100 Most Common IELTS Words All Should Know

Unlike other English tests, the IELTS exam requires a specific type of vocabulary—the kind used in academic and formal settings. Whether you are describing a graph in Writing Task 1, arguing a point in Writing Task 2, or discussing a topic in the Speaking test, using precise and sophisticated language is crucial for a high score.

This list contains 100 of the most versatile and high-frequency words found in the IELTS Academic module. By mastering them, you'll be better equipped to understand the test materials and express your ideas with clarity and confidence.

Part 1: Analysis & Description

• Analyze: (v.) to examine in detail the constitution or structure of something.
  Example: The report will analyze the environmental impact of the new factory.
• Assess: (v.) to evaluate or estimate the nature, ability, or quality of something.
  Example: The committee was formed to assess the current situation.
• Component: (n.) a part or element of a larger whole.
  Example: A key component of a healthy lifestyle is a balanced diet.
• Constitute: (v.) to be (a part) of a whole.
  Example: Women constitute a significant proportion of the workforce.
• Contrast: (v.) to differ strikingly.
  Example: The article will contrast the economic policies of the two countries.
• Correlate: (v.) to have a mutual relationship or connection.
  Example: Researchers found that lack of sleep correlates with poor academic performance.
• Criteria: (n.) principles or standards by which something may be judged.
  Example: The final design must meet all the safety criteria.
• Crucial: (adj.) of great importance.
  Example: It is crucial to address the issue of climate change.
• Data: (n.) facts and statistics collected together for reference or analysis.
  Example: The data indicates a significant increase in urban population.
• Demonstrate: (v.) to give a practical exhibition and explanation of how something works or is performed.
  Example: The study demonstrates the effectiveness of the new drug.
• Derive: (v.) to obtain something from a specified source.
  Example: Many English words are derived from Latin.
• Distribute: (v.) to share out; to give a share or a unit of (something) to each of a number of recipients.
  Example: The government will distribute aid to the affected regions.
• Emerge: (v.) to become apparent, important, or prominent.
  Example: Several new trends have emerged in the fashion industry.
• Emphasis: (n.) special importance, value, or prominence given to something.
  Example: The course places a strong emphasis on practical skills.
• Environment: (n.) the surroundings or conditions in which a person, animal, or plant lives.
  Example: The factory was fined for damaging the environment.
• Estimate: (v.) to roughly calculate or judge the value, number, quantity, or extent of.
  Example: They estimate that the project will take two years to complete.
• Evident: (adj.) clearly seen or understood; obvious.
  Example: It was evident from his expression that he was not happy.
• Factor: (n.) a circumstance, fact, or influence that contributes to a result.
  Example: Economic factors were a major contributor to the crisis.
• Feature: (n.) a distinctive attribute or aspect of something.
  Example: A key feature of the new smartphone is its long battery life.
• Fluctuate: (v.) to rise and fall irregularly in number or amount.
  Example: The price of oil continues to fluctuate.

Part 2: Argument & Opinion

• Imply: (v.) to strongly suggest the truth or existence of (something not expressly stated).
  Example: The statistics imply that the policy has been successful.
• Indicate: (v.) to point out; show.
  Example: The survey results indicate a shift in public opinion.
• Individual: (n.) a single human being as distinct from a group.
  Example: The rights of the individual must be protected.
• Interpret: (v.) to explain the meaning of (information or actions).
  Example: It is difficult to interpret these results without more data.
• Involve: (v.) to have or include (something) as a necessary part or result.
  Example: The project will involve a significant amount of research.
• Issue: (n.) an important topic or problem for debate or discussion.
  Example: The government is addressing the issue of affordable housing.
• Labour: (n.) work, especially hard physical work.
  Example: The company relies on cheap labour to keep costs down.
• Legal: (adj.) relating to the law.
  Example: He sought legal advice before signing the contract.
• Legislate: (v.) to make or enact laws.
  Example: The government plans to legislate against discrimination.
• Major: (adj.) important, serious, or significant.
  Example: A major cause of pollution is industrial waste.
• Method: (n.) a particular procedure for accomplishing something.
  Example: They developed a new method for teaching languages.
• Occur: (v.) to happen; take place.
  Example: The accident occurred at 3 p.m. this afternoon.
• Percent: (n.) by a specified amount in or for every hundred.
  Example: The company's profits increased by 10 percent.
• Period: (n.) a length or portion of time.
  Example: The country experienced a period of rapid economic growth.
• Policy: (n.) a course or principle of action adopted or proposed by a government, party, business, or individual.
  Example: The government has implemented a new environmental policy.
• Principle: (n.) a fundamental truth or proposition that serves as the foundation for a system of belief or behavior.
  Example: The organization is based on the principle of equality.
• Proceed: (v.) to begin or continue a course of action.
  Example: They decided to proceed with the construction project.
• Process: (n.) a series of actions or steps taken in order to achieve a particular end.
  Example: The manufacturing process is highly automated.
• Require: (v.) to need for a particular purpose.
  Example: The job requires a high level of technical skill.
• Research: (n.) the systematic investigation into and study of materials and sources in order to establish facts and reach new conclusions.
  Example: Further research is needed to confirm the findings.

