incredulous
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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 /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 noun /ɪnˈkɜːrʒən/

incursion

Meaning
A sudden attack or invasion into a place or territory.
Example
The army repelled the enemy incursion at the border.
C1 adjective /ˌɪnkəʊˈhɪərənt/

incoherent

Meaning
Not clear or easy to understand; lacking logical connection.
Example
His explanation was so incoherent that nobody could follow it.
C1 verb /ɪɡˈnaɪt/

ignite

Meaning
To catch fire or cause to catch fire; to start or arouse.
Example
The sparks ignited the dry leaves in seconds.
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 /ɪnˈsɪnjueɪt/

insinuate

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

instable

Meaning
not stable; liable to change, collapse, or fail; lacking firmness or reliability
Example
The instable political situation worried foreign investors.
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 adjective /ɪnˈdʒʊəriəs/

injurious

Meaning
Causing or likely to cause harm or damage.
Example
Smoking is injurious to health.
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 verb /ɪnˈdʌkt/

induct

Meaning
to formally admit someone into a position, organization, or office
Example
She was inducted into the university's honor society.
C1 adjective /ˌɪndɪˈskraɪbəbəl/

Indescribable

Meaning
impossible to describe or express in words; beyond description
Example
The beauty of the sunset was indescribable.
C1 adjective /ˈɪndɪɡoʊ bluː/

Indigo-blue

Meaning
a deep blue color with a purplish tinge
Example
The indigo-blue sky looked magnificent at twilight.
C1 adjective /ˌɪntəˈrɑːɡətɪv/

interrogative

Meaning
Relating to or conveying a question; in grammar, used to form questions.
Example
She raised an interrogative eyebrow when she heard the news.
C1 noun ɪˌræʃ.ənˈæl.ɪ.ti

irrationality

Meaning
The quality of being illogical or unreasonable; lack of rational thought.
Example
His decision was driven by complete irrationality.
C1 noun /ˈɪm.pæs/

impasse

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

instinctive

Meaning
Based on instinct; done without conscious thought; natural and automatic.
Example
His instinctive reaction saved his life.
C1 noun ɪnˈflɛk.ʃən

inflection

Meaning
The change in pitch or tone of voice when speaking for emphasis.
Example
His inflection kept the audience engaged.
C1 adjective /ɪnˈstrʌktɪv/

instructive

Meaning
useful and informative; providing knowledge or instruction
Example
The lecture was highly instructive and engaging.
C1 noun /ˈɪnkwest/

inquest

Meaning
A legal or official inquiry, especially into the cause of a death.
Example
The inquest revealed the cause of the accident.
C1 adverb, adjective /ˌɪnkɑːɡˈniːtoʊ/

incognito

Meaning
In disguise or with one's identity concealed.
Example
The celebrity traveled incognito to avoid the paparazzi.
C1 verb /ˌɪntəˈsɛkt/

intersect

Meaning
to cross or pass through each other
Example
The two roads intersect at the city center.
C1 adjective /ɪˈledʒ.ə.bəl/

illegible

Meaning
Not clear enough to be read; unreadable.
Example
The doctor’s handwriting was almost illegible.
C1 adjective /ɪˈlɪsɪt/

illicit

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

impertinent

Meaning
rude and showing a lack of respect
Example
It was impertinent of him to question the manager's decision.
C1 adjective ˌɪn.tə.dʒen.əˈreɪ.ʃən.əl

intergenerational

Meaning
Existing or occurring between different generations of a family.
Example
Intergenerational wisdom ensures cultural continuity.
C1 noun /ɪnˈækjʊrəsi/

inaccuracy

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

inversion

Meaning
A reversal of the normal order, position, or relationship.
Example
In poetry, inversion is often used to create emphasis.
C1 noun /ɪnˈsɜːrdʒəns/

insurgence

Meaning
An act of rebellion or uprising against authority.
Example
The government struggled to contain the growing insurgence.
C1 adjective ˌɪn.trəˈspek.tɪv

introspective

Meaning
Characterized by or given to introspection; examining one's own thoughts and feelings.
Example
Writers tend to be highly introspective individuals.
C1 noun /ɪnˈsɜːʃən/

