inefficiency
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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 /ɪnˈveɪsɪv/

invasive

Meaning
Tending to spread harmfully, intruding aggressively, or encroaching beyond proper boundaries.
Example
The doctor explained that the procedure was minimally invasive.
C1 noun /ɪnˈfjuːʒən/

infusion

Meaning
the act of introducing something into another; a drink made by steeping leaves or herbs in liquid
Example
She prepared a calming infusion of chamomile tea.
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 verb /ˈɪnkjʊˌbeɪt/

incubate

Meaning
to keep eggs, cells, or organisms at the right conditions for development
Example
The hen will incubate the eggs until they hatch.
C1 adjective /ɪnˈsɒlvənt/

insolvent

Meaning
unable to pay debts owed
Example
The insolvent firm could not meet its financial obligations.
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 noun /ɪnˌkɑːsəˈreɪʃən/

incarceration

Meaning
the state of being imprisoned or confined
Example
The criminal faced years of incarceration for his crimes.
C1 noun /ˌɪntɪˈmeɪʃən/

intimation

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

infuriate

Meaning
To make someone extremely angry.
Example
His careless remarks infuriated the entire team.
C1 adjective /ɪmˈpoʊzɪŋ/

imposing

Meaning
having an appearance that is grand, impressive, or commanding
Example
The castle is an imposing structure overlooking the valley.
C1 adjective /ˌɪrɪˈprɛsəbl̩/

irrepressible

Meaning
Impossible to control or restrain.
Example
She had an irrepressible urge to laugh during the speech.
C1 noun /ɪnˈsaɪtmənt/

incitement

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

importation

Meaning
The act of bringing goods or services into a country from abroad
Example
The importation of luxury goods is strictly regulated.
C1 adjective /ɪmˈprɒbəbl/

improbable

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

impulsive

Meaning
acting suddenly without careful thought
Example
She made an impulsive decision to buy the car.
C1 adjective /ɪmˈpæsəbəl/

impassable

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

irreversible

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

interconnectivity

Meaning
The state of being interconnected or the degree of connectivity between components
Example
The rise of interconnectivity has transformed global communication.
C1 adjective /ɪnˈdʌstriəs/

industrious

Meaning
Hardworking and diligent in one's duties.
Example
She is an industrious student who always completes her assignments on time.
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 noun /ˈɪŋ.krə.mənt/

Increment

Meaning
an increase or addition, especially one of a series on a fixed scale; a regular increase in salary
Example
He received an annual increment of five percent in his salary this year.
C1 adjective /ɪnˈfæləbl̩/

infallible

Meaning
incapable of making mistakes or being wrong
Example
Her judgment seemed infallible in matters of finance.
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 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 noun /ɪnˈædɪkwəsi/

inadequacy

Meaning
lack of sufficient ability, quality, or strength; a feeling of not being good enough
Example
She struggled with feelings of inadequacy at work despite her strong qualifications.
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 /ɪnˈɛk.wɪ.ti/

inequity

Meaning
Lack of fairness or justice; unequal distribution or treatment.
Example
Social inequity continues to be a global issue.
C1 adjective /ɪnˈdʒʊəriəs/

injurious

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

infest

Meaning
to overrun in large numbers, especially so as to cause damage or discomfort
Example
The old house was infested with rats.
C1 adjective /ɪnˈkɒŋɡruəs/

incongruous

Meaning
Not fitting in with or suitable for the surroundings.
Example
His jokes were incongruous during the serious meeting.
C1 adjective /aɪˈreɪt/

irate

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

infirm

Meaning
Weak, especially due to old age or illness.
Example
The infirm old man needed assistance to walk.
C1 adjective /ˌɪnkənˈsiːvəbl̩/

inconceivable

Meaning
Impossible to imagine or believe; beyond comprehension.
Example
It seemed inconceivable that she could finish the marathon after such little training.
C1 adjective, noun /ˈɪnvəlɪd/ (adjective), /ɪnˈvælɪd/ (noun)

invalid

Meaning
Not valid; having no force or effect. Also refers to a person too weak or ill to care for themselves.
Example
The court declared the contract invalid.
C1 adjective /ˌɪnɪkˈskjuːzəbl/

inexcusable

Meaning
Too bad to be justified or overlooked; unforgivable.
Example
His rude behavior was inexcusable.
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 /ɪnˈveə.ri.ə.bəl/

Invariable

Meaning
never changing; constant; always the same
Example
His invariable routine includes morning exercise and coffee.
C1 adjective /ˌaɪdiəˈlɪstɪk/

Idealistic

Meaning
pursuing high principles or ideals; unrealistically optimistic
Example
She has an idealistic view of changing the world.
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 noun /ɪnˈdɪɡ.nə.ti/

