inferior
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B2 adjective /ɪnˈfɪə.ri.ər/

inferior

Meaning
Of lower quality, rank, or status.
Example
This material is inferior to the one we used before.
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 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.
B2 adjective /ˌɪnkənˈviːniənt/

Inconvenient

Meaning
causing trouble, difficulties, or discomfort; awkward; troublesome
Example
The broken elevator made it inconvenient to reach the top floor.
B2 noun ɪnˌdʌstrɪəlaɪˈzeɪʃən

industrialization

Meaning
The development of industries in a country or region on a wide scale.
Example
Industrialization changed the global economy dramatically.
C2 adjective /ɪmˈpɛn.ɪ.tənt/

impenitent

Meaning
Not feeling regret or shame about one's actions.
Example
The criminal remained impenitent after the trial.
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 /ɪnˈɛlɪdʒəbəl/

Ineligible

Meaning
not qualified or entitled to participate or be chosen; unsuitable
Example
Students with poor grades are ineligible for the scholarship program.
B2 verb /ˈɪmɪteɪt/

imitate

Meaning
to copy the behavior or manner of someone or something
Example
Children often imitate their parents' behavior.
C1 adjective /ˌɪntərˈtwaɪnd/

intertwined

Meaning
closely connected or twisted together
Example
Their lives became deeply intertwined after the accident.
C1 noun /ɪmˈpɛd.ɪ.mənt/

impediment

Meaning
A hindrance or obstruction in doing something; something that prevents progress.
Example
Lack of funds is a major impediment to the project.
B2 adjective /ˌɪnstɪˈtjuːʃənl/

institutional

Meaning
Relating to an organization or established practice.
Example
The government made several institutional reforms in education.
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.
C2 noun /ɪˌluːmɪˈnɑːti/

illuminati

Meaning
a group of people claiming to have special enlightenment or secret knowledge, often linked to conspiracies
Example
Many conspiracy theories involve the Illuminati as a secret world-controlling group.
B2 noun /ɪnˈveɪʒən/

invasion

Meaning
An instance of invading a country, region, or personal space with armed force or unwelcome presence.
Example
The army prepared for the possibility of an invasion.
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.
B1 adjective /aɪˈdiːəl/

ideal

Meaning
the best possible; perfect for a situation
Example
This place is ideal for a picnic.
B2 adjective /ɪnˈtɛnsɪv/

intensive

Meaning
Involving a lot of effort, energy, or concentration in a short period of time.
Example
She attended an intensive English course before moving abroad.
B2 noun ɪnˈsɛntɪvz

incentives

Meaning
Things that motivate or encourage one to do something.
Example
Tax incentives are used to encourage investment in renewable energy.
C1 noun /ɪnˈsek.tɪ.saɪd/

Insecticide

Meaning
a substance used for killing insects; a chemical pesticide that targets insects
Example
The farmer sprayed insecticide on his crops to protect them from harmful bugs.
B2 adjective /ɪnˈtækt/

intact

Meaning
Remaining whole, complete, and undamaged.
Example
Despite the storm, the old house remained intact.
C1 noun ɪnˈsɒl.vən.si

insolvency

Meaning
The state of being unable to pay debts owed; bankruptcy.
Example
The company declared insolvency after years of losses.
C1 adjective /ɪnˈdefɪnət/

Indefinite

Meaning
not clearly defined; uncertain; vague; unlimited in time
Example
The meeting has been postponed for an indefinite period.
B2 verb /ɪnˈtɛnsɪfaɪ/

intensify

Meaning
To make something stronger, more extreme, or more forceful.
Example
The storm is expected to intensify overnight.
B1 noun /ˌɪntərˈækʃən/

interaction

Meaning
The process of people or things acting upon or influencing each other.
Example
The teacher encouraged more interaction between students.
C1 adjective ɪnˈdel.ə.bəl

indelible

Meaning
Making marks that cannot be removed; impossible to forget or remove.
Example
Her speech left an indelible mark on the audience.
C1 noun /ɪnˈsɜːrdʒəns/

insurgence

Meaning
An act of rebellion or uprising against authority.
Example
The government struggled to contain the growing insurgence.
C2 noun /ɪnˈkɒnstənsi/

inconstancy

Meaning
The quality of changing frequently or being unreliable.
Example
The inconstancy of the weather makes planning difficult.
C1 adjective /ˌɪnkəmˈpætəbl/

incompatible

Meaning
Not able to exist or work together without conflict.
Example
Their personalities were completely incompatible.
B2 noun /ˈaɪ.dəl/

