C1 noun
C1 noun /ˈleɪ.mən/
Layman
Meaning
a person without professional or specialized knowledge in a particular subject
Example
The doctor explained the procedure in layman's terms.
C1 noun /lʌmp/
Lump
Meaning
a compact mass of a substance, especially one without a definite or regular shape
Example
She found a lump of sugar in the bowl.
C1 noun /ˈliːniənsi/
leniency
Meaning
The quality of being more merciful or tolerant than expected.
Example
The judge showed leniency in his ruling.
C1 noun /ˈlɪŋɡwɪst/
linguist
Meaning
A person skilled in foreign languages or in the scientific study of language.
Example
She is a linguist who speaks six languages fluently.
C1 noun /ˈliːvˌteɪ.kɪŋ/
leave-taking
Meaning
an act of saying goodbye; farewell
Example
His leave-taking from his friends was emotional.
C1 noun /ˌlɛ.seɪ ˈfɛər/
laissez-faire
Meaning
An economic policy where government does not intervene in business affairs.
Example
Laissez-faire policies encourage private enterprise.
C1 verb /ˈlæmɪˌneɪt/
laminate
Meaning
to cover or enclose something with a protective layer, usually plastic
Example
She laminated her important documents to protect them from damage.
C1 noun /ˈleɪ.dəl/
Ladle
Meaning
a large deep spoon with a long handle, used for serving soup or other liquids
Example
Use the ladle to serve the hot soup into bowls.
C1 noun ˈlɪniɪdʒ
Lineage
Meaning
Direct descent from an ancestor; ancestry or pedigree.
Example
Tracing your lineage can reveal unknown ancestors.
C1 adjective /ˈliː.ni.ənt/
Lenient
Meaning
tolerant; forgiving; merciful; not strict in punishment or judgment
Example
The teacher was lenient with students who submitted their homework late.
C1 noun /ˌlaɪ.sənˈsiː/
Licensee
Meaning
a person or organization that holds a license to do something
Example
The licensee is responsible for following all regulations.
C1 noun /ˈlaɪtʃi/
Litchi
Meaning
a small oval pink-red tropical fruit with white translucent flesh and sweet taste
Example
The litchi has a rough pink shell that you peel to eat the sweet white fruit inside.
C1 noun /ˈleθ.ər.dʒi/
Lethargy
Meaning
a lack of energy and enthusiasm; tiredness and inactivity
Example
The hot weather caused a feeling of lethargy.
C1 verb ˈlæŋ.ɡwɪʃ
languish
Meaning
To remain in a state of neglect or decline for a long time without improvement.
Example
The project began to languish due to a lack of funding.
C1 adjective /ˈlɛdʒəbl/
legible
Meaning
clear enough to read
Example
Her handwriting was barely legible.
C1 noun /lʌst/
Lust
Meaning
very strong sexual desire; a passionate desire for something
Example
His lust for power corrupted him completely.
C1 adjective /ˈlaʊzi/
lousy
Meaning
of very poor quality; bad or unpleasant
Example
He felt lousy after catching the flu.
C1 verb /ˈlɛdʒɪsˌleɪt/
legislate
Meaning
to make or enact laws
Example
The government plans to legislate new safety standards.
C1 adjective /ˈlɑːpˌsaɪdɪd/
lopsided
Meaning
with one side lower, larger, or different from the other; uneven or imbalanced
Example
The cake looked lopsided after being decorated in a hurry.
C1 verb /lʊər/
lure
Meaning
to attract or tempt someone, often by offering something appealing
Example
The advertisement lured customers with promises of discounts.
C1 noun /ˈlɪbərəlɪzəm/
liberalism
Meaning
a political and social philosophy advocating individual freedoms, democracy, and equality
Example
Liberalism emphasizes freedom of speech and human rights.
C1 adjective /ˌloʊ ˈspɪrɪtɪd/
low-spirited
Meaning
feeling sad, depressed, or lacking enthusiasm
Example
He felt low-spirited after hearing the bad news.
C1 noun /liːtʃ/
Leech
Meaning
an aquatic or terrestrial annelid worm with suckers at both ends; metaphorically, a person who extorts profit from others
Example
The leech attached itself to his leg while swimming.
C1 adjective /ˈliːf.ləs/
Leafless
Meaning
without leaves; bare
Example
The leafless trees looked bare in winter.
