List of Vocabulary Words for IELTS

Mastering a rich and diverse vocabulary is a pivotal aspect of excelling in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). In this article, we delve into a comprehensive list of vocabulary words carefully curated to help you elevate your language proficiency and ace the IELTS with confidence. Let's embark on a linguistic journey that not only enhances your communication skills but also ensures success in this globally recognized language assessment. Let's explore the key elements that will elevate your language skills and contribute to your success in the IELTS exam.

IELTS vocabulary words with meaning

Vocabulary is an integral part of the IELTS exam, and having a solid grasp of the English language can make all the difference in gaining a high IELTS score. Therefore, when preparing for this exam, it’s essential to focus on learning new vocabulary words for IELTS to succeed.

1. Antonyms and Synonyms: Diversify Your Lexicon
In the vast landscape of IELTS vocabulary, understanding antonyms and synonyms is paramount. Here's a curated list to broaden your word choices and enhance your language precision.

  • Synonyms for IELTS vocabulary

Learning common synonyms is a great place to start whether you’re preparing for the IELTS exam or just want to improve your IELTS vocabulary list.

Here is the list of commonly used synonyms in the IELTS test that can help you get an edge on the exam:

Words Synonyms for IELTS
Amazing
Incredible, Fantastic, Fabulous, Astonishing, Extraordinary
Answer
Respond
Bad
Evil, Spoiled, Imperfect, Infamous, Dismal
Awful
Terrible, Abominable, Dreadful
Beautiful
Gorgeous, Ravishing, Dazzling, Exquisite, Stunning
Begin
Initiate, Commence, Inaugurate
Big
Huge, Enormous, Gigantic, Humongous, Substantial, Mammoth
Break
Rupture, Fracture, Shatter
Calm
Serene, Peace, Tranquil
Come
Approach, Arrive
Cool
Chilly, Frosty, Icy
Cut
Chop, Slash, Slit
Dangerous
Hazardous, Risky, Precarious
Decide
Determine, Settle
Definite
Certain, Positive, Obvious
Delicious
Savoury, Titbit, Delectable
Describe
Portray, Characterise
Destroy
Demolish, Slay, Ruin, Raze
Small
Tiny, Miniature, Little, Petite
Happy
Delighted, Ecstatic, Joyful
Important
Crucial, Significant, Essential
Interesting
Fascinating, Intriguing, Engaging
Difference
Disagreement, Inequity, Dissimilarity
Dull
Boring, Uninteresting, Monotonous, Humdrum, Dreary
Explain
Elaborate, Interpret
End
Terminate, Conclude, Cessation
Famous
Well-known, Renowned, Eminent, Illustrious
Fast
Quick, Rapid, Hasty, Snappy, Swift
Believe
Trust, Have faith, Convinced
Have
Possess, Own, Hold
Fat
Stout, Corpulent, Chubby, Bulky
Funny
Amusing, Humorous, Droll, Hilarious
Hate
Despise, Loathe, Abhor, Abominate
Idea
Thought, Concept, Notion
Love
Like, Admire, Fancy, Care for, Adore
Make
Create, Originate, Invent, Construct, Manufacture, Produce, Compose
New
Unique, Modern, Current, Recent
Use
Employ, Utilise, Exhaust, Spend
Wrong
Incorrect, Inaccurate, Mistaken, Erroneous, Improper, Unsuitable


  • Antonyms for IELTS vocabulary
Antonyms - words that are opposite in meaning are essential for achieving a high score on the IELTS exam. To help you prepare, we have compiled a list of commonly used antonyms on the IELTS exam.

WordsAntonyms
Constructive
Destructive
Advantage
Disadvantage
Benefit
Drawback
Possible
Impossible
Significant
Insignificant
Include
Exclude
Expand
Contract
Increase
Decrease
Successful
Unsuccessful
Efficient
Inefficient


Accept
Reject
Build
Demolish
Certain
Uncertain
Succeed
Fail
Obtain
loss
Natural
Artificial
Genuine
Fake
Rural
Urban
Formal
Informal
Conventional
Unconventional
Peaceful
Chaotic
Begin
End
Advance
Retreat
Clean
Dirty
Productive
Unproductive
Flexible
Inflexible
Stable
Unstable
Include
Omit
Generous
Stingy
Develop
Regress
Secure
Insecure
Support
Oppose
StrongWeak
Healthy
Unhealthy
Wise
Foolish
Responsible
Irresponsible
Succeed
Fail
Permanent
Temporary