Idol

Meaning
an image or representation of a god used as an object of worship; a person who is greatly admired
Example
The singer became a teenage idol after her hit song topped the charts worldwide.
B2 noun /ˌɪmpərˈfɛkʃən/

imperfection

Meaning
a flaw, defect, or weakness; the state of being imperfect
Example
She accepted her imperfection as part of being human.
B2 noun /ˌɪn.dɪˈkeɪ.ʃən/

Indication

Meaning
a sign or piece of information that indicates something; a suggestion or hint
Example
The dark clouds were a clear indication that a storm was approaching the area.
C2 adjective /ˈɪnmoʊst/

inmost

Meaning
Situated at the very heart or deepest part; most private or secret.
Example
She revealed her inmost thoughts to her closest friend.
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 /ɪnˈɔːdəbl/

inaudible

Meaning
Unable to be heard.
Example
Her voice was almost inaudible over the noise.
B1 noun /ɪnˈɡriːdiənt/

ingredient

Meaning
A component part or element of something, especially in a recipe.
Example
Flour is a key ingredient in baking bread.
C2 noun /ɪnˈsuːsiəns/

insouciance

Meaning
Casual lack of concern; indifference.
Example
She carried herself with an air of insouciance, unbothered by the challenges ahead.
B2 adverb /aɪˈrɒnɪkli/

ironically

Meaning
in a way that is contrary to what is expected or intended
Example
Ironically, the fire station burned down.
C2 adjective /ˌɪnsəˈprɛsəbl/

insuppressible

Meaning
That cannot be suppressed or restrained.
Example
She had an insuppressible urge to laugh during the ceremony.
C1 adjective /ɪnˈkɒŋɡruəs/

incongruous

Meaning
Not fitting in with or suitable for the surroundings.
Example
His jokes were incongruous during the serious meeting.
B2 adjective, noun /ɪzˈreɪli/

israeli

Meaning
relating to Israel or its people; a person from Israel
Example
She works for an Israeli company.
C2 verb /ɪˈniː.bri.eɪt/

inebriate

Meaning
to intoxicate; to make someone drunk
Example
The strong wine was enough to inebriate even the most experienced drinker.
B2 verb /ˈɪl.ə.streɪt/

illustrate

Meaning
to explain or make something clear by using examples, pictures, or comparisons
Example
The teacher used diagrams to illustrate the concept.
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.
B2 noun /ɪmˈpɒlɪtnəs/

impoliteness

Meaning
lack of good manners or courtesy; rude behavior
Example
His impoliteness towards the guests shocked everyone.
C2 adjective /ɪmˈplaɪəbl/

impliable

Meaning
Capable of being implied or suggested.
Example
The meaning of the statement is not directly clear but is impliable from the context.
C1 adjective /ɪnˈfriːkwənt/

infrequent

Meaning
Happening rarely or not often.
Example
He made infrequent visits to his hometown after moving abroad.
B2 adjective /ɪnˈklaɪnd/

inclined

Meaning
having a tendency or disposition toward something
Example
He is inclined to help those in need.
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 /aɪˈdɒlətrəs/

idolatrous

Meaning
Excessively admiring or worshipping someone or something as an idol.
Example
The king was criticized for his idolatrous devotion to wealth.
C2 adjective /ɪnˈdjuːbɪtəbl/

indubitable

Meaning
Impossible to doubt; unquestionable.
Example
It is indubitable that hard work leads to success.
B2 noun, verb /ɪntʃ/

inch

Meaning
A unit of length equal to 2.54 centimeters; or to move slowly and carefully in small amounts.
Example
She inched closer to the edge of the stage.
C2 noun /ɪnˈtɒksɪkənt/

intoxicant

Meaning
a substance, especially alcohol or a drug, that causes intoxication
Example
Alcohol is the most commonly used intoxicant in many cultures.
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 /ɪˈnɪkwɪti/

iniquity

Meaning
Immoral or grossly unfair behavior.
Example
The dictator's regime was marked by corruption and iniquity.
C1 noun /ɪˈmɜː.ʃən/

immersion

Meaning
Complete engagement in an environment or experience.
Example
Immersion in VR games makes users feel like they are inside the virtual world.
C1 verb /ˈaɪdəlaɪz/

idolize

Meaning
To admire or worship someone excessively.
Example
Fans often idolize celebrities for their talent and lifestyle.
C1 adjective /ˌɪrɪˈprɛsəbl̩/

irrepressible

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

illuminate

Meaning
To light up or make something clearer.
Example
Streetlights illuminate the road at night.
B2 adjective /ɪˈrɛləvənt/

