inopportune
All a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z
All CEFR A1 A2 B1 B2 C1 C2
Content locale
EN English BN Bengali HI Hindi ES Spanish FR French DE German RU Russian ZH Chinese JA Japanese
All Vocabulary Cards All Vocabularies
C2 adjective /ˌɪnˌɑːpərˈtuːn/

inopportune

Meaning
Happening at a bad or inconvenient time.
Example
His call came at the most inopportune moment.
C1 adjective ˈflʌd proʊn

flood-prone

Meaning
Susceptible to flooding; likely to experience floods frequently.
Example
Bangladesh is a flood-prone deltaic nation.
C1 noun /ˈhed.weɪ/

Headway

Meaning
forward movement or progress, especially when this is slow or difficult
Example
Despite the challenges, the research team made significant headway in developing the new vaccine.
B2 noun noʊˈbel praɪz

Nobel Prize

Meaning
Any of six international prizes awarded annually for outstanding work in physics, chemistry, physiology or medicine, literature, economics, and the promotion of peace.
Example
Nobel Prize recognition evaded Bose's contributions.
C2 noun /əˈfleɪtəs/

afflatus

Meaning
a sudden divine inspiration or creative impulse
Example
The poet wrote the verses under a sudden afflatus of inspiration.
C2 noun /ˈfaɪər.brænd/

firebrand

Meaning
a person who is passionate about a cause, often inciting change or action
Example
The activist was a true firebrand, inspiring everyone around him to join the protest.
C2 noun /ˈdeb.juː.tɑːnt/

debutante

Meaning
A young woman making her first formal appearance in society.
Example
The debutante wore a white gown at the ball.
C1 noun /ɡræft/

Graft

Meaning
a shoot or twig inserted into a slit on the trunk of a living tree to form a new growth; corruption in politics or business
Example
The gardener used a graft to combine different varieties of apple trees.
C1 noun /ˈtem.pər.ə.mənt/

Temperament

Meaning
a person's natural disposition or mood; characteristic behavior patterns
Example
She has a calm temperament that helps her handle stress well.
B2 noun /kəˈrɪz.mə/

charisma

Meaning
Compelling attractiveness or charm that can inspire devotion in others.
Example
His charisma helped him become a great leader.
B2 adjective /ˈdæz.lɪŋ/

Dazzling

Meaning
extremely bright and impressive; brilliant and stunning
Example
The dazzling lights of the city amazed the tourists.
B2 adjective /ˈsɜːdʒɪkəl/

surgical

Meaning
relating to or involving surgery
Example
She underwent surgical treatment to repair the damage.
B2 adjective /ˈkeər.friː/

Carefree

Meaning
free from anxiety or responsibility; lighthearted; worry-free
Example
She lived a carefree life, traveling the world without any worries.
B2 noun /ˈnoʊ.ʃən/

Notion

Meaning
a conception or belief about something; an idea or opinion
Example
She had a strange notion that someone was following her.
C2 noun /ˌæpəˈzɪʃən/

apposition

Meaning
a grammatical construction in which two elements are placed side by side, with one explaining the other
Example
In the phrase 'my friend John,' the word 'John' is in apposition to 'my friend.'
C2 verb /dɪsˈpɔːrt/

disport

Meaning
To amuse oneself in a lively or playful way.
Example
The children disported themselves in the garden.
C2 verb /ˌnɒnˈplʌs/

nonplus

Meaning
To surprise and confuse someone so much that they are unsure how to react.
Example
The unexpected question seemed to nonplus the speaker.
C1 verb /əˈliː.vi.eɪt/

alleviate

Meaning
To make suffering, deficiency, or a problem less severe; to relieve or ease.
Example
Meditation can alleviate stress and improve focus.
B2 verb /niːl/

kneel

Meaning
to go down on one's knees; to rest on the knees
Example
The knight knelt before the king.
C2 verb /ʧeɪf/

chafe

Meaning
To make or become sore by rubbing; to feel irritation or impatience.
Example
The tight shoes began to chafe his heels.
B2 verb /ɪmˈbɒdi/

embody

Meaning
To give tangible or visible form to an idea, quality, or feeling.
Example
She embodies the spirit of generosity.
B1 noun /ˈpʌb.lɪ.ʃər/

