imbecility
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C2 noun /ˌɪmbəˈsɪləti/

imbecility

Meaning
Extreme foolishness, stupidity, or weakness of mind.
Example
The plan was abandoned due to its sheer imbecility.
C2 verb /ɪnˈɡreɪʃiˌeɪt/

ingratiate

Meaning
To gain favor or approval by deliberate effort, often in a flattering way.
Example
She tried to ingratiate herself with her boss by complimenting him often.
C2 adjective /ɪnˈkɒrɪdʒəbəl/

incorrigible

Meaning
incapable of being corrected, improved, or reformed
Example
He is an incorrigible optimist who never loses hope.
C2 noun /ˌɪnjuːˈɛndəʊ/

innuendo

Meaning
An allusive or oblique remark or hint, typically a suggestive or disparaging one.
Example
The manager's innuendo was directed towards his competitor.
C2 adjective /ɪˈrɛfrəɡəbəl/

irrefragable

Meaning
Impossible to refute, deny, or break
Example
The lawyer presented irrefragable evidence that proved his client’s innocence.
C2 adjective /ɪnˈdɛkərəs/

indecorous

Meaning
Not in keeping with good taste and propriety; improper.
Example
His indecorous behavior shocked the audience.
C2 noun /ɪnˈtɜːrmənt/

interment

Meaning
The act of burying a dead body in a grave or tomb.
Example
The interment took place at the family cemetery.
C2 adjective /ˌɪrɪˈfrændʒɪbəl/

irrefrangible

Meaning
Not to be broken, violated, or infringed
Example
The constitution guarantees certain irrefrangible rights to every citizen.
C2 adjective ˌɪn.ɪ.fɪˈkeɪ.ʃəs

inefficacious

Meaning
Not producing any or the desired effect; ineffective.
Example
The treatment was inefficacious in curing the disease.
C2 adjective /ɪnˈɛstɪməbl/

inestimable

Meaning
Too great or valuable to be measured or estimated.
Example
Her contribution to the project was of inestimable value.
C2 noun /ˌɪn.strəˈmɛn.təl.ɪst/

instrumentalist

Meaning
A person who plays a musical instrument.
Example
The instrumentalist played a beautiful solo on the violin.
C2 verb /ɪmˈpeɪl/

impale

Meaning
to pierce or fix something with a sharp object
Example
The knight was impaled by the enemy’s spear.
C2 noun /ˌɪnsəˈrɛkʃən/

insurrection

Meaning
A violent uprising against an authority or government.
Example
The army was called in to suppress the insurrection.
C2 noun /ˌɪmpjuˈteɪʃən/

imputation

Meaning
an accusation or attribution of blame
Example
The politician denied the imputation of corruption.
C2 adjective ɪnˈdɒm.ɪ.tə.bəl

indomitable

Meaning
Impossible to subdue or defeat.
Example
Her indomitable spirit helped her overcome adversity.
C2 adjective /ɪˈnɪkwɪtəs/

iniquitous

Meaning
grossly unfair and morally wrong
Example
Slavery was one of the most iniquitous practices in history.
C2 adjective /ɪnˈkoʊ.ɪt/ or /ɪnˈkoʊ.eɪt/

inchoate

Meaning
Just begun and not fully formed; rudimentary.
Example
His inchoate ideas needed more research to be developed.
C2 adjective /ˌɪrɪˈlɪdʒəs/

irreligious

Meaning
Indifferent or hostile to religion
Example
Some people in the community consider him irreligious because he never attends religious services.
C2 verb /ɪnˈtɜːrpəˌleɪt/

interpolate

Meaning
To insert something, often words, into a text or conversation; to estimate values between known data points.
Example
The editor interpolated a missing paragraph into the manuscript.
C2 noun /ˈɪndələns/

indolence

Meaning
Avoidance of activity or exertion; laziness.
Example
His indolence kept him from finishing the project on time.
C2 noun /ɪˈreɪdiəns/

irradiance

Meaning
the quality of shining brightly; the intensity of light falling on a surface
Example
The irradiance of the sun at noon was overwhelming.
C2 noun /ˌɪdiəˈsɪŋkrəsi/

idiosyncrasy

Meaning
A distinctive or peculiar characteristic, habit, or mannerism unique to an individual.
Example
One of her idiosyncrasies was humming while working.
C2 noun /ɪˌledʒ.əˈbɪl.ə.ti/

