counterproductive
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
C1 adjective ˌkaʊntəprəˈdʌktɪv

counterproductive

Meaning
Having the opposite of the desired effect; tending to hinder rather than help.
Example
Counterproductive activities often stem from dissatisfaction.
B2 adjective ˌɪn.təˈræk.tɪv

interactive

Meaning
Allowing a two-way flow of information between it and a user, responding to the user's input.
Example
Interactive learning keeps students engaged in lessons.
B1 adverb /ˈpriːviəsli/

previously

Meaning
at an earlier time or before now
Example
She had previously worked at a bank before starting her own business.
C2 noun /ˈmɒkəsɪn/

moccasin

Meaning
A soft leather shoe, traditionally worn by Native Americans, often made from deerskin.
Example
He slipped on a pair of comfortable moccasins before going outside.
B2 adjective /ˈprɑːspərəs/

Prosperous

Meaning
successful in material terms; flourishing financially
Example
The company became very prosperous after launching their new product.
B1 noun /ˈbeɪs.mənt/

Basement

Meaning
the lowest floor of a building, typically below ground level
Example
We store old furniture in the basement.
C2 adjective /ˈsɪbɪlənt/

sibilant

Meaning
Making or characterized by a hissing sound.
Example
The word 'snake' starts with a sibilant sound.
C1 noun /ˈproʊtəˌʒeɪ/

protege

Meaning
a person who is guided and supported by an older and more experienced person
Example
The young artist was the protege of a famous painter.
C2 verb /drɔːl/

drawl

Meaning
to speak in a slow, lazy way with prolonged vowel sounds
Example
He tends to drawl when he is tired.
A2 noun /ˈdɒlfɪn/

Dolphin

Meaning
A highly intelligent marine mammal with a streamlined body and dorsal fin
Example
Dolphins are known for their playful behavior and intelligence.
C1 verb /əˈpreɪz/

appraise

Meaning
to evaluate the value, quality, or importance of something
Example
The jeweler appraised the diamond before buying it.
B2 adjective /ʌnprɪˈpɛrd/

Unprepared

Meaning
not ready or able to deal with something
Example
He was unprepared for the difficult exam.
C1 adjective /ɪˈnuːmərəbəl/

Innumerable

Meaning
too many to be counted; countless; infinite in number
Example
There are innumerable stars in the night sky that we cannot see with our naked eyes.
C2 noun /ˌfɑːsfəˈrɛsəns/

phosphorescence

Meaning
the property of emitting light without noticeable heat
Example
The deep-sea creatures displayed a beautiful phosphorescence.
C2 adjective /ˌpɛnɪˈtɛnʃəl/

penitential

Meaning
Relating to or expressing penitence or penance.
Example
The priest delivered a penitential sermon on forgiveness.
B2 noun /əˈtɒm.ɪk ˈhæb.ɪts/

atomic habits

Meaning
Small but powerful habits that can bring big changes over time
Example
Developing atomic habits leads to long-term success.
C1 noun /ˈmɜːrsəˌnɛri/

mercenary

Meaning
a professional soldier hired to serve in a foreign army; also used to describe someone motivated solely by money.
Example
The mercenary fought for whoever paid the highest wage.
C1 adjective /ˌsekənd ˈreɪt/

second-rate

Meaning
Of mediocre or inferior quality.
Example
The movie was entertaining but clearly second-rate compared to the original.
C2 adjective /ˈmɜːrkəntaɪl/

mercantile

Meaning
related to trade or commerce
Example
The city grew rapidly due to its mercantile activities.
C1 noun /kənˈspɪrə.tər/

conspirator

Meaning
a person who secretly plans with others to do something unlawful or harmful
Example
The conspirator was arrested before the plan could be carried out.
A1 adverb /soʊ/

so

Meaning
to such a degree or extent
Example
She was so happy with the gift.
C2 noun /ˈpɔːpərɪzəm/

pauperism

Meaning
The state of being extremely poor.
Example
The country struggled with rising pauperism in the 19th century.
C2 noun /nəˈkrɒpəlɪs/

necropolis

Meaning
a large ancient cemetery with elaborate tombs
Example
The archaeologists discovered artifacts in the necropolis of the ancient city.
A2 noun /ˈmɛnjuː/

menu

Meaning
A list of food and drinks available at a restaurant or offered at a meal.
Example
The restaurant updated its menu with new dishes.
B2 noun /ˈmɜːrtʃənt/

