solidadjectiveB1/ˈsɑː.lɪd/hard and firm, not liquid or gas; also strong, reliable or of good quality
- solventnounB2/ˈsɑːl.vənt/a liquid that can dissolve another substance, such as paint, oil or glue
- somersaultverbC1/ˈsʌm.ər.sɔːlt/to turn your body over in the air or on the ground, so your feet go over your head
- sortnounB1/sɔːrt/a type or kind of person or thing
- spatiallyadverbC2/ˈspeɪ.ʃəl.i/in a way that is connected with space, size, shape and position
- specialistnounB1/ˈspeʃ.əl.ɪst/a person who knows a lot about one subject, or a doctor who treats one type of problem
- specificationnounC1/ˌspes.ə.fəˈkeɪ.ʃən/a detailed description of how something must be made or what it must be able to do
- sponsorshipnounC1/ˈspɑːn.sər.ʃɪp/money or support a company gives to an event, team or person, usually to advertise itself
- spurnounB2/spɜːr/something that encourages a person or activity to develop or happen faster
- stepfathernounB2/ˈstep.fɑː.ðər/the man who is married to your mother but is not your father
- stockverbC1/stɑːk/to keep a supply of goods to sell; also to fill a place with food or other things
- strangelyadverbB1/ˈstreɪndʒ.li/in an unusual or surprising way; also used to say that something is surprising
- stratospherenounC2/ˈstræt.ə.sfɪr/the layer of air about 10 to 50 kilometres above the earth; also a very high level
- striveverbB2/straɪv/to try very hard to achieve something, often for a long time
- stupidadjectiveB1/ˈstuː.pɪd/not intelligent or sensible; also used about things that annoy you
- stylistnounB2/ˈstaɪ.lɪst/a person whose job is cutting and styling hair, or choosing clothes and looks for people
- subplotnounB2/ˈsʌb.plɑːt/a less important story that happens alongside the main story in a book, film or play
- subsistencenounC2/səbˈsɪs.təns/the state of having just enough food or money to stay alive
- suppleadjectiveC1/ˈsʌp.əl/able to bend and move easily; also, soft and not stiff, like good leather or healthy skin
- surgerynounB1/ˈsɜːr.dʒər.i/medical treatment in which a doctor cuts open the body to repair or remove something
- surrealismnounC2/səˈriː.ə.lɪ.zəm/an art movement from the 1920s that shows strange, dream-like images; also a strange, dream-like quality
- surrenderverbB2/səˈren.dər/to stop fighting and admit defeat; also to give something to someone because you are forced to
- surroundverbB1/səˈraʊnd/to be all around something or someone, or to move into a position all around them
- syllabicadjectiveC2/sɪˈlæb.ɪk/relating to syllables, or forming a syllable on its own; also based on syllables, like some writing systems
- tacticnounC2/ˈtæk.tɪk/a planned action or method used to achieve a particular goal
- technicallyadverbB2/ˈtek.nɪ.kəl.i/according to the exact rules or facts, even if it seems different; also relating to skill or technology
- temperamentnounC1/ˈtem.pər.ə.mənt/a person's or animal's basic nature, especially how calm or emotional they usually are
- tenacitynounC2/təˈnæs.ə.ti/the quality of not giving up easily and continuing to try until you succeed
- terriblyadverbB1/ˈter.ə.bli/very or extremely; also very badly
- terrorismnounB1/ˈter.ər.ɪ.zəm/the use of violence against ordinary people to frighten them, usually for political reasons
- thankfuladjectiveB1/ˈθæŋk.fəl/pleased and relieved that something good has happened or that something bad has not happened
- thirstverbB1/θɜːrst/to want something very much, such as knowledge, success or adventure
- thoughtfuladjectiveB2/ˈθɑːt.fəl/kind and always thinking about what other people need; also, quiet and thinking seriously
- thumbnounB1/θʌm/the short, thick finger on the side of your hand, set apart from the other four
- tightropenounB2/ˈtaɪt.roʊp/a rope high above the ground that performers walk along; also a difficult situation needing great care
- tilenounB1/taɪl/a flat square piece of baked clay, stone or plastic used to cover floors, walls or roofs
- toughnessnounC1/ˈtʌf.nəs/the quality of being strong and able to deal with difficult situations or hard conditions
- tranquiladjectiveC1/ˈtræŋ.kwɪl/calm, quiet and peaceful
- transfixverbC1/trænsˈfɪks/to make someone so shocked, interested or afraid that they cannot move or look away
- transparentadjectiveB2/trænˈsper.ənt/clear enough to see through; also open and honest, with nothing hidden
- treatnounB1/triːt/something special and enjoyable that you give someone or do for yourself, such as food or an outing
- truismnounC2/ˈtruː.ɪ.zəm/a statement that is so clearly true that saying it adds nothing new
- tuberculosisnounB2/tuːˌbɜːr.kjəˈloʊ.sɪs/a serious infectious disease that mainly attacks the lungs
- turtlenounB1/ˈtɜːr.təl/a reptile with a hard shell that lives mostly in water, especially the sea
- unifyverbB1/ˈjuː.nə.faɪ/to join people, groups or parts together so that they become one
- unravelverbC2/ʌnˈræv.əl/to undo twisted threads; to solve something mysterious; or to start to fail
- untreatedadjectiveB2/ʌnˈtriː.tɪd/not given medical care, or not cleaned or made safe with chemicals
- vagueadjectiveB1/veɪɡ/not clear or detailed, so it is difficult to understand, remember or see exactly
- variedadjectiveB2/ˈver.id/including many different types of things or people
- variousadjectiveB1/ˈver.i.əs/many different; of several different types
- vastadjectiveB1/væst/extremely large in size, amount or area
- vicinitynounC2/vəˈsɪn.ə.ti/the area around or near a particular place
- virusnounB1/ˈvaɪ.rəs/a tiny living thing that causes disease; also a program that harms a computer
- vitaladjectiveB2/ˈvaɪ.təl/extremely important or necessary for something to succeed or exist
- wagonnounB1/ˈwæɡ.ən/a vehicle with four wheels, pulled by horses, for carrying heavy loads; also a train car for goods
- waneverbC2/weɪn/to become gradually weaker, smaller or less important; also of the moon, to appear smaller each night
- weaklyadverbB2/ˈwiːk.li/in a way that has little strength, energy or force
- wickedadjectiveC1/ˈwɪk.ɪd/morally very bad and cruel; also slightly naughty in a funny way
- widownounB2/ˈwɪd.oʊ/a woman who has lost her husband through death and has not married again
- willingnessnounB1/ˈwɪl.ɪŋ.nəs/the fact of being happy or ready to do something when it is needed
- windshieldnounB2/ˈwɪnd.ʃiːld/the large glass window at the front of a car, bus or truck
- wirenounB1/waɪr/a long thin piece of metal used to carry electricity or to fasten or support things
- withdrawnadjectiveC1/wɪðˈdrɑːn/very quiet and shy, and not wanting to talk to or be with other people
- wrapverbB1/ræp/to cover something by folding paper, cloth or plastic around it
- wrappingnounB1/ˈræp.ɪŋ/paper, plastic or other material used to cover and protect something, especially a present