Irrelevant

Meaning
not connected with or relevant to something; having no bearing on the matter
Example
Your past mistakes are irrelevant to this discussion.
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 /ɪmˈpɛtʃ.u.əs/

impetuous

Meaning
Acting or done quickly and without thought or care; impulsive.
Example
His impetuous decision led to unexpected consequences.
B2 verb /ɪnˈtriːɡ/

intrigue

Meaning
to arouse curiosity or interest; to make someone fascinated
Example
The mystery novel will intrigue any reader.
B2 noun ˈɪn.frəˌstrʌk.tʃər

infrastructure

Meaning
The basic physical and organizational structures and facilities needed for the operation of a society or enterprise.
Example
Digital infrastructure is vital for future advancements.
C2 adjective /ˌɪnkɒntrəˈvɜːtəbl/

incontrovertible

Meaning
impossible to deny or dispute; unquestionable
Example
The evidence was incontrovertible and proved his innocence.
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.
C2 adjective /ɪnˈvɪdiəs/

invidious

Meaning
likely to arouse resentment, envy, or anger in others
Example
The manager's invidious remarks created tension among the employees.
B2 adjective /ɪnˈtriːɡɪŋ/

intriguing

Meaning
very interesting and unusual; arousing curiosity
Example
The movie has an intriguing plot that keeps the audience hooked.
C2 noun /ɪmˌprɒb.əˈbɪl.ə.ti/

Improbability

Meaning
the quality or state of being improbable; unlikely to be true or to happen
Example
The improbability of winning the lottery twice didn't stop her from buying tickets.
C2 noun /ˌɪkθiˈɒlədʒi/

ichthyology

Meaning
The branch of zoology that deals with fish.
Example
He pursued a degree in ichthyology at the university.
C1 adjective /ɪnˈtræk.tə.bəl/

intractable

Meaning
Difficult or impossible to manage, control, or solve.
Example
The conflict has become an intractable problem.
B2 noun /ɪnˈvɛstɪˌɡeɪtər/

investigator

Meaning
a person who carries out a formal inquiry or investigation
Example
The investigator gathered evidence from the crime scene.
C2 adjective /ɪɡˈnoʊ.bəl/

Ignoble

Meaning
dishonorable; not noble in character; base or mean
Example
His ignoble actions betrayed his friends' trust.
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 /ɪnˈækjʊrəsi/

inaccuracy

Meaning
lack of accuracy or precision; an incorrect or wrong detail
Example
The report contained several factual inaccuracies.
C2 noun /ɪnˈtɛɡ.jʊ.mənt/

integument

Meaning
A natural outer covering, such as skin, shell, or rind.
Example
The snake sheds its integument as it grows.
B2 adjective /ˌɪd.iˈɒt.ɪk/

Idiotic

Meaning
extremely stupid; foolish; senseless
Example
His idiotic behavior embarrassed everyone at the meeting.
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 /ˈɪmplɪˌkeɪt/

implicate

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

intelligible

Meaning
Able to be understood; clear enough to be comprehended.
Example
Her speech was barely intelligible over the noise.
C1 adjective /ɪˈmjuː.tə.bəl/

immutable

Meaning
Unchangeable, permanent, or fixed
Example
The laws of physics are considered immutable.
C2 adjective /ˌɪndaɪˈdʒestəbəl/

Indigestible

Meaning
difficult or impossible to digest; hard to process in the stomach
Example
The old bread became hard and indigestible.
C2 adjective /ˌɪrɛvəˈrɛnʃəl/

irreverential

Meaning
Showing a lack of respect for things that are generally taken seriously.
Example
His irreverential humor often shocked traditional audiences.
B2 verb /ɪmˈpoʊzd/

imposed

Meaning
forced something to be accepted or put in place
Example
The government imposed new regulations on the industry.
C1 adjective ˌɪn.təˈdɪs.ɪ.plɪ.nər.i

interdisciplinary

Meaning
Relating to more than one branch of knowledge.
Example
The interdisciplinary approach in education enhances problem-solving skills.
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.
C1 adjective /ɪnˈdɪɡnənt/

indignant

Meaning
Feeling or showing anger at something considered unfair or unjust.
Example
She was indignant when accused of cheating.
C2 adjective /ɪnˈɛk.wɪ.tə.bəl/

inequitable

Meaning
Not fair or just; lacking in fairness or equality.
Example
The distribution of resources was inequitable among the workers.
B1 noun /ˈɪnstəns/

instance

Meaning
An example or single occurrence of something.
Example
This is just one instance of his generosity.
B2 adjective ɪnˈdɪdʒɪnəs

indigenous

Meaning
Originating or occurring naturally in a particular place; native.
Example
Indigenous plants are well adapted to the local environment.
C2 adjective /ˌɪrɪˈdjuːsəbl/

