440 Advanced Words for Speaking & Writing
In the IELTS Speaking and Writing tests, using topic-specific vocabulary can help demonstrate your ability to communicate ideas clearly and effectively. This guide provides 20 advanced words or phrases for each of the most common IELTS themes, along with short explanations or synonyms to help you understand and remember them.
Each set focuses on one key theme, such as Education, Work, Technology, or The Environment, and is especially useful for:
Upbringing and Family
- Nurture – to care for and encourage the growth of a child
(Synonym: raise, foster) - Discipline – training to follow rules or a code of behaviour
(Synonym: self-control, regulation) - Parental guidance – supervision and advice given by parents
(Used when talking about influence on values or behaviour) - Family dynamics – the patterns of interaction between family members
(Useful for discussing conflict, bonding, or hierarchy) - Authoritative parenting – a balanced style with warmth and firm rules
(Compared with permissive or authoritarian styles) - Overprotective – too concerned about a child’s safety or success
(Often seen as limiting independence) - Helicopter parenting – being overly involved in every aspect of a child’s life
(Informal but accepted in speaking) - Household responsibilities – chores and tasks shared at home
(Used to show role-sharing and teamwork) - Sibling rivalry – competition or jealousy between brothers and sisters
(Common in family-related discussions) - Extended family – family beyond parents and siblings (e.g. grandparents, uncles)
(Useful for discussing cultural or support systems) - Nuclear family – a household of parents and children only
(Contrast with extended or single-parent families) - Upbringing – the way a child is raised
(Often followed by: “a strict upbringing” or “liberal upbringing”) - Role model – a person looked up to for guidance or imitation
(Used for discussing parenting influence) - Generational gap – differences in views or values between parents and children
(Great for speaking Part 3 debates) - Spoiled child – a child given too much without limits
(Synonym: pampered) - Parental neglect – lack of care or attention from parents
(Used in serious contexts) - Respect for elders – valuing and obeying older family members
(Common in cultural comparisons) - Bonding time – moments spent to strengthen emotional connection
(Common in speaking or writing about family life) - Conflict resolution – solving arguments peacefully
(Good for family problem-solving answers) - Value system – the set of beliefs and principles one grows up with
(Useful for writing and discussion about morals and family influence)
Describing People
- Charismatic – naturally charming and persuasive
(Synonyms: captivating, magnetic) - Quick-witted – able to think and respond fast, especially in conversations
(Synonym: sharp-minded) - Level-headed – calm and sensible, especially under pressure
(Synonym: composed) - Meticulous – paying close attention to details
(Synonym: thorough, precise) - Introverted – someone who is quiet and enjoys spending time alone
(Opposite: extroverted) - Resilient – able to recover quickly from difficulties or setbacks
(Synonym: tough, adaptable) - Altruistic – showing selfless concern for others
(Synonym: generous, kind-hearted) - Eloquent – able to speak clearly and persuasively
(Synonym: articulate) - Stubborn – unwilling to change one’s mind easily
(Synonym: headstrong, obstinate) - Down-to-earth – practical, humble, and realistic
(Opposite: arrogant or pretentious) - Ambitious – strongly determined to succeed or achieve goals
(Synonym: driven, goal-oriented) - Self-conscious – overly aware or worried about how one is seen by others
(Often leads to shyness) - Assertive – confident in expressing one’s opinions or needs
(Synonym: firm but respectful) - Cynical – believing that people are motivated by self-interest
(Synonym: skeptical) - Conscientious – careful to do things properly and thoroughly
(Synonym: diligent, responsible) - Empathetic – able to understand and share the feelings of others
(Synonym: compassionate)
- Studious – someone who spends a lot of time studying or reading
(Synonyms: diligent, academic, hardworking) - Inquisitive – showing curiosity or a strong desire to learn or know more
(Synonyms: curious, eager to learn, questioning)
- Laid-back – relaxed and easy-going
(Synonym: carefree) - Opinionated – strongly expressing personal views
(Can be positive or negative depending on tone)
Health and Happiness
- Well-being – a state of being comfortable, healthy, and happy
(Synonym: welfare, good condition) - Sedentary lifestyle – a way of life that involves little physical activity
(Common in discussions of modern health problems) - Nutrient-rich – containing a high amount of beneficial nutrients
