impending
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C1 adjective /ɪmˈpɛndɪŋ/

impending

Meaning
about to happen soon, usually something unpleasant or threatening
Example
The villagers were worried about the impending flood.
C1 noun ˌɪn.ɪˈfɪʃ.ən.si

inefficiency

Meaning
The state or quality of not achieving maximum productivity; failure to make the best use of time or resources.
Example
Government inefficiency leads to slow project completion.
C1 adjective /ˈɜːrksəm/

irksome

Meaning
annoying or irritating
Example
Waiting in a long line is one of the most irksome tasks.
C1 noun /ɪnˈdjuːsmənt/

inducement

Meaning
something that persuades or encourages someone to do something
Example
The company offered a bonus as an inducement to employees.
C1 adjective /ˌɪmprɪˈsaɪs/

imprecise

Meaning
Not exact or accurate; vague.
Example
His explanation was too imprecise to be helpful.
C1 adjective /aɪˈreɪt/

irate

Meaning
Extremely angry.
Example
The customer became irate after waiting for hours.
C1 adjective /ɪˈlɪsɪt/

illicit

Meaning
Forbidden by law, rules, or custom.
Example
The police shut down the illicit drug operation.
C1 adjective /ɪnˈflæməbəl/

Inflammable

Meaning
easily set on fire; flammable; combustible
Example
The inflammable material caught fire quickly.
C1 noun /ˌɪnˈdɪsəplɪn/

indiscipline

Meaning
lack of discipline or self-control; failure to obey rules or maintain order
Example
Indiscipline among the students disrupted the learning environment.
C1 adjective /ɪnˈsɒlvənt/

insolvent

Meaning
unable to pay debts owed
Example
The insolvent firm could not meet its financial obligations.
C1 adjective /ˌɪlɪˈdʒɪtɪmət/

illegitimate

Meaning
Not authorized by law, rules, or standards; not recognized as valid.
Example
The court ruled the contract to be illegitimate.
C1 noun /ˌɪnkwɪˈzɪʃən/

inquisition

Meaning
A prolonged and intense questioning or investigation, often harsh in nature.
Example
The journalist faced an inquisition from the panel about his sources.
C1 adjective /ɪˈniː.bri.eɪ.tɪd/

inebriated

Meaning
under the influence of alcohol; drunk
Example
He stumbled into the room completely inebriated.
C1 adjective /ɪnˈtjuː.ɪ.tɪv/

intuitive

Meaning
Based on instinctive understanding rather than reasoning.
Example
The software has an intuitive design that makes it easy to use.
C1 verb /ɪnˈdaɪt/

indict

Meaning
to formally accuse someone of committing a serious crime
Example
The grand jury decided to indict the politician for corruption.
C1 adjective ɪnˈtrɪn.zɪk

intrinsic

Meaning
Belonging naturally; essential. Existing as a natural or basic part of something.
Example
Creativity is an intrinsic quality of a great artist.
C1 adjective /ɪmˈpɜːrviəs/

impervious

Meaning
Not allowing fluid to pass through; unable to be affected by something.
Example
The jacket is impervious to rain.
C1 noun /ˌɪnkjʊˈbeɪʃən/

incubation

Meaning
the process of keeping eggs, cells, or organisms in the right conditions for development
Example
The incubation of the eggs lasted for three weeks.
C1 adjective /ɪnˈkrɛdjələs/

incredulous

Meaning
unwilling or unable to believe something
Example
He gave her an incredulous look when she claimed she could fly.
C1 verb /ɪnˈvɜːrt/

invert

Meaning
To turn something upside down or in the opposite position, order, or direction.
Example
He inverted the glass to let the water drain out.
C1 adjective /ˌɪnækˈsɛsəbl/

inaccessible

Meaning
unable to be reached, entered, or understood
Example
The remote village is almost inaccessible during the rainy season.
C1 adjective /ɪnˈdʒʊəriəs/

injurious

Meaning
Causing or likely to cause harm or damage.
Example
Smoking is injurious to health.
C1 noun /ɪnˈdʌstriəsnəs/

industriousness

Meaning
The quality of being hardworking and diligent.
Example
His industriousness earned him a promotion at work.
C1 adjective /ˌaɪdiəˈlɪstɪk/