Indignity

Meaning
treatment or circumstances that cause one to feel shame or loss of dignity; humiliation
Example
She refused to suffer the indignity of being searched without proper cause.
C1 adjective /ɪnˈsɪdiəs/

insidious

Meaning
Proceeding in a gradual, subtle way but with harmful effects.
Example
The insidious spread of misinformation can damage trust.
C1 noun /ˌɪn.səˌbɔːr.dɪˈneɪ.ʃən/

insubordination

Meaning
Defiance of authority; refusal to obey orders.
Example
The soldier was punished for insubordination during the mission.
C1 adjective ɪnɪɡˈzɔːstɪbəl

inexhaustible

Meaning
Unable to be used up or worn out; limitless.
Example
His inexhaustible energy allowed him to work tirelessly on his projects.
C1 adjective /ˈɪrɪtəbl/

irritable

Meaning
easily annoyed or made angry
Example
She became irritable after working long hours without rest.
C1 noun ɪnˌɛv.ɪ.təˈbɪl.ɪ.ti

inevitability

Meaning
The quality of being certain to happen and impossible to avoid or prevent.
Example
The inevitability of change is a part of life.
C1 adjective /ɪnˈfleɪtɪd/

inflated

Meaning
excessively increased in size, value, or importance; filled with air or gas
Example
The company faced criticism for its inflated prices.
C1 adjective /ˌɪməˈtɪəriəl/

immaterial

Meaning
Not important or relevant; lacking physical substance.
Example
The judge ruled that the argument was immaterial to the case.
C1 noun /aɪˈtɪnərɛri/

itinerary

Meaning
A planned route or schedule of a journey or trip.
Example
The travel agent gave us a detailed itinerary for our vacation.
C1 adjective /ɪˈnɜːrt/

inert

Meaning
lacking the ability or strength to move or act; chemically inactive
Example
The patient remained inert on the bed.
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 noun /ɪnˈtɛstɪn/

intestine

Meaning
The part of the digestive system where food is digested and absorbed, extending from the stomach to the anus.
Example
The doctor explained how nutrients are absorbed in the small intestine.
C1 adjective ˌɪn.təˈstel.ər

interstellar

Meaning
Occurring or situated between stars.
Example
Scientists study interstellar travel possibilities.
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 /ɪnˈdʒʌŋkʃən/

injunction

Meaning
A judicial order restraining a person from an action or compelling a certain act.
Example
The court issued an injunction to stop the company from polluting the river.
C1 verb /ɪnˈvælɪdeɪt/

invalidate

Meaning
To make something not valid or legally acceptable.
Example
The new evidence may invalidate the previous ruling.
C1 verb /ɪnˈklaɪn/

incline

Meaning
to feel willing or favorably disposed toward something; to bend or tilt
Example
She is inclined to agree with the proposal.
C1 noun /ɪnˈfɜːməri/

infirmary

Meaning
A hospital or place where the sick or injured are cared for.
Example
The school had an infirmary for minor injuries.
C1 noun /ˈɪn.floʊ/

inflow

Meaning
The movement of things such as money, people, or water into a place.
Example
The inflow of tourists boosted the local economy.
C1 noun /ˌɪmɔːrˈtæləti/

immortality

Meaning
the state of living forever; eternal life or lasting fame beyond death
Example
Many ancient cultures believed that heroes could achieve immortality through great deeds.
C1 verb /ɪˈnɔːɡjʊreɪt/

inaugurate

Meaning
To formally begin or introduce something, especially with a ceremony.
Example
The mayor will inaugurate the new bridge tomorrow.
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 /ˈɪnərmoʊst/

Innermost

Meaning
most private and secret; deepest; most personal
Example
She shared her innermost feelings with her closest friend.
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 ˌɪdiəsɪnˈkrætɪk

idiosyncratic

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

insolent

Meaning
showing a rude and arrogant lack of respect
Example
The insolent student refused to follow the teacher's instructions.
C1 adjective /ɪˈlɒdʒ.ɪ.kəl/

Illogical

Meaning
not reasonable or sensible; lacking logic
Example
It would be illogical to go swimming in such cold weather.
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 /ˈɪnbɔːrn/

