Drawback
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B2 noun /ˈdrɔː.bæk/

Drawback

Meaning
a feature that renders something less acceptable; a disadvantage or problem
Example
The main drawback of living in the city is the high cost of housing.
C1 noun dɪˈsʌɪsɪvnɪs

decisiveness

Meaning
The ability to make decisions quickly and effectively.
Example
His decisiveness during the crisis saved the company.
B1 verb /dɪˈnaɪ/

deny

Meaning
to refuse to accept or admit something; to declare something untrue
Example
He denied stealing the money.
C2 noun /ˈdɒldrəmz/

doldrums

Meaning
A state of inactivity, stagnation, or low spirits; also a region near the equator with calm winds.
Example
After the project failed, the team was stuck in the doldrums for months.
C1 adjective /ˈdæʃ.ɪŋ/

Dashing

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

detour

Meaning
A longer or less direct route taken to avoid something or reach a destination.
Example
We had to take a detour because the main road was closed.
C1 adjective /dɪsˈkɔːrdənt/

discordant

Meaning
disagreeing or clashing; harsh and jarring in sound
Example
The discordant notes of the band hurt our ears.
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.
C2 adjective /ˈdɛsɪkeɪtɪd/

desiccated

Meaning
completely dried, having had all moisture removed
Example
The museum displayed desiccated specimens of plants.
C2 noun /ˈdɛftnəs/

deftness

Meaning
Skillfulness and quickness in action or thought.
Example
Her deftness with words impressed the audience.
C1 noun /dɪˈfɔː.mə.ti/

Deformity

Meaning
a distorted or unnatural shape or form; physical malformation
Example
The accident caused a permanent deformity in his left hand.
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.
C2 adjective /dæŋk/

dank

Meaning
unpleasantly damp and cold
Example
The basement was dark and dank, filled with a musty smell.
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.
C1 verb /daɪˈvɜːrdʒ/

diverge

Meaning
to separate and go in different directions; to differ
Example
The two paths diverge at the fork in the road.
C2 verb /dɪˈkæpɪteɪt/

decapitate

Meaning
To cut off the head of a person or animal.
Example
The ancient executioner decapitated the criminal.
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 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 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.
A2 preposition /dɪˈspaɪt/

despite

Meaning
Without being affected by; in spite of.
Example
He continued his work despite the difficulties.
C2 noun /dɪˈpɔːrtmənt/

deportment

Meaning
A person's behavior or manners, especially in a formal situation.
Example
Her deportment during the ceremony impressed everyone.
B2 adjective daɪˈvɜːs

diverse

Meaning
Showing a great deal of variety; very different.
Example
Diverse industries enhance economic resilience.
A1 adjective /ˈdɪf.ər.ənt/

different

Meaning
Not the same as another; distinct or unlike.
Example
Her opinion was completely different from mine.
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.
C2 adjective /dɪˈstɛnsəbl̩/

distensible

Meaning
Capable of being stretched or expanded.
Example
The stomach is a distensible organ that can expand after eating.
A2 adjective /ˈdɜː.ti/

Dirty

Meaning
not clean; covered with dirt; unpleasant; morally corrupt
Example
The kitchen was dirty after cooking.
C1 noun dɪˈpliː.ʃən

depletion

Meaning
The gradual reduction or exhaustion of a resource or substance.
Example
Overuse of groundwater leads to depletion of water resources.
C2 adjective /daɪˈɡrɛsɪv/

digressive

Meaning
Tending to depart from the main subject in speech or writing.
Example
The speaker's digressive style made the lecture difficult to follow.
C2 noun /dəˈkɔɪt/