(Used to describe healthy food) - Holistic health – an approach that considers physical, mental, and social factors
(Synonym: whole-body wellness) - Mental resilience – the ability to cope with stress and bounce back from difficulties
(Synonym: emotional strength) - Preventive care – medical practices that prevent illness (like vaccines, check-ups)
(Opposite: reactive treatment) - Emotional well-being – the state of one’s mental and emotional health
(Often used in essays on happiness and self-care) - Balanced diet – eating a variety of nutritious foods in proper proportions
(Linked with physical health) - Chronic illness – a long-term health condition (e.g., diabetes, asthma)
(Used to contrast with acute illness) - Self-care – activities to maintain health and reduce stress
(Synonym: personal well-being habits) - Immunity – the body’s ability to resist infection or disease
(Important in health-related writing tasks) - Stress management – techniques to reduce or control stress
(E.g., yoga, deep breathing, time management) - Mindfulness – being mentally present and aware, often used for relaxation
(Related to mental clarity and happiness) - Life satisfaction – the sense that one’s life is going well
(Used to measure happiness in social studies) - Endorphins – chemicals in the brain that create feelings of pleasure
(Often released during exercise) - Sleep hygiene – habits that promote good sleep quality
(E.g., going to bed at the same time, no screens before sleep) - Physical activity – any movement that works your muscles and burns calories
(Used more formally than “exercise”) - Emotional support – comfort and reassurance from others during difficult times
(Useful in speaking when discussing family/friends) - Health-conscious – being aware of and careful about one’s health
(Synonym: health-aware, fitness-focused) - Work-life balance – the ability to balance job responsibilities with personal life
(Crucial for mental health and happiness)
Roles and Responsibility
- Accountability – being responsible for one’s actions and decisions
(Synonym: answerability, liability) - Duty-bound – morally or legally obliged to do something
(Often used in formal or ethical contexts) - Delegation – assigning tasks or authority to others
(Important in leadership and teamwork topics) - Obligation – something one is required to do, legally or morally
(Synonym: responsibility, commitment) - Initiative – the ability to start things independently
(E.g., “She took the initiative to solve the problem”) - Leadership qualities – traits like decision-making, confidence, and influence
(Useful in speaking about managers, parents, or teachers) - Autonomy – the ability to make decisions independently
(Synonym: independence, self-governance) - Moral compass – a person’s ability to judge right from wrong
(Used in ethical discussions) - Civic duty – responsibilities of citizens (e.g., voting, obeying laws)
(Useful in writing about society and governance) - Shared responsibility – when two or more people are jointly responsible
(Common in family, team, or environmental contexts) - Chain of command – the structure of authority in an organization
(Often discussed in military, corporate, or school settings) - Task-oriented – focused on completing specific jobs
(Opposite: people-oriented) - Reliability – being dependable and consistent in fulfilling tasks
(Synonym: trustworthiness) - Compliance – following rules, instructions, or laws
(Synonym: obedience, conformity) - Role model – a person others look up to and try to imitate
(Often linked with responsibility) - Authority figure – someone with official power or control
(e.g., a manager, teacher, or parent) - Proactive – taking action before problems arise
(Opposite: reactive) - Micromanagement – excessive control over small details of others’ work
(Often viewed negatively in leadership discussions) - Chain of responsibility – how responsibility is structured in a system
(Useful in formal or legal contexts) - Duty of care – a legal or moral responsibility to ensure others’ well-being
(Common in education, healthcare, and law)
Crime
- Offender – someone who breaks the law
(Synonym: criminal, lawbreaker) - Recidivism – the tendency of a convicted criminal to reoffend
(Often used in the context of prison effectiveness) - Deterrent – something that discourages people from committing crime
(E.g., “Strict penalties can act as a deterrent.”) - White-collar crime – non-violent crime committed in business or finance
(Examples: fraud, embezzlement) - Juvenile delinquency – crime committed by young people
(Used in writing about youth crime) - Capital punishment – the death penalty
(Used in debates around ethics and justice) - Rehabilitation – helping a criminal to reintegrate into society