merchant

Meaning
a person or company involved in the trade of goods, especially in large quantities
Example
The merchant sold spices from distant lands.
B1 verb /kəˈmjuː.nɪ.keɪt/

communicate

Meaning
to share or exchange information, ideas, or feelings
Example
They used gestures to communicate across the noisy room.
C2 adjective /heɪl/

hale

Meaning
strong and healthy, especially of an elderly person
Example
Despite his age, the man remained hale and active.
C2 noun /ˈɡʊrmənd/

gourmand

Meaning
A person who enjoys eating a lot or has a great appetite for food.
Example
As a true gourmand, he never missed an opportunity to try new dishes.
B2 noun /ˈdeɪtəbeɪs/

database

Meaning
a structured collection of data stored and accessed electronically
Example
The company's customer details are stored in a secure database.
B2 noun ˈbentʃ.mɑːk

benchmark

Meaning
A standard or point of reference against which things may be compared or assessed.
Example
Sabah Al Ahmad Sea City sets a benchmark in sustainability.
B2 noun /ˈɪə.rə/

Era

Meaning
a long and distinct period of history with a particular feature or characteristic
Example
The Renaissance was an era of great artistic and cultural achievement.
C1 adjective /ˈseɪ.vər.i/

savory

Meaning
Having a pleasant salty or spicy taste; morally acceptable.
Example
The restaurant serves a variety of savory dishes.
B2 noun /ˈkwɔːtərˌbæk/

quarterback

Meaning
the player who directs a team’s offense in American football
Example
The quarterback threw a perfect pass.
C1 adjective /ʃrɪl/

shrill

Meaning
High-pitched and piercing in sound.
Example
The shrill whistle startled everyone in the room.
C1 verb /ˈɑːrbɪtreɪt/

arbitrate

Meaning
to settle a dispute between two parties by acting as an impartial judge
Example
The committee agreed to arbitrate the contract dispute.
C2 noun /ˈsɪɡnət/

cygnet

Meaning
a young swan
Example
The cygnet swam closely behind its mother.
C2 verb /məˈmɔːriəlaɪz/

memorialize

Meaning
to preserve the memory of a person or event, often through a ceremony, monument, or record
Example
The city decided to memorialize the hero with a statue in the central square.
B2 adjective /ʌnˈiːzi/

Uneasy

Meaning
worried; anxious; uncomfortable; restless
Example
She felt uneasy about walking alone at night.
B2 verb /snæp/

snap

Meaning
to break suddenly; to speak angrily; to take a photograph quickly
Example
The rope snapped under the weight.
A1 noun /ˈwɛnzdeɪ/

wednesday

Meaning
the fourth day of the week, following Tuesday and preceding Thursday
Example
The meeting has been scheduled for Wednesday afternoon.
C2 noun /ˈlæriət/

lariat

Meaning
A long rope with a noose at one end used to catch animals such as cattle or horses.
Example
The cowboy threw his lariat to catch the stray horse.
C2 noun /tʊˈriːn/

tureen

Meaning
A large deep dish with a cover, used for serving soups or stews.
Example
She brought the hot soup to the table in a silver tureen.
C1 verb /rɪˈfjuːt/

refute

Meaning
To prove a statement, argument, or theory to be false or invalid.
Example
The lawyer refuted the witness's testimony with solid evidence.
C2 verb /ˌɪmpɔːrˈtuːn/

importune

Meaning
To ask someone persistently or pressingly for something
Example
The child importuned his mother for a new toy.
C2 verb /ˈæd.ʌm.breɪt/

adumbrate

Meaning
to foreshadow or suggest something in an unclear or indirect way
Example
The report adumbrates future economic challenges.
A2 noun /ˈpɪərɪəd/

period

Meaning
a length or portion of time
Example
The meeting will last for a period of two hours.
B2 noun /ˈlænd.fɪl/

landfill

Meaning
a site where waste material is buried under the ground
Example
The city built a new landfill to manage its growing waste problem.
C2 verb /ɪnˈveɪɡəl/

inveigle

Meaning
To persuade someone to do something by deception or flattery.
Example
She inveigled him into signing the contract.
C2 noun /ˌsuː.pər.əˈbʌn.dəns/

superabundance

Meaning
An excessive or overflowing amount of something.
Example
The garden was filled with a superabundance of flowers.
C1 noun /ˈkrɒkəri/

crockery

Meaning
Dishes, plates, cups, and other items made of earthenware or china.
Example
The hotel provided clean crockery for the guests.
A1 noun /klɑːs/

class

Meaning
a group of students taught together or a category of people or things with shared characteristics
Example
Our class meets every morning at nine.
C1 adjective /ˈstɛr.aɪl/

sterile

Meaning
Free from bacteria or other living microorganisms; incapable of producing offspring.
Example
The surgeon worked in a sterile environment to avoid infection.
B2 noun /ˌprɒp.əˈɡæn.də/

