Vocabulary Words for IELTS: List & Meaning
International English Language Testing System ( IELTS )
Learning vocabulary words for IELTS is extremely important for candidates looking to take the IELTS exam. Vocabulary for IELTS makes up 25% of your total marks in the IELTS Speaking and Writing sections and without a strong vocabulary, it is difficult to score well in the exam.
Preparing for the IELTS exam can be tough, but one of the best ways to boost your score is by improving your vocabulary. Knowing the right words helps you express your ideas clearly in all four parts of the IELTS test: Listening, Reading, Speaking, and Writing.
A strong vocabulary is very important because it counts for about 25% of your total IELTS score! This means that learning new words can really help your performance. If you learn just 10 to 15 new words every day, you can make a big difference in your language skills.
The common topics for IELTS Vocabulary includes topics from, Business, Environment, Education, Technology, Health, Travel and many more. Without learning vocabulary for IELTS preparation, it is impossible to communicate and convey your thoughts and ideas on the IELTS test day. However, vocabulary is not an end in itself. You will need the knowledge of grammar and the skill of accuracy to convey your ideas correctly. One can check the complete list of vocabulary words for IELTS from the article below.
Predict your IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE in just 4 steps!
Topic-wise vocabulary words for IELTS
To make learning easier, we have organized vocabulary into different topics that often appear in the IELTS exam. These topics include:
- Business
- Environment
- Education
- Technology
- Health
- Travel
- Food
- Feelings and Emotions Vocabulary
Each section includes useful words along with their meanings and example sentences to help you understand how to use them.
Business Vocabulary for IELTS
| Word |
Meaning |
Example |
|---|---|---|
| Entrepreneur |
A person who starts and runs a business |
She became a successful entrepreneur after launching her app. |
| Revenue |
Income generated from business activities |
The company's revenue increased by 20% last year. |
| Merger |
The combination of two companies |
The merger created a more competitive organization. |
| Market share |
The portion of a market controlled by a company |
The company aims to increase its market share by 10%. |
| Stakeholder |
A person or group with an interest in a business |
Stakeholders were invited to discuss the new project. |
| Profit |
The financial gain after deducting expenses |
The profit margins have improved due to cost-cutting measures. |
| Investment |
The action of putting money into something to earn a return |
His investment in stocks paid off well. |
| Outsourcing |
Obtaining goods or services from an external source |
Outsourcing IT services can reduce operational costs. |
| Brand awareness |
The extent to which consumers recognize a brand |
Increasing brand awareness is crucial for new products. |
| Competition |
Rivalry among businesses for market share |
Competition in the tech industry is fierce. |
| B2B (Business-to-business) |
Transactions between businesses |
B2B sales have surged due to increased demand for services. |
| B2C (Business-to-consumer) |
Transactions between businesses and consumers |
B2C marketing strategies are essential for online retailers. |
| Corporate culture |
The beliefs and behaviors that determine how a company's employees and management interact |
A positive corporate culture can enhance employee satisfaction. |
| Fiscal year |
A year as reckoned for taxing or accounting purposes |
The fiscal year ends on March 31st for our company. |
| Supply chain |
The entire system of production, processing, and distribution of goods |
Efficiency in the supply chain can significantly reduce costs. |
| Cash flow |
The total amount of money being transferred into and out of a business |
Positive cash flow is essential for business sustainability. |
| Market research |
The process of gathering information about consumers' needs and preferences |
Market research helps companies understand their customers better. |
| E-commerce |
Buying and selling goods or services over the internet |
E-commerce has revolutionized the retail industry. |
| Dividend |
A payment made by a corporation to its shareholders |
Investors are pleased with the increased dividend this quarter. |
| Start-up |
A newly established business |
Many start-ups struggle to find funding in their early stages. |
IELTS Vocabulary for Environment related topics
| Word |
Meaning |
Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Biodiversity |
The variety of life in a particular habitat. |
Biodiversity is essential for ecosystem health. |
| Pollution |
Harmful substances introduced into the environment. |
Air pollution affects public health significantly. |
| Conservation |
The protection and preservation of natural resources. |
Conservation efforts are vital for endangered species. |
| Ecosystem |
A community of living organisms and their environment. |
The coral reef is a fragile ecosystem that supports marine life. |
| Sustainability |
Meeting present needs without compromising future generations. |
Sustainability is key to protecting our planet's resources. |
Education Related Vocabulary for IELTS
| Word |
Meaning |
Example |
|---|---|---|
| Curriculum |
The subjects comprising a course of study |
The curriculum includes both theoretical and practical components. |
| Assessment |
Evaluation of students’ knowledge or skills |
Regular assessments help track student progress effectively. |
| Scholarship |
Financial aid awarded to students based on merit |
She received a scholarship to study at her dream university. |
| Pedagogy |
The method and practice of teaching |
Innovative pedagogy can enhance student engagement in learning. |
| Literacy |
The ability to read and write proficiently |
Improving literacy rates is essential for community development. |
| Extracurricular |
Activities outside the regular curriculum |
Extracurricular activities help develop students' social skills. |
| Vocational |
Related to training for a specific job |
Vocational education prepares students for skilled trades. |
| Internship |
A temporary position that provides practical experience |
She completed an internship at a local law firm last summer. |
| Tuition |
The fee for instruction at a school or university |
Tuition fees have increased significantly over the past decade. |
| Enrollment |
The act of registering for courses at an institution |
Enrollment in online courses has surged during the pandemic. |
| Faculty |
The academic staff at an educational institution |
The faculty members are dedicated to student success. |
| Graduation |
The ceremony marking the completion of a degree |
Her graduation ceremony was held at the university auditorium. |
| Thesis |
A long essay or dissertation involving personal research |
He wrote his thesis on renewable energy solutions. |
| Seminar |
A meeting for discussion or training |
The seminar covered recent developments in educational technology. |
| Accreditation |
Official recognition that an institution meets certain standards |
The program received accreditation from a national board. |
| Distance learning |
Education that takes place remotely |
Distance learning has become popular due to its flexibility. |
| Mentor |
An experienced advisor who guides less experienced individuals |
Having a mentor can significantly impact career development. |
| Literacy rate |
- The percentage of people who can read and write |
The literacy rate in the region has improved over the years. |
| Class participation |
- Involvement of students in class discussions |
Class participation is encouraged to foster engagement. |
| Learning outcome |
- The skills or knowledge students are expected to gain |
Clear learning outcomes help guide course development. |
Technology Vocabulary for IELTS preparation
| Word |
Meaning |
Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Innovation |
Introduction of new ideas or methods. |
Innovation drives progress in technology and science. |
| Data |
Facts and statistics collected for analysis. |
Data analysis helps businesses make informed decisions. |
| Software |
Programs that run on computers or devices. |
She updated the software on her laptop for better performance. |
| Device |
A tool or machine used for a specific purpose. |
Smartphones are versatile devices used for communication and entertainment. |
| Algorithm |
A set of rules for solving problems or tasks. |
The algorithm optimizes search results based on user preferences. |
IELTS Vocabulary Related to Health
| Word |
Meaning |
Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Nutrition |
The process of providing or obtaining food necessary for health. |
Proper nutrition is vital for maintaining good health. |
| Exercise |
Physical activity to improve fitness. |
Regular exercise can prevent many health issues. |
| Disease |
An illness affecting the body or mind. |
Diabetes is a common disease that requires careful management. |
| Vaccination |
Administration of a vaccine to protect against disease. |
Vaccination programs have reduced the spread of infectious diseases significantly. |
