IELTS vocabulary flashcards
96 words and collocations that appear again and again in IELTS topics. Tap a card to see its meaning, then say whether you knew it.
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The full word list
Prefer to study from a list? Here are all the words with definitions and examples. For tips on learning them effectively, read IELTS vocabulary by topic.
Education
| Word | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| curriculum (noun) | the subjects included in a course of study | The national curriculum now includes coding from the age of eight. |
| vocational (adjective) | relating to skills needed for a particular job | Vocational courses can lead directly to well-paid technical jobs. |
| tuition (noun) | teaching, or the fee paid for it | Tuition fees have risen sharply at many universities. |
| literacy (noun) | the ability to read and write | Adult literacy programmes have transformed rural communities. |
| rote learning (noun phrase) | memorising by repetition without understanding | Rote learning may help in exams but rarely builds real understanding. |
| academic performance (noun phrase) | how well a student does in their studies | Sleep has a measurable effect on academic performance. |
| drop out (phrasal verb) | to leave school or a course before finishing | Financial pressure causes many students to drop out. |
| well-rounded (adjective) | having a broad range of skills and experiences | Sport and music help to produce well-rounded students. |
| discipline (noun) | the ability to control behaviour; also a field of study | Online learning requires a great deal of self-discipline. |
| compulsory (adjective) | required by law or a rule | Education is compulsory until the age of sixteen in many countries. |
| graduate (noun / verb) | a person with a degree; to complete a degree | She graduated in engineering and now works abroad. |
| critical thinking (noun phrase) | the ability to analyse and evaluate information | Employers value critical thinking more than memorised facts. |
Environment
| Word | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| emissions (noun) | gases sent into the air, especially carbon dioxide | Transport accounts for a large share of carbon emissions. |
| renewable (adjective) | naturally replaced; not running out | Renewable energy now supplies a growing proportion of electricity. |
| biodiversity (noun) | the variety of plant and animal life | Deforestation is the main threat to biodiversity in the region. |
| sustainable (adjective) | able to continue without damaging the environment | Sustainable farming protects the soil for future generations. |
| deforestation (noun) | the cutting down of forests | Deforestation contributes to both flooding and climate change. |
| mitigate (verb) | to make something less harmful or serious | Planting trees can help mitigate the effects of urban heat. |
| fossil fuels (noun phrase) | coal, oil and gas formed from ancient organisms | The country still depends heavily on fossil fuels. |
| carbon footprint (noun phrase) | the amount of carbon dioxide a person or activity produces | Flying less is the quickest way to reduce your carbon footprint. |
| conservation (noun) | the protection of nature and natural resources | Conservation projects have saved the species from extinction. |
| landfill (noun) | a place where waste is buried | Most plastic packaging still ends up in landfill. |
| drought (noun) | a long period without rain | The drought destroyed half of the region's crops. |
| tackle (verb) | to make a determined effort to deal with a problem | Governments must work together to tackle climate change. |
Technology
| Word | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| innovation (noun) | a new idea, method or product | Innovation in battery design has made electric cars affordable. |
| obsolete (adjective) | no longer used because something better exists | Many jobs may become obsolete as automation spreads. |
| automate (verb) | to make a process work by machine, without people | Banks have automated most routine transactions. |
| digital divide (noun phrase) | the gap between people with and without access to technology | Cheap smartphones have narrowed the digital divide. |
| cutting-edge (adjective) | the most advanced | The hospital uses cutting-edge imaging equipment. |
| breakthrough (noun) | an important discovery or development | The vaccine was a major scientific breakthrough. |
| privacy (noun) | the right to keep personal information secret | Social media companies face criticism over user privacy. |
| artificial intelligence (noun phrase) | computer systems that perform tasks needing human intelligence | Artificial intelligence is already used to detect diseases. |
| addictive (adjective) | making people unable to stop using something | Many apps are deliberately designed to be addictive. |
| user-friendly (adjective) | easy to use or understand | The new interface is far more user-friendly. |
| cyberbullying (noun) | bullying through electronic communication | Schools are introducing policies to prevent cyberbullying. |
| double-edged sword (idiom) | something with both advantages and disadvantages | Remote work is a double-edged sword for many employees. |
Health
| Word | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| sedentary (adjective) | involving a lot of sitting and little exercise | A sedentary lifestyle increases the risk of heart disease. |
| obesity (noun) | the condition of being very overweight | Childhood obesity has doubled in some countries. |
| life expectancy (noun phrase) | the average number of years a person is expected to live | Life expectancy has risen thanks to better healthcare. |
| preventive (adjective) | intended to stop something before it happens | Preventive medicine is cheaper than treating illness later. |
| well-being (noun) | the state of being healthy and happy | Green spaces improve the mental well-being of city residents. |
| epidemic (noun) | a widespread outbreak of a disease | Health officials acted quickly to contain the epidemic. |
| nutritious (adjective) | containing substances needed for health | School meals should be nutritious as well as affordable. |