Idealistic

Meaning
pursuing high principles or ideals; unrealistically optimistic
Example
She has an idealistic view of changing the world.
C1 noun ˈɪn.fər.əns

inference

Meaning
A conclusion reached on the basis of evidence and reasoning; logical deduction.
Example
Scientists make inferences based on experimental data.
C1 adjective /ɪˈmuː.və.bəl/

immovable

Meaning
Not able to be moved; fixed in position.
Example
Immovable barriers prevent change.
C1 adjective /ˌɪnɪkˈskjuːzəbl/

inexcusable

Meaning
Too bad to be justified or overlooked; unforgivable.
Example
His rude behavior was inexcusable.
C1 adjective /ˌɪndɪˈskraɪbəbəl/

Indescribable

Meaning
impossible to describe or express in words; beyond description
Example
The beauty of the sunset was indescribable.
C1 adjective /ˌɪn.səˈbɔːr.dɪ.nət/

insubordinate

Meaning
Defiant of authority; disobedient to orders.
Example
The insubordinate employee refused to follow the manager's instructions.
C1 adverb /ɪnˈvɜːrs.li/

Inversely

Meaning
in a way that is opposite or contrary; in reverse order or manner
Example
The price of goods is inversely related to their availability in the market.
C1 adjective /ɪmˈpɛn.ɪ.trə.bəl/

impenetrable

Meaning
Impossible to pass through or enter; impossible to understand.
Example
The dense forest was nearly impenetrable.
C1 adjective ˌɪdiəsɪnˈkrætɪk

idiosyncratic

Meaning
Relating to idiosyncrasy; peculiar or individual.
Example
His idiosyncratic behavior set him apart from his colleagues.
C1 noun /ɪmˈpɜːrtɪnəns/

impertinence

Meaning
lack of respect; rudeness
Example
The teacher was shocked by the student's impertinence.
C1 noun /ɪmˈpɒs.tər/

Impostor

Meaning
a person who pretends to be someone else in order to deceive others; a fraud
Example
The impostor convinced everyone he was a doctor until his fake credentials were discovered.
C1 adjective /ɪˈnɒkjuəs/

innocuous

Meaning
Not harmful or offensive.
Example
His remark was completely innocuous and not meant to offend anyone.
C1 noun /ˌɪn.trəˈspek.ʃən/

introspection

Meaning
The examination or observation of one's own mental and emotional processes; self-reflection.
Example
Through introspection, she gained insight into her emotions.
C1 adjective /ɪnˈhɪbɪtɪd/

inhibited

Meaning
Unable to act in a relaxed and natural way, especially due to self-consciousness or restraint.
Example
He was too inhibited to express his true feelings.
C1 adjective /ɪnˈvæljʊəbl/

invaluable

Meaning
Extremely useful or indispensable.
Example
Her advice proved invaluable to my success.
C1 adjective /ˌɪntərˈtʃeɪndʒəbl/

interchangeable

Meaning
able to be exchanged with each other without difference or loss of function
Example
These machine parts are interchangeable, so they can be replaced easily.
C1 verb /ɪnˈkɑːrsəreɪt/

incarcerate

Meaning
to imprison or confine someone
Example
The authorities incarcerated the criminal after the trial.
C1 adjective /ˌɪndɪˈspjuːtəbəl/

Indisputable

Meaning
impossible to deny or argue against; undeniable; certain
Example
The evidence against him was indisputable.
C1 adverb /ˌɪnsɪˈdɛntəli/

incidentally

Meaning
by the way; used to introduce a remark not directly related to the main subject
Example
Incidentally, did you know that she studied in Paris?
C1 adjective /ˌɪnhɒˈspɪtəbl/

inhospitable

Meaning
Harsh and difficult to live in; unfriendly or unwelcoming to guests.
Example
The desert is an inhospitable environment for most plants.
C1 adjective /ˌɪndɪˈstrʌktəbl/

indestructible

Meaning
Impossible to destroy or break.
Example
The superhero's shield was said to be indestructible.
C1 verb /ɪnˈsɪnjueɪt/

insinuate

Meaning
To suggest or hint something indirectly and often unpleasantly.
Example
He insinuated that she had lied about her qualifications.
C1 verb /ɪnˈhɪbɪt/

inhibit

Meaning
to prevent or restrain someone or something from acting freely; to hinder
Example
Fear can inhibit personal growth.
C1 adjective /ɪˈlʌstriəs/

illustrious

Meaning
Well known, respected, and admired for past achievements.
Example
She had an illustrious career in medicine.
C1 verb /ˈɪmplɪˌkeɪt/

implicate

Meaning
To show someone’s involvement in a crime or wrongdoing.
Example
The evidence implicated several officials in the scandal.
C1 verb /ˈɪrɪˌɡeɪt/

