CEFR Level
not alive, especially not in the manner of animals and humans; lifeless
"The museum was full of inanimate objects from ancient times."
Unable to express oneself clearly or effectively in speech or writing.
"She became inarticulate with emotion during the speech."
not paying attention; lacking focus or concentration
"The inattentive student missed several important instructions."
Unable to be heard.
"Her voice was almost inaudible over the noise."
marking the beginning of something; first; opening
"The president delivered his inaugural speech."
To formally begin or introduce something, especially with a ceremony.
"The mayor will inaugurate the new bridge tomorrow."
Begin or introduce (a system, policy, or period) formally.
"The organization was inaugurated officially."
existing from birth; innate
"She has an inborn talent for music."
to imprison or confine someone
"The authorities incarcerated the criminal after the trial."
the state of being imprisoned or confined
"The criminal faced years of incarceration for his crimes."
the embodiment of a deity, spirit, or quality in a physical form
"The monk was considered the incarnation of compassion."
a substance burned for its sweet smell (noun); to make very angry (verb)
"The smell of incense filled the temple, but his rude words incensed her."
the beginning or start of something
"The company has grown rapidly since its inception."
Continuing without pause or interruption.
"The incessant noise from the construction site made it hard to concentrate."
the occurrence, rate, or frequency of something
"The incidence of road accidents has decreased this year."
happening as a minor part or in connection with something else
"Incidental expenses like snacks and tips were included in the bill."
by the way; used to introduce a remark not directly related to the main subject
"Incidentally, did you know that she studied in Paris?"
clear, sharp, and direct in thought, speech, or style
"Her incisive analysis revealed the flaws in the plan."
to encourage or stir up violent or unlawful behavior
"The leader's speech incited the crowd to protest."
the action of provoking unlawful or violent behavior
"He was arrested for incitement to riot."
A natural tendency or urge to act or feel in a particular way.
"She has an inclination towards helping others."
to feel willing or favorably disposed toward something; to bend or tilt
"She is inclined to agree with the proposal."
In disguise or with one's identity concealed.
"The celebrity traveled incognito to avoid the paparazzi."
The quality of being unclear, confused, or lacking logical connection.
"His speech was full of incoherence and difficult to follow."
Not clear or easy to understand; lacking logical connection.
"His explanation was so incoherent that nobody could follow it."
Without an equal in quality or excellence; matchless.
"The view from the mountain was incomparable."
the state of being unable to exist or work together harmoniously; lack of compatibility
"The project failed because of incompatibility between the two software systems."
Not able to exist or work together without conflict.
"Their personalities were completely incompatible."
Lack of ability, skill, or effectiveness in doing something.
"The project failed due to the manager’s incompetence."
Lacking the necessary ability or skills to do something successfully.
"He was fired because he was incompetent at his job."
the state of not being complete or whole; lack of necessary parts or fullness
"The incompleteness of the report caused delays in the project."
Impossible or very difficult to understand.
"The professor’s lecture was so fast it became incomprehensible."
Impossible to imagine or believe; beyond comprehension.
"It seemed inconceivable that she could finish the marathon after such little training."
Not leading to a definite result or decision.
"The investigation remained inconclusive due to a lack of evidence."
Not fitting in with or suitable for the surroundings.
"His jokes were incongruous during the serious meeting."
Not important or significant; too small to matter.
"The mistake was minor and inconsequential."
Thoughtless; showing a lack of concern for others.
"It was inconsiderate of him to play loud music late at night."
The quality of being contradictory, irregular, or not staying the same.
"There is an inconsistency between his words and actions."
unwilling or unable to believe something
"He gave her an incredulous look when she claimed she could fly."
an increase or addition, especially one of a series on a fixed scale
"Employees received an annual salary increment."
Increasing gradually in small amounts or steps.
"The company made incremental improvements to the software."
to make someone appear guilty of a crime or wrongdoing
"The new evidence could incriminate the suspect in the robbery case."
to keep eggs, cells, or organisms at the right conditions for development
"The hen will incubate the eggs until they hatch."
the process of keeping eggs, cells, or organisms in the right conditions for development
"The incubation of the eggs lasted for three weeks."
a device or environment that provides suitable conditions for eggs, cells, or infants to develop
"The premature baby was placed in an incubator for care."
Necessary as a duty or responsibility; currently holding office.
"It is incumbent upon all citizens to vote in elections."
To bring upon oneself something undesirable, usually as a result of actions.
"He incurred a fine for parking in the wrong place."
A sudden attack or invasion into a place or territory.
"The army repelled the enemy incursion at the border."
Owing gratitude or money to someone; obligated.
"I am deeply indebted to my teacher for her guidance."
not conforming to accepted standards of behavior or morality; improper or offensive
"He was warned for making an indecent remark during the meeting."