Illegibility

Meaning
the quality of being impossible or difficult to read; unclear writing or print
Example
The doctor's handwriting was famous for its illegibility among the pharmacy staff.
C2 adjective /ɪnˈtræn.sɪ.dʒənt/

intransigent

Meaning
Unwilling or refusing to change one's views or to agree about something.
Example
His intransigent stance delayed the agreement.
C2 adjective /ɪnˈkɒntɪnənt/

incontinent

Meaning
lacking control over urination or defecation; lacking self-restraint
Example
The patient was incontinent after surgery.
C2 adjective /ɪmˈpɔːrtʃənət/

importunate

Meaning
Persistent to the point of annoyance or intrusion
Example
The importunate salesman kept calling despite repeated refusals.
C2 adjective /ɪnˈkɑːdʒɪtənt/

incogitant

Meaning
Lacking thought; inconsiderate or thoughtless.
Example
It was incogitant of him to make such a rude comment.
C2 adjective /ɪnˈseɪʃiət/

insatiate

Meaning
impossible to satisfy; always wanting more
Example
He had an insatiate desire for power.
C2 noun /ˈænʒənuː/

ingenue

Meaning
an innocent, naïve young woman, especially as represented in literature or theater
Example
She played the role of the ingénue in the play with great charm.
C2 noun /ˌɪntərˈsɛʃən/

intercession

Meaning
the act of intervening or pleading on behalf of another person
Example
The prisoner was released due to the intercession of influential leaders.
C2 adjective /ɪˈlɪbərəl/

illiberal

Meaning
Opposed to liberal principles; restricting freedom of thought or behavior.
Example
The government was criticized for its illiberal policies.
C2 adjective /ɪnˈsɛndiˌɛri/

incendiary

Meaning
designed to cause fires or stir up conflict
Example
The politician’s incendiary remarks angered the crowd.
C2 adjective /ˌɪmpɪˈkjuːniəs/

impecunious

Meaning
Having little or no money; poor.
Example
He grew up in an impecunious family.
C2 noun /ˌɪndɛnˈteɪʃən/

indentation

Meaning
A space left at the beginning of a line of text; a notch or deep recess on a surface.
Example
The teacher asked the students to use proper indentation in their essays.
C2 noun /ɪˈrɛvərəns/

irreverence

Meaning
a lack of respect for people or things that are generally taken seriously
Example
His jokes about religion showed irreverence to the sacred traditions.
C2 adjective /ˌɪɡ.nəˈmɪn.i.əs/

ignominious

Meaning
Marked by shame, disgrace, or humiliation.
Example
The team suffered an ignominious defeat in the finals.
C2 verb /ˌɪntərˈpoʊz/

interpose

Meaning
To place or insert between one thing and another; to intervene in a situation.
Example
He quickly interposed himself between the fighters to stop the quarrel.
C2 noun /ɪnˈtræn.sɪ.dʒəns/

intransigence

Meaning
Refusal to change one's views or to agree about something.
Example
The negotiations failed due to the intransigence of both parties.
C2 adjective /ˌɪnkɔːrˈpɔːriəl/

incorporeal

Meaning
lacking a physical body; not composed of matter; intangible
Example
Ghosts are often described as incorporeal beings.
C2 adjective /ɪnˈeɪliənəbl/

inalienable

Meaning
Unable to be taken away or transferred; absolute and permanent.
Example
Freedom of speech is an inalienable right.
C2 adjective /ˌɪrɪˈkɒnsɪləbl/

irreconcilable

Meaning
impossible to make compatible or bring into harmony; unable to resolve differences
Example
The couple separated due to irreconcilable differences.
C2 noun /ˌɪnkəˈpæsəti/

incapacity

Meaning
the lack of ability, power, or fitness to do something
Example
His mental incapacity prevented him from making important decisions.
C2 verb /ˌɪmpɔːrˈtuːn/

importune

Meaning
To ask someone persistently or pressingly for something
Example
The child importuned his mother for a new toy.
C2 adjective /ˌɪn.trəˈsɛl.jʊ.lər/

intracellular

Meaning
Located or occurring within a cell.
Example
The drug works by targeting intracellular bacteria.
C2 verb /ɪnˈsɪnəˌreɪt/

incinerate

Meaning
to burn something completely until it is reduced to ashes
Example
The city decided to incinerate the medical waste for safety.
C2 noun /ˌɪməʊˈbɪləti/

immobility

Meaning
The state of being unable to move.
Example
After the accident, she suffered from immobility in her legs.
C2 adjective /ˌɪn.ɪˈlʌk.tə.bəl/

ineluctable

Meaning
Impossible to avoid or escape; inevitable.
Example
Death is an ineluctable part of human existence.
C2 noun /ɪmˈpruː.dəns/

