B2 noun sliːp ˌdɛprɪˈveɪʃən

sleep deprivation

Meaning

The condition of not having enough sleep; lack of adequate sleep.

Example

Sleep deprivation can severely impact mental health.

B2 adjective spekˈtækjʊlər

spectacular

Meaning

Beautiful in a dramatic and eye-catching way; very impressive.

Example

The launch of the spacecraft was a spectacular event.

B2 noun /ˈsmɑːrt.nəs/

Smartness

Meaning

intelligence; cleverness; neat and fashionable appearance

Example

Her smartness in solving problems impressed everyone.

B2 noun (plural) /skræps/

scraps

Meaning

Small pieces left over from something; also small fights or quarrels.

Example

The dog ate the scraps from the table.

B2 noun /slɒt/

slot

Meaning

a narrow opening into which something fits or is placed

Example

Insert the card into the slot to open the door.

B2 noun /ˈsaɪrən/

siren

Meaning

A device that makes a loud prolonged sound as a signal or warning; in mythology, a creature that lures sailors with enchanting songs.

Example

The police car passed with its siren blaring.

B2 noun /swiːt/

suite

Meaning

a set of rooms designated for one person's or family's use or for a particular purpose

Example

They stayed in the presidential suite at the hotel.

B2 adjective /stɪf/

Stiff

Meaning

not easily bent or changed; rigid; firm

Example

The old wooden board was too stiff to bend.

B2 verb /ˈstrɛŋkθən/

strengthen

Meaning

To make or become stronger.

Example

Communication can strengthen bonds between people.

B2 verb /spɪl/

spill

Meaning

to cause liquid to flow or fall out of a container by accident

Example

Be careful not to spill your coffee.

B2 verb /straɪd/

stride

Meaning

to walk with long, decisive steps; to make progress

Example

She strode confidently across the stage.

B2 noun /ˈsʌ.plɪ.mənt/

Supplement

Meaning

something that completes or adds to something else; a dietary product

Example

She takes vitamin supplements to maintain her health.

B2 noun /ˈspəʊkspɜːrsən/

spokesperson

Meaning

a person who speaks on behalf of others or an organization

Example

The spokesperson addressed the press conference on behalf of the company.

B2 noun /ˈsliːpər/

sleeper

Meaning

a person or thing that sleeps; something that unexpectedly succeeds

Example

The movie turned out to be a real sleeper hit.

B2 verb /ʃʌv/

shove

Meaning

to push someone or something roughly

Example

He shoved the box into the corner.

B2 noun ˌsɛlf ˈdɪs.ə.plɪn

self-discipline

Meaning

The ability to control one's emotions and behavior.

Example

Self-discipline is crucial for achieving long-term success.

B2 adjective /stɑːrk/

stark

Meaning

Severe, sharp, or clearly defined; plain and without any decoration.

Example

The stark contrast between poverty and wealth was evident in the city.

B2 noun /speɪd/

Spade

Meaning

a tool with a flat blade for digging; a playing card suit

Example

The gardener used a spade to dig holes for planting flowers.

B2 adjective /səˈpɔːtɪv/

supportive

Meaning

providing encouragement or emotional help to someone

Example

She was very supportive during my difficult times.

B2 noun /sɛnt/

scent

Meaning

a distinctive smell, especially a pleasant one

Example

The scent of roses filled the garden.

B2 adjective ˌsɪm.əlˈteɪ.ni.əs

simultaneous

Meaning

Occurring, operating, or done at the same time.

Example

Simultaneous crop failures affect global food supply.

B2 noun /stɪŋk/

Stink

Meaning

a strong unpleasant smell; bad odor

Example

The garbage created a terrible stink in the kitchen.

B2 noun/verb /stʌmp/

stump

Meaning

the base of a tree left after the trunk is cut down; to puzzle or confuse

Example

The question completely stumped the students.

B2 verb ˈsiːlɪŋ

sealing

Meaning

The action of closing or blocking something to prevent entry or escape.

Example

Sealing cracks in the walls can prevent pests from entering.

B2 verb /swiːp/

sweep

Meaning

to clean by brushing; to move quickly and smoothly

Example

She sweeps the floor every morning.

