difficult
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
A1 adjective ˈdɪfɪkəlt

difficult

Meaning
Needing much effort or skill to accomplish, deal with, or understand; hard.
Example
Managing urban challenges has become increasingly difficult.
C1 adjective /dɪˈsperɪŋ/

Despairing

Meaning
feeling hopeless; in despair
Example
She felt despairing after losing her job.
A2 noun /ˈden.tɪst/

Dentist

Meaning
a medical professional who treats teeth and oral health
Example
I need to visit the dentist for a regular checkup.
C1 adjective /dɪˈfɪʃənt/

Deficient

Meaning
not having enough of a specified quality or ingredient; lacking or inadequate
Example
His diet was deficient in essential vitamins.
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.
C2 verb /dɪˈsɛmbəl/

dissemble

Meaning
to conceal one's true motives, feelings, or beliefs; to pretend
Example
He tried to dissemble his anger with a forced smile.
A2 noun /dɪˈzɜːrt/

dessert

Meaning
the sweet course eaten at the end of a meal
Example
We had ice cream for dessert after dinner.
C2 adjective /ˌdaɪəˈtɒmɪk/

diatomic

Meaning
Consisting of two atoms.
Example
Oxygen is a diatomic molecule.
C2 noun /ˌdɛkləˈmeɪʃən/

declamation

Meaning
a formal speech delivered with rhetorical or dramatic effect
Example
Her declamation captivated the audience at the competition.
A1 verb /driːm/

dream

Meaning
to have thoughts and images in your mind while sleeping; to hope for
Example
I often dream about flying in the sky.
B2 adjective /ˈdjʊərəbəl/

Durable

Meaning
able to withstand wear, pressure, or damage; lasting; strong
Example
This durable fabric will last for many years.
C1 verb /dɪˈnəʊt/

denote

Meaning
To be a sign of; to indicate or mean something.
Example
A red flag denotes danger.
C2 noun /dɪˈfoʊliənt/

defoliant

Meaning
a chemical that causes leaves to drop from plants, often used in warfare or agriculture
Example
The army sprayed defoliant to clear the forest cover.
B2 noun /ˈdɔː.weɪ/

doorway

Meaning
the space where a door opens into a room or building
Example
She stood in the doorway waiting for him to arrive.
C2 noun /dæmˈneɪ.ʃən/

Damnation

Meaning
condemnation to eternal punishment in hell; something that causes ruin or failure
Example
The preacher spoke about salvation and damnation in his sermon.
C1 adjective /dɪˈbɪl.ɪ.teɪ.tɪŋ/

debilitating

Meaning
Making someone or something weak and infirm.
Example
The disease had a debilitating effect on his health.
C1 verb /dɪˈtɛst/

detest

Meaning
To dislike intensely or hate.
Example
I detest waking up early on weekends.
B1 noun/verb /ˈdɒkjʊmənt/

document

Meaning
Noun: A written, printed, or electronic record that provides information or evidence. Verb: To record information in written or electronic form.
Example
She carefully documented all the expenses of the trip.
B2 adjective /ˈdespərət/

Desperate

Meaning
reckless; extremely urgent; critical
Example
The situation became desperate as water supplies ran out.
C1 noun /dɪˈstɔːrʃən/

distortion

Meaning
the action of twisting, changing, or misrepresenting the shape, sound, or truth of something
Example
There was a distortion in the radio signal.
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 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.
B2 adjective /dʌm/

Dumb

Meaning
unable to speak; silent; lacking intelligence; stupid
Example
She remained dumb during the entire meeting.
B2 adjective /ˈdɪl.ɪ.dʒənt/

Diligent

Meaning
hardworking and careful; showing persistent effort
Example
She is a diligent student who studies every day.
B1 verb /dɪˈzɜːrv/

deserve

Meaning
To be worthy of something, usually a reward or punishment.
Example
She worked hard and deserves recognition.
C1 noun /ˈdjuːplɛks/

duplex

Meaning
A house or apartment divided into two separate residences.
Example
They live in a duplex near the city center.
C1 adjective /ˈdjuːtɪfəl/