Publisher

Meaning
a person or company that produces and distributes books, magazines, or newspapers
Example
The publisher decided to print 10,000 copies of the new novel.
C1 noun /ˈpɪt.fɔːl/

pitfall

Meaning
a hidden or unexpected danger or difficulty
Example
Investors must be aware of the pitfalls of the market.
B2 noun /biːk/

Beak

Meaning
the hard pointed part of a bird's mouth
Example
The eagle has a sharp beak for tearing meat.
B2 noun /pʌls/

Pulse

Meaning
edible seeds of leguminous plants such as lentils, beans, and peas
Example
Pulses are an excellent source of protein for vegetarians.
C1 adjective /ˈtʃɛk.ərd/

checkered

Meaning
Having a pattern of alternating squares of different colors; also describing a past full of ups and downs or varied experiences.
Example
He had a checkered career with many highs and lows.
B1 verb /ˈɔːrɡənaɪz/

organize

Meaning
to arrange systematically; to plan and coordinate
Example
She organized a surprise party for her friend.
B1 noun /ˈbæɹɪəz/

barriers

Meaning
Something that prevents progress or access; obstacles or hindrances.
Example
Language barriers can make communication difficult.
C1 noun /ˈfreɪlti/

frailty

Meaning
The condition of being weak, delicate, or easily broken.
Example
Old age often comes with physical frailty.
C2 noun /ɪmˈpaɪ.ə.ti/

Impiety

Meaning
lack of piety or reverence, especially for a god; disrespect or irreverence toward religious matters
Example
His impiety shocked the religious community when he mocked their sacred ceremonies.
B1 noun rɪˈzɪs.təns

resistance

Meaning
The refusal to accept or comply with something; the attempt to prevent something by action or argument.
Example
The resistance fought bravely against colonial forces.
B2 noun ˌprɒd.ʌkˈtɪv.ɪ.ti

productivity

Meaning
The effectiveness of productive effort, especially in industry, as measured in terms of the rate of output per unit of input.
Example
Improved irrigation boosts productivity.
C1 noun /haʊnd/

Hound

Meaning
a dog bred for hunting, typically having a keen sense of smell
Example
The bloodhound tracked the scent through the dense forest.
B2 verb /kəmˈpoʊz/

compose

Meaning
to create music or writing; to make up; to calm oneself
Example
She composes beautiful songs.
B2 noun dʒəˈnet.ɪks

genetics

Meaning
The study of heredity and the variation of inherited characteristics.
Example
Genetics plays a pivotal role in healthcare advancements.
C1 noun /ˈsɪk.əl/

Sickle

Meaning
a tool with a curved metal blade and short handle used for cutting grain crops
Example
The farmer harvested wheat using a traditional sickle.
B1 noun /ˈmɪʃ.ən/

Mission

Meaning
An important task or assignment given to a person or group; a specific purpose or goal
Example
The astronauts completed their mission to the space station.
C2 verb /priːˈfɪɡjər/

prefigure

Meaning
to represent, show, or foreshadow something in advance
Example
The economic reforms prefigure major social changes.
B2 noun /ˌmɛθəˈdɑlədʒi/

methodology

Meaning
A system of methods used in a particular area of study or activity.
Example
The research was conducted using a new methodology.
A2 noun /ˈɪndʒəri/

injury

Meaning
Harm or damage to a person’s body caused by an accident or attack.
Example
He suffered a serious injury during the football match.
C2 noun /ˈkæn.toʊ/

canto

Meaning
A main division of a long poem, especially in epic poetry.
Example
The Divine Comedy is divided into several cantos.
C1 verb /daɪˈvʌldʒ/

divulge

Meaning
to make known something private, secret, or previously unknown
Example
She refused to divulge the source of her information.
B1 adjective /ɪnˌθjuːziˈæstɪk/

enthusiastic

Meaning
Having or showing intense and eager enjoyment, interest, or approval.
Example
The explorers were enthusiastic about the journey.
B2 adjective /fəˈbɪd.ən/

