best effort
All a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z
All CEFR A1 A2 B1 B2 C1 C2
Content locale
EN English BN Bengali HI Hindi ES Spanish FR French DE German RU Russian ZH Chinese JA Japanese
All Vocabulary Cards All Vocabularies
B1 phrase bɛst ˈɛf.ərt

best effort

Meaning
The maximum amount of effort or energy that someone can give.
Example
He gave his best effort to complete the task on time.
C1 verb /ɪmˈpɛər/

impair

Meaning
to weaken or damage something, especially a function or ability
Example
Smoking can impair your lung capacity.
C1 noun /ˈpoʊtənsi/

potency

Meaning
The power or ability of something to affect or influence; strength or effectiveness.
Example
The potency of the new medicine amazed the doctors.
C2 adjective /ˈmjuːlɪʃ/

mulish

Meaning
extremely stubborn or unwilling to change
Example
She remained mulish despite all the convincing arguments.
C2 adjective /ˌɪndɪˈtɜːrmənət/

indeterminate

Meaning
Not exactly known, defined, or established; vague or uncertain.
Example
The project was delayed for an indeterminate amount of time.
B2 adjective /lʌɡˈʒʊəriəs/

luxurious

Meaning
extremely comfortable, elegant, or enjoyable, often involving great expense
Example
They stayed in a luxurious hotel during their vacation.
B1 verb /əˈtʃiːv/

achieve

Meaning
to successfully bring about or reach a desired goal or result
Example
She worked hard to achieve her dream of becoming a doctor.
B2 adjective /ˈʃeɪ.di/

Shady

Meaning
providing shade; dishonest; suspicious
Example
The shady businessman made a suspicious deal.
B2 adjective /ˈmaɪnd.fəl/

Mindful

Meaning
being conscious or aware; paying attention to the present moment
Example
She is always mindful of her surroundings and pays attention to details.
A1 noun /ˈtɔɪlət/

toilet

Meaning
a fixture used for the disposal of human waste
Example
The public toilet was clean and well maintained.
A2 noun /ˈʌndərweər/

underwear

Meaning
Clothing worn beneath outer clothes, typically next to the skin.
Example
He bought new underwear for the trip.
C1 noun /əbˈdʒɛktər/

objector

Meaning
a person who expresses opposition or disapproval to something
Example
The objector raised his concerns during the town meeting.
C1 verb /ˈfɪdʒɪt/

fidget

Meaning
to make small movements, especially because of nervousness or impatience
Example
The child began to fidget during the long lecture.
C1 noun /əˈpɒsəl/

apostle

Meaning
A vigorous and pioneering advocate or supporter of a particular cause, often used for the early Christian disciples.
Example
He became an apostle of environmental protection.
B1 adjective /θrɪld/

thrilled

Meaning
extremely happy or excited
Example
She was thrilled with the surprise party.
C1 noun /bʌm/

bum

Meaning
informal term for the buttocks; also a homeless or lazy person
Example
He sat on his bum all day doing nothing.
B1 verb /dɪˈpɑːrt/

depart

Meaning
to leave, especially to start a journey
Example
The train will depart at 9 a.m.
B2 noun /ˈspætʃ.ʊ.lə/

Spatula

Meaning
a kitchen utensil with a flat, flexible blade used for mixing, spreading, or lifting food
Example
I used a spatula to flip the pancakes in the pan.
B2 noun /ˈfaʊn.tən/

Fountain

Meaning
a natural spring of water; an artificial structure from which water flows
Example
The fountain in the park attracts many visitors.
C1 noun /ˌiː.kwɪˈlɪb.ri.əm/

equilibrium

Meaning
A state of physical balance or stability in physical, mental, or economic conditions.
Example
The market reached an equilibrium between supply and demand.
C1 noun /mɔːs/

Moss

Meaning
a small flowerless plant that grows in clumps in moist places
Example
Green moss covered the old stone wall.
C1 noun /ˈsed.ɪ.mənt/

Sediment

Meaning
matter that settles to the bottom of a liquid; particles deposited by water or wind
Example
The river carried sediment downstream during the flood.
C1 noun /ˈmɪl.ɪ.tənt/

