Vocabulary for IELTS Speaking: Word Lists with Meaning, Synonyms
International English Language Testing System ( IELTS )
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Raushan KumarAssistant Manager Content
You need to have strong vocabulary to score a band score of 9 in the IELTS Speaking section. Enhancing your vocabulary is important as it directly influences one of the assessment criteria i.e. Lexical Resource on the IELTS Speaking test. The examiner assesses you on how you communicate. Learning a wide range of vocabulary for IELTS Speaking test helps you to express through a variety of words and phrases instead of repeating the same words again and again.
For both IELTS paper-based and computer-based, the Speaking Test includes a face-to-face interview with the examiner. If you are struggling with expressing ideas clearly or sounding more fluent, this article will help you enhance your IELTS Speaking Vocabulary, providing suitable examples so that you know in which context the words can be used.
Table of Content
- IELTS Speaking Vocabulary List
- Additional Tips for IELTS Speaking Vocabulary
- Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How can I improve my IELTS Speaking Vocabulary?
A. Improving vocabulary for IELTS Speaking is not a day's task and one needs to learn and practice daily to be able to perform nicely on the exam day. Check out some effective tips and tricks below that can help you improve your IELTS Speaking vocabulary.
- Learn Vocabulary (new words) with their meanings, usage and examples. This is because various synonyms of a word may have the same meaning but their correct way of use may not be the same in sentences or words of different kinds. For example, "large house" is a correct adjective for describing the size of the house while "gigantic house" may be wrong. This is because the word "gigantic" can describe a large object but it is often used for something impressively large, which a house usually isn't.
-
Use a thesaurus as it can help you find synonyms for words you already know. This will help you avoid repetition and use more precise language.
-
Learn collocations for each word you often use in your daily conversation. Collocations are words that often go together. Learning collocations will help you sound more natural. For example, "strong tea," "heavy rain," and "fast food".
- Try to use new words and phrases in your everyday conversations. The more you use them, the better you will remember them.
- Write down new words and phrases that you learn in a notebook and re-read them regularly. Include their meaning, pronunciation, and example sentences.
Q. Which are the most important IELTS Speaking Vocabulary words?
A. There is a broad range of vocabulary, including both common and less common words that can significantly enhance your IELTS Speaking score. Some of such important vocabulary words for IELTS Speaking to be used in different contexts are given below.
- Academic Vocabulary: Words like "significant," "substantial," "complex," "diverse," "crucial," "paramount," etc.
- Descriptive Vocabulary: Words that vividly describe people, places, things, and emotions, like "picturesque," "serene," "exhilarating," "melancholy," etc.
- Connectives: Words that link ideas together, like "however," "moreover," "nevertheless," "consequently," etc.
- Environment: "sustainability," "climate change," "carbon footprint," "renewable energy," "deforestation," etc.
- Health and Fitness: "obesity," "malnutrition," "sedentary lifestyle," "aerobic exercise," "healthy diet," etc.
- Travel and Tourism: "itinerary," "souvenir," "backpacker," "cultural immersion," "ecotourism," etc.
Remember, it's not just about knowing the words; it's about using them correctly in context. Practice using these words in your daily conversations and writing.
Q. List 10 IELTS Speaking vocabulary words with meaning.
A. Below is the list of 10 vocabulary words for IELTS Speaking.
- Nuance: A subtle difference in meaning or expression.
- Connotation: An idea or feeling that a word invokes in addition to its literal or primary meaning.
- Articulate: Able to speak fluently and coherently.
- Cohesive: United or working together effectively
- Coherent: Something (idea, plan or argument) or someone that are clear
- Idiom: A group of words established by usage as having a meaning not deducible from those of the individual words.
- Collocation: A combination of words that often occur together.
- Elucidate: To explain or clarify.
- Exemplify: To illustrate by example.
- Speculate: To form a theory or conjecture about a subject without firm evidence.
IELTS Speaking Vocabulary List
This section contains lists of vocabulary words for IELTS Speaking test in an alphabetical order. Try to match these words with the appropriate context while speaking to understand their meaning, as using them accurately will improve your IELTS Speaking score.