Propaganda

Meaning
information spread to promote a particular political cause or point of view
Example
The government used propaganda to influence public opinion during the war.
C1 verb ˈsɪŋ.krə.naɪz

synchronize

Meaning
To coordinate in time; to cause to occur or operate at the same time or rate.
Example
The dancers need to synchronize their movements.
C1 noun /rɪˈtriː.vəl/

retrieval

Meaning
The process of getting something back, especially from storage or memory.
Example
The brain's retrieval system helps recall past experiences.
A2 adjective /skɛrd/

scared

Meaning
feeling afraid or worried
Example
She was scared of the dark.
C1 noun /kənˈfɔːrmɪst/

conformist

Meaning
A person who uncritically conforms to established practices or standards.
Example
She was labeled a conformist for always following the crowd.
B2 noun /ˈlɪn.ən/

linen

Meaning
A strong cloth made from the fibers of the flax plant, or items made from this cloth such as sheets or clothing.
Example
She bought new linen curtains for the living room.
A1 adverb /wen/

When

Meaning
at what time; at the time that; during the time that
Example
When will you arrive at the station?
B2 noun ˈmɒnjʊmənt

monument

Meaning
A statue, building, or other structure erected to commemorate a notable person or event.
Example
A monument should honor his contributions.
B2 noun /ˈɒfərɪŋ/

offering

Meaning
something that is given, especially as a gift or contribution
Example
The company’s latest offering is an eco-friendly car.
B2 noun /ˌprɒpəˈzɪʃən/

proposition

Meaning
A statement, idea, or plan put forward for consideration or discussion.
Example
The company made a business proposition to the investors.
C1 verb /ˈɡloʊbəlaɪz/

globalize

Meaning
to make something worldwide in scope or application; to integrate into a global system
Example
Many companies globalize their operations to reach international markets.
B2 noun /ˈrɛfjuːdʒ/

refuge

Meaning
a place that provides shelter or protection from danger or distress
Example
The villagers took refuge in the temple during the storm.
C2 noun /ˈpjuːɪsəns/

puissance

Meaning
Great power, strength, or influence.
Example
The empire showed its puissance through vast armies.
C2 adjective /ˌɛnkəˈmiːæstɪk/

encomiastic

Meaning
Expressing praise; laudatory.
Example
The book was filled with encomiastic remarks about the author.
C1 noun ˌiː.kəʊˈfrend.li ˌɜː.bən.aɪˈzeɪ.ʃən

eco-friendly urbanization

Meaning
The development of cities in a way that is not harmful to the environment.
Example
Eco-friendly urbanization reduces environmental degradation.
C1 verb /kənˈkɒkt/

concoct

Meaning
to make something, especially food or a story, by mixing or inventing
Example
He concocted a story to explain his absence.
C1 adjective /ˈmɜː.sɪ.fəl/

Merciful

Meaning
showing compassion or forgiveness; kind and forgiving
Example
The merciful judge gave him a lighter sentence.
C2 verb /ˈhʊdwɪŋk/

hoodwink

Meaning
To deceive or trick someone.
Example
The scammer hoodwinked many people with false promises.
C2 adjective /ˈstɒlɪd/

stolid

Meaning
Calm, dependable, and showing little emotion or animation.
Example
Despite the chaos around him, he remained stolid and composed.
C1 noun /prəˈpɛlər/

propeller

Meaning
A mechanical device with blades that rotates to drive a ship, aircraft, or other vehicle forward.
Example
The airplane’s propeller cut through the air with great speed.
A2 adverb /ˈæktʃuəli/

actually

Meaning
used to emphasize that something is true, especially when surprising
Example
She actually completed the project ahead of schedule.
C1 verb ˈsɪn.ɚ.dʒaɪz