Militant

Meaning
A person who uses aggressive or violent methods to promote a political or social cause
Example
The militant group demanded immediate political reforms.
C2 verb /ˈwɛltər/

welter

Meaning
to roll or toss about in a confused or disorderly way; to be in turmoil
Example
The city weltered in chaos after the sudden blackout.
A2 noun /ˈtreɪnɪŋ/

training

Meaning
the process of teaching or learning a particular skill or type of behavior
Example
She completed her training as a nurse last year.
B2 noun /feɪt/

Fate

Meaning
the development of events beyond a person's control, regarded as determined by a supernatural power
Example
Many people believe that fate determines the course of their lives.
A2 adjective /ˈnɔɪ.zi/

Noisy

Meaning
making a lot of loud or unpleasant sound; clamorous
Example
The noisy construction work outside made it difficult to concentrate.
C2 noun /ʃiːf/

sheaf

Meaning
a bundle of grain stalks laid lengthwise and tied together after reaping; a bundle of objects tied together
Example
The farmer carried a sheaf of wheat on his shoulder.
C1 noun dɛkˈstɛr.ɪ.ti

dexterity

Meaning
Skill in performing tasks, especially with the hands; mental skill or adroitness.
Example
His dexterity in playing the piano amazed the audience.
C1 adjective /ˈmel.əʊ/

Mellow

Meaning
soft and pleasant; relaxed and gentle
Example
The mellow evening light created a peaceful atmosphere.
C2 noun /ˌɪn.ʌnˈdeɪ.ʃən/

inundation

Meaning
The act of flooding or overwhelming with water or things.
Example
The town suffered from a severe inundation after the heavy rains.
B2 noun /ˈtwaɪ.laɪt/

Twilight

Meaning
the soft glowing light from the sky when the sun is below the horizon; a period of decline
Example
We walked along the beach at twilight.
C1 adjective /ˈɔː.də.bəl/

Audible

Meaning
able to be heard; loud enough to hear
Example
The speaker's voice was barely audible from the back of the large hall.
B2 adjective /ˈhoʊl.səm/

Wholesome

Meaning
conducive to or promoting moral or physical well-being; healthy
Example
Eating wholesome food is important for good health.
B2 noun /ˈep.ɪk/

Epic

Meaning
a long poem telling of heroic deeds; something heroic or grand in scale
Example
The Iliad is one of the most famous epics in world literature.
C2 noun /ˌæbsəˈluːʃən/

absolution

Meaning
formal release from guilt, obligation, or punishment
Example
The priest granted him absolution for his sins.
C2 adjective /ˌpluːˈpɜːrfɪkt/

pluperfect

Meaning
a verb tense expressing an action completed before another past action
Example
By the time she arrived, he had finished his homework, showing the pluperfect tense.
B1 noun /ˈtʃæmpiən/

champion

Meaning
a person who has defeated all rivals in a competition or fight.
Example
She became the champion after winning the final match.
C1 adjective /ˈheɪ.nəs/

Heinous

Meaning
extremely wicked or evil; abominable; morally reprehensible
Example
The heinous crime shocked the entire community.
C1 verb /ˈɡɑː.nər/

garner

Meaning
To gather or collect, especially information, support, or approval.
Example
The politician garnered support from young voters.
C2 noun /ˈɛkwɪpɔɪz/

equipoise

Meaning
A state of balance or equilibrium.
Example
Her calmness created an equipoise in the heated debate.
B2 adjective /ɪˈlɪt.ər.ət/

Illiterate

Meaning
unable to read or write; lacking education
Example
The program aims to help illiterate adults learn to read and write.
B2 noun /rɪˈlaɪ.əns/

Reliance

Meaning
the state of depending on something or someone for support or help
Example
His reliance on technology is concerning.
C2 adjective /ˈvɪndɪkeɪtɪv/

vindicative

Meaning
showing a tendency to vindicate or justify; inclined to defend
Example
Her vindicative tone showed that she strongly believed in her innocence.
C1 noun/verb /ˈtʌtʃ.ʌp/

touch-up

Meaning
Small corrections or improvements made to something.
Example
The artist gave a quick touch-up to the painting.
B1 noun /ˈhʌŋɡər/

hunger

Meaning
the feeling of discomfort caused by lack of food
Example
The child cried out of hunger.
C2 noun /ˈfærɪsiː/

pharisee

Meaning
A member of an ancient Jewish sect; by extension, a self-righteous or hypocritical person.
Example
He acted like a pharisee, judging others while ignoring his own faults.
B2 noun /ˌæljuˈmɪniəm/

aluminium

Meaning
a lightweight, silvery-white metal used widely in manufacturing and packaging
Example
Aluminium is commonly used to make cans and aircraft parts.
A2 adjective ˈpɒzətɪv

positive

Meaning
Having an electric charge opposite to that of an electron.
Example
Protons have a positive charge.
B2 noun /ˈkʌm.pəs/