C1 verb /ˈliːɡəlaɪz/
legalize
Meaning
To make something lawful by official approval.
Example
The government decided to legalize online businesses.
C1 noun /ˈlæd.i/
laddie
Meaning
A young boy or lad.
Example
The old man gave the young laddie a kind smile.
C1 adjective /ˈlæv.ɪʃ/
Lavish
Meaning
expensive; elaborate; extravagant; generous
Example
The wedding was a lavish celebration with hundreds of guests.
C1 verb /ˈlʌmbər/
lumber
Meaning
to move in a slow, heavy, awkward way
Example
The bear lumbered through the forest in search of food.
C1 verb /luːt/
loot
Meaning
to steal goods, typically during war, riot, or chaos
Example
The rioters looted several shops during the protest.
C1 noun /ˈlɔːriət/
laureate
Meaning
A person honored with an award for outstanding achievement in a field, especially the arts or sciences.
Example
The Nobel laureate gave an inspiring lecture on peace.
C1 noun/adjective /ˈlɛzbiən/
lesbian
Meaning
a woman who is romantically or sexually attracted to other women
Example
She is a proud lesbian and advocates for equal rights.
C1 noun ˌlɪb.ərˈeɪ.ʃən
liberation
Meaning
The action of setting someone free from imprisonment, slavery, or oppression; release.
Example
Liberation movements inspired many countries.
C1 noun ˈlaɪv.li.hʊd
livelihood
Meaning
A means of securing the necessities of life; a way of making a living.
Example
Fishing is the primary livelihood of coastal communities.
C1 noun /luː/
lieu
Meaning
Instead of; in place of.
Example
He gave money in lieu of flowers.
C1 noun ˈledʒ.ɪ.slə.tʃər
legislature
Meaning
The legislative body of a country or state; the branch of government that makes laws.
Example
The legislature drafts laws for governance.
C1 noun /ˈlænd.slaɪd/
Landslide
Meaning
a collapse of a mass of earth or rock from a mountain or cliff; an overwhelming victory in an election
Example
Heavy rains triggered a massive landslide that blocked the mountain highway.
C1 verb /ˈlɔːndər/
launder
Meaning
to wash clothes, linens, etc.; or to conceal the origins of money obtained illegally
Example
She laundered all the dirty clothes on Sunday.
C1 noun /luːm/
Loom
Meaning
a machine for weaving cloth; to appear threatening or menacing
Example
The weaver worked at the loom to create beautiful fabrics.
C1 adjective /lʌʃ/
lush
Meaning
rich, abundant, and luxurious, especially referring to vegetation
Example
The valley was filled with lush green fields.
C1 adjective /ˈlɪvɪd/
livid
Meaning
Extremely angry; furious.
Example
She was livid when she found out about the betrayal.
C1 adjective /ˈluː.krə.tɪv/
lucrative
Meaning
Producing a great deal of profit; highly profitable or financially rewarding.
Example
The real estate business is highly lucrative in urban areas.
C1 adjective /ˈlæk.tɪk/
lactic
Meaning
Relating to milk or lactic acid.
Example
Intense exercise can lead to a buildup of lactic acid in the muscles.
C1 verb /lʌl/
lull
Meaning
to soothe or calm; to cause to sleep or rest
Example
The gentle music lulled the baby to sleep.
C1 adjective /ˈlɔːf.ti/
Lofty
Meaning
of great height; noble in character; elevated in style
Example
He has lofty ideals about making the world a better place.
C1 adjective ˈluː.sɪd
lucid
Meaning
Clear and easily understandable thoughts or explanations.
Example
His explanation was so lucid that everyone understood it.
C1 adjective/verb /ˈleɪ.bərd/
labored
Meaning
done with great effort and difficulty; or past tense of labor
Example
He gave a labored explanation that confused the audience.
C1 adjective /ˈlɔː.fəl/
Lawful
Meaning
legal; legitimate; valid; just
Example
The judge confirmed that their actions were lawful and proper.
C1 noun /ˈlʌɡ.ɪdʒ væn/
Luggage van
Meaning
a vehicle designed for carrying luggage and cargo
Example
The luggage van carried all the passengers' suitcases.