Forbidden

Meaning
not allowed; prohibited; banned
Example
Smoking is strictly forbidden in this building.
C2 noun /ˈpɜːrtnəs/

pertness

Meaning
boldness or forwardness in speech or behavior; sauciness
Example
Her pertness during the meeting surprised everyone.
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.
B2 noun ˈstræt.ɪ.dʒiz

strategies

Meaning
A plan of action designed to achieve a long-term or overall aim; the art of planning and directing operations.
Example
Effective strategies can mitigate climate change impacts.
B2 noun ˈɡeɪm.pleɪ

gameplay

Meaning
The tactical aspects of a game, such as its plot and the way it is played.
Example
The team's gameplay was innovative.
C2 adjective /ˈædɪˌpoʊs/

adipose

Meaning
Relating to or consisting of animal fat; fatty.
Example
The doctor explained that the tissue was mainly adipose in nature.
C1 verb /ˈæk.lɪ.meɪt/

acclimate

Meaning
To adapt or become accustomed to a new environment or situation
Example
It takes time to acclimate to a new climate.
C1 verb /ˈdaʊn.pleɪ/

downplay

Meaning
to make something seem less important than it really is
Example
The company tried to downplay the risks of the new product.
B1 noun /ˈhʌntər/

hunter

Meaning
a person or animal that hunts animals for food or sport
Example
The hunter tracked the deer through the forest.
C1 noun /ˈpɔːsɪti/

paucity

Meaning
the presence of something in only small or insufficient quantities
Example
The project was delayed due to a paucity of funds.
C2 adjective /ˈmʌɡi/

muggy

Meaning
uncomfortably warm and humid
Example
It was a muggy afternoon in July.
C2 noun /ˈbʊlwərk/

bulwark

Meaning
A strong wall or defensive structure; something that provides protection or support.
Example
The fortress walls served as a bulwark against enemy attacks.
B2 noun /ˈkaʊ.ərd/

Coward

Meaning
a person who lacks the courage to do or endure dangerous or unpleasant things
Example
He called himself a coward for not standing up to the bully.
C2 noun /ˌæk.rəˈfoʊ.bi.ə/

acrophobia

Meaning
An extreme or irrational fear of heights.
Example
Her acrophobia prevented her from climbing the tall building.
C2 noun /ˈɛpənɪm/

eponym

Meaning
A person after whom a discovery, invention, place, or other thing is named.
Example
Sandwich is an eponym named after the Earl of Sandwich.
A1 noun /ˈbʌt.ər/

Butter

Meaning
a pale yellow edible fatty substance made by churning cream
Example
He spread butter on his toast for breakfast.
A2 adjective /ˈrʌʃən/

russian

Meaning
relating to Russia, its people, or its language
Example
She is studying the Russian language at university.
C1 adjective /ˈper.ɪ.ləs/

perilous

Meaning
Full of danger or risk; hazardous and threatening.
Example
The explorers took a perilous journey.
C2 noun /ˈbuːbi/

booby

Meaning
a foolish or gullible person; a silly individual
Example
He felt like a booby after making such a simple mistake.
A2 noun /ɪˈvent/

event

Meaning
something that happens, especially something important
Example
The concert was the biggest event of the year.
C2 adjective /ˌser.ɪˈməʊ.ni.əs/

ceremonious

Meaning
marked by formality, politeness, or strict observance of customs
Example
He gave her a ceremonious bow before entering the hall.
C2 noun /ˈsɛʃən/

cession

Meaning
The formal giving up of rights, property, or territory, especially by a state.
Example
The treaty resulted in the cession of land to the neighboring country.
C2 noun /troʊp/

trope

Meaning
A common or overused theme, idea, or device in literature, film, or speech.
Example
The film avoided the usual superhero tropes.
B2 noun /ˈfjʊr.i/

Fury

Meaning
wild or violent anger; extreme intensity of emotion or activity
Example
His fury was evident when he discovered someone had stolen his bicycle.
A2 adjective /ˈbrɪtɪʃ/

british

Meaning
relating to Great Britain or its people
Example
She loves British culture and traditions.
C2 adjective /ˈfluːviəl/

fluvial

Meaning
relating to or found in a river
Example
The fluvial deposits indicated the presence of an ancient river system.
B1 verb /ˈkɒnsəntreɪt/

concentrate

Meaning
to focus all one's attention or mental effort on a particular object or activity
Example
She tried to concentrate on her studies despite the noise.
C1 adjective ˈɒb.stɪ.nət

obstinate

Meaning
Refusing to change one's mind or accept others' advice easily.
Example
He remained obstinate despite the logical arguments.
A2 noun /ədˈvaɪs/

advice

Meaning
Guidance or recommendations offered with regard to prudent future action.
Example
Experts provide advice for better air quality.
C1 verb /sɪft/

sift

Meaning
to separate or sort through carefully, often using a sieve or by examining closely
Example
She sifted the flour before adding it to the cake mixture.
B1 noun /kəˈnuː/

