C2 noun /juːˈbɪkwəti/

ubiquity

Meaning

The fact of appearing everywhere or of being very common.

Example

The ubiquity of smartphones has changed human behavior.

The ubiquity of fast-food restaurants makes it hard for some people to stick to a diet.

C1 noun /ˈʌndərˌteɪkər/

undertaker

Meaning

A person whose job is to prepare the dead for burial and arrange funerals.

Example

The undertaker prepared the body for the funeral service.

B2 adverb /ʌnˈfɛərli/

unfairly

Meaning

In a manner that is not just, reasonable, or impartial

Example

He was treated unfairly by the committee.

C1 adjective /ʌnˈtʃælɪndʒd/

Unchallenged

Meaning

not disputed or questioned; accepted without opposition; having no rival

Example

He remained the unchallenged champion for five years.

C1 adjective /ʌnˈɒnəd/

unhonoured

Meaning

not respected or given the recognition that is deserved; treated without honor

Example

He felt unhonoured after his years of service were ignored.

B2 adjective /ˌʌndɪˈnaɪəbl/

Undeniable

Meaning

impossible to deny or dispute; clearly true

Example

The evidence of his guilt was undeniable.

C2 verb /ˈʌndjʊleɪt/

undulate

Meaning

To move with a smooth, wave-like motion.

Example

The snake undulated across the sand.

C2 adjective /ɜːrˈbeɪn/

urbane

Meaning

showing polished manners, refinement, and sophistication

Example

He was an urbane gentleman who charmed everyone at the party.

B1 adjective /ʌnˈtru/

Untrue

Meaning

not true; false; incorrect

Example

His statement about the incident was completely untrue.

B2 adjective /ʌnˈkɒmən/

uncommon

Meaning

rare, unusual, or remarkable

Example

It is uncommon to see snow in this region.

C1 adjective /ʌnˈsəʊʃəbl/

unsociable

Meaning

not enjoying the company of others; avoiding social interaction

Example

He became unsociable after moving to a new city.

C2 adjective /juːˈnɪsənənt/

unisonant

Meaning

Sounding together or in harmony.

Example

The unisonant voices created a powerful effect.

C1 noun /juːnəˈnɪməti/

Unanimity

Meaning

complete agreement among all members of a group

Example

The committee reached unanimity on the new policy.

C1 adjective /ʌnˈsaɪtli/

unsightly

Meaning

Unpleasant to look at; ugly.

Example

The garbage pile created an unsightly view in the park.

C1 noun /ˈʌp.tɜːn/

upturn

Meaning

An improvement or upward trend in a situation, especially in business or economy.

Example

The company experienced an upturn in sales last quarter.

C1 adjective /ʌnˈsteɪtɪd/

unstated

Meaning

not expressed directly in words; implied or left unsaid

Example

The contract included several unstated expectations.

B2 adjective /ʌnˈtʃeɪndʒɪŋ/

unchanging

Meaning

remaining the same over time; not changing

Example

Her love for her family was unchanging throughout the years.

B1 adjective /ʌnˈsɜːrtən/

Uncertain

Meaning

not able to be relied on; not known or definite; not having reliable knowledge

Example

I am uncertain about my future career plans.

C2 noun /ˈʌŋkʃən/

unction

Meaning

The act of anointing as part of a religious or ceremonial ritual; excessive or insincere flattery.

Example

The priest performed the holy unction with solemnity.

B2 noun /ʌnˈrest/

Unrest

Meaning

a state of dissatisfaction and disturbance; social or political disorder

Example

The economic crisis led to widespread social unrest.

B2 adjective /ʌnˈstɛdi/

unsteady

Meaning

not firm or stable; likely to change or fail

Example

She felt unsteady on her feet after the long journey.

C1 adjective /ʌnˈruːli/

Unruly

Meaning

difficult to control or manage; disorderly and disruptive

Example

The unruly crowd refused to follow the safety instructions.

C2 adjective /ˌʌltrəˈmɒnteɪn/

ultramontane

Meaning

beyond the mountains, especially referring to support for the Pope over local church authority

Example

The debate highlighted the ultramontane position in church politics.

B2 adjective /ʌnˈiːzi/

Uneasy

Meaning

worried; anxious; uncomfortable; restless

Example

She felt uneasy about walking alone at night.

B1 adjective /ˈʌpər/

upper

Meaning

higher in position or rank

Example

The upper floor of the building is under renovation.

