disapproval
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B2 noun /ˌdɪsəˈpruːvəl/

disapproval

Meaning
The expression of an unfavorable opinion or judgment
Example
Her parents showed clear disapproval of her decision to drop out of college.
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 adjective /dɪsˈrɛpjətəbl̩/

disreputable

Meaning
having a bad reputation; not considered respectable or trustworthy
Example
The journalist avoided staying in the disreputable part of town.
B2 verb /dɪˈsiːv/

deceive

Meaning
To cause someone to believe something that is not true.
Example
He tried to deceive his friends with a fake story.
B2 noun /dɪˈsɛnt/

descent

Meaning
the action of moving downward, falling, or dropping; ancestry or origin
Example
The climbers began their descent from the mountain peak.
C1 adjective, noun /ˈdɛrəlɪkt/

derelict

Meaning
in poor condition due to neglect or disuse; a homeless or neglected person
Example
The old factory stood derelict for decades.
C2 noun /ˌdeɪnuːˈmɒ̃/

denouement

Meaning
The final resolution or conclusion of a story, drama, or complicated situation.
Example
The novel's denouement was both surprising and satisfying.
B2 noun /ˈdiː.fekt/

Defect

Meaning
a shortcoming, imperfection, or lack; a fault or flaw in something
Example
The manufacturing defect caused the product to fail after only one week.
A2 noun /ˈdjuː.ti/

Duty

Meaning
something that one is expected or required to do; moral or legal obligation
Example
It is our duty as citizens to vote in elections.
B2 noun /daɪˈmen.ʃənz/

dimensions

Meaning
Aspects or features of a situation, problem, or thing.
Example
New dimensions of space exploration are being uncovered.
C2 noun /dɪˌlæpɪˈdeɪʃən/

dilapidation

Meaning
The state of disrepair or ruin as a result of neglect.
Example
The old temple was in a state of dilapidation.
C2 adjective /dɪsˈkɜrsɪv/

discursive

Meaning
Tending to digress or move from topic to topic; lengthy and rambling.
Example
His discursive style made the lecture hard to follow.
B2 noun /dɪˈdʌk.ʃən/

deduction

Meaning
The process of reaching a conclusion through logical reasoning.
Example
His deduction from the evidence was accurate.
C1 adjective /ˈdiːviəs/

devious

Meaning
Skillful at using underhanded tactics to achieve goals; not straightforward.
Example
He used a devious plan to gain control of the company.
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 adjective /ˈdəʊl.səm/

dolesome

Meaning
Filled with grief or sadness; mournful.
Example
The dolesome ballad brought tears to their eyes.
B2 noun ˌdiː.fɒr.ɪˈsteɪ.ʃən

deforestation

Meaning
The action of clearing a wide area of trees; the permanent destruction of forests in order to make the land available for other uses.
Example
Deforestation accelerates the loss of biodiversity.
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.
B1 noun dɪˈskʌvəriz

discoveries

Meaning
The action or process of finding or learning something for the first time; facts or things discovered.
Example
His discoveries revolutionized multiple fields.
C1 noun /ˈdɛspətɪzəm/

despotism

Meaning
absolute power exercised in a cruel and oppressive way
Example
The people revolted against the era of despotism.
B2 adjective /dʌm/

Dumb

Meaning
unable to speak; silent; lacking intelligence; stupid
Example
She remained dumb during the entire meeting.
A1 noun /dɔːɡ/

Dog

Meaning
a domesticated carnivorous mammal that is typically kept as a pet or for work
Example
The loyal dog waited patiently for its owner to return home.
A2 verb /der/

dare

Meaning
to have courage to do something; to challenge someone
Example
I dare you to jump into the pool.
C2 verb /dɪsˈbɑːr/

disbar

Meaning
to officially remove a lawyer from the legal profession
Example
The corrupt lawyer was disbarred for unethical conduct.
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.
C2 verb /dɪˈsɪmjʊˌleɪt/

dissimulate

Meaning
To disguise or conceal one's true feelings or intentions.
Example
He tried to dissimulate his fear with a smile.
C2 noun /ˌdɪsɪnklɪˈneɪʃən/

disinclination

Meaning
a lack of willingness or desire to do something
Example
She showed a clear disinclination to join the meeting.
C1 adjective /ˈdæʃ.ɪŋ/