| IELTS Speaking Vocabulary Starting with Letter "A" | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Vocabulary |
Meaning |
Example |
Synonyms |
| Abhorrent |
Morally very bad |
“He did an abhorrent crime.” |
Despicable, loathsome |
| abundant |
Existing in large quantities |
“There were abundant snacks at the party last night.” |
Generous, plentiful |
| acclimate |
To adjust to different life conditions, weather, etc |
“When she moved to a new city, she took time to acclimate her.” |
Adapt, accustom. |
| IELTS Speaking Vocabulary Starting with Letter "B" | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Vocabulary |
Meaning |
Example |
Synonyms |
| Benevolent |
To show kindness, helpful |
“Her benevolent nature led her to donate regularly.” |
Humane, compassionate |
| Blissful |
Extremely happy |
“The couple enjoyed a blissful vacation in Hawaii.” |
delighted, satisfied |
| IELTS Speaking Vocabulary Starting with Letter "C" | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Vocabulary |
Meaning |
Example |
Synonyms |
| Cynical |
To believe that people are only interested in themselves and are not sincere |
“People are so cynical nowadays.’’ |
Negative, pessimistic |
| Convivial |
Friendly; likely to enjoy the company of others |
“The party had a convivial atmosphere, with everyone enjoying each other’s company.” |
Social, outgoing |
| Charismatic |
Someone with a compelling charm that inspires others |
“Her charismatic personality drew people to her effortlessly.” |
Charming, attractive |
| IELTS Speaking Vocabulary Starting with Letter "D" | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Vocabulary |
Meaning |
Example |
Synonyms |
| Diligent |
Careful and using a lot of effort |
“John is very diligent in/about his work.” |
active/engaged |
| Docile |
Easy to influence/ easily managed |
“The docile nature of the dog made it effortless to train him.” |
Accommodating, obedient, submissive |
| Dissuade |
To prevent somebody from doing something. |
“She tried to dissuade her husband from going on a trip.” |
Discourage, steer |
| Discreet |
Careful not to draw too much attention |
“She was very discreet about her personal life.” |
Cautious, subtle |
| IELTS Speaking Vocabulary Starting with Letter "E" | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Vocabulary |
Meaning |
Example |
Synonyms |
| Eccentric |
Someone who acts odd or strange. |
“The neighbour has become more eccentric over the years.” |
Bizarre, unusual |
| Elucidate |
To explain something clearly |
“The aim of the class is to elucidate grammar rules.” |
Clarify, illustrate |
| Ebullient |
Someone full of energy |
“On the call, she sounded ebullient.” |
Enthusiastic, lively |
| IELTS Speaking Vocabulary Starting with Letter "F" | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Vocabulary |
Meaning |
Example |
Synonyms |
| Futile |
Serving no useful purpose |
“It was a futile attempt to talk to him.” |
Pointless, ineffective |
| Fastidious |
Someone who is very attentive to detail |
“She is very fastidious about keeping her room clean.” |
careful, picky |
| Flourish |
To be successful; to prosper |
“The company began to flourish after it launched its new marketing strategy.” |
Boom, succeed |
| IELTS Speaking Vocabulary Starting with Letter "G" | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Vocabulary |
Meaning |
Example |
Synonyms |
| Generous |
Someone who shows readiness to give more of something than is expected. |
“The senator’s wife is known for generous donations to various charities.” |
Charitable, Altruistic |
| Grievance |
A complaint or a strong feeling that one is treated unfairly. |
“The employee filed a grievance with the HR department.” |
Complaint, objection |
| IELTS Speaking Vocabulary Starting with Letter "H" | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Vocabulary |
Meaning |
Example |
Synonyms |
| Hostile |
not liking something; unfriendly |
“The negotiation became hostile when they disagreed on the budget.” |
Opposed, aggressive |
| Humble |
Not showing any superiority. |
“She was humble about her achievement, not boasting.” |
Modest, meek |
| Heed |
A state of being aware, especially to advice or warning. |
“We should heed the advice of our elders.” |
Listen to. |
| IELTS Speaking Vocabulary Starting with Letter "I" | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Vocabulary |
Meaning |
Example |
Synonyms |
| Indifferent |
Uninterested in something or someone |
“He was indifferent about the upcoming elections.” |
Nonchalant, unconcerned |
| Imminent |
Something likely to happen soon |
“The imminent deadline added to her stress.” |
Forthcoming, approaching |
| Inquisitive |
Want to discover as much as possible about things or people |
“My neighbour has an inquisitive child.” |
Curious, interested. |
| IELTS Speaking Vocabulary Starting with Letter "J" | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Vocabulary |
Meaning |
Example |
Synonyms |
| Jeopardise |
To put something in danger |
“If they do not obey orders, they could jeopardise the mission.” |
Endanger, imperil |