Canoe

Meaning
a narrow boat pointed at both ends and moved with a paddle
Example
They paddled their canoe down the peaceful stream.
C1 noun /ˈdɛməɡɒɡ/

demagogue

Meaning
A political leader who seeks support by appealing to popular desires and prejudices rather than by using rational argument.
Example
The crowd was swayed by the fiery speeches of the demagogue.
A1 adjective /ˈsɔːri/

sorry

Meaning
feeling regret or sympathy
Example
She felt sorry for what had happened.
B1 noun /ˈæksɛnt/

accent

Meaning
a distinctive way of pronouncing a language, especially one associated with a particular country or region
Example
She spoke English with a strong French accent.
C1 verb /əˈdʒuːdɪˌkeɪt/

adjudicate

Meaning
to make a formal judgment or decision about a problem or dispute
Example
The committee was formed to adjudicate disputes between the parties.
C1 noun/verb /liːʃ/

leash

Meaning
a strap or cord used to control or guide an animal; to restrain or control
Example
The dog was on a leash during the walk.
C2 verb /kəˈlʌmnieɪt/

calumniate

Meaning
To make false and damaging statements about someone; to slander.
Example
He was furious when he realized they had calumniated his reputation.
B2 noun /ˈsɪnənɪm/

Synonym

Meaning
a word or phrase that means exactly or nearly the same as another word or phrase in the same language
Example
Happy and joyful are synonyms.
B2 adjective /ʃɪər/

Sheer

Meaning
complete; absolute; transparent; very steep
Example
It was sheer luck that we found the place.
B1 noun ˈɑːkɪtektʃə(r)

architecture

Meaning
The art or science of designing and constructing buildings.
Example
Ancient architecture is fascinating.
A2 noun /ˈjuːnɪt/

unit

Meaning
an individual thing or person regarded as a single and complete entity
Example
Each unit in the production line is carefully tested.
C2 adjective /ˈviː.ni.əl/

Venial

Meaning
forgivable; not seriously wrong; minor
Example
His late arrival was considered a venial offense.
B2 noun ɡrɪd

grid

Meaning
A network of interconnected lines or a system for distributing electricity over a wide area.
Example
The national power grid must be upgraded.
C2 adjective /ˈfɒp.ɪʃ/

Foppish

Meaning
excessively concerned with one's appearance and clothes; vain about dress
Example
His foppish behavior and expensive clothes made him stand out.
B1 verb /tɛnd/

tend

Meaning
To regularly behave in a particular way or to take care of something.
Example
She tends to wake up early in the morning.
B1 noun /ˈhev.ən/

Heaven

Meaning
a place regarded in various religions as the abode of God and the angels; a place of eternal happiness
Example
Many people believe that good souls go to heaven after they pass away from this world.
B2 verb /tɔɪl/

Toil

Meaning
to work extremely hard for long periods
Example
Farmers toil in the fields from dawn to dusk.
C1 noun dɪˌtɪə.ri.əˈreɪ.ʃən

deterioration

Meaning
The process of becoming progressively worse; decline in quality, condition, or strength.
Example
Poor maintenance leads to material deterioration.
C2 noun /ˈsaɪ.ə.lɪz.əm/

sciolism

Meaning
pretentious show of superficial knowledge
Example
His speech was full of sciolism, impressing no one.
C1 noun /dɪˈkɔː.rəm/

Decorum

Meaning
behavior in keeping with good taste and propriety; dignified and appropriate conduct
Example
The diplomat maintained perfect decorum throughout the heated negotiations.
B1 noun /ɪˈfɛk.tɪv kəˌmjuː.nɪˈkeɪ.ʃən/

effective communication

Meaning
Clear and meaningful exchange of information that achieves its intended purpose.
Example
Effective communication is key to strong relationships.
C1 noun /ˌmiːdɪˈeɪʃən/

mediation

Meaning
Intervention between parties to promote reconciliation, settlement, or compromise.
Example
The mediation helped resolve the conflict between the two teams.
C2 noun /ˈhɛklər/

heckler

Meaning
A person who interrupts a speaker with rude or aggressive comments.
Example
The politician remained calm despite the heckler shouting from the crowd.
B2 verb /riːˈɔːrɡənaɪz/

reorganize

Meaning
to arrange something again in a different way for greater efficiency or order
Example
The manager decided to reorganize the team structure.
B2 adjective /ˈɒp.tɪ.məl/

optimal

Meaning
Best or most favorable; the most effective under particular conditions.
Example
The optimal temperature for plant growth is around 25°C.
C2 verb /ˈbaɪfərˌkeɪt/

bifurcate

Meaning
to divide into two branches or parts
Example
The road bifurcates into two separate paths at the hill.
C1 adverb /ˈrɪdʒɪdli/