Dashing

Meaning
stylish and confident; lively and energetic; attractive and charming
Example
He looked dashing in his new suit.
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.
C1 adjective /dɪˈfɛnsəbəl/

defensible

Meaning
Capable of being protected against attack or criticism; justifiable.
Example
Her decision was legally defensible.
C1 adjective /ˈdwɪndlɪŋ/

dwindling

Meaning
Gradually reducing in number, size, or strength.
Example
The villagers relied on dwindling water supplies.
C2 verb /dɪˈkænt/

decant

Meaning
To pour liquid gently from one container into another, especially without disturbing the sediment.
Example
She carefully decanted the wine into a clean glass.
C2 noun /ˈdaɪɡræf/

digraph

Meaning
A pair of letters representing a single sound, such as 'sh' in 'ship'.
Example
In the word 'phone', the letters 'ph' form a digraph.
C1 verb /dɪˈluːd/

delude

Meaning
To mislead someone into believing something that is not true.
Example
He deluded himself into thinking he could win the race without training.
C1 verb /dɪˈplɔːr/

deplore

Meaning
to feel or express strong disapproval of something; to regret deeply
Example
Many people deplore the violence shown on television.
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.
B2 verb /daɪ/

dye

Meaning
to change the color of something using a chemical substance
Example
She will dye her hair blonde tomorrow.
C1 verb /dɪˈsweɪd/

dissuade

Meaning
To persuade someone not to do something.
Example
She tried to dissuade him from quitting his job.
B2 noun /daɪm/

dime

Meaning
a small coin, especially a U.S. coin worth ten cents
Example
He gave me a dime for the phone call.
C1 noun /drɑːft/ (UK), /dræft/ (US)

draught

Meaning
a current of cool air in a room or another confined space; also a portion of liquid, especially beer, served from a barrel or cask
Example
She closed the window to keep out the cold draught.
C1 adjective /daɪər/

Dire

Meaning
extremely serious; urgent; terrible
Example
The country is facing a dire economic crisis.
C1 noun /dɪn/

din

Meaning
a loud, unpleasant, and prolonged noise
Example
The din of traffic outside made it hard to concentrate.
A2 noun /dɪˈzaɪnər/

designer

Meaning
a person who plans and creates the form or structure of something
Example
The fashion designer presented her new collection.
B2 adjective /dɪˈstrʌktɪv/

Destructive

Meaning
causing damage; harmful
Example
The hurricane was highly destructive to coastal areas.
B2 noun daɪˈvɜːsɪti

diversity

Meaning
The state of being diverse; variety.
Example
Biodiversity promotes ecosystem stability and resilience.
C2 noun /draɪ ɡuːs ˈbɛri/

Dry goose berry

Meaning
dehydrated amla fruit, rich in vitamin C and used for medicinal and culinary purposes
Example
Dry goose berry powder is excellent for hair growth.
C1 verb /dɪˈfeɪm/

defame

Meaning
to harm someone's reputation by spreading false information
Example
He was defamed by malicious rumors.
C1 verb /dɪˈstɪl/

distill

Meaning
To purify a liquid by heating and cooling; to extract the essential meaning or most important aspects.
Example
The factory distills water to make it safe for drinking.
A2 noun /ˈdiː.teɪl/

detail

Meaning
An individual feature, fact, or item of information.
Example
She explained the plan in great detail.
C1 noun /ˌdɪs.əˈreɪ/

disarray

Meaning
A state of disorganization or untidiness; confusion or disorder.
Example
His desk was in complete disarray.
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.
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 verb /daɪˈvʌldʒ/

divulge

Meaning
to make known something private, secret, or previously unknown
Example
She refused to divulge the source of her information.
A2 verb /dɪˈzaɪn/

design

Meaning
to plan and create something with a particular purpose or look
Example
She will design the new company logo.
C2 verb /diːˈpɒpjʊˌleɪt/

depopulate

Meaning
To reduce the number of people living in a place.
Example
The war threatened to depopulate the once-thriving town.
B2 noun /ˈdiː.lɪŋ/

Dealing

Meaning
business transactions; the way of treating people or handling situations
Example
His fair dealing with customers earned him an excellent reputation.
B2 adjective /dɛns/

dense

Meaning
Closely compacted in substance; having parts crowded together.
Example
The forest was so dense that little sunlight reached the ground.
C1 verb /diːˈfjuːz/

defuse

Meaning
To make a situation less dangerous, tense, or explosive; to remove a fuse from a bomb.
Example
The negotiator helped defuse the tense situation.
C2 adjective /dɪˈskrɛpənt/

discrepant

Meaning
showing a difference or inconsistency
Example
The witnesses gave discrepant accounts of the incident.
C1 noun /dɪˌpriː.ʃiˈeɪ.ʃən/

depreciation

Meaning
A reduction in the value of an asset with the passage of time, due to wear and tear.
Example
The car's depreciation rate is high after five years.
B2 noun /ˈdeb.ɪt/