B2 noun /ˈsætaɪər/

satire

Meaning

The use of humor, irony, or exaggeration to criticize people's stupidity or vices.

Example

The play was a brilliant satire on modern politics.

B2 verb /ˈsɒfən/

soften

Meaning

to make or become less hard, severe, or strong.

Example

Heat will soften the butter quickly.

B2 noun /sliːv/

Sleeve

Meaning

the part of a garment that covers the arm

Example

She rolled up her sleeves before starting to cook.

B2 noun /ˌsɛlf ɪˈstiːm/

self-esteem

Meaning

confidence in one's own worth or abilities; self-respect

Example

Building self-esteem takes time and consistent effort.

B2 adjective /ˈsteɪʃəˌneri/

stationary

Meaning

Not moving or not intended to be moved.

Example

The car remained stationary at the red light.

B2 adjective /ˈstuː.di.əs/

Studious

Meaning

characterized by diligent study; devoted to learning

Example

She is a studious student who spends hours in the library.

B2 adjective /ˈslɪp.ər.i/

Slippery

Meaning

smooth and difficult to hold; causing sliding or slipping

Example

The wet floor was very slippery after cleaning.

B2 adjective /ˈsɜːdʒɪkəl/

surgical

Meaning

relating to or involving surgery

Example

She underwent surgical treatment to repair the damage.

B2 adjective ˈsɑːləm

solemn

Meaning

Formal and dignified; characterized by deep sincerity.

Example

The day begins with a solemn ceremony at the memorial.

B2 noun /səˈspɪʃən/

Suspicion

Meaning

a feeling or thought that someone is guilty of an illegal or dishonest activity

Example

The police arrested him on suspicion of theft.

B2 verb /stɪtʃ/

stitch

Meaning

to sew with needle and thread; to join pieces of fabric

Example

She will stitch the torn dress carefully.

B2 verb /skriːtʃ/

screech

Meaning

to make a loud, high-pitched and unpleasant sound

Example

The car screeched to a halt.

B2 noun /ˈʃʌtəl/

shuttle

Meaning

a vehicle or craft that travels regularly between two places.

Example

The airport shuttle runs every 30 minutes.

B2 noun /ˈsteɪdiəm/

stadium

Meaning

a large structure with seating for sports, concerts, or other events

Example

Thousands of fans filled the stadium to watch the final match.

B2 adjective /ˈspiː.di/

Speedy

Meaning

moving or happening quickly; fast

Example

The speedy delivery service arrived within an hour.

B2 adjective /səˈbɜːrbən/

suburban

Meaning

relating to or characteristic of a suburb or the people living there

Example

They bought a house in a quiet suburban area.

B2 noun səˌsteɪ.nəˈbɪl.ɪ.ti

sustainability

Meaning

The ability to be maintained at a certain rate or level; the avoidance of the depletion of natural resources in order to maintain ecological balance.

Example

Sustainability ensures long-term environmental health.

B2 adjective /ˈsɒl.ɪ.ter.i/

Solitary

Meaning

alone; without companions; single; isolated

Example

He lived a solitary life in the mountains.

B2 noun /səkˈses.ər/

Successor

Meaning

a person who succeeds another in office; someone who takes over a position or role

Example

The CEO announced his retirement and named his successor for the company.

B2 verb /səʊ/

sew

Meaning

to join pieces of fabric or material together using a needle and thread

Example

She learned to sew her own clothes at an early age.

B2 verb /ˈsmʌɡəl/

smuggle

Meaning

to move goods illegally into or out of a country

Example

The gang tried to smuggle gold across the border.

B2 noun /sɜːˈveɪ.ləns/

surveillance

Meaning

Close observation, especially of a suspected spy or criminal; continuous watching of a place, person, or situation.

Example

Government agencies conduct surveillance on cyber threats.

B2 noun /ˌsɪm.ɪˈlær.ə.ti/

Similarity

Meaning

the quality or state of being similar; resemblance

Example

There is a striking similarity between the two paintings.

B2 adjective /sɔːr/

sore

Meaning

painful or aching, usually in a specific part of the body

Example

After the long run, my legs were sore.