C1 phrase lɪˈdʒɪt.ɪ.mət sɛlf dɪˈfens
legitimate self-defense
Meaning
Lawful protection of oneself from harm or attack.
Example
The country claimed it was legitimate self-defense.
C1 noun/adjective /ˈluː.nə.tɪk/
lunatic
Meaning
A person who is insane or acting in a foolish or reckless way; also used as an adjective meaning insane.
Example
The driver was driving like a lunatic on the highway.
C1 noun /liˈeɪzɒn/
liaison
Meaning
communication or cooperation between people or groups for a smooth working relationship
Example
She works as a liaison between the company and its clients.
C1 adjective /ˈlækˌlʌstər/
lackluster
Meaning
Lacking in vitality, force, or conviction; uninspired or uninspiring.
Example
The lackluster performance disappointed the audience.
C1 adjective /loʊθ/
loath
Meaning
reluctant or unwilling to do something
Example
She was loath to admit her mistake in front of everyone.
C1 noun /ˌluː.brɪˈkeɪ.ʃən/
lubrication
Meaning
The action of applying a substance to reduce friction between surfaces in mutual contact.
Example
Lubrication of the eyes is essential for well-being.
C1 noun /ˈleɪ.tən.si/
latency
Meaning
The delay in processing signals or data.
Example
High latency in online gaming can cause lagging issues.
C1 noun ˌlɪb.ər.ə.laɪˈzeɪ.ʃən
liberalization
Meaning
The removal or loosening of restrictions on something, typically an economic or political system.
Example
The liberalization of trade policies attracted foreign investments.
C1 noun /ˈlaɪk.nəs/
Likeness
Meaning
the fact or quality of being alike; resemblance; a portrait or representation
Example
The portrait shows a strong likeness to her grandmother.
C1 adjective /ˈloʊli/
lowly
Meaning
humble in status, position, or manner
Example
She rose from a lowly position to become the company's CEO.
C1 noun /ˈlʌləˌbaɪ/
lullaby
Meaning
a soothing song sung to help a child fall asleep
Example
She sang a lullaby to her baby every night.
C1 verb /lɜːrk/
lurk
Meaning
to remain hidden so as to wait for an opportunity to attack or observe
Example
A stranger lurked in the shadows.
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 /liːs/
Lease
Meaning
a contract by which one party conveys land, property, services, etc. to another for a specified time, usually in return for a periodic payment
Example
They signed a two-year lease for the apartment.
C1 noun /lɪˈɡæl.ə.ti/
Legality
Meaning
the quality or state of being legal; accordance with the law
Example
The lawyer questioned the legality of the contract.
C1 verb /ˈlɪtɪˌɡeɪt/
litigate
Meaning
to engage in legal proceedings or take a dispute to court
Example
The company decided to litigate the contract dispute.
C1 noun /læʃ/
Lash
Meaning
an eyelash; a sharp blow with a whip or rope; to strike forcefully
Example
She carefully applied mascara to make her lashes look longer and darker.
C1 noun /ləˈɡuːn/
lagoon
Meaning
A shallow body of water separated from the sea by sandbars or reefs.
Example
We swam in the calm waters of the lagoon.
C1 noun /ˈlaɪbəl/
libel
Meaning
a published false statement that damages a person's reputation
Example
The newspaper was sued for libel after publishing false claims.
C1 noun /ˌlɪbəˈreɪʃən wɔːr/
liberation war
Meaning
a war fought to gain freedom from foreign rule, occupation, or oppression; an armed struggle for national independence
Example
The liberation war reshaped the nation’s history and identity.
C1 noun /ˈleɪˌpɜːrsən/
layperson
Meaning
A person who is not a member of the clergy or does not have specialized knowledge in a subject.
Example
The judge explained the law so that the layperson could understand.
C1 noun /ˈlaɪm.laɪt/
Limelight
Meaning
the focus of public attention; a bright light produced by heating a cylinder of lime
Example
The celebrity enjoyed being in the limelight.
C1 verb /ˈlɪbəreɪt/
liberate
Meaning
to set free from imprisonment, oppression, or restraint
Example
The army liberated the city from enemy control.
C1 noun /ˈlɛk.sɪ.kɒn/
lexicon
Meaning
The vocabulary of a person, language, or branch of knowledge; a collection of words and terms.
Example
A translator must have a vast lexicon of both languages.
