deteriorates
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
B2 verb dɪˈtɪrɪəˌreɪts

deteriorates

Meaning
To become progressively worse; to decline in quality, condition, or strength.
Example
The quality of air deteriorates due to pollution.
C1 noun /ˌdɪfəˈrɛnʃɪˈeɪʃən/

differentiation

Meaning
The action or process of differentiating or distinguishing between things.
Example
Differentiation from competitors can create a unique market position.
C1 noun /ˈdɛməɡɒɡ/

demagogue

Meaning
A political leader who seeks support by appealing to popular desires and prejudices rather than by using rational argument.
Example
The crowd was swayed by the fiery speeches of the demagogue.
B1 noun /dɜːrt/

Dirt

Meaning
a substance that makes something unclean; earth or soil; unclean matter
Example
After playing in the garden, the children were covered in dirt from head to toe.
C2 verb /djuːp/

dupe

Meaning
To deceive or trick someone into believing or doing something.
Example
He was duped into buying a fake watch.
B2 noun/verb /dɪˈspjuːt/

dispute

Meaning
a disagreement or argument about something important
Example
The two countries are in dispute over the border issue.
C1 noun /ˈdɒɡmə/

dogma

Meaning
A principle or set of principles laid down by an authority as incontrovertibly true.
Example
The religious leader strictly adhered to traditional dogma.
B2 noun /ˈdes.tə.ni/

Destiny

Meaning
the events that will necessarily happen to someone in the future; fate or predetermined course
Example
She believed that meeting him was her destiny and meant to be.
C1 noun /doʊ/

doe

Meaning
a female deer, especially an adult one
Example
The doe and her fawn were grazing in the meadow.
C1 adjective /dɪˈɡreɪdɪd/

degraded

Meaning
Reduced in quality, dignity, or condition.
Example
The villagers were forced to live in degraded conditions.
B2 noun /ˈdeb.riː/

debris

Meaning
Scattered pieces of waste or remains.
Example
Debris in the eyes causes irritation.
C1 noun /dɪˈmaɪz/

demise

Meaning
Death or end of something, especially the end of an institution or system.
Example
The sudden demise of the company shocked investors.
C1 adjective /drəˈkoʊniən/

draconian

Meaning
Extremely harsh and severe, especially laws or rules.
Example
The new regulations were criticized as draconian.
C2 verb /dɪsˈteɪn/

distain

Meaning
to treat with scorn or contempt (archaic form of disdain)
Example
He would never distain those who had less fortune than him.
B2 verb /dɪˈstrækt/

distract

Meaning
to take someone's attention away from what they are doing or focusing on
Example
The loud noise distracted her during the exam.
B2 adverb /ˈdʌbli/

doubly

Meaning
in a twofold manner; to twice the degree
Example
She felt doubly fortunate after winning the prize and getting a promotion.
C1 noun /dɜːrθ/

dearth

Meaning
A scarcity or lack of something.
Example
There was a dearth of food during the famine.
B2 verb /ˈdɛzɪɡneɪt/

designate

Meaning
to officially assign, appoint, or indicate something or someone
Example
The committee will designate a new chairperson next week.
B1 adjective /ˈdɪstənt/

Distant

Meaning
far away in space or time; remote
Example
We could see a distant mountain on the horizon.
A2 noun /dɪˈskʌʃən/

discussion

Meaning
The action or process of talking about something in order to reach a decision or share ideas.
Example
The project needs more discussion before moving forward.
C1 verb /dɪˈspɛns/

dispense

Meaning
To distribute or provide something, especially in portions.
Example
The machine dispenses clean drinking water.
C1 verb /dɪsˈhɑːrtn/

dishearten

Meaning
to cause someone to lose determination or confidence; to discourage
Example
The constant rejection letters began to dishearten the young writer.
C2 verb /ˌdɪsəˈreɪndʒ/

disarrange

Meaning
to disturb the order or arrangement of something
Example
The wind disarranged her hair.
B1 adjective /dʌl/