| chronic (adjective) | lasting a long time | Chronic stress can weaken the immune system. |
| sanitation (noun) | systems for clean water and waste removal | Improved sanitation dramatically reduced child mortality. |
| strain (noun) | pressure on a system | An ageing population puts a strain on the healthcare system. |
| side effect (noun) | an unwanted effect of a medicine | The drug has few serious side effects. |
| balanced diet (noun phrase) | a diet with the right mix of foods | A balanced diet includes plenty of fruit and vegetables. |
Work
| Word | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| work-life balance (noun phrase) | the balance between time at work and personal life | Flexible hours improve work-life balance. |
| job security (noun phrase) | confidence that you will not lose your job | Young workers often trade job security for higher pay. |
| promotion (noun) | a move to a higher position | She received a promotion after only two years. |
| redundant (adjective) | no longer employed because the job is not needed | Hundreds of workers were made redundant when the factory closed. |
| entrepreneur (noun) | a person who starts a business | The city offers grants to young entrepreneurs. |
| skills shortage (noun phrase) | a lack of workers with particular skills | There is a serious skills shortage in nursing. |
| remuneration (noun) | payment for work (formal) | Remuneration includes salary, bonuses and benefits. |
| commute (verb / noun) | to travel regularly between home and work | Many employees commute for over an hour each way. |
| gig economy (noun phrase) | work based on short-term jobs rather than permanent contracts | Delivery riders are typical workers in the gig economy. |
| productivity (noun) | the rate at which work is produced | Shorter meetings can boost productivity. |
| burnout (noun) | exhaustion caused by long-term stress at work | Burnout is increasingly common among young professionals. |
| incentive (noun) | something that encourages a person to act | Tax incentives encourage companies to hire apprentices. |
Society
| Word | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| inequality (noun) | an unfair difference between groups | Income inequality has grown in many developed countries. |
| urbanisation (noun) | the movement of people from rural areas to cities | Rapid urbanisation has created a housing shortage. |
| affordable housing (noun phrase) | homes that people on average incomes can pay for | The council plans to build 2,000 units of affordable housing. |
| ageing population (noun phrase) | a population with a growing share of older people | An ageing population means fewer workers per retiree. |
| welfare (noun) | government support for people in need | The welfare system provides a safety net for the unemployed. |
| integration (noun) | the process of becoming part of a group or society | Language classes support the integration of new migrants. |
| volunteer (noun / verb) | a person who works without pay; to do so | Volunteers run the local food bank. |
| infrastructure (noun) | basic systems such as roads, power and water | Investment in infrastructure creates jobs and growth. |
| congestion (noun) | overcrowding, especially of traffic | A congestion charge reduced traffic in the city centre. |
| legislation (noun) | laws, or the process of making them | New legislation bans single-use plastics. |
| deterrent (noun) | something that discourages an action | Heavy fines act as a deterrent to littering. |
| rehabilitation (noun) | helping someone return to normal life | Education programmes in prison support rehabilitation. |
Academic verbs
| Word | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| illustrate (verb) | to show or explain with examples | The graph illustrates changes in energy use. |
| fluctuate (verb) | to rise and fall irregularly | Prices fluctuated throughout the year. |
| account for (phrasal verb) | to form a particular amount of something | Women account for 60% of university graduates. |
| peak (verb / noun) | to reach the highest point | Sales peaked in December at 4,000 units. |
| decline (verb / noun) | to become smaller or worse | The number of smokers has declined steadily. |
| outweigh (verb) | to be greater or more important than | The benefits far outweigh the risks. |
| exacerbate (verb) | to make a problem worse | Cutting bus routes would exacerbate congestion. |
| alleviate (verb) | to make suffering or a problem less severe | New housing could alleviate overcrowding. |
| undermine (verb) | to weaken gradually | Constant criticism can undermine a child's confidence. |
| advocate (verb / noun) | to publicly support; a supporter | Many doctors advocate a sugar tax. |
| implement (verb) | to put a plan into action | The policy was implemented in 2021. |
| contribute to (verb) | to help cause something | Poor diet contributes to many health problems. |
Linking & opinion
| Word | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| nevertheless (adverb) | in spite of that | The plan is expensive. Nevertheless, it is necessary. |
| consequently (adverb) | as a result | Fares rose; consequently, fewer people used the bus. |
| whereas (conjunction) | used to compare two contrasting facts | Cities are crowded, whereas villages are often isolated. |
| admittedly (adverb) | used to accept a point against your argument | Admittedly, the scheme has some weaknesses. |
| in contrast (phrase) | used to show a difference | In contrast, rural areas saw little growth. |
| to a certain extent (phrase) | partly | I agree with this view to a certain extent. |
| undeniably (adverb) | in a way that cannot be denied | Technology has undeniably improved communication. |
| by and large (phrase) | generally; on the whole | By and large, the reforms have been successful. |
| it could be argued (phrase) | used to introduce a possible view | It could be argued that tourism does more harm than good. |
| on balance (phrase) | after considering everything | On balance, I believe the advantages are greater. |
| moreover (adverb) | in addition (formal) | The policy is popular. Moreover, it is affordable. |
| albeit (conjunction) | although (formal, before a phrase) | The economy grew, albeit slowly. |