B2 noun /ˌsɒl.ɪˈdær.ə.ti/

Solidarity

Meaning

unity or agreement of feeling or action among individuals with a common interest

Example

The workers showed solidarity during the strike.

B2 adjective /səbˈstæn.ʃəl/

Substantial

Meaning

large in size, amount, or importance; considerable; significant

Example

There was a substantial increase in sales this quarter.

B2 noun /spaʊs/

spouse

Meaning

a person's husband or wife

Example

Each employee may include their spouse in the health insurance plan.

B2 noun /sɪnˈserɪti/

Sincerity

Meaning

the quality of being free from pretense or deceit; honesty

Example

His sincerity in apologizing was evident to everyone.

B2 noun /sɪˈver.ə.ti/

Severity

Meaning

the quality of being extremely serious or harsh; intensity of something bad

Example

The severity of the storm caused widespread damage across the city.

B2 adjective /ˈsæv.ɪdʒ/

Savage

Meaning

extremely cruel or violent; wild and fierce; uncivilized

Example

The savage attack shocked everyone.

B2 noun /səkˈsɛʃ.ən/

succession

Meaning

The process of ecological change in which one community of organisms is gradually replaced by another.

Example

Forest succession occurs when old ecosystems are replaced by new ones.

B2 adjective /ˈsoʊlər/

solar

Meaning

Relating to or determined by the sun

Example

The house is powered by solar energy.

B2 noun ˈsʌbstɪˌtut

substitute

Meaning

A person or thing acting or serving in place of another.

Example

Money cannot be a substitute for genuine happiness.

B2 adjective /ˈsɪnɪstər/

sinister

Meaning

Giving the impression that something harmful or evil is happening or will happen.

Example

The abandoned house had a sinister atmosphere.

B2 adjective /ˈsoʊʃəbəl/

Sociable

Meaning

friendly and enjoys being with other people; outgoing

Example

She is very sociable and makes friends easily.

B2 verb /slæʃ/

slash

Meaning

to cut with a sharp blade; to reduce drastically

Example

The company slashed prices to attract more customers.

B2 noun /ˈsɒlɪtjuːd/

solitude

Meaning

The state or situation of being alone.

Example

Solitude can provide the opportunity for deep reflection.

B2 adjective /suːˈpriːm/

Supreme

Meaning

highest in rank, authority, or quality; greatest; most important

Example

The Supreme Court made the final decision.

B2 noun /skoʊp/

scope

Meaning

the range of one's perception, understanding, or activity

Example

The project is beyond the scope of our resources.

B2 noun /səbˈskrɪp.ʃən/

Subscription

Meaning

a payment for regular delivery of a service or product; an arrangement to receive something regularly

Example

I canceled my Netflix subscription because I wasn't watching it enough.

B2 adjective /saʊər/

Sour

Meaning

having an acid taste like lemon or vinegar; unpleasant or disagreeable

Example

The milk has gone sour and smells terrible.

B2 noun /ˈsloʊɡən/

slogan

Meaning

a short and memorable phrase used to promote a cause or product

Example

The campaign used a powerful slogan to inspire people.

B2 noun/verb /ˈsoʊ.ɪŋ/

sewing

Meaning

The activity or skill of joining fabric using a needle and thread

Example

She enjoys sewing her own clothes on weekends.

B2 adjective /ˈslʌɡ.ɪʃ/

Sluggish

Meaning

slow-moving; lacking energy or alertness; inactive

Example

The old computer became sluggish after running for hours.

B2 noun /ˈsɪləbəs/

syllabus

Meaning

An outline or summary of topics to be covered in a course of study.

Example

The professor handed out the syllabus on the first day of class.

B2 verb /səˈluːt/

salute

Meaning

to greet with respect; to honor

Example

The soldiers saluted their commanding officer.

B2 adjective /slæk/

slack

Meaning

not tight, firm, or busy; lacking tension or activity

Example

Business is slack during the rainy season.

B2 noun /ˈsiːkər/

seeker

Meaning

a person who is looking for something, especially knowledge or truth

Example

The seeker traveled far to find the answers to his questions.