(Opposite: punishment-only systems) - Incarceration – imprisonment
(Synonym: detention, confinement) - Probation – a period during which an offender is monitored instead of going to prison
(Often used for first-time or minor offenders) - Community service – unpaid work as a punishment
(Alternative to prison) - Petty crime – minor criminal offences
(Examples: shoplifting, vandalism) - Organised crime – crime carried out by structured groups
(Examples: drug trafficking, mafia activities) - Cybercrime – illegal activities carried out using computers or the internet
(Examples: hacking, identity theft) - Victimless crime – a crime that doesn’t directly harm another person
(Examples: drug use, illegal gambling) - Law enforcement – the police or authorities that ensure the law is followed
(Synonym: policing bodies) - Due process – fair legal procedures
(A key phrase in legal and justice contexts) - Plea bargain – an agreement where the accused pleads guilty for a lighter sentence
(Often used in legal negotiations) - Accomplice – someone who helps another person commit a crime
(Synonym: partner-in-crime) - Surveillance – close observation, especially by the police
(Used in security and crime prevention) - Criminal record – a history of a person’s criminal convictions
(Affects job opportunities, visa applications, etc.)
Buildings and Cities
- Urban sprawl – the uncontrolled expansion of cities into surrounding areas
(Often seen as a negative urban development issue) - High-rise – a tall building, usually used for apartments or offices
(Synonym: skyscraper) - Gentrification – the process of renovating a neighborhood, often increasing property prices and displacing low-income residents
(Controversial in urban planning debates) - Infrastructure – the basic physical structures of a city (roads, bridges, water supply, etc.)
(Essential for functioning cities) - Public amenities – facilities provided for public use (e.g., parks, libraries, public toilets)
(Synonym: public facilities) - Mixed-use development – buildings or areas used for a combination of residential, commercial, and recreational purposes
(Promotes vibrant, walkable cities) - Zoning laws – regulations that define how land can be used in specific areas
(Controls building types and functions) - Green spaces – parks or areas with vegetation in urban environments
(Linked to mental health and air quality) - Affordable housing – homes that are reasonably priced and accessible for low- to middle-income people
(A key issue in urban planning) - Overcrowding – when too many people live or gather in a small area
(Leads to pressure on housing and services) - Commuter belt – areas surrounding a city where people live and travel into the city for work
(Also called suburbs or outskirts) - Urban renewal – redevelopment of rundown city areas
(Often involves demolishing old buildings and constructing new ones) - Heritage site – a building or area with historical or cultural significance
(Often protected by law) - Architectural landmark – a famous or important building that defines a city
(Examples: Eiffel Tower, Sydney Opera House) - Public transport network – systems like buses, trains, and subways used by the public
(Encourages sustainability and reduces traffic) - Pedestrian-friendly – designed to be safe and convenient for people walking
(Includes sidewalks, crossings, traffic-calming features) - Skyline – the outline of a city’s buildings against the sky
(Used to describe the visual identity of a city) - Sustainable architecture – building design that considers environmental impact
(Includes solar panels, recycled materials, energy efficiency) - Urban density – the number of people or buildings in a specific urban area
(Used in discussions of housing policy and planning) - Smart city – a city that uses technology to manage services efficiently (e.g., traffic, electricity, waste)
(A modern concept in urban development)
The Environment
- Carbon footprint – the total amount of greenhouse gases produced by human activity
(Common in discussions on sustainability and individual impact) - Climate change – long-term changes in temperature and weather patterns
(Often used in global issues and solution-focused writing) - Greenhouse gases – gases like CO₂ and methane that trap heat in the atmosphere
(Key to explaining global warming) - Sustainable development – growth that meets present needs without harming future generations
(Balanced focus on economy, society, and environment) - Environmental degradation – the deterioration of the natural environment
(Caused by pollution, deforestation, etc.) - Renewable energy – energy from sources that are naturally replenished (e.g., solar, wind, hydro)
(Opposite: fossil fuels) - Fossil fuels – coal, oil, and gas formed from ancient organisms