| Judicious |
To show/ have good judgment in decision-making. |
“He made a judicious decision to invest in stocks.” |
Prudent, sensible |
| Jubilant |
To express happiness, especially due to success |
“The team was jubilant after winning the cricket match.” |
Ecstatic, exultant. |
| IELTS Speaking Vocabulary Starting with Letter "K" | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Vocabulary |
Meaning |
Example |
Synonyms |
| Kudos |
Public Praise and admiration received for an achievement |
“Kudos to the team for their hard work and dedication.” |
applause, accolade |
| Keen |
To be very eager to do something |
“He was keen to climb Mt Everest.” |
Enthusiastic, ardent |
| IELTS Speaking Vocabulary Starting with Letter "L" | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Vocabulary |
Meaning |
Example |
Synonyms |
| Lavish |
To go beyond a limit in the amount (as in excessive) |
“They stayed in a lavish resort for the weekend.” |
Extravagant, extreme |
| Lucid |
Easy to understand; clearly expressed |
“The professor’s lucid explanation made the topic easy to understand.” |
Comprehensible, articulate |
| Lethargic |
Having little or no energy |
“The humid weather made us lethargic and unmotivated to do anything.” |
sluggish, dull |
| IELTS Speaking Vocabulary Starting with Letter "M" | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Vocabulary |
Meaning |
Example |
Synonyms |
| Meticulous |
To show great attention to detail |
“She is known for her meticulous planning, ensuring every detail is perfect.” |
careful, conscientious |
| Mundane |
Not very interesting; ordinary |
“He led a mundane life, working nine to five.” |
usual, monotonous |
| Malleable |
Capable of easily influenced |
“Young minds are more malleable than adult minds.” |
adjustable, flexible |
| IELTS Speaking Vocabulary Starting with Letter "N" | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Vocabulary |
Meaning |
Example |
Synonyms |
| Notorious |
Well known for something bad |
“The notorious gang was finally captured by the police.” |
Infamous, shady |
| Nonchalant |
To show or feel a lack of concern |
“She seemed nonchalant about the upcoming exam.” |
Casual, careless |
| Negligible |
So small as to warrant no attention. |
“The error was negligible that it did not affect the results.” |
Minimal, insignificant |
| IELTS Speaking Vocabulary Starting with Letter "O" | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Vocabulary |
Meaning |
Example |
Synonyms |
| Obscure |
Not widely known about. |
The origins of cultures in Africa are obscure.” |
unknown, unpopular |
| Obsolete |
Something not in use anymore, old-fashioned |
“The old printer is obsolete, so I can't get replacement parts. |
Archaic, outdated |
| IELTS Speaking Vocabulary Starting with Letter "P" | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Vocabulary |
Meaning |
Example |
Synonyms |
| Pragmatic |
To see things as they really are and deal with them. |
“She made a pragmatic decision to save money for the trip.” |
Practical, realistic, sensible |
| Profound |
Extreme impact in degree, power, or effect |
“The speech by the President had a profound impact on the audience.” |
intense, fierce |
| Pernicious |
To have a harmful effect in a gradual way. |
“Social media have a pernicious influence on people’s self-esteem.” |
adverse, detrimental |
| IELTS Speaking Vocabulary Starting with Letter "Q" | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Vocabulary |
Meaning |
Example |
Synonyms |
| Query |
A question, one addressed to an authority. |
“He had a query regarding HR policy.” |
doubt, inquiry |
| Quintessential |
The most typical example |
“John is the quintessential example of a successful entrepreneur. |
classic, exemplary |
| IELTS Speaking Vocabulary Starting with Letter "R" | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Vocabulary |
Meaning |
Example |
Synonyms |
| Renowned |
The state of being widely known |
“Mona Lisa is the renowned work by Leonardo da Vinci.” |
Prominent, famous |
| Resilient |
Able to be happy again after something bad has happened. |
“Her resilient nature helped her succeed in difficult times.” |
Tenacious, strong |
| Reclusive |
To avoid going outside or talking to other people. |
“After the tragedy, he led a reclusive life in the mountains.” |
solitary, secluded |
| IELTS Speaking Vocabulary Starting with Letter "S" | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Vocabulary |
Meaning |
Example |
Synonyms |
| Scrutinize |
To check something very carefully. |
“The HR scrutinize each applicant’s resume.” |
Examine, inspect |
| Skeptical |
Unsure about the truth of something. |
“She was skeptical that the plan would succeed.” |
Suspicious, dubious |
| Sympathy |
To understand someone’s sorrow or suffering |
“He offered sympathy to the family after their loss.” |
Compassion, understanding |
| IELTS Speaking Vocabulary Starting with Letter "T" | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Vocabulary |
Meaning |
Example |
Synonyms |
| Tenacious |
To continue despite difficulties |