Dacoit

Meaning
a member of an armed gang of robbers; a bandit, especially in India and Myanmar
Example
The village was terrorized by a gang of dacoits who robbed travelers.
C2 adjective /ˈdaʊ.di/

dowdy

Meaning
unfashionable, dull, or shabby in appearance
Example
She wore a dowdy dress to the party.
C1 verb /dɪˈfjuːz/

diffuse

Meaning
to spread over a wide area or among a large number of people
Example
The smell of fresh bread diffused through the entire house.
B2 noun/verb /dɪˈspjuːt/

dispute

Meaning
a disagreement or argument about something important
Example
The two countries are in dispute over the border issue.
C2 noun /dɪˈsɛnʃən/

dissension

Meaning
Strong disagreement or difference of opinion, especially leading to discord within a group.
Example
The meeting ended in dissension among the committee members.
B2 verb /dɪˈraɪv/

derive

Meaning
To obtain something from a source.
Example
Many English words derive from Latin.
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.
B2 noun /dɪˈstrækʃənz/

distractions

Meaning
Things that prevent someone from concentrating on something else.
Example
Eliminate distractions for better productivity.
C1 noun /ˈdæɡ.ər/

Dagger

Meaning
a short knife with a pointed blade used as a weapon
Example
The ancient warrior carried a silver dagger.
C1 noun /ˈdeɪ.li.ə/

Dahlia

Meaning
a garden plant with brightly colored flowers that bloom in summer and autumn
Example
She planted colorful dahlias in her garden last summer.
C2 noun /dɪˈbɛntʃər/

debenture

Meaning
a type of debt instrument not secured by physical assets or collateral
Example
The company raised capital by issuing debentures to investors.
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/verb /dræft/

draft

Meaning
A preliminary version of a piece of writing; to prepare a preliminary version of a document.
Example
She finished the first draft of her novel.
C2 verb /diːˈlɪmɪt/

delimit

Meaning
to fix the boundaries or limits of something
Example
The treaty was signed to delimit the borders of the two countries.
C2 adjective /dɪˈdjuːsəbl/

deducible

Meaning
able to be deduced; possible to be inferred
Example
The solution is deducible from the data provided.
C2 verb /ˈdiːfælˌkeɪt/

defalcate

Meaning
to misuse or embezzle money that one is responsible for
Example
The accountant was accused of defalcating company funds.
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 adjective /dɪˈskʌr.ɪ.dʒɪŋ/

Discouraging

Meaning
making someone feel less confident or enthusiastic about doing something
Example
The coach's discouraging words affected the team's morale.
B2 adjective /daɪˈnæm.ɪk/

dynamic

Meaning
Characterized by constant change, activity, or progress.
Example
Life flows in a dynamic stream.
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 adjective /ˈdɔːnt.ləs/

dauntless

Meaning
Showing fearlessness and determination; brave and resolute.
Example
The dauntless soldier fought against all odds.
B2 noun /dɪsˈrʌp.ʃən/

disruption

Meaning
Barrier or interruption, sudden disturbance in any process or service.
Example
The road construction caused major disruption in traffic flow.
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.
C1 adjective /ˌdɪktəˈtɔːriəl/

dictatorial

Meaning
Having or showing a tendency to tell people what to do in an autocratic way.
Example
His dictatorial style made him unpopular among colleagues.
C2 adjective /dɪˈmoʊniˌæk/

demoniac

Meaning
possessed, produced, or influenced by a demon; frenzied or violent
Example
The soldiers fought with demoniac fury.
B2 noun /ˈdraɪv.weɪ/

driveway

Meaning
a short private road leading from a street to a house or garage
Example
The car was parked in the driveway next to the garden.
B2 verb /ˈdɪkteɪt/

dictate

Meaning
to say words aloud for someone to write down; to give orders
Example
The boss dictates letters to his secretary.
C1 adjective /ˈdjuːbiəs/

dubious

Meaning
Hesitating or doubting; not to be relied upon.
Example
She gave him a dubious look after hearing his excuse.
C2 noun /ˈdeɪ.mæn/

day-man

Meaning
a worker employed by the day; a day laborer
Example
The farmer hired a day-man to help with the harvest.
C2 noun /dɪsˈkwaɪɪtjuːd/

disquietude

Meaning
A state of uneasiness, anxiety, or restlessness.
Example
His constant pacing showed his inner disquietude.
B1 adverb /ˈdiːp.li/