Dull

Meaning
lacking interest or excitement; not bright; lacking intelligence; tedious
Example
The lecture was very dull and boring.
C2 verb /ˌdɪspəˈzɛs/

dispossess

Meaning
to deprive someone of land, property, or other possessions
Example
The new law threatened to dispossess many farmers of their land.
C1 noun /ˈdjuːplɛks/

duplex

Meaning
A house or apartment divided into two separate residences.
Example
They live in a duplex near the city center.
C2 adjective /dɪˈsɛnʃəs/

dissentious

Meaning
Causing or likely to cause disagreement and conflict.
Example
His dissentious remarks divided the group further.
A2 noun /daʊt/

Doubt

Meaning
a feeling of uncertainty or lack of conviction; distrust or suspicion
Example
There was no doubt in her mind that she had made the right decision.
A2 adjective /ˈdɪdʒ.ɪ.təl/

digital

Meaning
Relating to, using, or storing data or information in the form of digital signals; involving or relating to the use of computer technology.
Example
The world is shifting towards a digital economy.
B1 noun ˌdɪsədˈvæntɪdʒ

disadvantage

Meaning
An unfavorable circumstance or condition that reduces the chances of success or effectiveness.
Example
Urdu's dominance placed Bengalis at a disadvantage.
C1 noun /ˈdaɪnəˌmoʊ/

dynamo

Meaning
A machine that generates electricity; a person with great energy and enthusiasm.
Example
She is the real dynamo behind the success of the company.
C2 noun /daɪˈvʌldʒəns/

divulgence

Meaning
the act of revealing or disclosing something secret or private
Example
The divulgence of company secrets caused a major scandal.
C2 noun /ˈdɛvɪlri/

devilry

Meaning
Wicked or cruel behavior; mischievous actions.
Example
The children were full of devilry on Halloween night.
C1 adjective /dɪsˈkɔːrdənt/

discordant

Meaning
disagreeing or clashing; harsh and jarring in sound
Example
The discordant notes of the band hurt our ears.
B1 noun /dɪˈfens/

Defence

Meaning
the action of defending from or resisting attack; protection or support
Example
The country strengthened its defence system against potential threats.
B2 noun /ˈdɛsɪməl/

decimal

Meaning
A number system based on 10; a number expressed in the base-10 system.
Example
The number 0.75 is a decimal.
B2 adjective daɪˈdʒes.tɪv

digestive

Meaning
Relating to the digestion of food.
Example
Digestive enzymes help break down food.
B2 noun /diːd/

Deed

Meaning
an action that is performed intentionally or consciously; a legal document showing ownership
Example
His heroic deed saved the child from drowning in the river.
A2 noun /ˈdæn.sər/

Dancer

Meaning
a person who performs dance, typically as a profession or art form
Example
The dancer performed gracefully on the stage.
C1 noun /ˈdaɪhɑːrd/

diehard

Meaning
A person who strongly resists change and remains loyal to a belief or cause.
Example
He is a diehard fan of classic rock music.
C1 adjective /ˈdwɪndlɪŋ/

dwindling

Meaning
Gradually reducing in number, size, or strength.
Example
The villagers relied on dwindling water supplies.
A1 noun /dɛsk/

desk

Meaning
a piece of furniture with a flat surface used for writing or working
Example
The books are on the desk.
B1 verb /dɪˈfiːt/

Defeat

Meaning
to win a victory over; to overcome in battle or competition
Example
The army managed to defeat the enemy forces.
C1 noun dɪˈskrep.ən.siz

discrepancies

Meaning
Differences between things that should be the same
Example
Discrepancies in regulations delay progress.
B2 adjective /dɪˈskriːt/

discreet

Meaning
careful and prudent in one's speech or actions, especially to keep something confidential or avoid embarrassment
Example
She was discreet about the details of their conversation.
C2 verb /ˌdɪsəˈvaʊ/

disavow

Meaning
to deny responsibility for or connection with something
Example
He disavowed any involvement in the scandal.
C1 adverb /ˈduːli/