insertion

Meaning
the action of inserting something into something else
Example
The insertion of the new data was completed successfully.
C1 noun ɪnˈdʌldʒəns

indulgence

Meaning
The practice of allowing oneself to enjoy the pleasure of something.
Example
His indulgence in junk food affected his health.
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 /ɪˈniː.bri.eɪ.tɪd/

inebriated

Meaning
under the influence of alcohol; drunk
Example
He stumbled into the room completely inebriated.
C1 noun /ˈɪntrɪkəsi/

intricacy

Meaning
the quality of being very detailed or complicated
Example
The intricacy of the design impressed everyone.
C1 noun ˌɪnfɛsˈteɪʃən

infestation

Meaning
The presence of an unusually large number of insects or animals in a place, causing damage or disease.
Example
The infestation of ants in the kitchen led to immediate pest control measures.
C1 verb ɪˈmɜːrs

immerse

Meaning
To involve oneself deeply in a particular activity or interest; to surround completely.
Example
Immerse yourself in the new language.
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 verb /ɪnˈkrɪmɪˌneɪt/

incriminate

Meaning
to make someone appear guilty of a crime or wrongdoing
Example
The new evidence could incriminate the suspect in the robbery case.
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 noun /ɪnˈtruː.ʒən/

intrusion

Meaning
Unauthorized entry into a system or place without permission
Example
The company detected an intrusion in its server.
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 /ˌɪndɪˈskrɪmɪnət/

indiscriminate

Meaning
Done without careful judgment; random or haphazard.
Example
The indiscriminate use of pesticides harms the environment.
C1 noun /ɪˈrɛlɪvənsi/

irrelevancy

Meaning
the state of being unrelated or unimportant to the matter at hand
Example
The judge dismissed the argument because of its irrelevancy to the case.
C1 adjective /ˌaɪdiəˈlɪstɪk/

Idealistic

Meaning
pursuing high principles or ideals; unrealistically optimistic
Example
She has an idealistic view of changing the world.
C1 noun /ɪˈnɜː.ʃə/

Inertia

Meaning
a tendency to do nothing or remain unchanged; lack of activity or movement
Example
The team's inertia prevented them from adapting to the rapidly changing market conditions.
C1 adjective /ˈɪnsjələr/

insular

Meaning
Narrow-minded, isolated, or relating to an island.
Example
The community was criticized for its insular attitudes toward outsiders.
C1 verb /ɪnˈtɪmɪdeɪt/

intimidate

Meaning
To frighten or overawe someone, especially to make them do what one wants.
Example
The bully tried to intimidate the smaller kids.
C1 adjective ˈɪn.lənd

Inland

Meaning
Situated in the interior of a country; away from the coast.
Example
Inland transport boosts local trade.
C1 adjective /ˈɪrɪtəbl/

irritable

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

inept

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

immutable

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

immorality

Meaning
the quality of being immoral; behavior that violates accepted moral standards
Example
The community condemned the immorality of the corrupt officials.
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 ˌɪn.təˈstel.ər

interstellar

Meaning
Occurring or situated between stars.
Example
Scientists study interstellar travel possibilities.
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 adjective ɪmˈpɛkəbl

impeccable

Meaning
In accordance with the highest standards; faultless.
Example
His impeccable taste in fashion was admired by all his peers.
C1 adjective /ɪnˈɛlɪdʒəbəl/

Ineligible

Meaning
not qualified or entitled to participate or be chosen; unsuitable
Example
Students with poor grades are ineligible for the scholarship program.
C1 noun /ˌɪntɪˈmeɪʃən/

intimation

Meaning
A subtle or indirect hint or suggestion.
Example
She gave no intimation of her plans.
C1 noun /ˈɪnlɛt/

inlet

Meaning
A small arm of the sea, a lake, or a river; an opening or passage for entry.
Example
The boat entered a narrow inlet along the coast.
C1 noun /ˌɪnsɪɡˈnɪfɪkəns/

insignificance

Meaning
The quality of being unimportant or trivial.
Example
He felt a sense of insignificance in the vast universe.
C1 adjective /ɪnˈflæməˌtɔːri/

inflammatory

Meaning
causing inflammation in the body; arousing anger, hostility, or strong emotion
Example
His inflammatory speech triggered protests across the city.
C1 adjective /ɪˈnɒkjuəs/

innocuous

Meaning
Not harmful or offensive.
Example
His remark was completely innocuous and not meant to offend anyone.
C1 adjective /ɪnˈvɜːs/