Compass

Meaning
an instrument for finding direction with a magnetic needle pointing to magnetic north
Example
The hiker used a compass to find the right direction.
A2 noun /sneɪk/

Snake

Meaning
a long, legless reptile that moves by sliding along the ground
Example
The snake slithered through the grass quietly.
B2 noun /ˈθiːsɪs/

thesis

Meaning
A long piece of writing on a particular subject, usually for a degree at a university.
Example
She spent two years writing her doctoral thesis.
C2 adjective /vaɪˈkɛəriəs/

vicarious

Meaning
experienced through the feelings or actions of another person
Example
She felt vicarious excitement watching her son win the award.
A2 adjective /sɪk/

Sick

Meaning
unwell; having a disease or illness; feeling nauseous
Example
She stayed home from work because she was feeling sick.
C2 noun /məˈnɪʃən/

monition

Meaning
A warning or caution, often of a religious or moral nature.
Example
The priest gave a monition against dishonesty.
C1 verb /ˈpɛdəl/

peddle

Meaning
To sell goods, often by going from place to place; sometimes used negatively to mean promoting an idea or product in a pushy way.
Example
Street vendors peddle handmade jewelry to tourists.
A2 adjective /ˈɪn.dɔːr/

indoor

Meaning
situated, occurring, or used inside a building
Example
Indoor plants can improve air quality at home.
C2 verb /ˈkɒd.l̩/

coddle

Meaning
to treat someone with excessive care or kindness, often in a way that is overprotective
Example
Parents should support their children without coddling them.
A1 adjective /hɑːrd/

hard

Meaning
solid, firm, or difficult to do or endure
Example
The exam was very hard for most students.
C2 verb /kruːn/

croon

Meaning
to sing or hum in a soft, low, and gentle voice
Example
She crooned a lullaby to help the baby fall asleep.
C1 adjective /ʌnˈweɪ.vər.ɪŋ/

unwavering

Meaning
Steady or resolute; not wavering.
Example
He showed unwavering dedication to his goal.
B2 noun ˈkæp.sjuːl

capsule

Meaning
A small soluble case of gelatin containing a dose of medicine, swallowed whole.
Example
Capsules contain controlled environments.
B1 verb /ˈkælkjəˌleɪt/

calculate

Meaning
to determine by mathematical computation; to estimate
Example
I need to calculate the total cost.
C1 noun /ˈkaʊn.tə.nəns/

countenance

Meaning
a person's face or expression; support or approval
Example
Her cheerful countenance brightened the room.
C1 noun /kənˈtɪn.ju.əns/

continuance

Meaning
the state of continuing or being prolonged; persistence
Example
The continuance of the project depended on securing additional funding.
B2 conjunction /ˌɔːlˈbiː.ɪt/

albeit

Meaning
Although; even though.
Example
He finally agreed, albeit reluctantly.
B2 noun prɪˈsɪʒ.ən

precision

Meaning
The quality of being exact and accurate.
Example
High precision instruments are used in surgery.
B2 adjective /əˈsɜːr.tɪv/

Assertive

Meaning
confident and forceful; having a strong personality
Example
She is very assertive when speaking in meetings.
B1 noun /ˈkɪləɡræm/

kilogram

Meaning
the base unit of mass in the metric system equal to 1,000 grams
Example
The bag of rice weighs five kilograms.
B2 noun /ˈprɛʃər ˈkʊkər/