Debit

Meaning
an entry recording an amount owed; money taken from a bank account
Example
The bank showed a debit of fifty dollars from my checking account.
A2 noun /ˈdɪfərəns/

difference

Meaning
A point or way in which things are not the same.
Example
There is a big difference between theory and practice.
C2 adjective /dɪˈdjuːsəbl/

deducible

Meaning
able to be deduced; possible to be inferred
Example
The solution is deducible from the data provided.
B2 adjective /dɪˈziːzd/

Diseased

Meaning
affected by disease; suffering from illness; sick
Example
The diseased tree had to be removed from the garden.
C1 adjective /ˈdrɪəri/

dreary

Meaning
dull, bleak, and lifeless; depressing
Example
The long, dreary winter made everyone feel gloomy.
B2 noun dɪˈveləpɪŋ ˈriːdʒənz

developing regions

Meaning
Areas or countries that are in the process of economic growth and development
Example
Pollution affects developing regions the most.
A2 adjective /duː/

Due

Meaning
owed as a debt; expected at a certain time; scheduled
Example
The assignment is due tomorrow.
C1 adjective /ˈdaʊn.kæst/

downcast

Meaning
feeling sad, dejected, or with lowered eyes
Example
He looked downcast after hearing the bad news.
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 noun /ˈdɪŋɡi/

dinghy

Meaning
a small boat, often carried or towed by a larger vessel, used for short trips or as a lifeboat
Example
They rowed the dinghy back to the yacht.
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 verb /dɪˈbeɪs/

debase

Meaning
to reduce the quality, value, or dignity of something
Example
Corruption can debase the values of a society.
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.
B2 adverb /ˈdɪmli/

dimly

Meaning
in a faint or unclear way; with little light
Example
The room was dimly lit by a single candle.
C2 noun /dɪˈdʒɛnərəsi/

degeneracy

Meaning
The state of decline or deterioration, often in moral, cultural, or physical qualities.
Example
The novel portrays the moral degeneracy of a corrupt society.
C2 noun /ˈdʌlərd/

dullard

Meaning
a slow or stupid person
Example
He was considered a dullard by his classmates.
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.
A2 noun /deθ/

Death

Meaning
the end of life; the permanent cessation of vital functions
Example
The death of the great leader was mourned by the entire nation.
C1 adjective /dɪˈɡreɪdɪd/

degraded

Meaning
Reduced in quality, dignity, or condition.
Example
The villagers were forced to live in degraded conditions.
C2 adjective /dɪsˈkɒnsələt/

disconsolate

Meaning
very unhappy and unable to be comforted
Example
She was disconsolate after hearing the bad news.
A2 noun /ˈdɪs.təns/

Distance

Meaning
the length of space between two points; remoteness in place, time, or relationship
Example
The distance between the two cities is approximately three hundred kilometers.
B2 noun /dɪsˈɔːrdər/

disorder

Meaning
A state of confusion or lack of order; also a medical or mental condition.
Example
The protest ended in disorder when the crowd became violent.
C1 adjective /dɪˈvaʊt/

devout

Meaning
Deeply religious or sincere.
Example
He is a devout believer who prays every day.
B1 adjective /ˈdaɪɪŋ/

Dying

Meaning
approaching death; in the process of dying; fading away
Example
The dying plant needs water immediately.
C1 verb /dɪsˈɑːrm/

disarm

Meaning
to take weapons away from someone; to make someone feel less hostile
Example
The soldiers were ordered to disarm the rebels.
B2 noun /daɪˈnæmɪks/

dynamics

Meaning
the forces or properties that stimulate growth, development, or change within a system or process
Example
The dynamics of the team changed after the new manager joined.
A2 noun /ˈdrɔːər/

drawer

Meaning
a box-shaped storage compartment that slides in and out of furniture
Example
She kept her jewelry in the top drawer of the dresser.
B1 adjective /ˈdiːsənt/

decent

Meaning
conforming to standards of propriety, good taste, or morality
Example
He found a decent job after months of searching.
C1 adjective /dɪˈmɒnstrəbl/

demonstrable

Meaning
clearly able to be shown or proven
Example
There was demonstrable evidence that he was innocent.
C2 verb /ˈdiːɪfaɪ/

deify

Meaning
to treat or worship someone or something as a god
Example
Some fans deify their favorite celebrities.
A2 noun /ˈdraɪ.vər/

Driver

Meaning
a person who operates a motor vehicle
Example
The taxi driver knew all the shortcuts through the busy city.
C2 adjective /ˌdaɪəˈlɛktɪkəl/

dialectical

Meaning
Relating to the logical discussion of ideas and opinions.
Example
She took a dialectical approach to solve the complex issue.
B2 verb /dʌmp/

dump

Meaning
to drop or dispose of something carelessly; to end a relationship suddenly
Example
He dumped all the trash into the bin.
C1 adjective dɪˈskrɪmɪnətɔːri

discriminatory

Meaning
Making or showing an unfair or prejudicial distinction between different categories of people or things.
Example
Discriminatory policies triggered protests.
C1 noun /ˌdiː.kɒmpəˈzɪʃən/

decomposition

Meaning
the process of decaying or breaking down into simpler parts
Example
The decomposition of leaves enriches the soil.
C2 noun /dreɪk/