irrigate

Meaning
to supply water to land or crops; to wash out a wound with water
Example
Farmers irrigate their fields during dry seasons.
C1 verb /ɪmˈpɑːrt/

impart

Meaning
to make information known; to bestow or communicate
Example
The teacher imparted valuable knowledge to her students.
C1 noun /ˈɪn.trə.vɜːrt/

introvert

Meaning
A person who tends to be shy and prefers spending time alone rather than in groups.
Example
As an introvert, he preferred reading over attending parties.
C1 adjective /ɪmˈpæsəbəl/

impassable

Meaning
Impossible to travel along or over.
Example
The road became impassable after the heavy snowfall.
C1 verb /ɪmˈpɒvərɪʃ/

impoverish

Meaning
To make someone poor or reduce the quality or richness of something.
Example
The long war impoverished the entire nation.
C1 noun /aɪl/

isle

Meaning
A small island or peninsula, often poetic or literary.
Example
They spent their honeymoon on a beautiful tropical isle.
C1 noun /ˈɪm.pæs/

impasse

Meaning
A situation where no progress is possible.
Example
The negotiations reached an impasse, delaying the agreement.
C1 adjective /ˌɪnkɒmprɪˈhɛnsəbl/

incomprehensible

Meaning
Impossible or very difficult to understand.
Example
The professor’s lecture was so fast it became incomprehensible.
C1 adverb /ˌɪn.dɪˈskrɪm.ɪ.nət.li/

Indiscriminately

Meaning
without making careful distinctions; randomly; without discrimination
Example
The company fired employees indiscriminately without considering their performance.
C1 noun /ˌɪnsəˈfɪʃənsi/

insufficiency

Meaning
The state of not being enough or not being adequate.
Example
The project failed due to the insufficiency of funds.
C1 noun /ɪnˈsɒm.ni.ə/

Insomnia

Meaning
habitual sleeplessness; inability to sleep; the condition of being unable to sleep
Example
Her chronic insomnia made it difficult for her to concentrate during work hours.
C1 verb /ɪnˈstɪl/

instill

Meaning
to gradually but firmly establish an idea, attitude, or habit in someone's mind
Example
Parents try to instill good values in their children.
C1 adjective /ˌɪndɪˈsaɪsɪv/

Indecisive

Meaning
unable to make decisions quickly; hesitant; wavering
Example
She was indecisive about which university to attend.
C1 adjective /ɪˈmjuː.tə.bəl/

immutable

Meaning
Unchangeable, permanent, or fixed
Example
The laws of physics are considered immutable.
C1 noun /ɪmˈpɛdɪmənt/

impediments

Meaning
A hindrance or obstruction in doing something; things that prevent progress or achievement.
Example
Economic impediments often hinder social development.
C1 adjective; noun /ɪˈmɔːrtl/

immortal

Meaning
living forever; never dying; lasting forever in fame or memory
Example
Legends often describe heroes as immortal beings who never die.
C1 noun /ɪmˌpɒsəˈbɪlɪti/

impossibility

Meaning
the state or fact of being impossible; something that cannot be done or achieved
Example
Finishing the project in one day was an impossibility.
C1 noun /ˈɪn.tə.mə.si/

Intimacy

Meaning
close familiarity or friendship; closeness; a private cozy atmosphere
Example
The couple valued the emotional intimacy they shared more than material possessions.
C1 adjective /ɪnˈtræk.tə.bəl/

intractable

Meaning
Difficult or impossible to manage, control, or solve.
Example
The conflict has become an intractable problem.
C1 noun /ɪnˈdɪf.ər.əns/

Indifference

Meaning
lack of interest, concern, or sympathy; the state of not caring about something
Example
His indifference to his studies resulted in poor grades throughout the semester.
C1 adverb /ɪnˈdɛfɪnətli/

indefinitely

Meaning
for an unlimited or unspecified period of time
Example
The project has been postponed indefinitely.
C1 verb /ˌɪnstɪˈtjuːʃənəlaɪz/

institutionalize

Meaning
to establish something as a formal institution, custom, or practice
Example
The government seeks to institutionalize environmental protection.
C1 noun ˌɪn.tuˈɪʃ.ən

intuition

Meaning
The ability to understand something immediately, without the need for conscious reasoning.
Example
Her intuition told her something was wrong.
C1 adjective /ɪˈrɛvərənt/

irreverent

Meaning
showing a lack of respect for people or things that are usually respected
Example
The comedian’s irreverent jokes offended some of the audience.
C1 noun (plural) /ˈɪndɪˌsiːz/