B2 verb /sɔːr/

soar

Meaning

to fly or rise high in the air; to increase rapidly or dramatically

Example

The eagle soared high above the mountains.

B2 noun /ˈspætʃ.ʊ.lə/

Spatula

Meaning

a kitchen utensil with a flat, flexible blade used for mixing, spreading, or lifting food

Example

I used a spatula to flip the pancakes in the pan.

B2 verb /ʃriːk/

shriek

Meaning

to make a loud, high-pitched cry

Example

She shrieked when she saw the spider.

B2 noun /ˈseɡ.mənt/

Segment

Meaning

each of the parts into which something is divided; a section or portion

Example

The orange was divided into eight segments.

B2 verb /suːð/

soothe

Meaning

to calm or comfort; to relieve pain or distress

Example

The mother soothed her crying baby with a gentle lullaby.

B2 adjective /sɪmˈbɒlɪk/

symbolic

Meaning

serving as a symbol or representing something else

Example

The dove is symbolic of peace and freedom.

B2 noun sɛlf rɪˈlaɪ.əns

self-reliance

Meaning

Reliance on one's own powers and resources rather than those of others; independence.

Example

Self-reliance helps build confidence.

B2 noun /sneɪl/

Snail

Meaning

a small soft creature with a shell on its back that moves very slowly

Example

The snail left a shiny trail as it crawled across the leaf.

B2 noun ˈsəʊ.lər ˈen.ə.dʒi

solar energy

Meaning

Energy from the sun that is converted into thermal or electrical energy.

Example

Solar energy is vital for reducing carbon emissions.

B2 noun /ˈsɛm.iˌsɜːr.kəl/

semicircle

Meaning

Half of a circle or something shaped like half of a circle.

Example

The students sat in a semicircle around the teacher.

B2 noun /spæm/

spam

Meaning

unsolicited or unwanted electronic communication, typically in the form of email

Example

My inbox is full of spam emails that I need to delete.

B2 verb /ˈskræmbəl/

scramble

Meaning

to move or climb quickly using hands and feet; to mix or arrange in a hurried way

Example

The kids scrambled up the hill to catch the kite.

B2 noun /stɑːr fɪʃ/

Star fish

Meaning

a marine echinoderm with five or more radiating arms, typically found on the sea floor

Example

The starfish slowly moved across the ocean floor searching for food.

B2 adverb /ˈsmɑːt.li/

Smartly

Meaning

in a clever or intelligent way; neatly and stylishly; quickly

Example

He was smartly dressed for the business meeting.

B2 adjective /swɪft/

swift

Meaning

moving very quickly; happening promptly

Example

The river current was swift after the heavy rain.

B2 verb /səbˈtrækt/

subtract

Meaning

to take away a number or amount from another number or amount

Example

If you subtract 5 from 10, you get 5.

B2 noun /strɪp/

Strip

Meaning

a long narrow piece of cloth, paper, plastic, or other material

Example

She tore a strip of paper from the notebook.

B2 adjective /ˈstʌdid/

studied

Meaning

carefully considered, deliberate, or planned

Example

Her response was calm and studied, not impulsive.

B2 noun /skɑːr/

Scar

Meaning

a mark left on the skin after a wound has healed; lasting emotional damage

Example

The accident left a permanent scar on his forehead.

B2 adjective sɪnˈθet̬.ɪk

synthetic

Meaning

Made by chemical synthesis, especially to imitate a natural product; artificial.

Example

Synthetic chemicals are used in processed foods.

B2 noun ˈsɛv.ən ˈwʌn.dərz

Seven Wonders

Meaning

The seven most remarkable and famous structures in the world, representing architectural feats and cultural significance.

Example

The Seven Wonders of the world reflect human brilliance.

B2 noun /ˈsæb.ə.tɑːʒ/

Sabotage

Meaning

deliberate destruction of equipment or disruption of activities

Example

The factory was shut down due to an act of sabotage.

B2 adjective /slɪk/

slick

Meaning

Smooth, clever, or efficient, often in a way that seems superficial.

Example

He gave a slick presentation to impress the investors.