Profit
Loss


Also Read: Learn the Use Of Mind Maps in Building Your IELTS Vocabulary


2. Idioms for IELTS Vocabulary: Speak Like a Native

Idiomatic expressions add flair to your language and convey cultural fluency. Here are some idioms to enrich your IELTS vocabulary:


Idiom MeaningExample Sentence
Out of the blue
Something that happened unexpectedly
Yesterday, out of the blue, he asked me to marry him!
In the red
To owe money, to not have money
Sorry, I can't afford it, I'm in the red.
Day and night
Continually working without stopping
I was studying day and night for my IELTS test.
Drop out
To leave without finishing
She dropped out of the course because it was too hard.
Learn by heart
To memorise
I learned all my idioms by heart.
Bookworm
Someone who reads a lot
When I was younger, I was a bookworm, I just loved reading.
A piece of cake
Very easy
The math exam was a piece of cake for him.
Break a leg
Good luck
Break a leg in your performance tomorrow!
Piece of advice
A helpful suggestion
Can I give you a piece of advice?
Don't cry over spilled milk
Don't worry about something that has happened
Yes, I made a mistake, but let's not cry over spilled milk.
In the blink of an eye
Very quickly
The thief disappeared in the blink of an eye.
A penny for your thoughts
Asking someone what they are thinking
You seem lost in thought – a penny for your thoughts?
Catch someone red-handed
Catch someone in the act of doing something wrong
The police caught the thief red-handed.
Cross your fingers
Hope for good luck
I'm crossing my fingers for a positive outcome.
Bury the hatchet
Make peace with someone
After their argument, they decided to bury the hatchet and move on.
Go the extra mile
Make additional effort
She always goes the extra mile to help her colleagues.
Kill two birds with one stone
Accomplish two things with a single action
By visiting my friend in the city, I can kill two birds with one stone – see the sights and catch up with her.
To show promise
To indicate possible success
The new vaccine is showing promise.
Under the weather
Feeling unwell
I'm feeling a bit under the weather. I hope I don't have COVID.

3. Phrasal Verbs: Unraveling Language Complexity

A phrasal verb is a type of verb that consists of two or more words: a main verb combined with one or more particles (prepositions or adverbs). The combination of these words creates a new meaning that is different from the individual meanings of the verb and the particles.

Below is a list of commonly used phrasal verbs:


Phrasal Verb


Meaning
Example Sentence


Carry out
To complete or perform a task
The researchers will carry out the experiment.
Get along
To have a good relationship with someone
I get along well with my colleagues at work.
Look after
To take care of or be responsible for something
Can you look after my dog while I'm away?
Take off
To remove or become airborne
The plane will take off in an hour.
Give up
To stop doing something, to quit
He decided to give up smoking for his health.
Turn on
To activate or start something
Can you turn on the lights, please?
Put off
To postpone or delay something
They put off the meeting until next week.
Get over
To recover from an illness or emotional setback
It took her some time to get over the breakup.
Bring in
To introduce or generate income
The company plans to bring in new technology.
Set up
To establish or arrange something
We need to set up a meeting with the client.
Call off
To cancel or terminate something
They had to call off the event due to bad weather.
Run into
To encounter someone unexpectedly
I ran into an old classmate at the supermarket.
Get in
To enter or arrive at a place
What time does your flight get in?
Bring about
To cause or make something happen
The new policy will bring about significant changes.
Take on
To accept a responsibility or challenge
He decided to take on the project despite its complexity.
Put up with
To tolerate or endure something
I can't put up with the noise from the construction site.
Find out
To discover or learn something
I need to find out the time of the meeting.
Give back
To return something that was borrowed or taken
Can you give back my pen when you're done using it?
Look into
To investigate or examine something
The authorities will look into the matter.
Get out
To leave or exit from a place
Let's get out of here before it starts raining.
Show up
To arrive or appear at a place or event
She didn't show up for the meeting.
Carry on
To continue doing something
Despite the difficulties, they decided to carry on.
Make out
To understand or perceive something
It's hard to make out what he's saying from a distance.
Stand for
To represent or symbolize something
The initials NASA stand for National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
Break up
To end a relationship or disperse
The initials NASA stand for National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