“Her tenacious spirit ensured she achieved her goals.” |
Persistent, determined |
| Tedious |
Something that is not interesting or exciting. |
“She had a tedious and long staff meeting yesterday.” |
Boring, dull |
| Thorough |
Detailed and careful. |
“The detective conducted a thorough investigation.” |
Sheer, absolute |
| IELTS Speaking Vocabulary Starting with Letter "U" | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Vocabulary |
Meaning |
Example |
Synonyms |
| Unbiased |
To be able to judge fairly. |
“He is known for his unbiased decisions.” |
equitable, impartial |
| Unanimous |
A group of people agreeing on a particular matter |
“The jury’s unanimous verdict brought relief to the courtroom.” |
concordant, united |
| IELTS Speaking Vocabulary Starting with Letter "V" | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Vocabulary |
Meaning |
Example |
Synonyms |
| Vivid |
To produce a clear image in the mind. |
“His son has a very vivid imagination.” |
graphic, lively |
| Vulnerable |
Prone to be physically or mentally hurt |
“Elderly are more vulnerable to the flu.” |
Susceptible, sensitive |
| Validate |
To check the accuracy (of something) |
“The results of the experiment validated the hypothesis.” |
Verify, confirm |
| IELTS Speaking Vocabulary Starting with Letter "W" | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Vocabulary |
Meaning |
Example |
Synonyms |
| Wrath |
A state of extreme anger. |
“The villagers feared the wrath of the king.” |
indignation, fury |
| Witty |
Someone using words in a clever and funny way. |
“He made a witty remark during the meeting.” |
Clever, sharp |
| IELTS Speaking Vocabulary Starting with Letter "X" | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Vocabulary |
Meaning |
Example |
Synonyms |
| Xylophone |
A musical instrument consisting of wooden bars of different lengths. |
“Her child played the xylophone in school.” |
instrument |
| IELTS Speaking Vocabulary Starting with Letter "Y" | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Vocabulary |
Meaning |
Example |
Synonyms |
| Yearn |
To desire very strongly. |
“After a long hike, they all yearned for a hearty meal.” |
pine, crave |
| Yield |
To give up the responsibility for something. |
“They refused to yield power.” |
Succumb, submit |
| IELTS Speaking Vocabulary Starting with Letter "Z" | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Vocabulary |
Meaning |
Example |
Synonyms |
| Zephyr |
A slight movement of the wind |
“A gentle zephyr from the ocean was refreshing.” |
breeze, puff |
| Zilch |
Nothing; none |
“She knew zilch about the topic of the discussion, so she couldn’t contribute.” |
Zero, nil |
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Additional Tips for IELTS Speaking Vocabulary
Improving your vocabulary is important for the IELTS Speaking test as it directly impacts Lexical Resource, which is a key assessment criterion. A wide range of vocabulary helps you express ideas and thoughts more precisely. You can refer to the following tips and tricks to get a high band score when preparing for IELTS Speaking.
- Practice speaking regularly.
- Understand the test format & assessment criteria.
- Use a variety of words and idiomatic expressions.
- Focus on accuracy and fluency.
- Do not worry about accent. Work on pronunciation.
- Familiarise yourself with common IELTS Speaking topics.
- Elaborate your response.
- Be confident. Maintain eye contact throughout.
- Speak relevant to the topic.
- Record your responses and then review your recordings.
Frequently asked questions
Q. Why is it essential to enhance vocabulary in IELTS Speaking?
A: Yes, vocabulary is very important as it conveys a deep understanding of the language. Also, vocabulary (Lexical Resource) marks 25% of your overall band score of IELTS Speaking.
Q. How can I enhance my IELTS speaking vocabulary?
A:
- Engage in multimedia content - you should watch movies, TV shows and podcasts in English to enhance your vocabulary.
- Keep a vocabulary journal. Whenever you encounter an unfamiliar word, find its meaning, synonyms, and antonyms and write them in your diary. Review them regularly.
- Learn and use idiomatic expressions - Learn common idioms, they will make your sound natural and engaging.
Q. How long is the IELTS Speaking module?
A: The speaking test lasts around 11-14 minutes. The test includes 3 parts - Introduction & Interview (Part 1); Cue cards (Part 2); Follow-up discussion (Part 3).
Q. How can I get 8.5 in IELTS speaking?
A:
- Avoid giving one-word answers.
- In case of a yes/no question, aim to add at least one detail elaborating your response.
- Organize your thoughts and link your sentences appropriately. Speak loudly and clearly.
- Stay on the topic. Avoid talking about anything that is irrelevant to the topic.
Q. How can I memorize new vocabulary words?
A: Start by looking at which context you can use the words in. You can establish associations between new words and familiar concepts. To aid memorisation, practice actively by using the words in daily life.
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