leap-scholar-logo
hamburger-menu

Vocabulary Words for IELTS 2024: Complete List Phrasal Verbs, Idioms and Words

updated at

Updated on Mar 18, 2024, 13:21

Words are the building blocks of any language! Interestingly, they keep evolving. New words form, and old words coin new meanings that are more relevant to the age and day. 
 

A pro-English speaker would know how to play and experiment with vocabulary in all four language skills: Reading, Speaking, Listening, and Writing. This is why IELTS Vocabulary is crucial in deciding your IELTS band score!

On This Page

Arrow right
Slider image

1. IELTS Vocabulary: What’s It All About?

On this page, we’ll assist you with the best IELTS vocabulary to add to your word bank. Let’s dive in! 

 

Slider image

2. IELTS Vocabulary List: Phrasal Verbs

Phrasal verbs are a combination of verbs and prepositions or adverbs. Most times, phrasal verbs don’t mean what they indicate, LITERALLY! For example, the phrase ‘look after him’ does not indicate that you must look behind or after the person has walked past or moved. 

 

Instead, it means “take care of him.”

Slider image

3. IELTS Vocabulary List: Idioms

Idioms, much like phrasal verbs, don’t always indicate what they mean. Idioms are flowery sentences framed together for effect, humour and poetry. Idioms originate from cultural experiences or historical references. 

Slider image

4. Tips To Improve IELTS Vocabulary

IELTS Vocabulary only improves over time. You must put in consistent work and practice to improve your word bank.

More for you

Check your IELTS band in 10 mins!

 

Take Band Predictor Test arrow right
5/5
1.

IELTS Vocabulary: What’s It All About?

 

By definition, vocabulary just means words! But remember, it does not have to be just a word. IELTS Vocabulary consists of idioms or phrasal verbs, which we’ll explore below. 
 

As part of language evaluation, IELTS measures your vocabulary range, also called ‘Lexical Resource.’ This band descriptor accounts for 25% of your IELTS scores. 
 

Here’s what it checks: 

 

  • Are you using the right words in the proper context?
  • Are you following all the grammar rules when using this word?
  • Are you able to use unusual and uncommon words relevantly?
     

IELTS Vocabulary is put to use differently in each of the four skills. For instance, the IELTS Speaking Vocabulary will consist of conversational words, nothing too over-the-board or academic. 
 

On the other hand, while preparing for IELTS Reading, Writing or Listening, you will need to add more sophisticated words to your bank! This is because the passages, audio and essay topics are slightly more academic/formal in nature. 
 

Therefore, your preparation strategies for IELTS Vocabulary should be specific to the section you’re preparing for. 

 

Below is a list of vocabulary words arranged as per categories/topics that most commonly occur in IELTS. 

Advertising

Word

Meaning

Advertisement

A paid message aimed at promoting a product or service

Branding

The process of creating a distinct identity for a product

Campaign

A coordinated series of advertising efforts

Endorsement

Approval or support of a product by a well-known figure

Marketing

The process of promoting and selling products or services

Promotion

Activities aimed at encouraging the purchase of a product

Consumerism

The culture of excessive consumption

Target audience

A specific group of people a product is intended for

Sponsorship

Financial support or backing provided by a sponsor

Persuasion

The act of convincing someone to take action

Publicity

Attention or visibility gained for a product or service

Advertiser

A person or entity that creates and pays for advertisements

Advertisement copy

The text content of an advertisement

Market research

Systematic study of consumer preferences and behaviour

Ad campaign

Coordinated series of advertisements with a specific goal

Brand image

Perception of a brand in the minds of consumers

Media planning

Strategy for selecting the most effective advertising media

Billboard

Large outdoor advertisements, often along roads or highways

Commercial

Television or radio advertisement

Jingle

Catchy song or tune used in advertising

Infomercial

Extended television commercial with informative content

Viral marketing

A strategy that encourages individuals to share content

Product placement

Inclusion of branded products within entertainment content

Call to action

Instruction or prompt to encourage immediate response

Testimonial

Personal account or endorsement of a product or service

Business

Word/Phrase

Meaning

Entrepreneurship

The activity of setting up a business or businesses, taking on financial risks in the hope of profit