(Major contributors to pollution and carbon emissions) - Deforestation – the large-scale removal of forests
(Linked to biodiversity loss and climate issues) - Biodiversity – the variety of plant and animal life in an ecosystem
(A sign of environmental health) - Ecosystem – a community of living organisms and their physical environment
(Used to explain natural balance and interdependence) - Pollutants – substances that contaminate air, water, or soil
(Examples: plastic, heavy metals, industrial waste) - Environmental conservation – the protection and preservation of natural resources
(Useful in writing about solutions and responsibility) - Carbon neutrality – balancing carbon emissions by offsetting them (e.g., tree planting)
(Goal for many companies and governments) - Ecological footprint – a measure of how much land and resources a person or society uses
(Used to compare individual vs national impact) - Waste management – handling of waste materials through recycling, composting, disposal
(Key term in environmental planning) - Water scarcity – the lack of sufficient water resources
(Common in global problem-solving tasks) - Desertification – the transformation of fertile land into desert due to overuse and climate
(Important in agricultural and global discussions) - Environmental awareness – knowledge and concern about environmental issues
(Often promoted through education and media) - Eco-friendly – not harmful to the environment
(Synonym: environmentally friendly) - Green initiatives – projects or policies aimed at protecting the environment
(Examples: banning plastic bags, using electric buses)
Travel
- Cultural immersion – fully experiencing the customs, language, and lifestyle of a place
(E.g., living with locals instead of staying in hotels) - Off the beaten track – a destination that is not popular or touristy
(Synonym: hidden gem, lesser-known spot) - Jet lag – tiredness caused by long flights across time zones
(Common personal experience to describe in Speaking Part 1) - Sustainable tourism – travel that has minimal negative impact on the environment and local culture
(Used in Writing Task 2 and Part 3 speaking discussions) - Travel itinerary – a detailed plan of a trip, including places to visit and times
(Synonym: travel schedule) - Ecotourism – nature-based travel that supports conservation and respects local culture
(Growing trend in ethical travel) - Travel bug – a strong desire to travel
(Informal, but expressive for speaking: “I’ve caught the travel bug.”) - Red-eye flight – a flight that departs late at night and arrives in the morning
(Useful for describing long or tiring journeys) - Scenic route – a path chosen for its beautiful views, even if it takes longer
(Synonym: picturesque journey) - Tourist trap – a place that attracts tourists but is overpriced or inauthentic
(Often used critically in discussions about mass tourism) - Visa requirements – official rules about who can enter a country and for how long
(Essential in formal writing about international travel) - Language barrier – difficulty communicating due to different languages
(Common travel-related problem) - Digital nomad – a person who works remotely while travelling
(A modern lifestyle topic for advanced answers) - Staycation – a vacation spent at home or within one’s local area
(Blend of “stay” and “vacation”) - Backpacking – low-budget travel often involving hostels and carrying all belongings
(Common for gap-year travelers) - Customs and immigration – the legal entry points and checks at international borders
(Useful in Writing Task 2 or scenarios involving airports) - Overtourism – excessive numbers of tourists negatively affecting local areas
(Topic of debate in many cities like Venice or Barcelona) - Jet-setter – someone who travels frequently, especially for luxury or business
(Descriptive term in speaking about travel habits) - Wanderlust – a strong desire to explore the world
(Useful emotional vocabulary for passionate travel descriptions) - Remote destination – a place that is hard to reach or far from cities
(Used when describing unique travel experiences)
Nature and Wildlife
- Endangered species – animals or plants at serious risk of extinction
(Examples: tigers, rhinos, certain orchids) - Natural habitat – the environment where a species normally lives and grows
(E.g., “deforestation destroys natural habitats”) - Biodiversity – the variety of plant and animal life in a particular area
(Indicates the health of an ecosystem) - Ecosystem – a community of living organisms and their physical surroundings
(Includes forests, oceans, wetlands, etc.) - Food chain – the hierarchy of organisms each dependent on the next for food
(Used when discussing balance in nature) - Poaching – illegal hunting or capturing of wild animals