Rigidly

Meaning
in a strict, inflexible manner; without compromise
Example
The rules are rigidly enforced in this institution.
C2 noun /ˈhʌvəl/

hovel

Meaning
a small, poorly built, and dirty house
Example
The refugees lived in a makeshift hovel.
A2 adjective /ˈkwaɪ.ɪt/

Quiet

Meaning
silent; peaceful; calm; making little or no noise
Example
Please keep quiet during the movie.
A1 noun /laɪf/

life

Meaning
The existence of an individual human being or animal.
Example
Life is full of challenges and opportunities.
B2 noun /ˈaɪkɒn/

icon

Meaning
A person or thing regarded as a symbol of something, or a graphic symbol on a screen.
Example
The singer became a cultural icon.
C1 adjective /ɪnˈfæləbl̩/

infallible

Meaning
incapable of making mistakes or being wrong
Example
Her judgment seemed infallible in matters of finance.
B1 verb /seɪl/

sail

Meaning
to travel on water in a boat or ship using sails or by wind power
Example
They sailed across the Atlantic Ocean last summer.
B2 noun /ɡɪɡ/

gig

Meaning
A live performance by a musician, band, or entertainer; also a temporary job.
Example
The band has a gig at the local club tonight.
C1 adjective /ˈmel.əʊ/

Mellow

Meaning
soft and pleasant; relaxed and gentle
Example
The mellow evening light created a peaceful atmosphere.
B1 adverb /ɪkˈstriːm.li/

Extremely

Meaning
to a very high degree; exceptionally
Example
The weather today is extremely hot and humid.
A2 noun /ˈpoʊɪm/

poem

Meaning
a piece of writing that expresses ideas, feelings, or tells a story in a distinct form, often using rhyme or meter
Example
She wrote a beautiful poem for her mother.
C1 adjective /ˈluːdɪkrəs/

ludicrous

Meaning
so foolish, unreasonable, or out of place as to be amusing
Example
It is ludicrous to think the Earth is flat.
C1 noun prɪˈdɪk.ə.mənt

predicament

Meaning
A difficult, unpleasant, or embarrassing situation.
Example
Losing both jobs put him in a financial predicament.
C1 adjective /ˌpæθəˈlɑːdʒɪkəl/

pathological

Meaning
Relating to disease; extreme or obsessive in a way that is abnormal.
Example
He has a pathological fear of failure.
B1 adjective /ˈrel.ə.vənt/

Relevant

Meaning
closely connected or appropriate to what is being discussed; pertinent
Example
Please provide only relevant information for this discussion.
B1 noun ˈmeʒ.ərz

measures

Meaning
A plan or course of action taken to achieve a particular purpose.
Example
Mitigation measures focus on reducing emissions.
C2 adjective /ˈmɔːkɪʃ/

mawkish

Meaning
excessively sentimental, often to the point of being sickly
Example
The movie was criticized for its mawkish sentimentality.
B1 verb /əˈsoʊsiˌeɪt/

associate

Meaning
to connect or link things together; to spend time with someone
Example
I associate this song with summer.
C1 noun ˌriː.pɚˈkʌʃ.ənz

repercussions

Meaning
The unintended consequences or effects of an action or event.
Example
The new policy had unintended repercussions on the economy.
C1 noun /kənˈspɪrə.tər/

conspirator

Meaning
a person who secretly plans with others to do something unlawful or harmful
Example
The conspirator was arrested before the plan could be carried out.
B1 noun, verb /ˈseɪ.lɪŋ/

sailing

Meaning
The act of traveling in a boat or ship using sails; the sport or activity of navigating a boat with sails.
Example
We went sailing on the lake during the summer.
C2 adjective /ˌpɒliˈæn.ɪ.ɪʃ/

pollyannaish

Meaning
overly or blindly optimistic
Example
Her pollyannaish attitude ignored the obvious problems.