Deeply

Meaning
to a great depth; intensely; profoundly
Example
She breathed deeply before making her decision.
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 /ˌdɪsəˈɡriː/

disagree

Meaning
to have a different opinion; to not agree
Example
I disagree with your assessment of the situation.
A2 adjective /duː/

Due

Meaning
owed as a debt; expected at a certain time; scheduled
Example
The assignment is due tomorrow.
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 /drʌɡ/

drug

Meaning
a substance used as a medicine or an illegal addictive substance
Example
The doctor prescribed a new drug for the illness.
A2 verb, noun /drɒp/

drop

Meaning
to let something fall; a small quantity of liquid
Example
Be careful not to drop your phone.
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.
B2 noun /ˌdaɪəɡˈnoʊsɪs/

diagnosis

Meaning
The identification of a disease, condition, or problem through examination of symptoms.
Example
The diagnosis confirmed that she had diabetes.
C1 verb /dɪˈfɔːrm/

deform

Meaning
to change the shape or form of something, especially in a way that makes it ugly or damaged; to distort
Example
The intense heat began to deform the plastic container.
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.
C1 noun ˈdɪl.ɪ.dʒəns

diligence

Meaning
Careful and persistent work or effort.
Example
Success requires patience and diligence.
C2 verb /dɪˈspɒnd/

despond

Meaning
to lose confidence or hope; to become dejected
Example
After repeated failures, he began to despond.
C1 verb /ˈdɛprɪˌkeɪt/

deprecate

Meaning
to express disapproval of something
Example
The teacher deprecated the use of slang in academic essays.
C1 adjective /ˌdɪsɪnˈdʒɛnjʊəs/

disingenuous

Meaning
not candid or sincere; giving a false appearance of honesty or openness
Example
She gave a disingenuous excuse for missing the meeting.
C1 verb /ˌdɪsˈmaʊnt/

dismount

Meaning
to get off or down from something, especially a horse, bicycle, or motorcycle
Example
The rider dismounted from the horse after a long journey.
C1 adjective /dɪˈmɒnstrətɪv/

demonstrative

Meaning
openly showing feelings, especially affection or emotion
Example
She was very demonstrative with her affection towards her friends.
C2 noun /ˌdiːlɛkˈteɪʃən/

delectation

Meaning
great pleasure or delight
Example
She read the story aloud for the delectation of her friends.
B2 noun /ˌdɛm.əˈɡræf.ɪks/

Demographics

Meaning
Statistical data relating to the population and particular groups within it.
Example
Demographics help in targeted advertising.
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.
C1 noun /ˈdɛspətɪzəm/

despotism

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

distress

Meaning
extreme anxiety, sorrow, or pain
Example
He felt a deep sense of distress when he heard the bad news.
B2 verb /drɪft/

drift

Meaning
to move slowly, especially by air or water currents
Example
The boat began to drift away from the shore.
B1 verb /dɪˈklɛər/

declare

Meaning
To announce something formally or officially.
Example
The government declared a state of emergency.
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 adjective /dɪˈlɛktəbl̩/

delectable

Meaning
delicious or highly enjoyable
Example
The restaurant served a delectable meal.
B2 noun /ˌdaɪəˈbiːtiːz/

diabetes

Meaning
a medical condition in which the body cannot properly control the level of sugar in the blood
Example
He was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes last year.
C2 noun /ˈdoʊtɪdʒ/

dotage

Meaning
The period of old age, especially when one is weak or senile.
Example
He spent his dotage reminiscing about his youth.
C1 noun /ˌdep.rɪˈveɪ.ʃən/

deprivation

Meaning
The damaging lack of material benefits considered to be basic necessities in a society.
Example
Sleep deprivation affects cognitive function.
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.
A2 noun /ˈdɒŋ.ki/