(A serious threat to wildlife conservation) - Conservation efforts – actions to protect wildlife and natural environments
(Used to describe environmental solutions) - Marine life – animals and plants living in the sea
(Includes fish, coral reefs, whales, etc.) - Wildlife reserve – a protected area for animals to live freely and safely
(Synonym: sanctuary, nature reserve) - Predator and prey – animals that hunt others and those they are hunted for food
(E.g., lions (predator), zebras (prey)) - Deforestation – the removal of trees and forests, often for agriculture or urban use
(Leads to habitat loss and climate impact) - Invasive species – non-native organisms that harm native species and ecosystems
(E.g., cane toads in Australia) - Pollination – the transfer of pollen by bees, wind, or other animals to help plants reproduce
(Essential to plant life) - Overhunting – excessive hunting that threatens animal populations
(Similar to poaching, but not always illegal) - Reforestation – planting trees to restore lost forests
(An example of environmental recovery efforts) - Eco-system collapse – the breakdown of ecological balance, often caused by human activity
(Used in writing about environmental consequences) - Climate-sensitive species – animals or plants affected by even slight temperature changes
(E.g., polar bears, coral reefs) - Flora and fauna – plants and animals, usually discussed as part of a region’s biodiversity
(Formal and academic term) - Nocturnal creatures – animals that are active at night
(Examples: owls, bats, foxes) - Wildlife corridors – pathways that connect isolated animal habitats
(Helps animals migrate safely between habitats)
Nature and Wildlife – Set 2
- Ecological balance – a stable state where all parts of an ecosystem coexist without conflict
(Often disrupted by human activity) - Natural disaster – a sudden event like floods, wildfires, or earthquakes that affects nature and wildlife
(Used in both environment and nature contexts) - Species extinction – the permanent loss of a species
(Can be natural or accelerated by humans) - Wildlife trafficking – illegal trade in animals or animal products
(Often linked with endangered species) - Protected species – animals legally safeguarded from hunting or exploitation
(Part of conservation law) - Ecotone – a transition zone between two ecosystems (e.g., forest and grassland)
(Advanced term, useful in writing) - Migration routes – regular seasonal paths animals follow, often across continents
(Common in birds, whales, etc.) - Habitat fragmentation – breaking a habitat into smaller, isolated patches
(Causes biodiversity loss and isolation) - Wildlife monitoring – tracking animal populations and behavior for research
(Used in scientific and policy contexts) - Breeding programs – controlled efforts to help endangered species reproduce
(Often used in zoos or reserves) - Nature reserve – land set aside to protect natural habitats and species
(Synonym: wildlife sanctuary) - Biological diversity hotspot – regions with a high number of unique, threatened species
(Examples: Amazon, Congo, Southeast Asia) - Photosynthesis – the process plants use to turn sunlight into energy
(Key to understanding plant life and food chains) - Soil erosion – the wearing away of topsoil due to wind, water, or human activity
(Harms plant life and ecosystems) - Carbon sink – a natural area that absorbs more carbon dioxide than it releases (e.g., forests, oceans)
(Vital for climate regulation) - Keystone species – a species that has a disproportionately large effect on its environment
(Example: bees, wolves) - Overgrazing – when animals eat too much vegetation, damaging the land
(Often caused by poor land management) - Zoologist / Conservation biologist – scientists who study or protect wildlife
(Good for academic/formal answers) - Captive breeding – raising animals in controlled environments to increase population
(Used in animal conservation programs) - Eco-tourism industry – tourism that promotes conservation and educates visitors about nature
(Grows local economies while preserving wildlife)
Assessing Efforts
- Cost-benefit analysis – weighing the advantages against the expenses of an effort
(Used in evaluating programs or policies) - Measurable outcomes – results that can be quantified to judge success
(E.g., test scores, pollution levels, job creation) - Short-term vs. long-term impact – immediate vs. lasting effects of an action
(Useful in both planning and critique) - Scalability – the potential for an initiative to be expanded successfully
(Can this small solution work on a bigger scale?) - Sustainability – the ability to maintain a program over time without negative consequences
(Not just environmental—can also be financial/social) - Implementation – the process of putting a plan or idea into effect