Imprudence

Meaning
the quality of being imprudent; lack of care for consequences; recklessness
Example
His financial imprudence led to bankruptcy within just two years.
C2 adjective /ˌɪrɪˈmiːdiəbl̩/

irremediable

Meaning
Impossible to cure, repair, or remedy.
Example
The damage to the ancient manuscript was irremediable.
C2 noun /ˈaɪ.kɒn/

ikon

Meaning
A religious image or symbol, especially in the Eastern Orthodox Church.
Example
The church displayed a beautifully painted ikon of the Virgin Mary.
C2 noun /ˌɪnkənˈɡruːəti/

incongruity

Meaning
The state of being inconsistent or out of place.
Example
The incongruity of his cheerful mood during the funeral shocked everyone.
C2 adjective /ɪnˈkɒnstənt/

inconstant

Meaning
frequently changing; not consistent or dependable
Example
His inconstant moods made it difficult to work with him.
C2 adjective /ɪmˈplækəbl/

implacable

Meaning
unable to be appeased, calmed, or pacified
Example
The soldiers faced an implacable enemy who refused to surrender.
C2 adjective /ˌaɪsəʊˈθɜːrməl/

isothermal

Meaning
Having or maintaining equal or constant temperature.
Example
The experiment was conducted under isothermal conditions.
C2 adverb /ɪnˈdjuːbɪtəbli/

indubitably

Meaning
Without a doubt; certainly.
Example
She is indubitably the best candidate for the job.
C2 adjective /ɪmˈpɪəriəs/

imperious

Meaning
Arrogantly domineering or overbearing.
Example
Her imperious tone made it hard for others to argue.
C2 noun /ˌɪmprɪˈmɑːtər/

imprimatur

Meaning
An official license or approval, especially to publish a book.
Example
The book was released with the official imprimatur of the church.
C2 noun /ˌɪnsjəˈlærəti/

insularity

Meaning
The state of being isolated or narrow-minded.
Example
The insularity of the group prevented them from accepting new ideas.
C2 adjective /ɪnˈklɛmɛnt/

inclement

Meaning
unpleasantly cold, wet, or stormy (usually weather)
Example
The match was canceled due to inclement weather.
C2 noun (compound/erroneous entry) /ɪnˈɛksərəbl ɑːrmi/

inexorableinexorablearmy

Meaning
This appears to be a corrupted or concatenated form; interpreted as 'inexorable army' — an unstoppable or relentless force.
Example
The rebels feared the inexorable army approaching their stronghold.
C2 noun /ˌɪn.ʌnˈdeɪ.ʃən/

inundation

Meaning
The act of flooding or overwhelming with water or things.
Example
The town suffered from a severe inundation after the heavy rains.
C2 adjective /ɪˈlɪmɪtəbl/

illimitable

Meaning
Without limits or bounds.
Example
The universe is often described as illimitable.
C2 adjective /ˌɪnfɪnɪˈtɛsɪməl/

infinitesimal

Meaning
Extremely small in size or amount; so tiny as to be almost negligible.
Example
The error was so infinitesimal that it didn’t affect the results.
C2 adjective /ɪnˈsɛnseɪt/

insensate

Meaning
lacking physical sensation or empathy; without feeling or sensitivity
Example
The dictator's insensate cruelty shocked the world.
C2 adjective /ɪnˈtɛsteɪt/

intestate

Meaning
Having died without leaving a valid will.
Example
She died intestate, so her assets were distributed by law.
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 /ɪˈnænɪti/

inanity

Meaning
a nonsensical remark or action; silliness; emptiness
Example
The speech was full of inanities that bored the audience.
C2 verb /aɪˈtɪnəˌreɪt/

itinerate

Meaning
To travel from place to place, usually for the purpose of work or preaching.
Example
The missionary itinerated throughout the region to spread the message.
C2 adjective /ˌɪnsəˈpɔːrtəbl̩/

insupportable

Meaning
Too extreme or difficult to be endured.
Example
The heat was insupportable during the long journey.
C2 noun /ɪmˈpjuːnɪti/

impunity

Meaning
freedom from punishment or harmful consequences for an action
Example
The dictator ruled with impunity, ignoring international laws.
C2 adjective /ˌaɪdəˈlɑːtrɪəs/

idolatrious

Meaning
Excessively devoted or reverent towards idols or false gods.
Example
The ancient tribe was known for its idolatrious practices.
C2 verb ˈɪnʌndeɪt

inundate

Meaning
To flood; overwhelm someone or something with things or people to be dealt with
Example
The company was inundated with requests after the advertisement.
C2 noun /ˈɪn.dɪ.dʒəns/