indices

Meaning
plural form of index; statistical measures or reference points used for comparison
Example
Stock market indices fell sharply after the announcement.
C1 adjective /ɪmˈplɔːzəbl/

implausible

Meaning
Not seeming reasonable or probable; unlikely to be true.
Example
The story she told was so implausible that no one believed her.
C1 adjective /ɪmˈprɒbəbl/

improbable

Meaning
Not likely to be true or to happen.
Example
It seems improbable that he will arrive on time.
C1 noun /ɪnˈækjʊrəsi/

inaccuracy

Meaning
lack of accuracy or precision; an incorrect or wrong detail
Example
The report contained several factual inaccuracies.
C1 adjective /ɪˈnɔːɡjərəl/

Inaugural

Meaning
marking the beginning of something; first; opening
Example
The president delivered his inaugural speech.
C1 adjective /ɪnˈdiːsənt/

indecent

Meaning
not conforming to accepted standards of behavior or morality; improper or offensive
Example
He was warned for making an indecent remark during the meeting.
C1 adjective /ˈɪnsələnt/

insolent

Meaning
showing a rude and arrogant lack of respect
Example
The insolent student refused to follow the teacher's instructions.
C1 noun /ɪnˈfɜː.mə.ti/

Infirmity

Meaning
physical or mental weakness; a disease or ailment; frailty
Example
Despite his advanced age and various infirmities, he remained mentally sharp and alert.
C1 noun /ɪnˈfɜːrnoʊ/

inferno

Meaning
a large, intense fire that is dangerously out of control
Example
The building turned into an inferno within minutes.
C1 adjective /ˈɪrɪtəbl/

irritable

Meaning
easily annoyed or made angry
Example
She became irritable after working long hours without rest.
C1 adjective /ɪnˈhjuːmən/

Inhuman

Meaning
lacking human qualities; cruel; brutal; savage
Example
The dictator's inhuman treatment of prisoners shocked the international community.
C1 adjective ɪnˈkʌm.bənt

incumbent

Meaning
necessary for (someone) as a duty or responsibility.
Example
It is incumbent upon all citizens to obey the law.
C1 noun /ɪmˈprɪzənmənt/

imprisonment

Meaning
the act of putting someone in prison; the state of being confined as punishment
Example
He faced imprisonment for violating the court order.
C1 adjective /ɪnˈdʌldʒənt/

indulgent

Meaning
Having a tendency to be overly generous or lenient with someone.
Example
The indulgent mother allowed her child to stay up late.
C1 noun /ˌɪnkəmˈpliːtnəs/

incompleteness

Meaning
the state of not being complete or whole; lack of necessary parts or fullness
Example
The incompleteness of the report caused delays in the project.
C1 noun /ˌɪn.trəˈvɜːr.ʒən/

introversion

Meaning
The tendency to be inward-looking and shy, preferring solitary activities.
Example
Her introversion made it difficult for her to enjoy large parties.
C1 verb /ˈɪnfɪltreɪt/

infiltrate

Meaning
to secretly enter or gain access to a place or group
Example
The spies managed to infiltrate the enemy base.
C1 verb /ɪnˈfjʊərieɪt/

infuriate

Meaning
To make someone extremely angry.
Example
His careless remarks infuriated the entire team.
C1 noun /aɪˈdiː.ə.lɪ.zəm/

Idealism

Meaning
the pursuit of high principles and noble goals; unrealistic pursuit of perfection
Example
His youthful idealism motivated him to join various social justice movements.
C1 adjective /ɪnˈvɑːlənˌtɛri/

involuntary

Meaning
done without will or conscious control
Example
He gave an involuntary shiver when he heard the loud noise.
C1 noun /ˌɪm.pəˈzɪʃ.ən/

Imposition

Meaning
the action or process of imposing something or of being imposed; an unfair burden or demand
Example
The imposition of new taxes without consultation angered the citizens greatly.
C1 verb /ɪnˈterəˌɡeɪt/

interrogate

Meaning
to ask someone questions in a thorough and formal way; to question intensively
Example
The police interrogated the suspect for hours.
C1 adjective /ɪˈnɛpt/

inept

Meaning
lacking skill or ability; clumsy or incompetent
Example
His inept handling of the situation made it worse.
C1 adjective /ɪmˈpæʃənd/

impassioned

Meaning
Filled with or showing great emotion.
Example
She gave an impassioned speech about human rights.
C1 noun /ˌaɪ.diˈɒl.ə.dʒi/