synergize

Meaning
combine in such a way as to enhance effectiveness.
Example
The departments must synergize to improve efficiency.
C2 verb /prɪˈpɒndəreɪt/

preponderate

Meaning
To be greater in influence, weight, or number.
Example
In the debate, logical arguments preponderated over emotional appeals.
C1 noun /ˌæŋɡloʊ ˈsæksən/

anglo-saxon

Meaning
A member of the Germanic peoples who settled in England in the early Middle Ages; also relating to their language or culture.
Example
The Anglo-Saxon period greatly influenced English culture and language.
B1 noun /ˈwɜːrkʃɒp/

workshop

Meaning
a room or building where people engage in work or creative activities
Example
The workshop focused on improving technical skills for young professionals.
B2 noun ˈnætʃərəl ˈhæbɪtæt

Natural Habitat

Meaning
The natural environment where organisms live and fulfill their life needs.
Example
Protecting the natural habitat is crucial for butterflies.
C1 verb /rɪˈpjuː.di.eɪt/

repudiate

Meaning
to refuse to accept, recognize, or support something
Example
He repudiated the claim that he was involved in the scandal.
A2 noun /ˈtɛstɪŋ/

testing

Meaning
the process of assessing or evaluating something, often by trying it out
Example
The testing of the new software is still ongoing.
C2 adjective /ˈpæsɪbəl/

passible

Meaning
capable of feeling or suffering; susceptible to sensation or emotion (often theological)
Example
In some traditions, deities are described as passible, sharing human emotions.
C1 adjective /ˈtʃɛkərd/

chequered

Meaning
Having a pattern of squares, or marked by varied and contrasting experiences or periods.
Example
He had a chequered career with both great successes and failures.
B2 adjective /ɪmˈprɒp.ər/

Improper

Meaning
inappropriate; incorrect; not suitable
Example
It would be improper to discuss personal matters in a business meeting.
A1 adjective /ˈdɪf.ər.ənt/

different

Meaning
Not the same as another; distinct or unlike.
Example
Her opinion was completely different from mine.
C2 noun /ˈpɜr.fɪ.di/

Perfidy

Meaning
deliberate breach of faith or trust; treachery; betrayal of trust
Example
His perfidy shocked all who had trusted him.
B2 noun /ˈbɛərɪŋ/

bearing

Meaning
a person's way of standing or moving; relevance or connection to something
Example
Her calm bearing impressed everyone in the room.
C1 noun /əˌsaɪˈniː/

assignee

Meaning
a person to whom a right or property is legally transferred
Example
The assignee of the contract is responsible for all future obligations.
B2 noun /ˈkæp.tɪv/

Captive

Meaning
a person who has been taken prisoner or an animal that has been confined
Example
The captive was held in a small cell for several months.
B2 verb /ˈskræmbəl/

scramble

Meaning
to move or climb quickly using hands and feet; to mix or arrange in a hurried way
Example
The kids scrambled up the hill to catch the kite.
C2 noun /ˈpeɪpəsi/

papacy

Meaning
The office or authority of the Pope in the Roman Catholic Church.
Example
The papacy played a significant role in medieval European politics.
B2 noun /ˌveəriˈeɪʃən/

Variation

Meaning
a change or difference in condition, amount, or level; a different or distinct form or version of something
Example
There was a significant variation in temperature throughout the day.
C2 noun /ˌhaɪdrəˈstætɪks/

hydrostatics

Meaning
The branch of science concerned with the mechanical properties of fluids at rest.
Example
Hydrostatics is essential in understanding how dams and reservoirs function.
B2 adjective /ɪˈlæs.tɪk/

Elastic

Meaning
able to stretch and return to original shape; flexible; adaptable
Example
The elastic band can stretch and return to its original shape.
B2 noun /ˈfer.i boʊt/

Ferry-boat

Meaning
a boat that carries passengers and vehicles across water
Example
We took the ferry-boat to cross the river.
C2 adjective /ˈsɪŋkəˌpeɪtɪd/

syncopated

Meaning
Characterized by displaced beats or rhythms, especially in music.
Example
The jazz piece had a syncopated rhythm that energized the crowd.
B1 adjective /ˈel.ɪ.ɡənt/