Duly

Meaning
in accordance with what is required or appropriate; at the proper time
Example
The documents were duly signed and submitted.
C1 noun/verb /dɪsˈkwaɪət/

disquiet

Meaning
A feeling of worry or unease; to make someone feel anxious or uneasy.
Example
The strange silence filled the room with disquiet.
B2 adjective /dæmp/

damp

Meaning
slightly wet, often in an unpleasant way
Example
The room felt cold and damp after the rain.
B2 adjective /ˈdʌsti/

dusty

Meaning
covered with or full of dust; dry and dull from lack of moisture or use
Example
The old bookshelf was dusty after years of neglect.
B2 verb/noun /ˌdɪsrɪˈɡɑːrd/

disregard

Meaning
To ignore something; lack of consideration or respect for something.
Example
He disregarded the warning signs and kept driving.
C1 noun /dɪˌnʌnsiˈeɪʃən/

denunciation

Meaning
the public condemnation or accusation of someone or something
Example
The journalist's article was a strong denunciation of corruption.
C1 adjective /dɪsˈsɪmɪlər/

dissimilar

Meaning
Not alike; different.
Example
Though they are twins, their personalities are dissimilar.
B2 noun, verb /ˈdeɪ.bjuː/

debut

Meaning
The first public appearance or performance of someone or something.
Example
The young actor made his debut on the big stage.
C1 verb /dɪˈflɛkt/

deflect

Meaning
to cause something to change direction; to avoid answering directly
Example
The shield deflected the incoming arrow.
B1 noun /ˌdek.əˈreɪ.ʃən/

Decoration

Meaning
the process or art of decorating something; ornamental items used to beautify
Example
The Christmas decoration transformed the ordinary room into a festive wonderland.
C2 noun /ˌdiːlɛkˈteɪʃən/

delectation

Meaning
great pleasure or delight
Example
She read the story aloud for the delectation of her friends.
C2 adjective /ˈdɪstəl/

distal

Meaning
situated away from the center of the body or from the point of attachment
Example
The doctor examined the distal end of the patient’s arm.
C1 verb, noun /dɪsˈkrɛdɪt/

discredit

Meaning
To harm the reputation of someone or something; loss of respect or credibility.
Example
The scandal discredited the politician in the eyes of the public.
C2 verb /deɪn/

deign

Meaning
to do something considered beneath one's dignity
Example
The king did not deign to reply to the commoner.
C2 adjective /dɪˈlɛktəbl̩/

delectable

Meaning
delicious or highly enjoyable
Example
The restaurant served a delectable meal.
C1 noun /ˌdɪp.ləˈmæt.ɪk ˈmaɪl.stəʊn/

diplomatic milestone

Meaning
A significant achievement or important event in diplomatic relations.
Example
Hosting the summit was a diplomatic milestone.
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.
C1 noun /ˌdɒmɪˈneɪʃən/

domination

Meaning
the exercise of control or influence over someone or something
Example
The empire sought domination over its neighbors.
C2 noun /dɪˈkrɛpɪˌtjuːd/

decrepitude

Meaning
the state of being old, weak, and worn out
Example
The once-great empire fell into decrepitude.
C1 noun /dɪˈfen.dənt/

Defendant

Meaning
an individual, company, or institution sued or accused in a court of law
Example
The defendant pleaded not guilty to all charges brought against him.
C2 noun /ˈdrɪvəl/

drivel

Meaning
silly or nonsensical talk
Example
The politician’s speech was full of meaningless drivel.
A2 noun /ˈdʌst.bɪn/

Dustbin

Meaning
a container for holding waste or garbage before disposal
Example
Please throw the paper into the dustbin after use.
B2 adjective /ˈdespərət/

Desperate

Meaning
reckless; extremely urgent; critical
Example
The situation became desperate as water supplies ran out.
B2 verb /dæʃ/

dash

Meaning
to move quickly and suddenly; to strike or break something violently
Example
She dashed across the street to catch the bus.
B2 verb /dɒdʒ/

dodge

Meaning
to move quickly to one side to avoid something; to avoid dealing with something cleverly or dishonestly
Example
The boxer managed to dodge his opponent's punch.
C2 noun /ˈdrækmə/

drachma

Meaning
The basic monetary unit of Greece before the adoption of the euro.
Example
The old coin collection included a silver drachma.
A1 noun /deɪts/