Dutiful

Meaning
conscientiously fulfilling one's duty; obedient; respectful
Example
She is a dutiful daughter who always helps her parents.
B1 verb /dɪˈpɛndɪŋ/

depending

Meaning
Being contingent on or influenced by something.
Example
The success of the plan is depending on the team's effort.
B1 verb /dɪˈvɛləpɪŋ/

developing

Meaning
the process of growing, improving, or becoming more advanced
Example
She is developing new skills in programming.
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 verb, noun /dɑːrt/

dart

Meaning
to move suddenly and quickly; a small pointed missile thrown at a target
Example
The cat darted across the street to avoid the car.
A2 noun /ˈdɛsktɒp/

desktop

Meaning
a computer designed to be used on a desk, typically with a separate monitor, keyboard, and mouse
Example
I keep my documents on the desktop for easy access.
C1 verb /druːp/

droop

Meaning
to bend or hang downward; to become weak or tired
Example
The flowers began to droop in the heat.
A2 noun /dɪˈɡriː/

degree

Meaning
an amount or level of something; an academic qualification
Example
She earned a degree in engineering.
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.
C2 noun /dɪˈbɔːtʃəri/

debauchery

Meaning
excessive indulgence in sensual pleasures; corruption or vice
Example
The novel depicts the debauchery of the aristocrats in the city.
C2 adjective /ˌdaɪəˈbɒlɪk/

diabolic

Meaning
Extremely evil or cruel; characteristic of the devil.
Example
The villain devised a diabolic scheme.
C2 noun /ˈdɔːrmər/

dormer

Meaning
A window that projects vertically from a sloping roof.
Example
The old house had a dormer overlooking the garden.
C1 adjective /dɪˈvɪzəbl/

divisible

Meaning
Capable of being divided by another number without leaving a remainder.
Example
Twelve is divisible by three and four.
A2 noun /drʌɡ/

drug

Meaning
a substance used as a medicine or an illegal addictive substance
Example
The doctor prescribed a new drug for the illness.
C1 noun, adjective /dɪˈrɪvətɪv/

derivative

Meaning
Something that is based on another source; in math, a measure of how a function changes.
Example
The film was criticized for being too derivative of earlier works.
C1 adjective /ˈdɪs.ə.plɪ.ner.i/

Disciplinary

Meaning
relating to discipline; intended to correct behavior
Example
The company took disciplinary action against the employee.
C1 adjective ˈdɔːn.tɪŋ

daunting

Meaning
Something that seems intimidating or challenging.
Example
The task seemed daunting, but she completed it successfully.
C2 noun /daɪˈɡrɛʃən/

digression

Meaning
A temporary departure from the main subject in speech or writing.
Example
Her story was full of interesting digressions.
C2 noun /djuːˈɛnə/

duenna

Meaning
an older woman acting as a governess or chaperone, especially in Spanish families
Example
The young lady was accompanied by a duenna during the festival.
C1 verb /dɪsˈkleɪm/

disclaim

Meaning
to deny responsibility or connection with something
Example
The company disclaimed responsibility for the accident.
C1 noun ˈdɪskɔrd

discord

Meaning
Disagreement or conflict between people or ideas.
Example
Discord among people disrupts societal stability.
C2 verb /dɪsˈbɜːrs/

disburse

Meaning
to pay out money, especially from a fund
Example
The organization will disburse the funds to the affected families.
C1 noun /ˌdiː.mɑːˈkeɪ.ʃən/

Demarcation

Meaning
the action of fixing the boundary or limits of something; separation or division
Example
The demarcation between public and private land was clearly marked.
B2 noun /dɪˈnɒmɪˌneɪtər/

denominator

Meaning
the number below the line in a fraction; a common factor in a situation
Example
In the fraction 3/4, the number 4 is the denominator.
A2 adverb /ˌdaʊnˈsteəz/