Drake

Meaning
a male duck; a type of waterfowl
Example
The drake led his family of ducks across the pond.
B2 noun /dɪˈpləʊməsi/

diplomacy

Meaning
The profession, activity, or skill of managing international relations or handling affairs tactfully.
Example
Effective diplomacy helped avoid the conflict.
A2 verb /dəˈrɛkt/ or /daɪˈrɛkt/

direct

Meaning
to manage or control the course of something; to give instructions
Example
She directed the team to complete the project on time.
B1 noun /dɪˈsɪʒənˌmeɪkɪŋ/

decision-making

Meaning
the process of making decisions, especially important or business-related decisions
Example
The CEO's decision-making was crucial for the success of the company.
B2 noun /ˈdiː.sən.si/

Decency

Meaning
behavior that conforms to accepted standards of morality or respectability
Example
She had the decency to apologize for her mistake immediately.
C1 adjective /dɪˈmɛntɪd/

demented

Meaning
behaving irrationally due to mental illness or extreme excitement
Example
He looked demented after hearing the shocking news.
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.
C2 adjective /dɪˈspjuːtəbl/

Disputable

Meaning
open to debate or argument; questionable
Example
The facts in the case are disputable and need further investigation.
A2 noun /ˈdeɪn.dʒər/

danger

Meaning
The possibility of harm, injury, or loss.
Example
The hikers were in great danger during the storm.
C1 noun /dɪˈsaɪ.pəl/

Disciple

Meaning
a follower and student of a teacher, leader, or philosopher; devoted follower
Example
The famous philosopher had many disciples who spread his teachings worldwide.
B2 noun, verb /ˈdɪskɔːrs/

discourse

Meaning
Written or spoken communication or debate.
Example
The professor gave a discourse on ancient philosophy.
B2 adjective /dɪˈfensɪv/

Defensive

Meaning
used or intended to defend or protect; showing a tendency to react in an angry or hurt way when criticized
Example
He became defensive when criticized about his work.
C1 verb /dɪˈteɪn/

detain

Meaning
to keep someone from proceeding; to hold back, especially by official authority
Example
The police detained the suspect for questioning.
A2 noun /dɪˈpɑːrtmənt/

department

Meaning
a division of a large organization such as a government, university, or company
Example
She works in the marketing department.
B1 adjective /dʌl/

Dull

Meaning
lacking interest or excitement; not bright; lacking intelligence; tedious
Example
The lecture was very dull and boring.
A1 noun /ˈdɪnər/

Dinner

Meaning
the main meal of the day, typically eaten in the evening
Example
The family gathered for dinner at 7 PM.
C1 noun ˌdiːˌrɛɡ.jʊˈleɪ.ʃən

deregulation

Meaning
The removal or reduction of government regulations in an economic sector.
Example
Deregulation has increased competition in the telecommunications sector.
C2 verb /ˈdɛpɪleɪt/

depilate

Meaning
to remove hair from the skin, especially by mechanical or chemical means
Example
She decided to depilate her legs before the event.
C1 verb /ˌdɪskənˈsɜːrt/

disconcert

Meaning
To unsettle, confuse, or disturb the composure of someone.
Example
The sudden change of plans disconcerted the team.
C2 noun /ˈdɛftnəs/

deftness

Meaning
Skillfulness and quickness in action or thought.
Example
Her deftness with words impressed the audience.
B1 noun /ˈdɛdˌlaɪnz/

deadlines

Meaning
The latest time or date by which something should be completed.
Example
Setting deadlines helps finish tasks.
C2 noun /dɪsˈtɛmpər/

distemper

Meaning
a viral disease affecting animals, especially dogs; also refers to a state of disorder
Example
The dog was diagnosed with distemper and needed immediate care.
C1 noun /dɪˈkriː/

Decree

Meaning
an official order issued by a legal authority; a judicial decision or edict
Example
The king issued a decree that all citizens must pay additional taxes.
A2 adjective /dɑːrk bluː/

Dark blue

Meaning
a deep shade of blue color
Example
She wore a dark blue dress to the party.
B2 adjective /dɪˈraɪvd/

derived

Meaning
Developed or obtained from something else; not original.
Example
The word is derived from Latin.
C1 noun daɪˈkɒtəmi

dichotomy

Meaning
A division or contrast between two things that are or are represented as being opposed or entirely different.
Example
The dichotomy between tradition and modernity is often debated.