indigence

Meaning
a state of extreme poverty or destitution
Example
The charity was founded to help people living in indigence.
C2 adjective/verb /ɪnˈkɑːrneɪt/

incarnate

Meaning
to embody or represent in human form; in flesh
Example
She is kindness incarnate.
C2 verb /ɪˈnjʊər/

inure

Meaning
To become accustomed to something, especially something unpleasant.
Example
Soldiers quickly became inured to the harsh conditions.
C2 noun /aɪˈdɒlətri/

idolatry

Meaning
The worship of idols or extreme admiration for someone or something.
Example
The priest condemned the idolatry practiced in the village.
C2 adjective /ɪnˈsɛnʃənt/

insentient

Meaning
Lacking perception, consciousness, or sensation.
Example
The rock is an insentient object with no awareness.
C2 adjective /ˈɪnˌbrɛd/

inbred

Meaning
existing naturally in a person or animal; also related to reproduction within a limited community
Example
He has an inbred sense of loyalty.
C2 adjective /ɪmˈperɪʃəbəl/

Imperishable

Meaning
not subject to decay; lasting forever; eternal
Example
The imperishable beauty of classical art continues to inspire generations.
C2 verb /ˈɪndjʊˌreɪt/

indurate

Meaning
To harden or make something physically or emotionally tough.
Example
Years of hardship indurated his spirit.
C2 noun /ɪnˈkɒnstənsi/

inconstancy

Meaning
The quality of changing frequently or being unreliable.
Example
The inconstancy of the weather makes planning difficult.
C2 adjective /ɪnˈvʌlnərəbl/

invulnerable

Meaning
Impossible to harm, damage, or defeat.
Example
The fortress was thought to be invulnerable to attack.
C2 adjective /ɪnˈæpt/

Inapt

Meaning
not suitable; inappropriate; unfit
Example
His comment was inapt for the formal meeting.
C2 noun /ɪnˈhɪərəns/

inherence

Meaning
The state of being an essential or permanent part of something.
Example
The inherence of risk is part of every business venture.
C2 noun /ˈɪnˌɡreɪt/

ingrate

Meaning
An ungrateful person; someone who shows no appreciation.
Example
He worked hard for his friend, but the ingrate never thanked him.
C2 noun /ˈɪrɪtənsi/

irritancy

Meaning
the quality or state of causing irritation; legal or formal invalidation
Example
The constant noise became an irritancy to the neighbors.
C2 noun /ɪnˌtɜːrpəˈleɪʃən/

interpolation

Meaning
The act of inserting something into a text or estimating values within a sequence of data.
Example
The scientist used interpolation to predict the missing data points.
C2 noun /ˈaɪ.ərn.wʊd/

Ironwood

Meaning
a hard, dense wood from various trees; also the tree itself that produces small flowers
Example
The ironwood tree blooms with tiny white flowers.
C2 noun /ˈɪmɪˌteɪtər/

imitator

Meaning
a person who copies the behavior, style, or actions of others
Example
He became famous as an imitator of popular singers.
C2 adjective /ɪˈræsɪbl/

irascible

Meaning
Easily angered; quick-tempered.
Example
His irascible nature often got him into trouble.
C2 noun /ˈaɪsinəs/

iciness

Meaning
The state of being cold in manner or temperature.
Example
There was a distinct iciness in his voice.
C2 verb /ɪnˈdɒktrɪˌneɪt/

indoctrinate

Meaning
To teach someone to fully accept a set of beliefs or ideas without question.
Example
The regime tried to indoctrinate the youth with propaganda.
C2 adjective /ˌɪndɪˈsɒljʊbl/

indissoluble

Meaning
Unable to be destroyed, broken, or dissolved.
Example
Marriage was once considered an indissoluble bond.
C2 noun /ɪnˈfriːkwəns/

infrequence

Meaning
The state of occurring rarely or at long intervals.
Example
The infrequence of their meetings made it hard to maintain close ties.
C2 noun /ˌɪnvəˈlɪdɪti/

invalidity

Meaning
the state of being invalid, legally void, or lacking force or validity
Example
The court ruled that the contract suffered from invalidity.
C2 verb /ɪnˈhjuːm/

inhume

Meaning
to bury a dead body in the ground
Example
They inhumed the warrior with full honors.
C2 adjective /ˌɪndɪˈfætɪɡəbl̩/

indefatigable

Meaning
persisting tirelessly; incapable of being fatigued
Example
Her indefatigable spirit kept the team motivated during the long project.
C2 noun /ˌɪlɪbəˈræləti/