Donkey

Meaning
a domesticated animal related to the horse, with long ears and a braying call
Example
The donkey carried heavy bags up the mountain.
C1 adjective /ˈdaʊn.kæst/

downcast

Meaning
feeling sad, dejected, or with lowered eyes
Example
He looked downcast after hearing the bad news.
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.
C1 verb /dɛlv/

delve

Meaning
To investigate deeply; to dig into a subject or area.
Example
The researcher delved into ancient manuscripts to find clues.
C2 noun /dɪˈkæmərən/

decameron

Meaning
A collection of 100 tales written by Giovanni Boccaccio in the 14th century, told by a group of people over ten days.
Example
The Decameron is considered a masterpiece of classical Italian literature.
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.
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 noun /dɪˈsweɪʒən/

dissuasion

Meaning
The act of persuading someone not to take a course of action.
Example
Her dissuasion prevented him from making a bad investment.
B2 adjective /ˈdespərət/

Desperate

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

doze

Meaning
To sleep lightly for a short time.
Example
He dozed off while reading the book.
C1 verb /ˈduːdəl/

doodle

Meaning
To draw or scribble absentmindedly, often while thinking about something else.
Example
She doodled flowers in the corner of her notebook during class.
C1 noun dɪˌzɝː.t̬ə.fɪˈkeɪ.ʃən

desertification

Meaning
The process by which fertile land becomes desert, typically as a result of drought, deforestation, or inappropriate agriculture.
Example
Deforestation accelerates desertification.
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.
A1 noun /deɪz/

days

Meaning
plural of day; refers to multiple 24-hour periods of time
Example
The project will take at least five days to finish.
B2 noun /djuː/

Dew

Meaning
tiny drops of water that form on cool surfaces at night when atmospheric water vapour condenses
Example
The morning dew glistened on the grass.
B2 noun /ˈdɛltə/

delta

Meaning
A landform at the mouth of a river where it splits into several outlets.
Example
The Nile Delta is one of the most fertile regions in Egypt.
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.
B2 adjective /dɪˈstrʌktɪv/

Destructive

Meaning
causing damage; harmful
Example
The hurricane was highly destructive to coastal areas.
C1 noun /ˌdɪs.ɪˈluː.ʒən.mənt/

disillusionment

Meaning
A feeling of disappointment resulting from the discovery that something is not as good as one believed it to be.
Example
Many people experience disillusionment after unrealistic expectations.
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.
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.
B2 noun /ˈdræɡ.ən.flaɪ/

Dragon-fly

Meaning
a large insect with four transparent wings that lives near water
Example
The dragonfly hovered over the pond.
A2 verb /der/

dare

Meaning
to have courage to do something; to challenge someone
Example
I dare you to jump into the pool.
B2 noun /ˈdaʊn.fɔːl/

Downfall

Meaning
a loss of power, prosperity, or status; the cause of such a loss
Example
His arrogance and pride led to his eventual downfall in business.
C2 noun /ˌdɪfəˈrɛnʃə/

differentia

Meaning
A distinguishing characteristic that sets one thing apart from another.
Example
The differentia of humans is their ability to reason abstractly.
B1 adjective dɪˈleɪd

delayed

Meaning
Late or postponed; happening later than planned or expected.
Example
The Artemis mission was delayed due to technical challenges.
A1 preposition /ˈdjʊərɪŋ/

during

Meaning
throughout the course of a period of time
Example
I fell asleep during the movie.
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.
C1 adjective /drəˈkoʊniən/

draconian

Meaning
Extremely harsh and severe, especially laws or rules.
Example
The new regulations were criticized as draconian.
C1 verb /daɪˈɡrɛs/

digress

Meaning
To leave the main subject temporarily in speech or writing.
Example
The professor began to digress from the main topic of the lecture.
B1 noun /dɪˈstrʌk.ʃən/

Destruction

Meaning
the action or process of causing damage to something so that it no longer exists
Example
The earthquake caused widespread destruction throughout the entire city.
C1 noun /dɪsˈsɜːrvɪs/

disservice

Meaning
A harmful action; something that does damage rather than help.
Example
Spreading false information is a disservice to the community.
B2 noun ˈdɪdʒɪtəl ˈfɔːrmæt

Digital Format

Meaning
A format in which information is stored as electronic data.
Example
A digital format family tree can be shared online.