| Wellness |
Overall health and well-being. |
Wellness programs promote healthy lifestyles among employees. |
Travel Vocabulary for IELTS Preparation
| Word |
Meaning |
Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Destination |
A place someone travels to. |
Paris is a popular travel destination for tourists worldwide. |
| Journey |
The act of traveling from one place to another. |
My journey through Europe was unforgettable. |
| Tourist |
A person who travels for pleasure. |
Many tourists visit India during the winter months. |
| Itinerary |
A planned route or schedule for a journey. |
Our itinerary included visits to several historical sites. |
| Accommodation |
A place where travelers stay, such as hotels or hostels. |
Finding suitable accommodation can enhance your travel experience. |
Food Vocabulary for IELTS
| Word |
Meaning |
Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Cuisine |
A style of cooking associated with a particular country or region. |
Indian cuisine is known for its rich spices and flavors. |
| Ingredient |
Any food item used in cooking. |
Fresh ingredients are essential for healthy meals. |
| Recipe |
Instructions for preparing a dish. |
I found a great recipe for chocolate cake online. |
| Nutrition |
The process of obtaining food necessary for health. |
Good nutrition is vital for overall well-being. |
| Gastronomy |
The art or science of good eating; culinary customs. |
Gastronomy varies greatly from one culture to another. |
Feelings and Emotions IELTS Vocabulary
| Word |
Meaning |
Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Joy |
A feeling of great happiness. |
The news brought them immense joy, celebrating together with laughter and cheer. |
| Terror |
An intense feeling of fear. |
The sudden storm filled the villagers with terror as they sought shelter. |
| Ecstasy |
Overwhelming happiness or joy. |
She was ecstatic when she won the award, unable to contain her excitement. |
| Misery |
Extreme unhappiness or suffering. |
He lived in misery after the accident, struggling to cope with his new reality. |
| Remorse |
Deep regret for a wrong committed. |
He felt profound remorse for his harsh words, wishing he could take them back. |
IELTS Speaking Vocabulary Words
In this section, we are going to be discussing the different kinds of vocabulary words for IELTS Speaking exam.
Vocabulary Words for IELTS: Collocation Words
Simply put, collocation means two or more words that are used together so that it sounds correct. E.g., ‘Breaking Benjamin released many hit albums’, rather than, ‘Breaking Benjamin published many hit albums’. Proper use of collocations will allow you to express your ideas more convincingly and coherently so that native speakers can understand them. There is no logic behind it, either you know them or you don’t.
There are various types of collocations:
- Noun + Noun: e.g. Ceasefire Agreement
- Noun + Verb: e.g. Plane took off
- Adjective + Noun: e.g. excruciating pain
- Adverb + Adjective: e.g. fully satisfied
- Verb + Adverb: e.g. whispered softly
Collocation word examples:
- Make: Make a choice, make a wish, make a point, make friends, etc.
- Have: Have fun, have lunch, have dinner, have a shower, etc.
- Keep: Keep moving, keep in touch, keep walking, etc.
Idioms for IELTS vocabulary words with meaning
An idiom is an expression that is not understood if the words are considered separately. Rather, it is understood if the words are taken together. Some idioms for IELTS are given in the chart below:
| Idiom |
Meaning |
|---|---|
| Under the weather |
To feel ill |
| Spill the beans |
To reveal a secret |
| Break a leg |
To wish someone luck |
| Sat on the fence |
Indecisiveness |
| Beat around the bush |
To avoid talking about what is actually important |
| Pull someone’s leg |
To play a practical joke |
| Once in a blue moon |
Rarely |
| Come rain or shine |
No matter what |
| Out of the blue |
An event that happened unexpectedly |
| Back against the wall |
Stuck in a difficult situation |
| Blind as bat |
Cannot see |
| Green with envy |
To be jealous |
| Jump on the bandwagon |
To follow a trend |
Vocabulary for IELTS: Phrasal Verbs
Phrasal verbs are phrases that indicate action, e.g., abide by. Some phrasal verbs are given in the chart below:
| Phrasal Verb |
Meaning |
|---|---|
| Abide by |
To obey |
| Add up |
To make sense |
| Agree with |
Have the same opinion |
| Back down |
To withdraw |
| Blow up |
To get angry / To explode |
| Break into |
To enter forcefully |
| Ease off |
To become less severe |
| Getaway |
To escape |
| Get rid off |
To remove/eliminate |
| Let down |
To disappoint |