C1 noun /ˌloʊkəˈmoʊʃən/
locomotion
Meaning
movement or the ability to move from one place to another
Example
Walking is the most common form of human locomotion.
C1 noun /lɪˈkjʊər/
liqueur
Meaning
A strong, sweet alcoholic drink flavored with fruits, herbs, or spices.
Example
She served a small glass of cherry liqueur after dinner.
C1 noun /ˈlɪrɪk/
lyric
Meaning
the words of a song or a short poem that expresses personal feelings
Example
She memorized every lyric of her favorite song.
C1 verb /ˈluːbrɪkeɪt/
lubricate
Meaning
to apply oil or grease to reduce friction between surfaces
Example
The mechanic lubricated the car engine parts.
C1 noun /ˈlɛɡɪŋ/
legging
Meaning
tight-fitting stretch pants, typically worn by women for exercise or casual wear
Example
She bought a new pair of black leggings for the gym.
C1 noun, adjective /ˈlæksətɪv/
laxative
Meaning
A medicine or substance that stimulates bowel movements; tending to loosen or relieve constipation.
Example
The doctor prescribed a mild laxative for her condition.
C1 noun /ˈlaɪm.stoʊn/
Lime stone
Meaning
a hard sedimentary rock, composed mainly of calcium carbonate or dolomite, used as building material and in the making of cement
Example
The ancient building was made of limestone blocks.
C1 noun /ˈlæt.ɪ.tuːd/
Latitude
Meaning
the angular distance of a place north or south of the earth's equator; freedom to act or think
Example
The GPS device showed our exact latitude and longitude coordinates on the map.
C1 noun /lɔnˈdʒɛvəti/
longevity
Meaning
Long life or long existence of something.
Example
Good habits contribute to health and longevity.
C1 adjective /ˈluː.mɪ.nəs/
Luminous
Meaning
bright; shining; emitting light; radiant
Example
The luminous stars filled the dark night sky.
C1 adjective ləˈθɑːrdʒɪk
lethargic
Meaning
Being inactive due to lack of physical or mental energy
Example
After a heavy meal, he felt lethargic and sleepy.
C1 adjective lɪŋˈɡwɪs.tɪk
linguistic
Meaning
Related to language or linguistics; concerning the scientific study of language.
Example
The AI model learns from linguistic patterns.
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.
C1 noun /ˌluː.mɪˈnɒs.ɪ.ti/
luminosity
Meaning
The intrinsic brightness of a celestial object; the quality of emitting light.
Example
The luminosity of the star was measured with advanced instruments.
C1 noun /ˈloʊ.fər/
Loafer
Meaning
a person who avoids work or effort; an idler
Example
Don't be a loafer, help us with the work.
C1 noun, verb /ˈliːvər/ or /ˈlɛvər/
lever
Meaning
a rigid bar used to move or lift heavy objects; to move something using leverage.
Example
He used a lever to lift the heavy stone.
C1 noun /ˈlɔːsuːt/
lawsuit
Meaning
a legal case brought to a court of law by one person against another
Example
The company faced a lawsuit over false advertising.
C1 verb, noun /lɜːrtʃ/
lurch
Meaning
to make an abrupt, unsteady, or uncontrolled movement; a sudden movement or stagger
Example
The bus lurched forward as the driver hit the brakes.
C1 noun /ˈlɪməˌziːn/
limousine
Meaning
a large, luxurious car driven by a chauffeur.
Example
The bride arrived in a white limousine.
C1 noun /ˌloʊ.kəˈmoʊ.tɪv/
locomotive
Meaning
A powered rail vehicle used for pulling trains.
Example
The old steam locomotive was restored for the museum.
C1 noun /læns/
Lance
Meaning
a long weapon with a sharp metal point, used by soldiers on horseback
Example
The knight charged forward with his lance ready.
C1 noun /ˈlɪɡ.əmənt/
ligament
Meaning
A tough band of tissue that connects bones at a joint.
Example
He tore a ligament in his knee while playing football.
C1 noun /lɪˈbiːdoʊ/
libido
Meaning
Sexual desire or drive.
Example
Stress can sometimes lower a person's libido.
C1 adjective /ˈlʌʃəs/
luscious
Meaning
deliciously sweet or rich; highly appealing to the senses
Example
She served a luscious chocolate cake.