Innovation

Introduction of new ideas, methods, or products

Entrepreneur

A person who starts and operates a business, assuming risks in pursuit of profit

Profit

Financial gain obtained from a business venture

Investment

Allocating money or resources with the expectation of future benefit

Market

The aggregate of all potential buyers and sellers of a product or service

Competition

Rivalry between businesses for market share

Stakeholder

A person or group with a vested interest in a business or its outcomes

Revenue

Income generated from sales or other business activities

Business Strategy

Plan of action designed to achieve a particular goal

Partnership

Business structure involving two or more individuals sharing ownership and management

Merger

Combination of two or more companies into a single entity

Acquisition

Process of one company taking control of another through the purchase of its shares

Liquidation

Process of winding up a business and selling off its assets

Asset

Resource with economic value owned or controlled by a business

Liability

Legal obligation or debt that a business owes to others

Equity

Ownership interest in a business or property

Capital

Financial assets or resources used in the production of goods or services

Cash Flow

Movement of money into or out of a business

Return on Investment (ROI)

Measure of profitability relative to the investment amount

Supply Chain

Network of entities involved in the production and distribution of a product

Outsourcing

Contracting out business processes or services to a third-party provider

Franchise

Business model in which individuals buy the rights to operate a branch of a larger company

Monopoly

Market conditions where a single seller dominates the industry, controlling prices and supply

Diversification

The strategy of expanding business operations into different products, markets, or industries