Inverse

Meaning
opposite in order, nature, or effect; reversed
Example
There is an inverse relationship between price and demand.
C1 verb /ɪnˈfleɪt/

inflate

Meaning
to fill with air or gas so it expands; to increase excessively or artificially
Example
The mechanic inflated the tire to the correct pressure.
C1 adjective /ˌɪnɔːrˈɡænɪk/

inorganic

Meaning
relating to substances that are not derived from living organisms; lacking organic structure or growth
Example
Inorganic compounds are commonly studied in chemistry labs.
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 /ˌɪnsərˈmaʊntəbl/

insurmountable

Meaning
Too great to be overcome.
Example
The explorers faced insurmountable odds in the desert.
C1 adverb /ˈɪnwərdli/

inwardly

Meaning
In the mind or spirit; not outwardly visible.
Example
She smiled outwardly but inwardly she was worried.
C1 verb /ɪnˈtruːd/

intrude

Meaning
To enter a place or situation where one is not wanted or not invited.
Example
He felt embarrassed to intrude on their private conversation.
C1 adjective /ɪnˈsɛnsəbl/

insensible

Meaning
Unconscious; unaware of or indifferent to something.
Example
He was insensible to the cold as he lay in the snow.
C1 adjective /ɪnˈvɪnsəbl/

invincible

Meaning
too powerful to be defeated or overcome
Example
The team seemed invincible after winning ten matches in a row.
C1 adjective /ˌɪnækˈsɛsəbl/

inaccessible

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

inception

Meaning
The establishment or starting point of an institution or activity.
Example
The inception of the company marked a new era in the industry.
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 verb ɪˈnɔː.ɡjə.reɪ.tɪd

inaugurated

Meaning
Begin or introduce (a system, policy, or period) formally.
Example
The organization was inaugurated officially.
C1 adjective /ˌaɪ.di.əˈlɒdʒ.ɪ.kəl/

ideological

Meaning
Relating to or based on a system of ideas or beliefs.
Example
The two parties are divided by deep ideological differences.
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 /ˌɪnɪkˈsplɪkəbl/

inexplicable

Meaning
Impossible to explain or understand.
Example
The sudden disappearance of the file was inexplicable.
C1 noun /ɪnˌtɪmɪˈdeɪʃən/

intimidation

Meaning
The action of frightening or threatening someone to make them do something.
Example
The workers reported cases of intimidation by the management.
C1 adjective /ˌɪn.səbˈstæn.ʃəl/

insubstantial

Meaning
Lacking strength, substance, or solidity.
Example
The evidence provided was insubstantial and unconvincing.
C1 adjective /ɪˈnɔːɡjərəl/

Inaugural

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

implore

Meaning
To beg someone earnestly or desperately to do something.
Example
She implored him to stay with her.
C1 adjective ɪn ˈfleɪ.ʃə.ner.i

inflationary

Meaning
Characterized by or tending to cause monetary inflation; relating to rising prices.
Example
The government took measures to control inflationary pressures.
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 /aɪˈdɪlɪk/

idyllic

Meaning
Like an idyll; extremely happy, peaceful, or picturesque.
Example
They enjoyed an idyllic vacation by the sea.
C1 adjective /ɪnˈkɒmpɪtənt/

incompetent

Meaning
Lacking the necessary ability or skills to do something successfully.
Example
He was fired because he was incompetent at his job.
C1 noun /ɪnˈdʌstriəsnəs/

industriousness

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

institutionalize

Meaning
to establish something as a formal institution, custom, or practice
Example
The government seeks to institutionalize environmental protection.
C1 verb /ɪnˈvælɪdeɪt/

invalidate

Meaning
To make something not valid or legally acceptable.
Example
The new evidence may invalidate the previous ruling.
C1 noun /ɪnˈɛk.wɪ.ti/