irreducible

Meaning
impossible to reduce or simplify further
Example
The fraction 3/7 is irreducible.
C2 adjective /ˌɪnkoʊˈɜːrsəbl̩/

incoercible

Meaning
Not capable of being forced, compelled, or restrained.
Example
Her incoercible spirit inspired others to fight for justice.
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.
B2 noun /ɪnˈventər/

inventor

Meaning
a person who creates or designs something new, especially a device, method, or process
Example
The inventor patented her new medical device.
B2 verb /ˈɪnəveɪt/

innovate

Meaning
To introduce new methods, ideas, or products.
Example
The company must innovate to stay ahead of its competitors.
C1 adjective ˌɪm.pəˈsɛp.tɪ.bəl

imperceptible

Meaning
So subtle or gradual that it is difficult to notice or perceive
Example
The changes in his behavior were imperceptible at first.
B1 adjective /ɪmˈpeɪʃənt/

impatient

Meaning
Not able to wait calmly; restless and eager for something to happen.
Example
She grew impatient while waiting in the long queue.
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.
A1 noun /aɪˈdiː.ə/

Idea

Meaning
a thought or suggestion as to a possible course of action; a concept or mental impression
Example
She had a brilliant idea for solving the company's efficiency problem.
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.
C1 adjective ɪnˈsaɪ.sɪv

incisive

Meaning
Intelligently analytical and clear-thinking; showing clear thought and good understanding of what is important.
Example
His incisive comments revealed the core issues.
B2 adjective /aɪˈrɒnɪkəl/

ironical

Meaning
expressing irony; having the nature of irony
Example
Her ironical tone made everyone uncomfortable.
B2 adjective /ɪnˈfɔːrmətɪv/

Informative

Meaning
giving or providing useful information; educational; instructive
Example
The documentary was very informative and educational.
C1 adjective /ɪnˈkwɪzɪtɪv/

inquisitive

Meaning
Curious or eager to learn and ask questions.
Example
The inquisitive child asked endless questions about the stars.
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 /ɪnˈkoʊətɪv/

inchoative

Meaning
relating to the beginning of something; in an initial stage
Example
The poet used inchoative expressions to depict the dawn of creation.
C2 noun /ˌɪmprɪˈkeɪʃən/

imprecation

Meaning
A spoken curse or expression of strong condemnation.
Example
The angry crowd hurled imprecations at the corrupt official.
C2 adjective /ɪmˈpælpəbəl/

impalpable

Meaning
unable to be felt by touch; difficult to grasp or understand
Example
There was an impalpable sense of fear in the room.
B2 verb /ɪnˈheɪl/

inhale

Meaning
to breathe in; to draw air into the lungs
Example
Take a deep breath and inhale slowly.
C1 adjective ɪmˈpɛkəbl

impeccable

Meaning
In accordance with the highest standards; faultless.
Example
His impeccable taste in fashion was admired by all his peers.
B1 noun ˌɪndɪˈpendəns

independence

Meaning
The fact or state of being independent; freedom from outside control; not being subject to another's authority.
Example
Independence inspired the movement.
C2 adjective /ˌɪnkəmˈprɛsəbl/

incompressible

Meaning
Not able to be pressed or squeezed into a smaller space.
Example
Liquids are generally considered incompressible.
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 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.
C2 adjective /ɪnˈkɒrɪdʒəbəl/

incorrigible

Meaning
incapable of being corrected, improved, or reformed
Example
He is an incorrigible optimist who never loses hope.
B2 noun ˈɪnəveɪtɪv tuːlz

innovative tools

Meaning
Creative devices or advanced technologies that introduce new methods or approaches to accomplish tasks.
Example
Teachers use innovative tools to enhance classroom learning.
B2 adjective ˌɪnstrəˈmɛntl

instrumental

Meaning
Serving as a crucial means, agent, or tool; having a part in bringing about a result.
Example
Children can be instrumental in building a better society.
A2 noun/adjective /ˌɪndɪˈvɪdʒuəl/

individual

Meaning
A single human being as distinct from a group; relating to one person.
Example
Each individual has the right to freedom of speech.
C2 adjective /ˌɪnɪkˈstɛnsəbl/

inextensible

Meaning
Not capable of being stretched or extended.
Example
This rope is made of an inextensible material.
C1 adverb, adjective /ˌɪnkɑːɡˈniːtoʊ/

incognito

Meaning
In disguise or with one's identity concealed.
Example
The celebrity traveled incognito to avoid the paparazzi.
B2 noun /ɪnˈfek.ʃən/

Infection

Meaning
the process of infecting or the state of being infected; a disease caused by germs
Example
The doctor prescribed antibiotics to treat the bacterial infection in her throat.