(Often used when discussing government or policy actions) - Pilot project – a small-scale trial before full implementation
(Used to test effectiveness and feasibility) - Data-driven decision-making – using facts, statistics, or research to guide choices
(Common in business, education, and health) - Monitoring and evaluation (M&E) – tracking progress and measuring success systematically
(Key in development projects) - Stakeholder feedback – input from people affected by or involved in the effort
(Includes citizens, employees, or partner organizations) - Benchmarking – comparing results to best practices or standards
(Used to assess relative performance) - Transparency – openness in reporting methods and results
(Builds trust and credibility) - Accountability mechanisms – structures that ensure individuals or organizations are held responsible
(E.g., audits, performance reviews) - Return on investment (ROI) – how much benefit is gained for the resources spent
(Used in both business and social programs) - Ineffective / Unproductive – not producing desired results
(Formal alternatives to “didn’t work”) - Evidence-based policy – strategies created using real research and proven data
(Preferred approach in academic writing) - Quantitative / Qualitative results – numbers vs. non-numerical observations
(Use both to show well-rounded evaluation) - Milestone – a significant point or achievement in a project
(Used to track progress) - Unintended consequences – results that were not expected, often negative
(E.g., a law that reduces crime but increases poverty) - Continuous improvement – the idea that programs should be regularly reviewed and refined
(Shows a growth mindset in planning)
Skills and Learning
- Lifelong learning – the continuous pursuit of knowledge throughout one’s life
(Useful in Writing Task 2 about education or career) - Transferable skills – abilities that can be used in different jobs or situations
(E.g., teamwork, communication, time management) - Soft skills – interpersonal and emotional intelligence skills
(Examples: adaptability, leadership, empathy) - Hard skills – specific, teachable abilities like coding, accounting, or driving
(Usually measurable and job-specific) - Upskilling – learning new skills to remain competitive in the job market
(Common in business and employment contexts) - Critical thinking – the ability to analyze and evaluate information effectively
(Highly valued in academic and professional settings) - Problem-solving – finding solutions to complex or unexpected issues
(Essential for work, education, and life scenarios) - Self-directed learning – studying independently without constant supervision
(Often linked to motivation and maturity) - Hands-on experience – practical learning through doing, not just theory
(Also called experiential learning) - Vocational training – education focused on specific trades or careers (e.g., electrician, chef)
(Often contrasted with academic education) - Digital literacy – the ability to use computers and digital tools effectively
(Crucial in modern education and jobs) - Cognitive skills – mental abilities like memory, reasoning, and attention
(Used in learning psychology or advanced academic writing) - Learning curve – the rate at which someone acquires new knowledge
(E.g., “There was a steep learning curve at the start.”) - Peer learning – gaining knowledge from classmates or colleagues
(Supports collaborative environments) - Trial and error – learning by experimenting and learning from mistakes
(Useful in both formal and informal learning contexts) - Knowledge retention – the ability to remember what one has learned
(Important in language learning and exams) - Mentorship – learning from someone more experienced for guidance and development
(Valued in both academic and work settings) - Skill gap – the difference between the skills someone has and those required
(Often used in employment or education policy writing) - Theoretical foundation – understanding the concepts behind a subject
(Often paired with practical application) - Competency-based learning – education that focuses on mastering specific skills
(Used in modern curriculum reforms and vocational studies)
Education
- Curriculum – the subjects and content taught in a school or course
(E.g., national curriculum, school curriculum) - Pedagogy – the method and practice of teaching
(Formal term used in academic discussions about education) - Compulsory education – education that is legally required
(Usually refers to primary and secondary schooling) - Higher education – education beyond secondary school, such as universities and colleges
(Also known as tertiary education) - Vocational education – education that prepares students for specific careers or trades