IELTS Speaking Vocabulary Words
We are providing some important words, related to certain topics, which you should be aware of. These will help you answer the questions on the given topics:
- Art: Culture, Aesthetic, Portray, Performance, Connoisseur, Playwright
- Business: Economy, small business, Business houses, Investments, Deficit, Business cycle
- Education: E-learning, Online education, Curriculum, Discipline, Subjects, Graduate
- Food: Culinary, Nutrition, Diet, Carbohydrates, Protein, Meal
- Health: Medicine, Medication, Healthcare, Overweight, Underweight
- Technology: Innovation, Development, Device, E-commerce, Information Technology, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning
IELTS Writing Vocabulary Words
In this section, we are going to be providing examples of IELTS writing vocabulary words. These are words that can be used in the IELTS writing section of the exam. The IELTS Writing Task 1 of the IELTS exam requires candidates to describe, summarize or explain a graph, table, chart or diagram in their own words. IELTS vocabulary words that will help you with this task type are as follows:
IELTS Writing Vocabulary for Task 1
| Introduction |
|
| Signify Increase |
|
| Signify Decrease |
|
| Signify Variation |
|
| Signify Stability |
|
| Signify Plateau |
|
IELTS Writing Vocabulary for Task 1: Percentages and Comparisons
| Percentages | Comparisons |
|---|---|
|
|
source: IDP
Vocabulary Words for IELTS Preparation
In this section, we are going to be talking about IELTS speaking vocabulary preparation tips for candidates looking to appear for the test.
- Memorization of an entire booklet of words will not help you unless you know how to use those words. Working on your grammar, collocations, pronunciation, and meaning of sentences will fetch you a higher band than just memorizing random words.
- Do not be misled by information that gives you “top 5 IELTS words” or “top 10 IELTS words”. You do not know whether these words will even fit the context. Secondly, you will be scored on the basis of your performance on the entire section and not just 5 or 10 words.
- You should be focused on using correct, accurate, and appropriate words that fit the context. If you use “5 high-level C1 and C2” words with flawed grammar and incorrect meaning, the examiner will be easily able to identify that you have memorized those words.
- Improving your vocabulary takes time and it is an organic process where you improve every single day by putting in constant effort.
Vocabulary for IELTS: Best Resources
In this section, we are going to be discussing the best prep resources available for improving your IELTS speaking vocabulary in your IELTS exam.
- Cambridge Vocabulary for IELTS: It is a comprehensive book which covers the entire content in a structured manner along with practice exercises at the end of each chapter.
- IELTS Vocabulary Masterclass 8.5: This book contains an exhaustive list of words along with practice exercises. It also has an IELTS Listening and Reading mini-dictionary.
- Read newspapers and articles related to common topics such as Education, Science, Technology, Business, Tourism, etc. Note the words that you do not understand, and find their meaning, synonyms, antonyms, usage, collocation, and related grammar. You can maintain these words in a notebook or in an e-format. It is not sufficient to just make a note of these words; you must periodically revise them as well.
- Listen to podcasts: There are good podcasts available on Spotify. These podcasts will help you build a strong vocabulary base and contribute to your listening and speaking sections.
Importance of Vocabulary for IELTS Exam
In this section, we are going to be talking about the importance of vocabulary for the IELTS exam for candidates looking to take the test.
- In the Writing and the Speaking sections of the IELTS, a good vocabulary contributes to the following:
-
- It comprises 25% of the total marks on these sections.
- It helps you convey your ideas in a coherent and easy-to-understand manner. Besides, it helps you carry on the discussion with the examiner.
- On the Listening and the Reading section of the IELTS, a strong vocabulary helps you in the following:
- It helps you understand what has been asked, and answer the question accurately.
- In the Reading section, a strong vocabulary will give you the added advantage of quickly locating the correct answer using the technique of skimming.
Vocabulary for IELTS: Scoring Criteria
Before we try to understand the scoring criteria of vocabulary for IELTS, with the help of band descriptors, let us understand what are 'high-level' words.