C2 adjective /ʌnˈʌtərəbl/

unutterable

Meaning

Too great, intense, or awful to be expressed or described in words.

Example

She was filled with unutterable joy at the news of her success.

B2 adjective /ˈʌt.ɚ/

Utter

Meaning

complete; absolute; total

Example

The movie was an utter disaster at the box office.

C1 adjective ˌʌn.pəˈtɜːbd

unperturbed

Meaning

Not worried or disturbed by something; calm and composed.

Example

She remained unperturbed despite the challenges.

While everyone else panicked about the sudden power outage, the unperturbed librarian calmly lit a candle and kept reading her book.

C1 noun /ˈʌndərdɒɡ/

underdog

Meaning

a competitor thought to have little chance of winning; a weaker party in a contest

Example

The underdog team surprised everyone by winning the championship.

C1 adjective /ˌjuːnɪˈsɛljʊlər/

unicellular

Meaning

Consisting of a single cell.

Example

Amoebas are unicellular organisms.

A2 noun /ʌmˈbrɛlə/

umbrella

Meaning

A device used for protection against rain or sun, typically consisting of a collapsible canopy mounted on a central rod.

Example

She opened her umbrella as it started to rain.

B2 adjective /ʌnˈθɪŋkəbl/

Unthinkable

Meaning

impossible to conceive or imagine; beyond belief or consideration

Example

It was unthinkable that such a tragedy could happen in our peaceful town.

C1 verb /ˌʌn.dəˈtʃɑːrdʒ/

undercharge

Meaning

To charge less than the correct or fair amount.

Example

The shopkeeper accidentally undercharged me for the groceries.

A1 verb /ˌʌndərˈstænd/

understand

Meaning

to know the meaning of something; to comprehend

Example

Do you understand the instructions?

C1 verb /ˌʌndərˈvæljuː/

undervalue

Meaning

To assign too low a value or importance to something or someone.

Example

She felt that her boss consistently undervalued her contributions.

B2 verb ˈjuːnɪfaɪ

unify

Meaning

To make or become united, uniform, or whole; to bring together into a single unit.

Example

Adolescents unify with peers for social acceptance.

C1 noun /ʌnˈfeɪθfʊlnəs/

unfaithfulness

Meaning

the quality of being disloyal or not faithful; breach of trust or fidelity

Example

His unfaithfulness led to the end of their marriage.

C2 adjective /ʌnˈblʌʃɪŋ/

Unblushing

Meaning

showing no shame or embarrassment; boldly shameless

Example

He told the unblushing lie without any hesitation.

C2 verb /ˈʌndərˌraɪt/

underwrite

Meaning

To guarantee financial support, especially by agreeing to cover losses or risks; in insurance, to assess and accept risks.

Example

The bank agreed to underwrite the company's new bond issue.

A2 adjective /ʌnˈtaɪdi/

Untidy

Meaning

not neat or orderly; messy and disorganized

Example

Her untidy room was filled with clothes scattered everywhere.

A2 adjective /ˈʌɡ.li/

Ugly

Meaning

unpleasant or repulsive in appearance; morally reprehensible

Example

The old building looked ugly after years of neglect.

B2 adjective /ʌnprɪˈpɛrd/

Unprepared

Meaning

not ready or able to deal with something

Example

He was unprepared for the difficult exam.

C2 adjective /ʌnˈstɪntɪŋ/

unstinting

Meaning

given generously without holding back

Example

She received unstinting support from her family.

B2 adverb /ʌnˈsɜːrtənli/

uncertainly

Meaning

in a way that shows doubt or lack of certainty

Example

She glanced uncertainly at the complicated instructions.

C1 adjective ʌnˈskruːpjʊləs

unscrupulous

Meaning

Having or showing no moral principles; not honest or fair.

Example

Unscrupulous peers can lead adolescents to delinquency.

B2 adjective /ˌʌndɪˈveləpt/

Undeveloped

Meaning

not yet developed; immature or primitive

Example

The undeveloped land was later turned into a park.

C1 adjective /ˌʌnəˈsjuːmɪŋ/

unassuming

Meaning

Not pretentious or arrogant; modest.

Example

Despite his success, he remained unassuming and humble.

C2 adjective /ʌnˈlɛtəd/

unlettered

Meaning

lacking education or the ability to read and write; illiterate

Example

The unlettered villagers relied on oral traditions to preserve their history.

C1 adjective /ʌnˈduː/

Undue

Meaning

excessive; inappropriate; more than is necessary or proper

Example

The teacher complained about undue pressure from parents.