Downstairs

Meaning
on or to a lower floor of a building
Example
Please go downstairs and wait in the lobby.
B2 noun /dɛk/

deck

Meaning
A flat surface or platform, often on a ship or building.
Example
We enjoyed the sunset from the upper deck of the ferry.
B2 verb /daɪˈdʒest/

digest

Meaning
to break down food in the body; to think about and understand
Example
It takes time to digest a heavy meal.
B1 verb /dɪˈtɜːrmɪn/

determine

Meaning
to decide; to find out exactly
Example
We must determine the cause of the problem.
C2 noun /draɪd roʊz ˈpɛtəlz/

Dried Rose Petals

Meaning
dehydrated petals from roses used for culinary and aromatic purposes
Example
The dessert was garnished with dried rose petals.
C1 adjective /dɪˈʃɛvəld/

disheveled

Meaning
Untidy, messy, or in disorder, especially of hair or clothing.
Example
He arrived with disheveled hair and wrinkled clothes.
A1 adverb /daʊn/

down

Meaning
from a higher to a lower position
Example
He walked down the stairs slowly.
B1 verb/noun /ˈdiːkriːs/ (noun), /dɪˈkriːs/ (verb)

decrease

Meaning
To become or make something smaller or fewer in number, amount, or degree.
Example
The population of the town has decreased over the years.
C2 noun /dɪsˈkwaɪɪtjuːd/

disquietude

Meaning
A state of uneasiness, anxiety, or restlessness.
Example
His constant pacing showed his inner disquietude.
C1 noun /dɪˈfjuːʒən/

diffusion

Meaning
the spreading of something more widely or the movement of particles from high to low concentration
Example
The diffusion of information on social media is rapid.
C2 noun /dɪˈpoʊnənt/

deponent

Meaning
A person who gives testimony under oath, especially in a written deposition.
Example
The deponent confirmed the accuracy of the statement during the trial.
B2 noun, verb /ˈdɪskɔːrs/

discourse

Meaning
Written or spoken communication or debate.
Example
The professor gave a discourse on ancient philosophy.
C1 noun /ˈdɛspɒt/

despot

Meaning
a ruler with absolute power, often ruling in a cruel or oppressive way
Example
The despot ruled the nation with fear and violence.
C2 noun /ˈdændi/

dandy

Meaning
a man who gives too much attention to his appearance and clothes
Example
The young dandy spent hours grooming himself before the party.
A2 verb /draɪv/

drive

Meaning
to control and move a vehicle; to force someone to move
Example
I will drive to work tomorrow morning.
B2 noun /dɪˈpen.dənt/

Dependent

Meaning
a person who relies on another for financial support; someone who depends on others
Example
As a tax dependent, she could not file her own tax return separately.
C2 noun /doʊlt/

dolt

Meaning
A stupid or slow-witted person.
Example
Only a dolt would believe such a story.
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 /ˈdɪsɪdənt/

dissident

Meaning
A person who opposes official policy, especially that of an authoritarian state.
Example
The dissident was arrested for speaking against the government.
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 noun /diːˌtɒksɪfɪˈkeɪʃən/

detoxification

Meaning
The process of removing toxic substances from a living organism.
Example
Detoxification helps to cleanse the body of harmful substances.
C1 noun /draɪ fɪʃ/

Dry fish

Meaning
fish that has been preserved by drying in the sun or by other dehydration methods
Example
Dry fish is a popular preserved food in many coastal regions.
A2 verb /drɔː/

draw

Meaning
to create pictures or designs with a pencil or pen
Example
She draws beautiful landscapes in her spare time.
C2 noun /ˌdɪpsəˈmeɪniæk/

dipsomaniac

Meaning
A person with an uncontrollable craving for alcoholic drinks.
Example
The novel portrayed the tragic downfall of a dipsomaniac who lost everything to alcohol.
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 /dɪˈbeɪt/