Part 3: Concepts & Ideas

• Respond: (v.) to say something in reply.
  Example: The government must respond to the needs of the people.
• Role: (n.) the function assumed or part played by a person or thing in a particular situation.
  Example: Technology plays a crucial role in modern education.
• Section: (n.) any of the more or less distinct parts into which something is or may be divided.
  Example: The final section of the report summarizes the key findings.
• Sector: (n.) an area or portion that is distinct from others.
  Example: The country has a rapidly growing private sector.
• Shift: (n.) a slight change in position, direction, or tendency.
  Example: There has been a significant shift in public opinion on this issue.
• Significant: (adj.) sufficiently great or important to be worthy of attention.
  Example: The discovery of penicillin was a significant medical breakthrough.
• Similar: (adj.) resembling without being identical.
  Example: The two cities have similar problems with traffic congestion.
• Source: (n.) a place, person, or thing from which something originates or can be obtained.
  Example: Renewable energy sources are becoming increasingly important.
• Specific: (adj.) clearly defined or identified.
  Example: The report provides specific recommendations for improvement.
• Structure: (n.) the arrangement of and relations between the parts or elements of something complex.
  Example: The structure of the essay was clear and logical.
• Theory: (n.) a supposition or a system of ideas intended to explain something.
  Example: The theory of evolution is a cornerstone of modern biology.
• Transfer: (v.) to move from one place to another.
  Example: The company plans to transfer its headquarters to a new location.
• Trend: (n.) a general direction in which something is developing or changing.
  Example: There is a growing trend towards healthier eating habits.
• Valid: (adj.) having a sound basis in logic or fact; reasonable or cogent.
  Example: The study's conclusions are considered to be valid.
• Vary: (v.) to differ in size, amount, degree, or nature from something else of the same general class.
  Example: The students' abilities vary widely.
• Welfare: (n.) the health, happiness, and fortunes of a person or group.
  Example: The government is responsible for the welfare of its citizens.
• Whereas: (conj.) in contrast or comparison with the fact that.
  Example: Some people prefer to live in the city, whereas others prefer the countryside.
• Widespread: (adj.) found or distributed over a large area or number of people.
  Example: There is widespread support for the new policy.
• Yield: (v.) to produce or provide (a natural, agricultural, or industrial product).
  Example: The investment is expected to yield a high return.
• Zenith: (n.) the time at which something is most powerful or successful.
  Example: The empire reached its zenith in the 19th century.