Culture, Arts, and Diversity

Word

Meaning

Culture

Shared customs, beliefs, and practices of a society

Diversity

Variety of different cultures, perspectives, and experiences

Tradition

Customary beliefs or practices passed down through generations

Identity

Sense of self, including cultural and personal aspects

Heritage

Practices and beliefs inherited from ancestors

Multiculturalism

Coexistence of multiple cultural groups within a society

Inclusion

Practice including all individuals regardless of differences

Equity

Fairness and impartiality, ensuring equal opportunities

Tolerance

Acceptance and respect for diverse opinions and beliefs

Ethnicity

Cultural characteristics and identity associated with a group

Harmony

Peaceful coexistence and cooperation among different groups

Bias

Prejudice in favour of or against one thing, person, or group

Stereotype

Simplified and often exaggerated assumptions about a group

Prejudice

Preconceived opinions or attitudes based on stereotypes

Aesthetic

Concerned with beauty and the appreciation of art

Indigenous

Originating or occurring naturally in a particular region

Cultural Capital

Non-financial assets such as knowledge and cultural experiences

Ethnocentrism

Belief in the superiority of one's own culture

Inclusive Language

Language that avoids excluding particular groups

Cultural Sensitivity

Awareness and respect for cultural differences

Artistic Movement

Period or style in art characterised by specific principles or techniques

Cultural Integration

The blending of different cultural elements into a harmonious whole

Cultural Identity

Sense of belonging to a particular cultural group

Cultural Exchange

Sharing and interaction of cultural elements between societies

Artisan

Skilled craftsperson or artist who produces handmade goods

Environment

Word

Meaning

Biodiversity

Variety of plant and animal species in an ecosystem

Sustainability

Capacity to maintain ecological balance over time

Conservation

Protection and preservation of natural resources

Ecosystem

Community of living organisms and their environment

Deforestation

Clearing of forests for agriculture, logging, or urbanisation

Ecological Footprint

Impact of human activities on the environment

Climate Change

Long-term alteration of Earth's climate due to human activities

Renewable Energy

Energy derived from natural sources that are replenished

Pollution

Contamination of air, water, or soil with harmful substances

Greenhouse Effect

Trapping of heat in Earth's atmosphere by greenhouse gases

Habitat Destruction

Loss or degradation of natural habitats

Carbon Footprint

Measure of carbon dioxide emissions caused by human activity

Sustainable Development

Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs

Ozone Depletion

Reduction of the ozone layer in the Earth's atmosphere

Acid Rain

Rainfall with high levels of acidity due to air pollution

Desertification

Conversion of fertile land into desert due to human activity

Extinction

Permanent disappearance of a species from Earth

Anthropogenic

Caused or influenced by human activities

Reforestation

Planting of trees to restore or replenish forested areas

Aquifer

Underground layer of water-bearing rock

Biodegradable

Capable of being broken down into natural elements

Conservationist

A person who advocates for the protection of natural resources

Marine Conservation

Protection and preservation of marine ecosystems

Sustainable Agriculture

Farming practices that minimise environmental impact

Resilience

The ability of ecosystems to recover from disturbances

Fashion

Word

Meaning

Trend

The general direction in which fashion or style is moving

Fashionista

A person who follows and sets trends in fashion

Runway

Long, narrow platform used by models to display clothing

Designer

A person who creates original clothing designs

Boutique

Small shop specialising in fashionable clothes or accessories

Fashion-forward

Stylish and innovative in clothing or style

Glamour

Alluring or captivating beauty and sophistication

Ensemble

Coordinated outfit or group of clothing items

Accessories

Items such as jewellery, handbags, and shoes that complement an outfit

Wardrobe

Collection of clothing and accessories owned by an individual

Style

Distinctive manner or characteristic of dressing or arranging clothes

Textile

Fabric or cloth used in making clothing and accessories

Vintage

Clothing or accessories from a previous era

Tailoring

The craft of cutting, fitting, and sewing garments

Chic

Stylish and elegant in manner or appearance

Embellishment

Decorative detail or ornamentation added to clothing

Fashionable

Currently popular or stylish in clothing or appearance

Silhouette

Outline or shape of a garment when viewed from a distance

Ready-to-wear

Mass-produced clothing that is ready to be worn off the rack

Fashion industry

Business sector involved in the production and distribution of clothing and accessories

Hipster

A person who follows alternative fashion and cultural trends

Antique

Object, especially a piece of furniture or work of art, that is old and often valuable due to its age

Smart casual

A dress code that is neat, conventional, yet informal

Bohemian

Relating to an unconventional lifestyle, often associated with artists and free spirits

Minimalist

A person who prefers a simple and uncluttered style

Personality

Word

Meaning

Personality

Combination of characteristics or qualities that form an individual's distinct character

Trait

Distinguishing quality or characteristic of a person

Extrovert

An outgoing and sociable person who enjoys being around others

Introvert

A reserved and inward-focused person who prefers solitude

Ambivert

A person who displays both extroverted and introverted traits

Optimistic

Positive and hopeful outlook on life and future

Pessimistic

Negative and cynical outlook on life and future

Charismatic

Charming and persuasive personality

Resilient

Ability to recover quickly from difficulties or setbacks

Empathetic

Ability to understand and share the feelings of others

Compassionate

Feeling or showing concern for the suffering of others

Assertive

Confident and self-assured in expressing opinions and needs

Conscientious

Diligent and meticulous in one's work and responsibilities

Open-minded

Willing to consider new ideas and perspectives

Closed-minded

Unwilling to consider new ideas or viewpoints

Empathic

Ability to understand and share the emotions of others

Neurotic

Prone to experiencing negative emotions such as anxiety or insecurity

Agreeable

Friendly, cooperative, and easy to get along with

Disagreeable

Unfriendly, confrontational, and difficult to get along with

Personality trait

Enduring and consistent patterns of thoughts, feelings, and behaviours

Self-esteem

Confidence and self-worth in one's abilities and worth

Self-confidence

Belief in one's abilities and judgment

Self-awareness

Conscious knowledge and understanding of one's character, feelings, motives, and desires

Self-discipline

Ability to control one's behaviour and impulses

Adaptability

Ability to adjust to new conditions or circumstances

2.

