CEFR Level
done with great effort and difficulty; or past tense of labor
"He gave a labored explanation that confused the audience."
requiring considerable effort and time; difficult and hard-working
"Writing the long report was a laborious task."
a complex, confusing network of paths or passages; something very intricate or confusing
"The old city was like a labyrinth of narrow streets."
dull, uninspiring, or not impressive
"The team's lackluster performance disappointed the fans."
Relating to milk or lactic acid.
"Intense exercise can lead to a buildup of lactic acid in the muscles."
A young boy or lad.
"The old man gave the young laddie a kind smile."
A large spoon for serving soup or liquids; to serve with such a spoon.
"She used a ladle to serve the hot soup into bowls."
To fall behind in movement, progress, or development; a delay or period of falling behind.
"The old computer tends to lag when running new software."
A shallow body of water separated from the sea by sandbars or reefs.
"We swam in the calm waters of the lagoon."
A free-market policy of minimal government intervention in economic affairs, characterized by non-interventionism and capitalism.
"The country adopted a laissez-faire approach to economic policies."
to express sorrow, grief, or regret
"She lamented the loss of her childhood home."
to cover or enclose something with a protective layer, usually plastic
"She laminated her important documents to protect them from damage."
a long weapon with a pointed tip used by knights or soldiers on horseback
"The knight lowered his lance before charging at the opponent."
a collapse of a mass of earth or rock from a mountain or cliff; an overwhelming victory in an election
"Heavy rains triggered a massive landslide that blocked the mountain highway."
To become weak or feeble; to suffer neglect or remain in an unpleasant situation for a long time.
"The project languished due to lack of funding."
As noun: a temporary failure or slip; As verb: to end or fall into disuse.
"She apologized for her lapse in judgment."
to strike with a whip or to fasten tightly
"The sailor lashed the rope to the mast."
to fasten or close something with a latch
"She latched the door before leaving the house."
The delay before a transfer of data begins following an instruction for its transfer.
"High latency can slow down online gaming experiences."
Existing but not yet developed or obvious; hidden or concealed.
"She had a latent talent for music that emerged later in life."
Relating to the side or sideways movement.
"The football player made a quick lateral pass."
The angular distance north or south of the equator; also freedom or scope to act.
"The city lies at a high latitude close to the Arctic Circle."
Deserving praise and admiration.
"Her efforts to help the poor are truly laudable."
to wash clothes, linens, etc.; or to conceal the origins of money obtained illegally
"She laundered all the dirty clothes on Sunday."
A person honored with an award for outstanding achievement in a field, especially the arts or sciences.
"The Nobel laureate gave an inspiring lecture on peace."
Rich, elaborate, or luxurious; to bestow something in generous or extravagant quantities.
"They gave her a lavish wedding reception with hundreds of guests."
legal; legitimate; valid; just
"The judge confirmed that their actions were lawful and proper."
without law; anarchic; unruly; criminal
"The frontier town was known for its lawless behavior and chaos."
absence of law and order; a state where laws do not exist or are not enforced
"The city descended into lawlessness after the government collapsed."
A member of a legislative body who makes laws.
"The lawmaker introduced a new bill on education reform."
a legal case brought to a court of law by one person against another
"The company faced a lawsuit over false advertising."
Not strict, severe, or careful; negligent or careless.
"The security at the airport was surprisingly lax."
A medicine or substance that stimulates bowel movements; tending to loosen or relieve constipation.
"The doctor prescribed a mild laxative for her condition."
A person without professional or specialized knowledge in a particular subject.
"To a layman, the medical explanation was confusing."
A person who is not a member of the clergy or does not have specialized knowledge in a subject.
"The judge explained the law so that the layperson could understand."
without leaves; bare
"The leafless trees looked bare in winter."
a contract by which one party conveys land, property, services, etc. to another for a specified time, usually in return for a periodic payment
"They signed a two-year lease for the apartment."
a strap or cord used to control or guide an animal; to restrain or control
"The dog was on a leash during the walk."
Having the minimum level of readiness or equipment to handle a situation.
"Bangladesh is among the least prepared for climate adaptation."
an act of saying goodbye; farewell
"His leave-taking from his friends was emotional."
A tall stand with a sloping top used to support a book, notes, or script during a speech or lecture.
"The professor placed her notes on the lectern before starting her lecture."
a book or other collection of financial accounts of a particular type
"The accountant updated the company ledger daily."
a blood-sucking worm that lives in water or moist ground
"The doctor used a medical leech to reduce swelling after surgery."
Freedom to act within certain limits; extra space or time.
"The manager gave the team some leeway to finish the project."
the quality or state of being legal; accordance with the law
"The lawyer questioned the legality of the contract."
To make something lawful by official approval.
"The government decided to legalize online businesses."
tight-fitting stretch pants, typically worn by women for exercise or casual wear
"She bought a new pair of black leggings for the gym."
clear enough to read
"Her handwriting was barely legible."
a large group of people, especially soldiers; a great number
"The Roman army was divided into legions."
to make or enact laws
"The government plans to legislate new safety standards."