Pressure cooker

Meaning
a sealed cooking pot that uses steam pressure to cook food faster
Example
Using a pressure cooker reduces cooking time by more than half.
B2 verb /rɪˈtriːt/

retreat

Meaning
to move back or withdraw from a position or situation
Example
The soldiers had to retreat after losing the battle.
B2 noun bækˈtɪə.ri.ə

bacteria

Meaning
A member of a large group of unicellular microorganisms which have cell walls but lack organelles and an organized nucleus.
Example
Specialized bacteria aid in waste decomposition.
B1 noun /ˈɛpɪsoʊd/

episode

Meaning
An event or part of a story, or one installment in a series.
Example
The last episode of the drama was watched by millions.
C1 adjective /ˌɪnəˈfɛnsɪv/

inoffensive

Meaning
Not likely to offend or provoke; harmless.
Example
His inoffensive remarks kept the conversation friendly.
C2 verb /ˌmɪskənˈsiːv/

misconceive

Meaning
To misunderstand or form an incorrect idea about something.
Example
He misconceived the purpose of the project.
B2 noun /ˈbærəl/

barrel

Meaning
a large cylindrical container used to hold liquids
Example
The wine was stored in a wooden barrel.
C1 adjective /prəˈpɔːrʃənət/

proportionate

Meaning
Corresponding in size, degree, or intensity; balanced in relation.
Example
The punishment should be proportionate to the crime.
C2 noun, verb /ˈmaɪər/

mire

Meaning
A stretch of swampy or boggy ground; as a verb, to entangle or involve someone in a difficult situation.
Example
The car was stuck in the mire after the heavy rain.
C1 noun /ˈzoʊdiæk/

Zodiac

Meaning
a belt of the heavens within which lie the paths of the sun, moon, and planets; the twelve astrological signs
Example
What is your zodiac sign?
B2 noun ˈlaɪf ɪkˌspek.tən.si

life expectancy

Meaning
The average period that a person may expect to live; the length of time for which something is expected to last or to continue being effective.
Example
Life expectancy depends on healthcare quality.
B2 noun /dɪsˈkloʊʒər/

disclosure

Meaning
the action of making something known or public
Example
The disclosure of the company's financial status was delayed.
C1 noun /blɪs/

Bliss

Meaning
perfect happiness; great joy
Example
She felt pure bliss while watching the beautiful sunset.
B2 verb /əˈbændən/

abandon

Meaning
to give up completely; to leave permanently
Example
They had to abandon their house due to flooding.
C2 noun /ˈdʒɒs.stɪk/

Joss-stick

Meaning
a thin stick of incense that is burned for its pleasant smell, especially in religious ceremonies
Example
She lit a joss-stick in the temple during her prayers.
B2 adjective /ˈdʒɔɪfəl/

joyful

Meaning
full of joy and happiness; causing joy or delight
Example
She felt joyful when she heard the good news.
A2 noun /ˈmæŋ.ɡoʊ/

Mango

Meaning
a tropical fruit with yellow-orange skin and sweet juicy flesh
Example
The mango is known as the king of fruits.
C2 adjective /ˈsɜːrkəmskraɪbd/

circumscribed

Meaning
restricted or limited in scope or freedom
Example
Her freedom of choice was circumscribed by social rules.
C2 adjective /ˈɡaɪlləs/

guileless

Meaning
Innocent and without deceit
Example
Her guileless smile won everyone’s heart.
C1 noun /prɪˈtɛnʃən/

pretension

Meaning
A claim or assertion to something, often without justification; an attempt to impress by showing greater importance or talent than is actually possessed.
Example
His pretension to be an expert was quickly exposed.
B1 verb /ɪnˈɡeɪdʒ/

engage

Meaning
To participate or become involved in; to attract or hold attention.
Example
The teacher tried to engage the students in the discussion.
A2 noun/verb /ˈsiːzən/

season

Meaning
One of the four periods of the year characterized by specific weather conditions; also, to add flavor to food.
Example
Spring is my favorite season of the year.
B2 noun /dɪˈstɜː.bəns/

Disturbance

Meaning
the interruption of a settled and peaceful condition; anxiety or mental uneasiness
Example
The loud music created a disturbance that bothered all the neighbors.
C1 noun /ˈkaʊntərˌpɔɪnt/

counterpoint

Meaning
an argument, idea, or theme contrasting with another; also a musical term for independent melody
Example
Her calm attitude was a counterpoint to his anger.
A2 noun /ʃeɪp/

Shape

Meaning
the external form or appearance of something; condition or state
Example
The artist drew a perfect circle shape on the canvas.
C2 noun /ˈpɔl.zi/