(E.g., plumbing, nursing, IT support) - Holistic development – educating the whole person: intellectually, emotionally, socially
(Used in modern education philosophies) - Academic achievement – success in school measured by grades or test results
(Often discussed in performance comparisons) - Dropout rate – the percentage of students who leave school before completing it
(A key indicator of education system effectiveness) - Standardised testing – exams given uniformly across a region or country
(E.g., IELTS, SATs, A-levels) - Distance learning – studying remotely without being physically present in a classroom
(Also called online learning or remote education) - Interactive learning – education that involves student participation and engagement
(Often contrasted with passive lectures) - Extracurricular activities – non-academic activities like sports, music, or volunteering
(Valued for building social and leadership skills) - Student-centred learning – an approach where teaching focuses on students’ needs and interests
(Opposite: teacher-centred learning) - Inclusive education – education that accommodates students of all abilities and backgrounds
(Supports diversity and equality) - Tuition fees – the cost students pay for education
(Often debated in terms of accessibility and fairness) - Educational inequality – differences in access or quality of education due to social or economic factors
(E.g., rural vs urban schools, private vs public) - Liberal arts education – education in humanities and social sciences promoting critical thinking
(Contrasted with technical or vocational paths) - Bursary / Scholarship – financial support awarded to students based on need or merit
(Useful when discussing accessibility of higher education) - Learning outcomes – the knowledge or skills a student is expected to gain
(Often used in evaluating school performance) - Cramming – last-minute intense study before an exam
(Often seen as ineffective for deep learning)
Work
- Workforce – the total number of people available or employed in a particular sector
(Synonym: labour force) - Job satisfaction – the level of contentment employees feel about their work
(Key term in discussions on productivity and motivation) - Work-life balance – maintaining a healthy balance between job responsibilities and personal life
(Common in modern employment issues) - Career advancement – progression in one’s career through promotions or new opportunities
(Synonym: career growth, upward mobility) - Freelancing / Gig economy – working independently, often short-term or contract-based
(Examples: graphic design, online tutoring) - Occupational stress – pressure and mental strain caused by one’s job
(Often linked with burnout or overwork) - Blue-collar / White-collar jobs – manual labour vs. office/professional work
(E.g., factory worker vs. accountant) - Job security – the likelihood of keeping one’s job long-term
(Important in both employee satisfaction and economic debates) - Redundancy / Layoff – losing a job because it’s no longer needed, not due to poor performance
(Used in discussions about automation or economic downturns) - Remote work / Telecommuting – working from home or outside a traditional office
(Popular post-pandemic concept) - Entrepreneurship – the act of starting and managing your own business
(Useful in innovation and economic writing) - Employee turnover – the rate at which employees leave and are replaced
(High turnover can indicate poor workplace conditions) - Salary package – a combination of wages and benefits offered to an employee
(Includes health insurance, bonuses, etc.) - Workplace culture – the shared values, practices, and behaviors in a work environment
(Affects employee engagement and collaboration) - Professional development – training and education to improve job-related skills
(E.g., attending workshops or taking online courses) - Promotion prospects – chances of moving up to a higher position in a company
(Key phrase in job interviews and career planning) - Job market – the availability of employment and demand for workers
(Affected by technology, education, and economic trends) - Performance appraisal – a formal evaluation of an employee’s work
(Synonym: performance review) - Team collaboration – working effectively with others to reach shared goals
(Essential soft skill in most industries) - Flexible hours / Flextime – a work schedule that allows varying start and end times
(Often offered to improve work-life balance)
Economy
- Inflation – the rate at which prices increase over time
(Leads to reduced purchasing power) - GDP (Gross Domestic Product) – the total value of goods and services produced in a country
(A key indicator of economic performance) - Recession – a period of economic decline, usually marked by reduced spending and job losses