illiberality

Meaning
The quality of being illiberal; lack of tolerance or generosity.
Example
The illiberality of the new laws alarmed the citizens.
C2 adjective /ˈɪmənənt/

immanent

Meaning
existing or operating within; inherent
Example
He believed that moral values are immanent in human nature.
C2 adjective /ˌɪntərˈlɒkjətəri/

interlocutory

Meaning
Given during the course of a legal action, not final but temporary or provisional.
Example
The judge issued an interlocutory order to maintain the status quo until the hearing.
C2 adjective /ɪnˈɡreɪʃiˌeɪtɪŋ/

ingratiating

Meaning
Charming or flattering in a way intended to gain favor.
Example
His ingratiating smile made everyone trust him quickly.
C2 noun /ˈɪɡ.nəˌmɪn.i/

ignominy

Meaning
Public shame, disgrace, or dishonor.
Example
He lived the rest of his life in ignominy after the scandal.
C2 noun /ɪˈnɪkwɪti/

iniquity

Meaning
Immoral or grossly unfair behavior.
Example
The dictator's regime was marked by corruption and iniquity.
C2 adjective /ɪnˈsuːsiənt/

insouciant

Meaning
Showing a casual lack of concern; carefree.
Example
He gave an insouciant shrug and walked away.
C2 adjective /ˈɪm.pi.əs/

Impious

Meaning
irreligious; lacking reverence for religion; blasphemous
Example
The impious act shocked the religious community.
C2 verb /ɪnˈtɜːr/

inter

Meaning
To bury a dead body in the ground.
Example
They decided to inter the soldier with full honors.
C2 adjective /ɪnˈsɪpɪd/

insipid

Meaning
lacking flavor, interest, or excitement; dull
Example
The soup was insipid and needed more seasoning.
C2 noun /ˌaɪ.diˈeɪ.ʃən/

ideation

Meaning
The process of forming and developing new ideas or concepts through creative thinking and brainstorming.
Example
The team engaged in ideation sessions to generate new product ideas.
C2 noun /ˌɪnəməˈrɑːtə/

inamorata

Meaning
A woman with whom someone is in love; a female lover.
Example
He wrote a poem dedicated to his inamorata.
C2 noun /ɪmˈpʌlʃən/

impulsion

Meaning
a strong urge or drive to act; the act of impelling
Example
His impulsion to travel made him leave his job suddenly.
C2 adjective /ɪnhɑːrˈmoʊniəs/

Inharmonious

Meaning
lacking harmony; discordant in sound; not in tune
Example
The inharmonious sounds from the broken piano made everyone cover their ears.
C2 adjective /ˌaɪ.kə.nəˈklæs.tɪk/

iconoclastic

Meaning
Characterized by attacking or rejecting cherished beliefs, traditions, or established values.
Example
Her iconoclastic views challenged the conventional wisdom of the industry.
C2 adjective /ˌɪnɪkˈsprɛsəbl/

inexpressible

Meaning
Too strong or extreme to be expressed in words.
Example
She felt inexpressible joy at the news of her success.
C2 verb /ɪmˈbruː/

imbrue

Meaning
To stain, especially with blood.
Example
His hands were imbrued with blood after the battle.
C2 verb ˈɪn.kʌl.keɪt

inculcate

Meaning
Instill an attitude, idea, or habit by persistent instruction; to teach and impress by frequent repetitions.
Example
Parents should inculcate good values in their children.
C2 adjective /ɪˈrædɪkəbəl/

irradicable

Meaning
not able to be eradicated; impossible to destroy or remove completely
Example
The love of a mother for her child is irradicable.
C2 adjective/noun /ɪnˈkɑːrnədiːn/

incarnadine

Meaning
a bright crimson or pinkish-red color
Example
The sky turned incarnadine at sunset.
C2 noun /ˌɪnkrʌˈsteɪʃən/

incrustation

Meaning
a crust or hard coating formed on the surface of something
Example
The old pipes were blocked due to heavy incrustation of minerals.
C2 adjective /ˌɪnkənˈsɪdərəbl/

inconsiderable

Meaning
Too small or unimportant to be worth considering.
Example
The donation was not inconsiderable, though smaller than expected.
C2 noun /ɪnˈdɛntʃər/

indenture

Meaning
A formal legal agreement, contract, or document, often relating to work or service.
Example
In the 18th century, many workers came under indenture to work overseas.
C2 adverb /ˌɪnəzˈmʌtʃ/

inasmuch

Meaning
To the extent that; considering that.
Example
Inasmuch as you are their teacher, you should guide them carefully.