Part 4: Connecting & Contrasting

• Adjacent: (adj.) next to or adjoining something else.
  Example: The park is adjacent to the main railway station.
• Albeit: (conj.) although.
  Example: The trip was successful, albeit tiring.
• Allocate: (v.) to distribute (resources or duties) for a particular purpose.
  Example: The government will allocate more funds to education.
• Ambiguous: (adj.) open to more than one interpretation; having a double meaning.
  Example: The instructions were ambiguous and difficult to follow.
• Amend: (v.) to make minor changes to (a text, piece of legislation, etc.) in order to make it fairer or more accurate.
  Example: The committee decided to amend the proposal.
• Append: (v.) to add (something) as an attachment or supplement.
  Example: A list of references is appended to the report.
• Arbitrary: (adj.) based on random choice or personal whim, rather than any reason or system.
  Example: The decision to close the factory seemed arbitrary.
• Bulk: (n.) the mass or size of something large.
  Example: The bulk of the work has already been completed.
• Clause: (n.) a particular and separate article, stipulation, or proviso in a treaty, bill, or contract.
  Example: There is a specific clause in the contract regarding overtime pay.
• Commence: (v.) to begin.
  Example: The construction of the new bridge will commence next month.
• Compatible: (adj.) able to exist or occur together without conflict.
  Example: The new software is not compatible with older operating systems.
• Concurrent: (adj.) existing, happening, or done at the same time.
  Example: The two events were concurrent, which made it difficult to attend both.
• Confine: (v.) to keep or restrict someone or something within certain limits.
  Example: The study was confined to a small group of participants.
• Contrary: (adj.) opposite in nature, direction, or meaning.
  Example: Contrary to popular belief, a little stress can be good for you.
• Convene: (v.) to come or bring together for a meeting or activity; to assemble.
  Example: The committee will convene next week to discuss the issue.
• Domain: (n.) a specified sphere of activity or knowledge.
  Example: The university is a leader in the domain of scientific research.
• Explicit: (adj.) stated clearly and in detail, leaving no room for confusion or doubt.
  Example: The instructions were explicit and easy to follow.
• Format: (n.) the way in which something is arranged or set out.
  Example: The report was presented in a clear and professional format.
• Hence: (adv.) as a consequence; for this reason.
  Example: The roads were covered in ice; hence, it was not safe to drive.
• Implicit: (adj.) suggested though not directly expressed.
  Example: There was an implicit threat in his words.

Part 5: Advanced Academic Words

• Incentive: (n.) a thing that motivates or encourages one to do something.
  Example: The company offered a financial incentive for employees to work harder.
• Inherent: (adj.) existing in something as a permanent, essential, or characteristic attribute.
  Example: There are inherent risks in any new business venture.
• Inhibit: (v.) to hinder, restrain, or prevent (an action or process).
  Example: Fear of failure can inhibit creativity.
• Initial: (adj.) existing or occurring at the beginning.
  Example: The initial results of the experiment were promising.
• Insight: (n.) the capacity to gain an accurate and deep intuitive understanding of a person or thing.
  Example: The book provides valuable insights into the political process.
• Integrate: (v.) to combine one thing with another so that they become a whole.
  Example: The company plans to integrate the two departments.
• Intermediate: (adj.) coming between two things in time, place, order, character, etc.
  Example: This course is for students at an intermediate level.
• Intrinsic: (adj.) belonging naturally; essential.
  Example: The intrinsic value of a friendship is more important than its practical benefits.
• Levy: (v.) to impose (a tax, fee, or fine).
  Example: The government decided to levy a new tax on luxury goods.
• Likewise: (adv.) in the same way; also.
  Example: She is a talented musician; likewise, her brother is an accomplished artist.
• Manual: (adj.) relating to or done with the hands.
  Example: The factory is replacing manual labor with automated machines.
• Mature: (adj.) fully developed physically; full-grown.
  Example: It takes several years for the tree to become mature.
• Mediate: (v.) to intervene between people in a dispute in order to bring about an agreement or reconciliation.
  Example: A third party was brought in to mediate the conflict.
• Medium: (n.) an agency or means of doing something.
  Example: The internet has become an important medium for communication.
• Military: (n.) the armed forces of a country.
  Example: He decided to pursue a career in the military.
• Minimal: (adj.) of a minimum amount, quantity, or degree; negligible.
  Example: The project was completed with minimal disruption to daily operations.
• Mutual: (adj.) (of a feeling or action) experienced or done by each of two or more parties toward the other or others.
  Example: The agreement was based on mutual trust and respect.
• Norm: (n.) something that is usual, typical, or standard.
  Example: Working from home is becoming the new norm for many companies.
• Notion: (n.) a conception of or belief about something.
  Example: He rejected the notion that all change is progress.
• Notwithstanding: (prep.) in spite of.
  Example: Notwithstanding the bad weather, the event was a great success.