ideology

Meaning
A system of ideas and ideals, especially one that forms the basis of economic or political theory and policy.
Example
Democracy is based on the ideology of freedom and equality.
C1 verb /ɪnˈfrɪndʒ/

infringe

Meaning
To actively break the terms of a law, agreement, or right.
Example
Copying this software without permission will infringe copyright laws.
C1 noun /ɪˌluːmɪˈneɪʃən/

illumination

Meaning
the act of lighting something or making something clear
Example
The street was filled with bright illumination from the lamps.
C1 noun/verb /ˈɪnsɛns/

incense

Meaning
a substance burned for its sweet smell (noun); to make very angry (verb)
Example
The smell of incense filled the temple, but his rude words incensed her.
C1 noun /ˈɪnkjʊˌbeɪtər/

incubator

Meaning
a device or environment that provides suitable conditions for eggs, cells, or infants to develop
Example
The premature baby was placed in an incubator for care.
C1 noun /ˈɪn.tə.lekt/

intellect

Meaning
The ability to think, reason, and understand objectively.
Example
Her intellect is admired by all her colleagues.
C1 adjective /ɪnˈtɒl.ər.ə.bəl/

Intolerable

Meaning
unable to be endured; extremely unpleasant or painful
Example
The noise from the construction site was intolerable.
C1 adverb /ˌɪn.ədˈvɜːr.tənt.li/

Inadvertently

Meaning
without being aware of what you are doing; unintentionally; by mistake
Example
She inadvertently deleted the important file while cleaning her computer.
C1 adjective /ˈɪnərmoʊst/

Innermost

Meaning
most private and secret; deepest; most personal
Example
She shared her innermost feelings with her closest friend.
C1 noun /ɪnˈsɜːrdʒənt/

insurgent

Meaning
A person who rises in revolt against authority or government.
Example
The army arrested several insurgents after the attack.
C1 noun ˌɪnsjʊˈleɪʃən

insulation

Meaning
Material used to prevent heat, sound, or electricity from being transmitted from one area to another.
Example
Insulation of food storage areas can prevent pests from entering.
C1 adjective /ɪmˈprɒmp.tjuː/

impromptu

Meaning
Done without being planned, organized, or rehearsed; spontaneous.
Example
He gave an impromptu speech at the event.
C1 adjective /ɪmˈpɛtʃ.u.əs/

impetuous

Meaning
Acting or done quickly and without thought or care; impulsive.
Example
His impetuous decision led to unexpected consequences.
C1 adjective /ˌɪrɪˈvɜːrsəbl/

irreversible

Meaning
Not able to be undone, changed, or reversed.
Example
The damage caused by the fire was irreversible.
C1 verb /ɪnˈvoʊk/

invoke

Meaning
to call upon a higher power, authority, or principle for help, support, or justification
Example
The lawyer invoked the constitution to defend his client.
C1 adjective, noun /ɪnˈdɪkətɪv/

indicative

Meaning
Serving as a sign or expression of something; in grammar, a mood used to make factual statements.
Example
His tone was indicative of his frustration.
C1 noun ˈɪm.pɪ.təs

impetus

Meaning
The force or motivation that drives something forward; momentum.
Example
The new policy provided an impetus for economic growth.
C1 noun /ɪnˈsaɪtmənt/

incitement

Meaning
the action of provoking unlawful or violent behavior
Example
He was arrested for incitement to riot.
C1 adjective /ˌɪnkəmˈpætəbl/

incompatible

Meaning
Not able to exist or work together without conflict.
Example
Their personalities were completely incompatible.
C1 verb /ɪnˈkɜːr/

incur

Meaning
To bring upon oneself something undesirable, usually as a result of actions.
Example
He incurred a fine for parking in the wrong place.
C1 verb ɪˈnɔː.ɡjə.reɪ.tɪd

inaugurated

Meaning
Begin or introduce (a system, policy, or period) formally.
Example
The organization was inaugurated officially.
C1 noun /ˈɪnˌmeɪt/

inmate

Meaning
a person confined to an institution such as a prison or hospital
Example
The prison has over a thousand inmates.
C1 adjective ɪˈluː.sər.i

illusory

Meaning
Based on illusion; not real although seeming to be.
Example
His sense of security was entirely illusory.
C1 adjective /ɪnˈhɛrənt/

inherent

Meaning
Existing in something as a natural, permanent, or essential quality.
Example
There are inherent risks in extreme sports.
C1 adjective /ˌɪnədˈvaɪzəbl/

inadvisable

Meaning
Not recommended; likely to have undesirable consequences.
Example
It is inadvisable to drive in such heavy rain.