B2 adjective /ˌʌnkənˈvɪnsɪŋ/

Unconvincing

Meaning

failing to persuade or impress; not believable or credible

Example

His excuse for being late was completely unconvincing.

B2 verb /ʌnˈtaɪ/

untie

Meaning

to loosen or remove a knot or binding; to release something that is tied

Example

She untied the rope to free the boat.

B2 noun ˌɜːbənaɪˈzeɪʃən

urbanization

Meaning

The process by which towns and cities are formed and become larger as more people begin living and working in central areas.

Example

Urbanization leads to more developed infrastructure.

Because of rapid urbanization, the small farming town quickly turned into a busy city full of tall apartment buildings and paved roads.

C2 adjective /ˌʌnəˈʃʊəd/

unassured

Meaning

Lacking confidence or certainty.

Example

She gave an unassured answer during the interview.

C1 adjective /ˌʌnprɪˈtɛnʃəs/

unpretentious

Meaning

modest; not attempting to impress others with appearance or importance

Example

She lives in an unpretentious home but is very happy.

B1 noun /juːˈten.səlz/

Utensils

Meaning

tools or implements used for cooking, eating, or serving food

Example

Please wash all the cooking utensils after preparing dinner.

A2 adjective /ʌnˈhel.θi/

Unhealthy

Meaning

harmful to health; not in good health; detrimental to well-being

Example

Eating too much fast food is unhealthy for your body.

B2 adjective /ˌʌnˈnoʊ.tɪst/

Unnoticed

Meaning

not seen or observed; ignored

Example

His hard work went unnoticed by his manager.

A1 preposition /ˈʌndər/

under

Meaning

in or to a lower position than something

Example

The cat is under the table.

B2 adjective /ʌnˈriːzənəbəl/

unreasonable

Meaning

not guided by reason or fairness; excessive or extreme beyond what is acceptable

Example

The manager made an unreasonable demand that no one could realistically meet.

B2 adjective /ʌnhaɪˈdʒiːnɪk/

Unhygienic

Meaning

not clean; lacking proper sanitation

Example

The restaurant was closed due to unhygienic conditions in the kitchen.

B1 verb /ˈʌpˌɡreɪd/

upgrade

Meaning

to raise something to a higher standard, improve

Example

We decided to upgrade the software to the latest version.

B2 noun /ʌnˈkaɪndnəs/

unkindness

Meaning

lack of kindness; cruel or inconsiderate behavior

Example

His unkindness hurt her feelings deeply.

C1 adjective /ˌʌnəkˈnɒlɪdʒd/

unacknowledged

Meaning

Not recognized, admitted, or accepted; ignored or unnoticed

Example

Her contributions to the project went unacknowledged.

C1 adjective /ˌʌnbɪˈkʌmɪŋ/

unbecoming

Meaning

Not proper or appropriate for a person; unsuitable.

Example

His rude behavior was unbecoming of a leader.

C2 verb /ʌnˈfɛtər/

unfetter

Meaning

to release from restraint or restriction; to free

Example

The new law will unfetter small businesses from excessive regulations.

B2 adjective /ʌnˈpres.ə.den.t̬ɪd/

unprecedented

Meaning

Never done or known before.

Example

The crisis created an unprecedented challenge.

Winning the spelling bee for the fifth year in a row was an unprecedented achievement for the young student.

B2 adjective /ʌnˈprɒf.ɪ.tə.bl̩/

Unprofitable

Meaning

not yielding profit or gain; not producing financial benefit

Example

The unprofitable business was forced to close down after three years.

C1 adjective /ˌʌndərˈhændɪd/

underhanded

Meaning

acting or done in a dishonest or secret way

Example

They exposed the company's underhanded dealings with its suppliers.

C1 verb /ˈʌndərkʌt/

undercut

Meaning

to sell at a lower price than a competitor; to weaken or undermine something

Example

The company tried to undercut its rivals by offering lower prices.

C1 noun /ˌʌl.tɪˈmeɪ.təm/

Ultimatum

Meaning

a final demand or statement of terms, the rejection of which will result in retaliation

Example

The boss gave him an ultimatum: improve or be fired.

B2 noun /ˌʌnəˌveɪləˈbɪləti/

unavailability

Meaning

The state of being not available or not accessible.

Example

The unavailability of the manager caused a delay in the project.

B2 adjective /ʌnˈlɔːfl/

Unlawful

Meaning

not authorized by law; illegal

Example

The court declared the search unlawful.