IELTS Vocabulary List: Phrasal Verbs

Understanding phrasal words can be tricky to start with, but as you learn, it will become easier, more interesting, and even fun! 
 

Here are some phrasal verbs you can start using today! 

 

Commonly Used Phrasal Verbs

Phrasal Verb

Meaning

Break down

To stop working or functioning properly

Call off

To cancel or abandon something planned or scheduled

Carry out

To complete or perform a task or action

Come across

To find or encounter something unexpectedly

Get along

To have a good relationship or rapport with someone

Get over

To recover from an illness, setback, or emotional distress

Go on

To continue or proceed with something

Look after

To take care of or watch over someone or something

Look for

To search or seek something

Put off

To postpone or delay something

Put up with

To tolerate or endure something unpleasant

Run into

To unexpectedly encounter someone or something

Set up

To establish or arrange something

Take after

To resemble or have similar characteristics to someone

Take off

To remove or start to remove clothing or accessories

Turn down

To refuse or reject something

Turn on

To switch on or activate something

Turn off

To switch off or deactivate something

Break up

To end a romantic relationship

Look up

To search for information in a reference source

Go back

To return to a previous location or state

Come up

To arise or occur, especially unexpectedly

Give up

To stop doing or attempting something

Hang out

To spend time in a particular place or with someone

Make up

To reconcile after a disagreement or to invent something fictitious

Less Common Phrasal Verbs

Phrasal Verb

Meaning

Bring about

To cause or make something happen

Come across as

To give a particular impression or appear in a certain way

Drop off

To deliver or leave someone or something at a destination

Fall through

To fail to happen or be completed as planned

Gear up

To prepare or get ready for something

Give in

To surrender or yield to someone or something

Hold back

To restrain or prevent oneself from doing something

Knock off

To stop working, especially at the end of the day

Lay off

To terminate someone's employment temporarily or permanently

Let down

To disappoint or fail to meet expectations

Pass away

To die or pass on

Pull off

To accomplish or achieve something successfully

Put out

To extinguish or suppress a fire or flame

See through

To recognize the true nature of someone or something

Settle down

To become calm, stable, or established in one place or situation

Show off

To display one's abilities or possessions proudly

Stand by

To support or remain loyal to someone or something

Take in

To absorb or comprehend information

Think over

To consider or reflect on something carefully

Throw away

To discard or dispose of something

Turn out

To result in a particular way or have a specific outcome

Wind up

To conclude or finish something

Work out

To solve or resolve a problem or difficulty

Write down

To record or note something in writing

Zoom in

To focus or magnify something

3.

IELTS Vocabulary List: Idioms

For example, when someone says, “This is a piece of cake!” They are not talking about a real slice of cake. They are simply implying that this (some task) is very easy to do. 
 

Usage of Idioms indicates a high level of expertise in the English language, which is why using them during IELTS may get you brownie points! 
 

Here are some Idioms to learn today! 


 

