CEFR Level
something that makes it difficult to do or achieve something
"Lack of funding is a major impediment to the project."
A hindrance or obstruction in doing something; things that prevent progress or achievement.
"Economic impediments often hinder social development."
to drive, force, or urge someone to do something
"Her curiosity impelled her to open the mysterious box."
about to happen soon, usually something unpleasant or threatening
"The villagers were worried about the impending flood."
Impossible to pass through or enter; impossible to understand.
"The dense forest was nearly impenetrable."
So slight, gradual, or subtle as to be not easily noticed or perceived.
"The change in his voice was almost imperceptible."
The state or fact of lasting for only a limited period of time.
"The philosophy of Buddhism emphasizes the impermanence of life."
Not allowing fluid or gas to pass through.
"The container is made of impermeable plastic."
not influenced by, showing, or involving personal feelings; lacking human warmth or emotion
"The letter was written in a very impersonal style."
to pretend to be another person in order to entertain or deceive
"He was arrested for trying to impersonate a police officer."
Fraudulently acting as someone else by copying their identity
"Criminals use impersonation to gain access to bank accounts."
lack of respect; rudeness
"The teacher was shocked by the student's impertinence."
rude and showing a lack of respect
"It was impertinent of him to question the manager's decision."
Not allowing fluid to pass through; unable to be affected by something.
"The jacket is impervious to rain."
Acting or done quickly without thought or care; impulsive.
"She made an impetuous decision to quit her job."
a driving force or stimulus that makes something happen or progress more quickly
"The new policy gave fresh impetus to the education reforms."
to have an effect or impact, especially a negative one; to intrude upon
"His loud music impinged on the neighbors’ peace."
Not seeming reasonable or probable; unlikely to be true.
"The story she told was so implausible that no one believed her."
To show someone’s involvement in a crime or wrongdoing.
"The evidence implicated several officials in the scandal."
To collapse or burst inward violently.
"The old building imploded during the demolition."
To beg someone earnestly or desperately to do something.
"She implored him to stay with her."
The act of bringing goods or services into a country from abroad
"The importation of luxury goods is strictly regulated."
having an appearance that is grand, impressive, or commanding
"The castle is an imposing structure overlooking the valley."
the act of forcing something on someone; an unwelcome demand or burden
"The new tax was seen as an unfair imposition on the poor."
the state or fact of being impossible; something that cannot be done or achieved
"Finishing the project in one day was an impossibility."
a person who pretends to be someone else in order to deceive others
"The man turned out to be an impostor posing as a doctor."
Lacking power, ability, or strength to take effective action.
"The citizens felt impotent against the corrupt system."
To make someone poor or reduce the quality or richness of something.
"The long war impoverished the entire nation."
Not exact or accurate; vague.
"His explanation was too imprecise to be helpful."
A mark or impression made by pressure; to establish or fix firmly in someone's mind.
"The event left an indelible imprint on the city's history."
the act of putting someone in prison; the state of being confined as punishment
"He faced imprisonment for violating the court order."
Not likely to be true or to happen.
"It seems improbable that he will arrive on time."
Done without being planned, rehearsed, or organized.
"They gave an impromptu performance in the park."
To create or perform something spontaneously without preparation.
"The actor had to improvise his lines when he forgot the script."
not showing due respect for another person; rude
"The impudent child talked back to the teacher."
acting suddenly without careful thought
"She made an impulsive decision to buy the car."
The tendency to act quickly and without thought or care; lack of self-control.
"His impulsivity led him to make reckless choices."
not clean or free from contamination; morally corrupt
"The water was impure and unsafe to drink."
unable to be reached, entered, or understood
"The remote village is almost inaccessible during the rainy season."
lack of accuracy or precision; an incorrect or wrong detail
"The report contained several factual inaccuracies."
Not engaging in activity; not active.
"The account has been inactive for six months."
the state of not being active physically or mentally; lack of action
"Prolonged inactivity can negatively affect both physical and mental health."
lack of sufficient ability, quality, or strength; a feeling of not being good enough
"She struggled with feelings of inadequacy at work despite her strong qualifications."
Not allowed, especially as evidence in a court of law.
"The judge ruled the evidence inadmissible."
Not resulting from or achieved through deliberate planning; unintentional.
"Her inadvertent mistake caused a delay in the project."
Without intention; accidentally.
"He inadvertently deleted the important file."
Not recommended; likely to have undesirable consequences.
"It is inadvisable to drive in such heavy rain."
lacking sense, meaning, or significance; silly or pointless
"The movie was criticized for its inane dialogue."