Debate

Meaning
a formal discussion of opposing viewpoints; argument with reasoned points
Example
The political debate lasted for three hours with passionate arguments.
C2 noun /ˈdɛθsˌhɛd/

deaths-head

Meaning
A representation of a human skull, often used as a symbol of death.
Example
The pirate flag was marked with a grim deaths-head.
B2 verb /dɪˈmɪnɪʃ/

diminish

Meaning
to make or become less; to reduce in size, importance, or value
Example
Over time, his influence in the company began to diminish.
B2 noun /dɪˈsep.ʃən/

Deception

Meaning
the action of deceiving someone; the state of being deceived
Example
The magician's deception amazed the audience with seemingly impossible tricks.
C1 adjective /ˈdestatəʊt/

Destitute

Meaning
extremely poor; without money or possessions
Example
Many families became destitute after the economic collapse.
B1 noun /ˈded.laɪn/

Deadline

Meaning
the latest time or date by which something should be completed
Example
The deadline for submitting the project is next Friday.
B2 noun /dɪkˈteɪtə/

dictator

Meaning
a ruler with total power over a country, typically one who has obtained control by force
Example
The dictator ruled the country with an iron fist.
A1 verb /dɪˈsaɪd/

decide

Meaning
To make a choice or judgment about something.
Example
She decided to study abroad after graduation.
C2 noun /ˌdɪləˈtænt/

dilettante

Meaning
A person who takes up an art, activity, or subject merely for amusement, especially in a superficial way.
Example
He was dismissed as a dilettante in the art world because he lacked formal training.
C1 noun /ˌdiːpɔːrˈteɪʃən/

deportation

Meaning
The act of expelling a foreigner from a country.
Example
The deportation of hundreds of workers sparked international criticism.
B2 adjective /dɪˈziːzd/

Diseased

Meaning
affected by disease; suffering from illness; sick
Example
The diseased tree had to be removed from the garden.
B1 noun /doʊˈneɪ.ʃən/

Donation

Meaning
something that is given to a charity, especially a sum of money; the act of giving
Example
The generous donation helped the hospital purchase new medical equipment.
C2 verb /dɪˈstreɪn/

distrain

Meaning
to seize someone's property in order to obtain payment of rent or other money owed
Example
The landlord distrained the tenant's furniture for unpaid rent.
B1 verb /daɪv/

dive

Meaning
to plunge headfirst into water or another substance
Example
He decided to dive into the pool on a hot day.
C1 noun /ˈderˌdevəl/

daredevil

Meaning
A person who enjoys doing dangerous or risky things.
Example
The stunt was performed by a famous daredevil.
B2 adjective /ˈduː.əl/

Dual

Meaning
having two parts or consisting of two elements; double
Example
She has dual citizenship of both countries.
B2 noun /dɪˈrɛktəri/

directory

Meaning
a book or online resource listing people, businesses, or services with relevant details
Example
I need to find a plumber in the phone directory.
C2 verb /dɪsˈpɔːrt/

disport

Meaning
To amuse oneself in a lively or playful way.
Example
The children disported themselves in the garden.
C1 noun /ˈdɔːrˌkiːpər/

doorkeeper

Meaning
A person whose job is to guard or manage the entrance of a building or room.
Example
The doorkeeper checked everyone’s passes before they entered the hall.
C2 verb /dɪˈkæmp/

decamp

Meaning
To depart suddenly or secretly, often to avoid trouble or escape.
Example
The thief decamped before the police arrived.
B2 noun ˈdevəsteɪtɪŋ ˈkɒnsɪkwənsɪz

devastating consequences

Meaning
Extremely harmful or destructive results or effects
Example
Air pollution has devastating consequences for health.
C1 verb /dɪsˈsætɪsfaɪ/