Palsy

Meaning
paralysis, especially that which is accompanied by involuntary tremors; loss of muscle control
Example
The elderly man suffered from palsy in his hands.
C2 verb /dɪˈbɪlɪteɪt/

debilitate

Meaning
to weaken or make someone or something infirm
Example
The long illness debilitated his strength.
C1 noun /plæsˈtɪsəti/

plasticity

Meaning
the quality of being easily shaped or molded; adaptability
Example
The brain's plasticity allows it to adapt after injury.
C2 noun /ˈtjuːtərʃɪp/

tutorship

Meaning
The office or position of a tutor; guidance or instruction given by a tutor.
Example
He thrived under the tutorship of his mentor.
C1 adjective /ˈstoʊɪk/

stoic

Meaning
Showing little or no emotion, even in difficult situations.
Example
She remained stoic during the crisis, never showing fear or panic.
C1 noun /rɪˈdʌn.dəns/

Redundance

Meaning
the state of being not or no longer needed or useful; superfluous repetition of information
Example
The document contained redundance that made it unnecessarily long.
C1 noun /ˌpriːməˈnɪʃən/ or /ˌprɛm-/

premonition

Meaning
a strong feeling that something is about to happen, often something negative
Example
She had a premonition of danger before the trip.
A1 verb, adjective /oʊn/

own

Meaning
to possess something; belonging to oneself
Example
She owns a beautiful house in the city.
A2 noun /ˈoʊ.ʃən/

ocean

Meaning
A very large expanse of sea, especially the main areas of sea between continents.
Example
The ocean covers more than 70% of the Earth's surface.
B2 verb /roʊm/

roam

Meaning
to walk or travel without a specific destination; to wander
Example
Wild animals roam freely in the forest.
B2 noun prəˈtæɡənɪst

protagonist

Meaning
The leading character or one of the major characters in a drama, movie, novel, or other fictional text.
Example
Charles Darnay is one of the protagonists of the story.
C1 noun/verb /kroʊˈʃeɪ/

crochet

Meaning
Needlework made by interlocking loops of thread with a hooked needle; the act of making such items.
Example
She learned how to crochet a scarf for winter.
B1 noun /əˈpiːl/

Appeal

Meaning
a serious or urgent request, typically to the public; the quality of being attractive or interesting
Example
The charity made an appeal for donations.
C1 noun /pɛnˈtæθlɒn/

pentathlon

Meaning
An athletic contest featuring five different events.
Example
She trained hard to compete in the modern pentathlon.
A2 verb /pʊʃ/

push

Meaning
to exert force to move something away from oneself; to press against
Example
Push the button to ring the bell.
B2 adjective /ˈmɪnɪməl/

minimal

Meaning
the smallest or least amount possible
Example
The damage to the car was minimal after the accident.
B2 adjective /suːˈpriːm/

Supreme

Meaning
highest in rank, authority, or quality; greatest; most important
Example
The Supreme Court made the final decision.
C1 adjective ˈwɛðərpruːf

weatherproof

Meaning
Able to resist or be unaffected by weather, especially rain and wind.
Example
The materials used are weatherproof, ensuring longevity.
C2 noun /ˈsaɪz.mə.ɡræf/

seismograph

Meaning
An instrument that measures and records details of earthquakes, such as force and duration.
Example
The seismograph detected a strong tremor in the area.
C2 verb /ˈæntɪdeɪt/

antedate

Meaning
to be earlier in time; to assign a date earlier than the actual one
Example
The manuscript antedates the modern printing press.
C1 verb /ɡoʊd/

goad

Meaning
to provoke, annoy, or urge someone to take action
Example
He tried to goad his opponent into making a mistake.
B2 adjective /ˈɡraʊndɪd/

grounded

Meaning
Well balanced and sensible; having a sound basis in reality or fact.
Example
Staying grounded during difficult situations helps with resilience.
A2 noun /dʒæm/

Jam

Meaning
a sweet spread made from fruit and sugar; a difficult situation; a blockage
Example
She spread strawberry jam on her toast for breakfast every morning.
C1 noun /rɪˈvʌlʃən/

revulsion

Meaning
a strong feeling of disgust or repulsion
Example
She felt revulsion at the sight of the cruel act.
C1 adjective /ˈtɛmpərəl/

temporal

Meaning
Relating to worldly affairs or to time rather than spiritual matters.
Example
The monk gave up his temporal possessions to live a simple life.
A1 noun /bɒks/

Box

Meaning
a container with flat sides and a lid, used for storing or carrying things
Example
She put her toys in the wooden box.
C1 verb ɪˈluːd

elude

Meaning
Evade or escape from, typically in a skillful or cunning way; avoid being caught.
Example
The thief managed to elude the police.