Tips to improve your vocabulary

Improving your vocabulary is a rewarding journey that enhances your communication skills and boosts your confidence. Here are some practical tips to help you enrich your vocabulary:

  • Read Widely and Consistently:
Dive into books, articles, and diverse genres. Exposure to different writing styles and subjects introduces you to new words and expressions.
  • Create a Word Journal:
Maintain a personal vocabulary journal. Whenever you encounter a new word, jot it down along with its meaning and usage. Regularly revisit and revise the entries.
  • Use Flashcards:
Create flashcards with words on one side and definitions or synonyms on the other. Review them regularly to reinforce your memory.
  • Engage in Conversations:
Actively participate in conversations. Discussing various topics exposes you to different words and helps you incorporate them into your vocabulary.
  • Watch Educational Content:
Tune into documentaries, educational videos, or TED Talks. These platforms often feature articulate speakers using a rich vocabulary.
  • Play Word Games:
Engage in word-based games like Scrabble, crossword puzzles, or online vocabulary quizzes. These games make learning fun and interactive.
  • Join a Book Club or Language Group:
Collaborate with others who share your interest in improving vocabulary. Book clubs and language exchange groups provide opportunities for discussions and learning.

  • Use New Words Daily:

Challenge yourself to integrate new words into your daily conversations, writing, and social media posts. The more you use them, the more they become a natural part of your vocabulary.

Enroll in online language courses or vocabulary-building programs. Many platforms offer interactive lessons designed to enhance your word power.

  • Read Aloud:
Reading aloud improves retention. Pay attention to pronunciation and context, making the learning experience more holistic.

  • Contextual Learning:

Learn words in context. Understand how they are used in sentences and paragraphs. This provides a deeper understanding of their meanings and applications.

  • Set Achievable Goals:

Set realistic and achievable vocabulary goals. For example, aim to learn a certain number of new words each week. Celebrate your progress to stay motivated.

  • Immerse Yourself in English Media:

Consume English-language movies, TV shows, podcasts, and music. Immersing yourself in the language exposes you to colloquial expressions and contemporary vocabulary.

Conclusion:

Learning new IELTS vocabulary words with meaning is essential for success on the IELTS exam. Through reading, memorization techniques, and learning about idioms and collocations, you can make sure you have an adequate understanding of the English language skills necessary to achieve a high score.


Frequently asked questions

Q1: How can idioms improve my IELTS score? 

A1: Idiomatic expressions contribute to a natural and engaging communication style, positively influencing your IELTS speaking and writing scores. 

Q2: Why are phrasal verbs important for the IELTS exam? 

A2: Phrasal verbs showcase your ability to navigate the complexities of the English language, adding depth to your communication skills in the IELTS test. 

Q3: Is it beneficial to learn antonyms and synonyms for IELTS?

 A3: Absolutely! A diverse vocabulary, including antonyms and synonyms, enhances your language precision, crucial for both the writing and speaking sections of the IELTS exam. 

 Q4: How can I incorporate new words into my daily routine? 

A4: Create a habit of using new words in daily conversations, writing, and reading. This practice reinforces your learning and improves retention. 

Q5: Can reading widely improve my IELTS vocabulary?

A5: Certainly! Exposure to diverse content exposes you to a variety of words and expressions, contributing significantly to your vocabulary enrichment.

Q6: Can IELTS vocabulary be useful in daily conversations? 

A6: Absolutely! The vocabulary you build for IELTS is versatile and beneficial in enhancing your everyday communication skills. 

Q7: How can I improve my vocabulary in a short time before the exam? 

A7: Consistent daily practice, reading extensively, and using vocabulary in context can lead to rapid improvement.

Q8: Is 7.5 a good score?

A8: A score of 7.5 in IELTS is generally considered very good and can open doors to various educational and employment opportunities.

Q8: Is IELTS vocabulary important?

A8: Yes, IELTS vocabulary is crucial. Demonstrating a wide-ranging vocabulary in your writing and speaking tasks can positively impact your score by showcasing your language proficiency, clarity of expression, and ability to discuss complex topics effectively.

Best of luck! Achieve your highest IELTS score!

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