Elegant

Meaning
graceful and stylish; refined; sophisticated
Example
She wore an elegant dress to the party.
B2 noun /ˌkɑːrboʊˈhaɪdreɪt/

carbohydrate

Meaning
a nutrient that provides energy, found in foods like rice, bread, and sugar
Example
Rice and potatoes are rich in carbohydrates.
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.
A2 verb /rɪŋ/

ring

Meaning
to make a clear sound like a bell; to call by telephone
Example
The bell rings every hour.
C1 noun /ɪkˈspʌlʃən/

expulsion

Meaning
The act of forcing someone to leave a place, especially a school or country.
Example
His constant misbehavior led to his expulsion from school.
B2 verb /kənˈfaɪn/

confine

Meaning
to restrict someone or something within certain limits; to keep someone in a closed space
Example
The prisoner was confined to his cell for 23 hours a day.
C2 noun /ˈlɔːˌɡɪvər/

lawgiver

Meaning
A person who creates or enforces laws; a legislator.
Example
Moses is often regarded as a great lawgiver in history.
C2 noun /ˈætəvɪzəm/

atavism

Meaning
The recurrence of traits or characteristics from a remote ancestor.
Example
The scientist noted atavism in the child’s physical features.
B1 noun rɪˈsɜː.tʃəz

researchers

Meaning
People who study and investigate to discover new information or facts.
Example
Researchers are working on innovative solutions.
C1 noun /sɪˈtɑːr/

Sitar

Meaning
a traditional Indian stringed musical instrument with a long neck and resonating body
Example
The sitar creates beautiful ragas in Indian classical music.
C1 noun /ˈloʊ.kəst/

Locust

Meaning
a large insect that flies in groups and eats crops
Example
The locusts destroyed the entire wheat field.
B2 noun /ˈsiː.krə.si/

Secrecy

Meaning
the practice of keeping something secret; the state of being kept hidden
Example
The project was conducted in complete secrecy.
B2 adjective /rɪˈsɔːrsfəl/

resourceful

Meaning
Having the ability to find quick and clever ways to overcome difficulties.
Example
She is very resourceful when it comes to solving unexpected problems.
B2 noun /ˈʃɔːr.tɪdʒ/

Shortage

Meaning
a lack or deficiency of something that is needed or expected
Example
There is a severe water shortage in the region.
C2 adverb /ˈvɛrɪli/

verily

Meaning
truly; certainly; without a doubt
Example
Verily, I say unto you, this is the truth.
A2 noun /ˈsɛlˌfoʊn/

cellphone

Meaning
a portable telephone that uses a cellular network for wireless communication
Example
She forgot her cellphone at home and couldn’t call anyone.
B1 noun ˌdʒɛnəˈreɪʃənz

Generations

Meaning
All of the people born and living at about the same time, regarded collectively.
Example
The family tree spans several generations.
B1 noun /ˈkaʊnti/

county

Meaning
A territorial division within a country, typically a region with its own local government.
Example
She grew up in a small county in northern England.
B1 noun, adjective, verb /tɛns/

tense

Meaning
a grammatical category showing time reference; stretched tight or anxious
Example
She felt tense before the interview.
B2 adjective /ˈtʃaɪld.laɪk/

Childlike

Meaning
innocent and trusting like a child; having the good qualities of a child; pure and simple
Example
She maintained a childlike wonder about the world around her.
C2 adjective /kəˈdævərəs/

cadaverous

Meaning
Resembling a corpse; very pale, thin, or bony.
Example
His cadaverous appearance shocked everyone at the party.
B1 adjective pəˈlɪtɪkəl

political

Meaning
Relating to the government or public affairs of a country; relating to politics or political parties.
Example
The political agenda included autonomy.
C1 verb, noun /mɛʃ/

mesh

Meaning
To fit or work together properly; or a material made of interlaced threads.
Example
The two gears mesh perfectly to keep the machine running smoothly.
C2 noun /ˈæpəˌsteɪt/

apostate

Meaning
A person who renounces a religious or political belief or principle.
Example
He was labeled an apostate after abandoning the faith of his community.
C2 noun /ˌdɪsprəˈpɔːrʃən/

disproportion

Meaning
a lack of balance or symmetry; an inequality
Example
There is a clear disproportion between rich and poor in many societies.
C2 noun /mɪˈsænθrəpi/

misanthropy

Meaning
a general dislike, distrust, or hatred of humankind
Example
His misanthropy was evident in the way he avoided people.