Dates

Meaning
sweet brown oval fruits that grow on date palm trees
Example
Dates are commonly eaten during Ramadan to break the fast.
A2 adjective /dʌtʃ/

dutch

Meaning
relating to the Netherlands, its people, or their language
Example
She enjoys Dutch paintings from the 17th century.
B2 adjective /ˈdɛntəl/

dental

Meaning
relating to teeth or dentistry
Example
She goes for a dental checkup every six months.
C1 adjective /dɪˈmɪnjətɪv/

diminutive

Meaning
extremely or unusually small
Example
Despite his diminutive size, he was a powerful leader.
C1 adjective /daɪˈvɜːrsɪfaɪd/

diversified

Meaning
Made or having variety in form, nature, or content.
Example
The company adopted a diversified business strategy to reduce risks.
B2 verb /ˈdɛvəˌsteɪt/

devastate

Meaning
to cause severe and overwhelming destruction or damage
Example
The hurricane devastated the coastal town.
C1 noun /ˈdeɪˌbreɪk/

daybreak

Meaning
The time in the morning when daylight first appears; dawn.
Example
They set out on their journey at daybreak.
C1 noun /ˈded.lɑk/

Dead-lock

Meaning
a situation in which no progress is possible; complete standstill
Example
The negotiations reached a deadlock when neither side would compromise.
C2 noun /ˈdɪfɪdəns/

diffidence

Meaning
Lack of self-confidence; shyness or modesty.
Example
Her diffidence made it hard for her to speak in public.
A1 preposition /ˈdjʊərɪŋ/

during

Meaning
throughout the course of a period of time
Example
I fell asleep during the movie.
C2 verb /ˈdɒɡmətaɪz/

dogmatize

Meaning
To state opinions or beliefs as if they were absolute truths.
Example
The professor tended to dogmatize on political issues.
B1 noun ˌdemənˈstreɪʃənz

demonstrations

Meaning
The action or process of showing the existence or truth of something by giving proof or evidence.
Example
Demonstrations occurred on March 11.
B1 adjective /ˈdefɪnət/

Definite

Meaning
clearly stated or decided; not vague or uncertain; specific
Example
We need a definite answer by tomorrow.
C1 adjective /ˈdrɪəri/

dreary

Meaning
dull, bleak, and lifeless; depressing
Example
The long, dreary winter made everyone feel gloomy.
B1 adjective /def/

Deaf

Meaning
unable to hear; having a hearing impairment
Example
The deaf child learned to communicate using sign language.
B1 noun /dɪˈskʌvəri/

discovery

Meaning
The act of finding or learning something for the first time.
Example
The discovery of penicillin changed medical history.
B2 verb dɪsˈrʌpt

disrupt

Meaning
To interrupt or disturb the normal progress or activity of something.
Example
Individual pursuits disrupt social harmony.
C2 verb /dɪˈtruːd/

detrude

Meaning
To thrust or force something downward or outward.
Example
The violent waves detruded rocks from the cliff.
C1 adjective /ˈdæʃ.ɪŋ/

Dashing

Meaning
stylish and confident; lively and energetic; attractive and charming
Example
He looked dashing in his new suit.
B2 verb /draʊn/

drown

Meaning
to die or cause to die by being submerged in and inhaling water
Example
He nearly drowned while swimming in the river.
C1 noun /dɪˈskrep.ən.si/

discrepancy

Meaning
A lack of compatibility or similarity between two or more facts.
Example
The audit revealed a discrepancy between the reported earnings and actual income.
B1 adverb /ˈdiːp.li/

Deeply

Meaning
to a great depth; intensely; profoundly
Example
She breathed deeply before making her decision.
C1 noun /ˈdeɪtəm/ or /ˈdætəm/

datum

Meaning
a single piece of information; a fact used as a basis for reasoning or calculation
Example
Each datum in the survey was carefully analyzed.
B2 noun dɪˈplɔɪmənt

deployment

Meaning
The action of bringing resources into effective action.
Example
The deployment of the new software was completed successfully.
C1 noun /dɪˈvɪnɪti/

divinity

Meaning
The quality or state of being divine; a deity.
Example
The priest spoke about the divinity of the soul.
C1 verb /dɪˈsɛnt/

dissent

Meaning
To hold or express opinions that are different from those officially accepted.
Example
Several members dissented from the majority decision.
B1 noun /ˈdrɛsɪŋ/

dressing

Meaning
a sauce for salads; or material used to cover a wound
Example
She prepared a delicious salad with Italian dressing.
B2 adjective /ˈdaʊt.fəl/