Inborn

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

implode

Meaning
To collapse or burst inward violently.
Example
The old building imploded during the demolition.
C1 adjective /ˌɪnədˈvaɪzəbl/

inadvisable

Meaning
Not recommended; likely to have undesirable consequences.
Example
It is inadvisable to drive in such heavy rain.
C1 noun /ˌɪnkəmˌpætəˈbɪlɪti/

incompatibility

Meaning
the state of being unable to exist or work together harmoniously; lack of compatibility
Example
The project failed because of incompatibility between the two software systems.
C1 adjective /ɪnˈstrʌktɪv/

instructive

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

inexplicable

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

immediacy

Meaning
The quality of bringing one into direct and instant involvement with something, giving rise to a sense of urgency or excitement.
Example
The immediacy of digital communication has reshaped business operations.
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 ˌɪn.toʊˈneɪ.ʃən

intonation

Meaning
The rise and fall of tone in speech and pronunciation.
Example
Proper intonation enhances the clarity of a speech.
C1 noun ɪnˌten.sɪ.fɪˈkeɪ.ʃən

intensification

Meaning
The process of becoming or making something more intense or extreme.
Example
The intensification of climate change requires urgent action.
C1 verb /ˈɪtəreɪt/

iterate

Meaning
To repeat a process or statement, often to improve or refine.
Example
The software team will iterate the design until it meets user needs.
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 /ˈɪnflʌks/

influx

Meaning
A large arrival or flow of people or things.
Example
The city experienced an influx of tourists during the festival.
C1 noun /ɪˈreləvəns/

irrelevance

Meaning
the quality of not being connected to or important for a particular matter; lack of significance
Example
His long explanation only highlighted the irrelevance of the details to the main issue.
C1 adjective /ɪnˈkɒmp(ə)rəbl/

incomparable

Meaning
Without an equal in quality or excellence; matchless.
Example
The view from the mountain was incomparable.
C1 verb ɪmˈbjuː

Imbue

Meaning
Mixing some idea or feeling deeply into someone's mind
Example
The teacher tried to imbue students with a love for learning.
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 /ɪˈrɛvəkəbl/

irrevocable

Meaning
Not able to be revoked, changed, or undone.
Example
She made an irrevocable decision to leave the company.
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 adjective /ɪnˈɔːdəbl/

inaudible

Meaning
Unable to be heard.
Example
Her voice was almost inaudible over the noise.
C1 noun /ɪmˈpjʊərəti/

impurity

Meaning
the state of being unclean or contaminated; a substance that makes something impure
Example
The scientist removed every impurity from the water sample.
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 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 /ɪnˈfriːkwənt/

infrequent

Meaning
Happening rarely or not often.
Example
He made infrequent visits to his hometown after moving abroad.
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 noun /ɪˌreɡjəˈlærɪti/

irregularity

Meaning
lack of regularity or consistency; a deviation from what is normal, expected, or orderly
Example
The audit revealed several financial irregularities in the company’s records.
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 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 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 noun /ɪnˈsɜːrdʒənt/

insurgent

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

imperil

Meaning
To put in danger or at risk.
Example
Reckless driving can imperil the lives of others.
C1 noun /ˈɪnstɪˌɡeɪtər/

instigator

Meaning
A person who brings about or initiates something, usually something bad.
Example
The police identified him as the instigator of the violence.
C1 adjective ˌɪn.təˈmɪt.ənt

intermittent

Meaning
Happening irregularly, not continuously.
Example
The rain was intermittent throughout the day.
C1 adjective /ˌɪn.dɪˈspen.sə.bəl/

indispensable

Meaning
Absolutely necessary, essential
Example
Water is indispensable for human survival.
C1 verb /ɪnˈfleɪm/

inflame

Meaning
to arouse strong feelings or provoke anger; to cause inflammation in the body
Example
The politician's remarks served to inflame public opinion.
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 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 /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 noun /ˌɪndɪɡˈneɪʃən/

indignation

Meaning
Strong displeasure or anger caused by something unjust, offensive, or insulting.
Example
Public indignation grew after the unfair verdict.
C1 noun ɪnˈdɪdʒɪnəs trəˈdɪʃənz

Indigenous Traditions

Meaning
Cultural practices, beliefs, and customs that have been passed down through generations among native peoples.
Example
Indigenous traditions in the Chittagong Hill Tracts are unique.
C1 adjective /ˈɪɡ.ni.əs/

igneous

Meaning
Formed through the cooling and solidification of magma or lava.
Example
Granite is an igneous rock commonly used in construction.
C1 verb /ɪmˈpɛər/

impair

Meaning
to weaken or damage something, especially a function or ability
Example
Smoking can impair your lung capacity.
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 noun /ˈɪtʃ.i.nəs/

itchiness

Meaning
The quality or condition of feeling an irritating sensation on the skin that causes a desire to scratch.
Example
Eye itchiness often leads to rubbing.
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 /ˌɪnkəmˈpætəbl/

incompatible

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

inaccuracy

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

imminence

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

inexperience

Meaning
Lack of knowledge or skill in a particular activity or field.
Example
His inexperience in handling negotiations was evident.