B2 adjective /ˌsuː.pəˈnætʃ.ər.əl/

Supernatural

Meaning

relating to things that cannot be explained by natural or scientific laws; beyond the normal or physical world

Example

The old house was said to have supernatural powers.

B2 adverb /ˈsɒftli/

softly

Meaning

in a gentle or quiet way.

Example

She spoke softly so as not to wake the baby.

B2 noun/verb /ˈslɔː.tər/

slaughter

Meaning

the killing of animals for food; killing in large numbers violently

Example

The army slaughtered hundreds of enemy soldiers.

B2 noun /sɪɡˈnɪf.ɪ.kəns/

Significance

Meaning

the quality of being worthy of attention; importance

Example

The discovery has great significance for medical research.

B2 noun, verb /stiːm/

steam

Meaning

the vapor into which water is converted when heated; to emit or treat with steam

Example

The kettle was steaming on the stove.

B2 noun ˌspɛk.jʊˈleɪ.ʃən

speculation

Meaning

Investment in stocks, property, or other ventures in the hope of gain but with the risk of loss.

Example

Stock market speculation can lead to high volatility.

B2 verb /ˈskætər/

scatter

Meaning

to spread or throw around in different directions

Example

The wind scattered the leaves across the yard.

B2 noun /ˈsɪmfəni/

Symphony

Meaning

an elaborate musical composition for full orchestra, typically in four movements

Example

The orchestra performed Beethoven's Fifth Symphony.

B2 verb /stʌn/

stun

Meaning

to shock or surprise someone greatly; to knock someone unconscious or dazed

Example

The news of her sudden resignation stunned everyone.

B2 noun /ˈsiː.mən/

Seaman

Meaning

a person who works on a ship; sailor

Example

The experienced seaman navigated the ship through the storm.

B2 noun /ˈspɒnsər/

sponsor

Meaning

a person or organization that provides funds for a project or activity in exchange for publicity or support

Example

The company became the main sponsor of the event.

B2 noun /ˈsɜːdʒən/

surgeon

Meaning

a doctor who performs medical operations

Example

The surgeon performed a complex heart operation.

B2 adjective /ˈʃeɪ.di/

Shady

Meaning

providing shade; dishonest; suspicious

Example

The shady businessman made a suspicious deal.

B2 noun /siːdʒ/

Sieze

Meaning

a military operation to capture a place by surrounding it and cutting off supplies

Example

The siege of the castle lasted for three months.

B2 verb /səˈrɛndər/

surrender

Meaning

to give up or yield to an opponent or authority

Example

The army finally surrendered after weeks of fighting.

B2 verb /ˈspɛʃəˌlaɪz/

specialize

Meaning

to focus on a particular subject or activity and become an expert in it

Example

He decided to specialize in cardiology.

B2 noun /ˈʃepərd/

Shepherd

Meaning

a person who tends and guards sheep

Example

The shepherd guided his flock to the green pasture.

B2 noun /ˈsɜːvɪŋ/

serving

Meaning

a portion of food for one person; the act of giving food or drink to someone

Example

He ate a large serving of rice and curry.

B2 noun /ˈskʌlp.tər/

Sculptor

Meaning

an artist who creates sculptures by carving, modeling, or shaping materials

Example

The sculptor spent months creating a beautiful marble statue.

B2 verb /ʃɛd/

shed

Meaning

to let something fall off naturally, such as leaves, hair, or tears

Example

Trees shed their leaves in autumn.

B2 noun /ˈseɪf.ɡɑːrd/

Safeguard

Meaning

measure or action designed to protect someone or something

Example

New safeguards were implemented to prevent data breaches.

B2 verb /ˈsɪmbəlaɪz/

symbolize

Meaning

to represent or stand for something else

Example

The dove symbolizes peace across cultures.

B2 adverb /ˈstrɪktli/

strictly

Meaning

in a way that follows rules or limits completely

Example

Smoking is strictly prohibited inside the building.

B2 verb /ˈspɛsɪfaɪ/

specify

Meaning

to state or describe something clearly and exactly

Example

Please specify the time and place of the meeting.

B2 adjective /ˈskætərd/

Scattered

Meaning

spread widely apart; dispersed; occurring here and there

Example

Scattered showers are expected throughout the day.