Doubtful

Meaning
uncertain; questionable; feeling uncertain about something
Example
I am doubtful about the success of this project.
B1 noun /dʌst/

dust

Meaning
Fine particles of matter.
Example
Road dust is a major pollutant in urban areas.
C1 verb /ˈdɛnɪˌɡreɪt/

denigrate

Meaning
to criticize unfairly; to belittle or disparage someone or something
Example
He was quick to denigrate the achievements of his colleagues.
C1 noun /dɪˈten.ʃən/

Detention

Meaning
the action of detaining someone or being detained in official custody
Example
The student received detention for repeatedly disrupting the class.
A2 noun /dəˈrɛkʃən/ or /daɪˈrɛkʃən/

direction

Meaning
the course or path on which someone or something is moving; instructions on what to do
Example
He asked for directions to the train station.
C1 noun ˌdɛməˈɡræfɪk trænˈzɪʃən

demographic transition

Meaning
A shift in population patterns from high birth and death rates to low birth and death rates as a country develops economically
Example
The demographic transition indicates a shift towards an aging society.
C1 verb /drɛntʃ/

drench

Meaning
to make someone or something completely wet
Example
The sudden rain drenched the players on the field.
B2 adjective /ˈded.li/

Deadly

Meaning
causing or able to cause death; extremely dangerous; lethal
Example
The deadly poison killed the plant instantly.
C1 noun /ˌdɛsɪˈmeɪʃən/

decimation

Meaning
The act of destroying or killing a large proportion of something.
Example
The decimation of the city left thousands homeless.
C1 verb ˈdwɪn.dl

dwindle

Meaning
To diminish gradually in size, amount, or strength; to become progressively smaller.
Example
His savings dwindled due to unexpected expenses.
C1 adjective /ˈdjuːbiəs/

dubious

Meaning
Hesitating or doubting; not to be relied upon.
Example
She gave him a dubious look after hearing his excuse.
C1 noun /ˈdɪm.pəl/

Dimple

Meaning
a small depression in the flesh, either one that exists permanently or one that forms when smiling
Example
Her charming dimples appeared whenever she smiled at the children.
B2 verb /dɪsˈtɜːb/

disturb

Meaning
to interrupt or cause someone to stop what they are doing
Example
Please don’t disturb me while I’m studying.
C1 adjective /ˈdjuːtɪfəl/

Dutiful

Meaning
conscientiously fulfilling one's duty; obedient; respectful
Example
She is a dutiful daughter who always helps her parents.
C1 adjective /dɪˈmɒnstrəbl/

demonstrable

Meaning
clearly able to be shown or proven
Example
There was demonstrable evidence that he was innocent.
B1 adjective /dɪsˈeɪbld/

disabled

Meaning
having a physical or mental condition that limits movements, senses, or activities
Example
The park has special facilities for disabled people.
C1 adjective /diːˈsɛntrəlaɪzd/

decentralized

Meaning
Controlled by several local offices or authorities rather than one single one.
Example
The decentralized system allowed for more control at local levels.
C1 adjective /ˈdek.stər.əs/

dexterous

Meaning
Showing or having skill, especially with the hands; mentally adroit and skillful.
Example
A dexterous programmer can write complex codes effortlessly.
C1 noun /draɪ ˈtʃɪl.i/

Dry Chilli

Meaning
dried chili peppers used as spice for adding heat to food
Example
The recipe calls for two dry chillies to make it spicy.
B2 adjective /ˈdevəsteɪtɪŋ/

devastating

Meaning
causing severe shock, distress, or destruction; extremely damaging or upsetting
Example
The earthquake had a devastating effect on the city.
C1 noun /ˈdeɪ.ə.ti/

deity

Meaning
a god or goddess
Example
The temple is dedicated to a Hindu deity.
B2 noun /ˈdel.ɪ.ɡət/

Delegate

Meaning
a person chosen or elected to act for or represent others; representative
Example
Each country sent a delegate to participate in the international conference.