dissatisfy

Meaning
to fail to please or meet expectations; to make someone unhappy
Example
The poor service dissatisfies many customers.
C1 noun ˌdɪdʒɪˈnɛəreɪʃən

degeneration

Meaning
The process of decline or deterioration in structure or function.
Example
The degeneration of brain cells leads to cognitive decline.
A2 noun /dɒl/

doll

Meaning
a small toy resembling a human figure, especially for children
Example
The little girl hugged her favorite doll tightly.
B1 verb /dɪˈleɪ/

delay

Meaning
to make something happen later than planned
Example
The flight was delayed due to bad weather.
B2 noun /dɒk/

dock

Meaning
a structure where ships are loaded, unloaded, or repaired
Example
The ship stayed at the dock for two days.
B2 adverb /ˈden.sli/

densely

Meaning
In a closely compacted or crowded manner.
Example
The area is densely covered with trees.
B2 noun /djʊˈreɪʃən/

duration

Meaning
the length of time that something continues
Example
The meeting lasted for the duration of two hours.
B2 adjective /ˌdɪsəˈbiːdiənt/

Disobedient

Meaning
refusing to obey rules or authority; rebellious
Example
The disobedient child refused to follow the rules.
B2 verb /dɪˈraɪv/

derive

Meaning
To obtain something from a source.
Example
Many English words derive from Latin.
C2 noun /dɪˈpɔːrtmənt/

deportment

Meaning
A person's behavior or manners, especially in a formal situation.
Example
Her deportment during the ceremony impressed everyone.
C1 noun /dɪn/

din

Meaning
a loud, unpleasant, and prolonged noise
Example
The din of traffic outside made it hard to concentrate.
B2 adjective /ˈdɒm.ɪ.nənt/

Dominant

Meaning
controlling, influencing, or prevailing over others; most important or powerful
Example
The dominant player controlled the entire basketball game.
B2 verb /dɪˈfɜːr/

defer

Meaning
To postpone or delay; to yield to someone else's judgment or opinion.
Example
The meeting was deferred until next week.
C1 noun /ˈdræm.ə.tɪst/

dramatist

Meaning
a person who writes plays
Example
Shakespeare is one of the greatest dramatists in history.
B2 adjective /ˈdræs.tɪk/

Drastic

Meaning
extreme; severe; having a strong or far-reaching effect
Example
The company took drastic measures to reduce costs.
C1 noun /ˌdaɪəˈrɑːmə/

diorama

Meaning
a three-dimensional model representing a scene, often with miniature figures
Example
The museum displayed a diorama of an ancient village.
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.
C2 verb /ˌdɪsəˈvaʊ/

disavow

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

detonation

Meaning
The act of exploding or causing something to explode.
Example
The sudden detonation shook the entire building.
B2 noun /dɪˈpen.dəns/

Dependence

Meaning
the state of relying on or needing someone or something for support; addiction
Example
His dependence on technology made it difficult for him to work without internet.
C1 adjective /dɪˈspɪrɪtɪd/

dispirited

Meaning
Having lost enthusiasm, hope, or confidence; dejected.
Example
After losing the match, the team looked dispirited.
B2 adverb /ˈdɪmli/

dimly

Meaning
in a faint or unclear way; with little light
Example
The room was dimly lit by a single candle.
B2 verb /dɪˈzɒlv/

dissolve

Meaning
to melt or become liquid; to officially end or break up an agreement or organization
Example
The sugar will dissolve quickly in hot tea.
A2 verb dɪˈvɛləp

develop

Meaning
To grow or bring to a more advanced or effective state; to start to exist, experience, or possess gradually.
Example
Develop a brand based on your passion and skills.
B2 adjective /dɪˈstrʌktɪv/

Destructive

Meaning
causing damage; harmful
Example
The hurricane was highly destructive to coastal areas.