Common Idioms

Idiom

Meaning

A piece of cake

Something very easy to do

Hit the nail on the head

To describe exactly what is true or right about a situation

Break the ice

To initiate conversation or alleviate tension in a social situation

Spill the beans

To disclose or reveal a secret or confidential information

Kick the bucket

To die or pass away

Let the cat out of the bag

To reveal a secret or disclose information that was meant to be kept private

Cost an arm and a leg

To be very expensive or costly

Once in a blue moon

Something that happens very rarely or infrequently

Biting off more than one can chew

To take on more responsibility or work than one can handle

Break a leg

A way to wish someone good luck, especially before a performance

Bury the hatchet

To make peace or reconcile with someone after a conflict or disagreement

Hit the hay

To go to bed or go to sleep

Jump on the bandwagon

To join or support a popular trend or movement

Kill two birds with one stone

To accomplish two tasks with a single action

Break a sweat

To exert physical effort or work hard

Butter someone up

To flatter or praise someone in order to gain favour or advantage

Out of the blue

Something unexpected or happening suddenly and without warning

Caught red-handed

To be caught in the act of doing something wrong or illegal

On cloud nine

To be extremely happy or joyful

Keep an eye on

To watch or monitor something or someone closely

Piece of the action

To be involved or have a share in an activity or opportunity

Under the weather

To feel unwell or sick

Back to the drawing board

To start over or rethink a plan or strategy

Go the extra mile

To make additional effort or go above and beyond what is required

A dime a dozen

Something that is very common or easily obtained

Less Common Idioms

Idiom

Meaning

Add insult to injury

To make a bad situation worse

Bee in one's bonnet

To have an obsession or preoccupation with something

Burn the midnight oil

To work late into the night or put in extra effort

Cast pearls before swine

To offer something valuable to someone who doesn't appreciate it

Don't cry over spilled milk

Don't fret or worry about something that has already happened or cannot be changed

Fish out of water

Someone who feels uncomfortable or out of place in a particular situation

Jump down someone's throat

To react angrily or aggressively to someone's actions or words

Kill the fatted calf

To have a celebration or feast for a special occasion or guest

Loose cannon

Someone who is unpredictable or behaves recklessly

Paint the town red

To go out and enjoy oneself, often by partying or celebrating

Steal someone's thunder

To take credit or attention away from someone else's achievement or success

Take the bull by the horns

To confront a difficult or challenging situation head-on

Throw in the towel

To give up or surrender, especially after a struggle or effort

To have a chip on one's shoulder

To be resentful or sensitive about a past grievance or perceived injustice

To have a skeleton in the closet

To have a hidden or embarrassing secret from the past

To hit the ground running

To start something quickly and energetically, often with immediate success

To kill time

To pass time or occupy oneself while waiting for something

To let the grass grow under one's feet

To delay or procrastinate in taking action

To pull someone's leg

To tease or joke with someone in a playful or humorous manner

To see the elephant

To gain experience, especially through exposure to difficult situations

To split hairs

To make fine or trivial distinctions in an argument or discussion

To take something with a grain of salt

To be sceptical or not entirely believe something

To wear one's heart on one's sleeve

To openly display or show one's emotions or feelings

To whistle in the dark

To attempt to remain brave or optimistic in a fearful or uncertain situation

To wolf in sheep's clothing

Someone who appears harmless or benign but is actually deceitful or dangerous

4.

Tips To Improve IELTS Vocabulary

To score well in the lexical resource part of the test, it’s important that you not only know the words but understand them and can pronounce them correctly.  Here are the top 5 tips to help you improve Vocabulary words for IELTS! 

 

  1. Read all you can: The best way to learn new words is to read! Read newspapers, books, magazines, blogs, and anything else. If you spot a new word, note it and find its meaning. 
  2. Watch and Observe: When watching TV shows or movies or chatting with people, pay attention to the words used. It's an easy and effective way to learn new vocabulary without much effort!
  3. Play word games: Another easy trick if you have little time to build your vocabulary. Games like Wordle and Scribbl are fun plus educative. 
  4. Practice: Learning a new word is not enough. You must practice using it in different contexts. You should also practice pronunciation! 
  5. Set Goals: If vocabulary is your weak point, try setting goals to learn a certain number of words every week. Maintain a journal to record the words and track your progress. 

Next Up

IELTS Practice Test

Read Now Read now

IELTS Exam

Read Now Read now

IELTS Modules

Read Now Read now

IELTS Important Information

IELTS Accepting Countries

IELTS Accepting Universities

IELTS Test Centre and Dates in India

FAQs

Q. Is there any IELTS vocabulary test?

A. No, the IELTS exam does not have a specific vocabulary test. However, a strong and diverse vocabulary is essential for performing well across all sections. You are encouraged to explore our list of vocabulary words for IELTS as a valuable resource to enhance your language proficiency.