B1 adjective /ʌnˈfeər/

Unfair

Meaning

not right or just; treating people in a way that favors some over others

Example

It's unfair to blame her for something she didn't do.

B2 adjective /ʌnˈɡreɪt.fəl/

Ungrateful

Meaning

not feeling or showing thanks for something done or given; not appreciating kindness

Example

She felt he was ungrateful for all the help she had given him.

A2 adjective /ˈjuːs.ləs/

Useless

Meaning

having no beneficial purpose; not useful

Example

This broken computer is completely useless.

B2 noun /ʌnˈkɒnʃəsnəs/

unconsciousness

Meaning

the state of being unaware of and unable to respond to one's surroundings

Example

After the accident, he was in a state of unconsciousness for several hours.

C1 adjective /ʌnˈɜːrθli/

unearthly

Meaning

Strange or unnatural in a way that seems not of this world

Example

The forest was filled with an unearthly glow.

C1 adjective /ˌʌnˈpɑr.də.nə.bəl/

Unpardonable

Meaning

too bad to be forgiven; inexcusable

Example

His betrayal of trust was an unpardonable offense.

A2 noun /ˈʌndərweər/

underwear

Meaning

Clothing worn beneath outer clothes, typically next to the skin.

Example

He bought new underwear for the trip.

C2 adjective /ʌkˈsɔːriəs/

uxorious

Meaning

excessively fond of or submissive to one's wife

Example

He was so uxorious that he agreed with everything his wife said.

B1 adjective /ʌnˈseɪf/

Unsafe

Meaning

involving or causing danger or risk; not protected from harm

Example

It is unsafe to walk alone in this neighborhood at night.

A2 noun /ˈjuːzər/

user

Meaning

a person who uses or operates something

Example

He is a frequent user of this app.

B1 adjective /ˌʌnˈpeɪd/

Unpaid

Meaning

not paid for; without payment or salary

Example

She worked as an unpaid intern for six months.

C2 noun /ˈjuːnɪvəˌlɛns/

univalence

Meaning

The state of having a single valence or combining power, especially in chemistry.

Example

Hydrogen is characterized by its univalence in chemical reactions.

C1 noun /ˈjuːnɪsən/

unison

Meaning

Simultaneous performance or utterance of action or speech.

Example

The choir sang in unison.

B2 noun /ˈɜː.dʒən.si/

Urgency

Meaning

the quality of requiring immediate action or attention; pressing importance

Example

The urgency of the situation required immediate medical attention.

B1 noun /ˌʌnɪmˈplɔɪmənt/

Unemployment

Meaning

the state of being unemployed; lack of paid work

Example

The unemployment rate has increased significantly this year.

B2 adjective /ˈʌt.moʊst/

Utmost

Meaning

greatest; most extreme; maximum possible

Example

She showed utmost care while handling the fragile items.

B2 adjective /ʌnˈhɛlpfəl/

unhelpful

Meaning

not providing help or support; making a situation harder rather than easier

Example

His unhelpful attitude slowed down the entire project.

C1 adjective /ʌnˈfɔːltərɪŋ/

unfaltering

Meaning

Steady and resolute; not weakening or hesitating

Example

She continued with unfaltering determination.

C1 adjective /ˌʌnɪnˈhɪbɪtɪd/

uninhibited

Meaning

Not restrained or restricted; free in behavior or expression.

Example

She gave an uninhibited laugh at the joke.

A2 preposition /əˈpɒn/

upon

Meaning

on or immediately after

Example

Upon hearing the news, he rushed to the hospital.

B2 noun /ˈʌpˌkiːp/

up-keep

Meaning

The process or cost of maintaining something in good condition.

Example

The upkeep of the old house is very expensive.

B2 adjective /ʌnˈhɜːrt/

unhurt

Meaning

Not injured or harmed.

Example

She walked away from the accident unhurt.

B2 adjective /ʌnˈlɪmɪtɪd/

unlimited

Meaning

without any limits or restrictions

Example

The internet plan offers unlimited data for the whole month.

C2 noun /ɜːrˈbænɪti/

urbanity

Meaning

refined courtesy, elegance, and sophistication in manner

Example

Her urbanity made her popular among diplomats and leaders.

C2 noun /ʌnˈkloʊðɪŋ/

unclothing

Meaning

the act or process of removing clothing

Example

The child quickly ran inside for unclothing after playing in the mud.

C1 adjective /ʌnˈkuːθ/

uncouth

Meaning

Lacking good manners, refinement, or grace; awkward or rough.