IELTS in CEFR Scale
The CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) establishes a relationship between certain levels and IELTS band scores. The following chart will help you understand the comparison:
Now that you have understood the comparison between CEFR levels and IELTS band scores, let us understand their relevance in terms of vocabulary.
Whenever you come across a word that you do not know, you should search for the same in the online Cambridge dictionary. Once you search the word, you will get to know which word is A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, or C2. Then you can compare that level with the IELTS band scores using the chart given above.
We have taken two words here: Dump and Picturesque. Note that the word Dump is a C2-level word while the word Picturesque is a B2-level word.
Vocabulary Words for IELTS: Band Scores
The table given below has been taken from IELTS band descriptors and provides information about the scoring criteria of the IELTS Writing section, with respect to vocabulary:
| Band Scores |
Lexical Resource |
|---|---|
| 9 |
|
| 8 |
|
| 7 |
|
| 6 |
|
| 5 |
|
| 4 |
|
| 3 |
|
| 2 |
|
| 1 |
|
The table given below has been taken from IELTS band descriptors and provides information about the scoring criteria of the IELTS Speaking section, with respect to vocabulary:
| Band Scores |
Lexical Resource |
|---|---|
| 9 |
|
| 8 |
|
| 7 |
|
| 6 |
|
| 5 |
|
| 4 |
|
| 3 |
|
| 2 |
|
Q: Is it difficult to prepare for IELTS Vocabulary?
Q: Can I memorize top 10 or top 100 words and score well in IELTS exam?
Definitely not. You cannot memorize top 10 or top 100 words and score well on the IELTS. There is no guarantee that these words will fit the context or not. Besides, an examiner can easily identify whether a particular word has been used forcefully or not. It is much better to improve your vocabulary organically with the help of good resources.
Q: Is it important for me to improve my vocabulary for IELTS?
Yes. Vocabulary is the base of your language. Without a strong vocabulary, it is difficult to have a decent conversation or write a good piece of work. Since you plan to move out to an English-speaking country, it is advisable that you build a strong vocabulary.
Q: Is it necessary to use very difficult words in IELTS Vocabulary?
Not at all. There is no guarantee that using difficult words will help you score well. Though it is not bad to learn difficult words, it is advisable that you should focus on coherence and meaning. Using difficult words is just an add-on.
Q: Which are the most recommended books for IELTS preparation?
Q: Can I read anything else besides books for IELTS Vocabulary preparation?
Definitely. You can go through magazines, newspapers, self-help books, etc. In addition, you can watch British television news and listen to podcasts, etc.
Q: How to prepare for UK 10th board exam 2025?
Those who are preparing for the UK Class 10 exam 2025 are recommended to follow the tips below.
- Know the exam pattern
- Make a proper time table as per the syllabus
- Solve previous year question papers
- Make short notes of important formulas and theorems
- Revise regularly
- Figure out weaker areas and learn them well
With proper planning and hard work, students can easily clear the UK 10th board exam.
Q: Why indian students choose to study at Hult International Business School - UK?
Indian students choose to study at Hult International Business School in the UK for several reasons, including its highly ranked programs, global outlook, and career support. Hult offers a range of full-time master’s degrees, immersive bachelor's programs, and MBA options that prepare students to excel in the global job market. The school is the largest and top-ranked global business school, providing students with an incomparable universal outlook. Additionally, Hult's focus on experiential learning, extensive career support, and the opportunity to study at multiple campuses around the world are attractive to Indian students seeking a global business education. Furthermore, the school's emphasis on innovation and meeting the needs of students and employers may also contribute to its appeal to Indian students
Raushan Kumar is a skilled writer and a Study Abroad Expert in the Editorial Team at Shiksha. He oversees various aspects of studying abroad, including educational opportunities, entrance exams, colleges, latest new... Read Full Bio
Statement of Purpose
Letter of Recommendation
Student Visa Application
Admission Essay Writing
Student Curriculum Vitae
Building a sound vocabulary takes time. You need to read from a wide range of sources to improve your vocabulary. Even though it takes time, it is certainly not difficult.