Q. Is 7.5 a good score?

A. Yes, a score of 7.5 reflects a high level of proficiency in English. It demonstrates that the candidate can communicate effectively in academic and professional contexts. This score is widely accepted by universities worldwide, making it a commendable achievement for individuals aspiring to pursue higher education or professional opportunities in an English-speaking environment.

Q. Are vocabulary words for IELTS important?

A. Yes, vocabulary words for IELTS are crucial as they constitute up to 25% of the total score. This emphasis underscores its significance in both the Speaking and Writing sections, making it essential for candidates to focus on building a diverse and accurate vocabulary to enhance their chances of success.

Q. How do you enrich your IELTS vocabulary?

A. To enhance your knowledge about vocabulary words for IELTS, engage in activities such as reading newspapers, which exposes you to diverse vocabulary used in real-world contexts. Watching English movies with subtitles enhances your listening skills and introduces you to colloquial expressions. Maintaining a daily diary and jotting down new words and phrases encountered during your studies or daily life aids in continuous learning and retention.

Q. Is it necessary to use vocabulary words for IELTS?

A. No, there is no strict rule that using complex words is necessary for scoring well in IELTS. While using a diverse vocabulary is encouraged, there is no obligation to incorporate unnecessarily complex words. The key is to prioritise effective usage and understanding of words. The emphasis should be on practical communication rather than the complexity of the vocabulary.

Q. Why is it important to improve vocabulary words for IELTS?

A. Yes. Vocabulary is your foundation. Vocabulary makes up to 25% of your total IELTS Writing and Speaking marks. Without a strong vocabulary, having an efficient conversation or writing a good content piece is difficult. And when you move out to an English-speaking country, it is ideal to build a strong vocabulary.

Q. What is the best way to memorise vocabulary words for IELTS easily?

A. We don’t recommend memorising words, as it is highly likely to lead to confusion. Using words in the wrong context will cost you marks. However, if it is your last resort, using mnemonics is the best way to memorise vocabulary. These are mental shortcuts that help you remember more complex concepts or words. For example, you can create connections between words. The longer you think about acronyms or the connection, the better you will remember the associated words.

Q. Why is vocabulary important in the IELTS exam?

A. Having a good vocabulary helps you express ideas clearly without repeating yourself. In Writing, it lets you share complex thoughts and makes your points easier to follow. In Speaking, it helps you speak fluently and sound confident. In Listening and Reading, vocabulary practice will help you easily comprehend the audio and passages.

Q. How can I expand my IELTS vocabulary?

A. These are a few things you can do to improve your vocabulary:

  • Read genres, including newspapers, articles, and academic texts. This exposes you to a wide array of words used in diverse contexts. 
  • Practice actively using new words in different situations, ensuring a solid understanding of their nuances. 
  • Additionally, make use of vocabulary-building tools such as word lists and flashcards. Consistent and deliberate efforts in these areas will contribute significantly to the gradual expansion of your IELTS vocabulary.
Q. Are there specific words I should focus on for IELTS?

A. You can focus on the following categories as they are common subjects in all the four sections of IELTS: 

  • Advertisement 
  • Business
  • Culture
  • Environment
  • Fashion
  • Personality
  • Covid-19 
  • Education
  • Travel
  • Food
Q. Can I use informal words in the IELTS exam?

A. While informal words may be a part of everyday communication, the IELTS exam demands a higher level of formality and precision. Using informal language may detract from the overall academic tone expected in both written and spoken responses. Therefore, you are encouraged to adhere to a formal register, showcasing your ability to communicate proficiently in settings requiring more polished and professional language use.

Q. How can I memorise new words effectively?

A. Establish associations between new words and familiar concepts to make memorisation more effective. Creating a story around a group of words can help you recall your memory. Furthermore, practice actively using the words in sentences, integrating them into your daily language use. This approach solidifies your understanding of the words and enhances your ability to recall and employ them appropriately during the exam.