inequity

Meaning
Lack of fairness or justice; unequal distribution or treatment.
Example
Social inequity continues to be a global issue.
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 /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 ˌɪndɪˈspensəbl̩ ˈkɒmpɪtənsi

indispensable competency

Meaning
Essential skill or ability that cannot be done without; a crucial capability that is absolutely necessary.
Example
Digital literacy is an indispensable competency in the 21st century.
C1 noun ˌɪn.fɪlˈtreɪ.ʃən

infiltration

Meaning
The process of entering or gaining access to an organization or place surreptitiously.
Example
Cybersecurity prevents infiltration into sensitive data.
C1 adjective /ɪˈlʌstriəs/

illustrious

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

ingrained

Meaning
Firmly fixed or established; deeply rooted and difficult to change.
Example
His ingrained habits were hard to break.
C1 verb ɪˈnɪʃɪeɪtɪd

initiated

Meaning
Caused a process or action to begin; started something.
Example
The project was initiated to enhance marine biodiversity.
C1 noun /ɪnˈdaɪtmənt/

indictment

Meaning
a formal charge or accusation of a serious crime
Example
The indictment accused the company of multiple violations.
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 noun /ˈɪmɪnəns/

imminence

Meaning
the state of being about to happen
Example
The imminence of the storm forced people to take shelter.
C1 adjective /ɪmˈpɑːrʃəl/

Impartial

Meaning
treating all sides fairly; unbiased; neutral
Example
A good judge must remain impartial throughout the trial.
C1 adjective /ˌɪnkɒmprɪˈhɛnsəbl/

incomprehensible

Meaning
Impossible or very difficult to understand.
Example
The professor’s lecture was so fast it became incomprehensible.
C1 adjective ˌɪn.krəˈmen.təl

incremental

Meaning
Relating to or denoting an increase or addition, especially one of a series on a fixed scale; proceeding in small stages.
Example
Incremental changes ensure sustainability.
C1 adjective /ˌɪndɪˈskriːt/

indiscreet

Meaning
Not careful in what one says or does, likely to reveal secrets or offend.
Example
It was indiscreet of him to mention the plan in public.
C1 noun ˌɪntədɪˈpɛndənsi

interdependency

Meaning
The dependence of two or more people or things on each other.
Example
The interdependency of the countries led to greater cooperation.
C1 adjective /ɪˈmeʒərəbəl/

Immeasurable

Meaning
too large or extensive to measure; boundless
Example
The immeasurable love of a mother knows no bounds.
C1 verb /ɪnˈfjuːz/

infuse

Meaning
to fill or spread through something; to instill a quality, idea, or feeling
Example
The teacher tried to infuse her students with a love for reading.
C1 adjective /ˌɪnɪkˈskjuːzəbl/

inexcusable

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

impeach

Meaning
To charge a public official with misconduct while in office.
Example
The parliament voted to impeach the president.
C1 adjective /ˈɪnbɔːrn/

Inborn

Meaning
existing from birth; natural; inherent
Example
She has an inborn talent for music.
C1 adjective /ˌɪmprɪˈsaɪs/

imprecise

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

infrequent

Meaning
Happening rarely or not often.
Example
He made infrequent visits to his hometown after moving abroad.
C1 verb /aɪˈdiː.ə.laɪz/

idealize

Meaning
To regard or represent something as perfect or better than it really is.
Example
Children often idealize their parents.
C1 adjective /ɪmˈpæʃənd/

impassioned

Meaning
Filled with or showing great emotion.
Example
She gave an impassioned speech about human rights.
C1 adverb ɪnˈtrɪn.zɪ.kli

intrinsically

Meaning
In a way that is naturally or inherently part of something's essential nature.
Example
Some people are intrinsically motivated to learn.
C1 adjective /ˌɪnədˈvɜːrtənt/

inadvertent

Meaning
Not resulting from or achieved through deliberate planning; unintentional.
Example
Her inadvertent mistake caused a delay in the project.
C1 adjective /ɪmˈpjʊər/

Impure

Meaning
contaminated; not clean; mixed with foreign substances
Example
The impure water caused health problems in the village.