(Often defined as two consecutive quarters of negative growth) - Unemployment rate – the percentage of people who are able and willing to work but can’t find a job
(Key in assessing a country’s economy) - Cost of living – how much money is needed to cover basic expenses in a specific place
(Includes housing, food, healthcare, etc.) - Disposable income – money left after taxes and necessary expenses
(Used to measure consumer spending power) - Subsidy – financial support from the government to reduce costs for industries or consumers
(Common in agriculture, fuel, or education) - Taxation – the system of collecting money from citizens to fund public services
(Includes income tax, sales tax, VAT, etc.) - Trade deficit / surplus – when a country imports more/less than it exports
(Important in discussions on global trade and policy) - Currency fluctuation – changes in the value of one country’s money against another’s
(Affects import/export prices and tourism) - Free market economy – an economic system based on supply and demand with minimal government control
(Opposite: planned or state-controlled economy) - Economic inequality – unequal distribution of income or wealth
(Leads to social issues and debate over policies) - Living wage – income high enough to maintain a decent standard of living
(Higher than the legal minimum wage in many places) - Austerity measures – government policies to reduce spending and debt
(Includes cuts to public services or increased taxes) - Foreign investment – money invested by individuals or companies from other countries
(Can boost local economies but also cause dependency) - Consumer confidence – how optimistic people are about the economy and their spending
(Directly affects economic growth) - Economic boom / downturn – rapid growth or decline in economic activity
(E.g., tech boom, post-pandemic downturn) - Public sector / Private sector – government-run vs. privately owned parts of the economy
(E.g., public healthcare vs. private clinics) - Supply and demand – the relationship between the availability of products and the desire for them
(Fundamental economic principle) - Globalisation – the process of increased international trade and interconnection
(Impacts jobs, culture, production, and markets)
Technology
- Artificial intelligence (AI) – computer systems capable of learning, problem-solving, or decision-making
(E.g., chatbots, self-driving cars) - Automation – use of machines or software to perform tasks without human input
(Common in factories, data processing, etc.) - Digital divide – the gap between those who have access to modern technology and those who don’t
(Often linked to socioeconomic inequality) - E-waste – discarded electronic devices and components
(A growing environmental concern) - Data privacy – protection of personal information online
(A major issue in the digital age) - Cybersecurity – protecting computer systems from theft, hacking, or damage
(Essential in business and government sectors) - Smart devices – gadgets connected to the internet and capable of performing automated functions
(E.g., smartwatches, smart TVs, smart homes) - Cloud computing – storing and accessing data over the internet instead of a local hard drive
(Popular with companies for flexibility and storage) - Wearable technology – electronic devices worn on the body
(Examples: fitness trackers, smart glasses) - Digital literacy – the ability to use technology effectively and responsibly
(A modern essential skill) - Big data – extremely large data sets analyzed to reveal patterns and trends
(Used in business, marketing, and healthcare) - Biometric security – identification using body features like fingerprints or facial recognition
(Replaces passwords in many modern systems) - Tech-savvy – someone highly skilled in using modern technology
(Useful in personal descriptions in Speaking) - Disruptive technology – innovation that significantly alters industries or markets
(Examples: smartphones, streaming services) - Digital transformation – integrating digital technology into all areas of business or society
(Common in corporate and governmental reforms) - Virtual reality (VR) – a computer-generated simulation of a 3D environment
(Used in gaming, education, and training) - Augmented reality (AR) – overlaying digital content on the real world
(Example: Snapchat filters, Pokémon GO) - Remote work tools – technologies enabling online collaboration (e.g., Zoom, Slack)
(Important post-pandemic trend) - Tech addiction – excessive or unhealthy use of devices and digital media
(Rising concern, especially among youth) - Digital footprint – the trail of data a person leaves behind when using the internet
(Important for privacy and reputation)Which word was new to you?
Drop your favorite or newly learned word in the comments, we’d love to see what stuck with you!