C1 noun /ˈliːʒən/
lesion
Meaning
An area of damage or abnormal change in the tissue of an organism, often caused by injury or disease.
Example
The doctor examined the skin lesion carefully.
C1 noun /ˈlɔː.ləs.nəs/
Lawlessness
Meaning
absence of law and order; a state where laws do not exist or are not enforced
Example
The city descended into lawlessness after the government collapsed.
C1 verb, noun /læɡ/
lag
Meaning
To fall behind in movement, progress, or development; a delay or period of falling behind.
Example
The old computer tends to lag when running new software.
C1 verb /ˈlaɪ.kən/
liken
Meaning
to compare one thing to another, often in a figurative way
Example
He likened her voice to sweet music.
C1 noun /læps/
Lapse
Meaning
a temporary failure of concentration, memory, or judgment; the termination of a right or privilege
Example
There was a brief lapse in security that allowed the intruder to enter the building.
C1 noun /ˈlɪmboʊ/
limbo
Meaning
A state of uncertainty or neglect; an intermediate or transitional state.
Example
The project was left in limbo after the funding was withdrawn.
C1 noun /ˈlɔː.meɪ.kər/
Lawmaker
Meaning
a person who writes and passes laws, especially a member of a legislative body
Example
The lawmakers voted on the new education bill.
C1 adjective /ˌlaɪtˈhɑːrtɪd/
light-hearted
Meaning
cheerful, carefree, and not serious
Example
She gave a light-hearted speech at the party.
C1 noun ˌlaɪ.əˈbɪl.ə.ti
liability
Meaning
The state of being responsible for something, especially by law; a debt or financial obligation.
Example
The company's liabilities exceeded its assets.
C1 noun /ˈlʌstər/
luster
Meaning
a gentle sheen or soft glow, especially from a polished surface
Example
The diamond had a brilliant luster.
C1 adjective /ˈljʊərɪd/
lurid
Meaning
shocking or sensational in a vivid way, often involving crime or violence
Example
The newspaper published a lurid account of the crime.
C1 adjective liːst prɪˈpeərd
least prepared
Meaning
Having the minimum level of readiness or equipment to handle a situation.
Example
Bangladesh is among the least prepared for climate adaptation.
C1 noun /ˈloʊ.kəst/
Locust
Meaning
a large insect that flies in groups and eats crops
Example
The locusts destroyed the entire wheat field.
C1 verb, adjective, noun /lɪmp/
limp
Meaning
to walk with difficulty, often due to injury or weakness; lacking strength or firmness.
Example
He limped after injuring his ankle.
C1 noun /ˈlɛktən/
lectern
Meaning
A tall stand with a sloping top used to support a book, notes, or script during a speech or lecture.
Example
The professor placed her notes on the lectern before starting her lecture.
C1 verb /ləˈmɛnt/
lament
Meaning
to express grief, sorrow, or regret about something
Example
She lamented the loss of her childhood home.
C1 verb /ˈlɪŋɡər/
linger
Meaning
to stay in a place longer than necessary; to persist
Example
The smell of coffee lingered in the kitchen.
C1 noun /ˈlæb.ə.rɪnθ/
labyrinth
Meaning
A complicated network of paths or passages; an intricate and confusing arrangement.
Example
The city's streets were like a labyrinth.
C1 noun /lɪŋˈɡwɪstɪks/
linguistics
Meaning
The scientific study of language and its structure.
Example
She decided to major in linguistics at university.
C1 adjective /ˈlaɪf.laɪk/
lifelike
Meaning
Very similar to a real person, object, or scene; realistic.
Example
The wax figure was so lifelike that people thought it was a real person.
C1 verb /ˈlɛvi/
levy
Meaning
To impose or collect, especially a tax or fine.
Example
The government decided to levy a new tax on luxury goods.
C1 noun /ˈliːdʒən/
legion
Meaning
a large group of people, especially soldiers; a great number
Example
The Roman army was divided into legions.
C1 verb /ˈlɪkwɪdeɪt/
liquidate
Meaning
To sell assets in order to pay off debts; to close a business and convert assets into cash.
Example
The company decided to liquidate its assets to pay creditors.
C1 adjective /læks/
lax
Meaning
Not strict, severe, or careful; negligent or careless.
Example
The security at the airport was surprisingly lax.