Example

His uncouth behavior shocked the guests at the party.

B1 adjective /ˈjuːnɪfɔːrm/

Uniform

Meaning

consistent; identical; standardized

Example

All students must wear a uniform to school.

B1 adjective /juːˈnaɪtɪd/

United

Meaning

joined together for a common purpose; in agreement

Example

The team was united in their goal to win.

B2 adjective /ˌʌndərˈlaɪɪŋ/

underlying

Meaning

basic or hidden but important; forming the foundation of something

Example

The underlying reason for the conflict was never addressed.

C1 adjective /ˌʌnbɪˈliːvɪŋ/

unbelieving

Meaning

Not willing or able to believe; skeptical or doubtful

Example

She gave him an unbelieving look when he claimed to have met a celebrity.

C2 noun /ˈjuːʒəri/

usury

Meaning

The practice of lending money at unreasonably high interest rates.

Example

The law strictly prohibits usury.

B2 adjective /ʌnˈwel.kəm/

Unwelcome

Meaning

not wanted or accepted; not invited or pleasant

Example

The unwelcome news ruined their vacation plans.

B2 adjective /ʌnˈwɜːrði/

Unworthy

Meaning

not deserving respect or attention; lacking worth or merit

Example

He felt unworthy of such praise and recognition.

C2 adjective /ˌʌnɪmˈpiːtʃəbl/

unimpeachable

Meaning

Not able to be doubted, questioned, or criticized; completely trustworthy.

Example

She is known for her unimpeachable honesty.

C1 adjective /ʌnˈkɒm.prə.maɪ.zɪŋ/

Uncompromising

Meaning

unwilling to change one's views or to agree about something; showing an unwillingness to make concessions to others

Example

He was uncompromising in his demand for a full apology.

B2 adjective /ˌʌnəˈvɔɪdəbəl/

Unavoidable

Meaning

cannot be avoided; certain to happen; inevitable

Example

The meeting is unavoidable, so we must attend.

B2 noun /ˈʌndərkləʊðz/

underclothes

Meaning

Clothing worn beneath outer clothes, such as underwear or lingerie

Example

He folded his underclothes neatly before packing them.

B2 adjective /ˌʌndɪˈzaɪərəbl/

Undesirable

Meaning

not wanted or wished for; harmful or unpleasant

Example

The new policy had several undesirable consequences.

C2 adjective /ʌnˈflæpəbəl/

unflappable

Meaning

calm and composed, especially in difficult situations

Example

Despite the crisis, he remained unflappable and confident.

C1 verb /ʌpˈruːt/

uproot

Meaning

To pull something out of the ground; to remove or displace completely.

Example

They uprooted the old tree from the garden.

B1 adjective /ˈɜːrbən/

urban

Meaning

related to, characteristic of, or situated in a city or town

Example

Urban areas often have higher population density than rural areas.

C2 adjective /ˌʌnpriːpəˈzɛsɪŋ/

unprepossessing

Meaning

not attractive or appealing in appearance

Example

Despite his unprepossessing looks, he was very kind and intelligent.

C1 adverb /ˌʌnkənˈvɛnʃənəli/

unconventionally

Meaning

in a way that is not based on or conforming to accepted standards or norms

Example

She dresses unconventionally, mixing bold colors and patterns that surprise everyone.

C1 adjective /ʌnˈsoʊld/

unsold

Meaning

not sold; remaining without a buyer

Example

The unsold goods were returned to the warehouse.

C2 noun /juːˌtɪlɪˈtɛəriənɪzəm/

utilitarianism

Meaning

The ethical theory that actions are right if they are useful or for the benefit of the majority.

Example

Utilitarianism suggests that we should act to maximize overall happiness.

C2 verb /ˌʌndərˈɡɜːrd/

undergird

Meaning

to provide support or foundation for; to strengthen

Example

Strong values undergird a healthy society.

B2 noun /ˈjuː.sɪdʒ/

Usage

Meaning

the action of using something; the way in which words are used in a language

Example

The dictionary explains the correct usage of difficult words.

C1 adjective /ʌnˈspiːkəbl/

unspeakable

Meaning

too bad or shocking to be expressed in words

Example

The survivors endured unspeakable horrors during the war.

C1 adjective /ʌnˈsɪvəlaɪzd/

Uncivilized

Meaning

not developed in terms of civilization; lacking social organization and culture; barbarous

Example

The explorers encountered an uncivilized tribe deep in the Amazon rainforest.