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B2 verb /ˌʌndərˈskɔːr/

underscore

Meaning
to emphasize or highlight something
Example
The incident underscored the need for better safety measures.
A2 noun /ˈʌndərwɛr/

Under wear

Meaning
clothing worn under other clothes, next to the skin
Example
She bought new underwear from the department store.
C1 adjective /ʌlˈtɪəriər/

ulterior

Meaning
hidden or secret, often with a selfish motive
Example
He invited her with an ulterior motive.
C1 verb /ˌʌndərˈsteɪt/

understate

Meaning
To describe something as being less important or serious than it really is.
Example
He tends to understate his achievements.
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 adjective /ʌnˈflɛdʒd/

unfledged

Meaning
Inexperienced, immature, or not fully developed.
Example
The unfledged writer struggled to complete his first novel.
C2 adjective ˌʌn.əˈseɪ.lə.bəl

unassailable

Meaning
Unable to be attacked, questioned, or defeated.
Example
An unassailable position ensures dominance.
A2 verb /ʌpˈdeɪt/

update

Meaning
to make something more modern or current; to provide new information
Example
Please update your software regularly.
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.
B1 adjective /ʌnˈwel/

Unwell

Meaning
not in good health; feeling sick or ill
Example
She has been feeling unwell since yesterday.
C1 adjective /ˌʌnəˈteɪnəbl/

unattainable

Meaning
impossible to achieve, reach, or accomplish
Example
For many, becoming a professional athlete remains an unattainable dream.
B1 adjective /ʌnˈfrɛndli/

unfriendly

Meaning
not kind or welcoming; hostile or cold in behavior or attitude
Example
The shop owner seemed unfriendly to new customers.
B2 adverb /ˈɜːrdʒəntli/

urgently

Meaning
in a way that requires immediate attention or action
Example
The patient urgently needs medical attention.
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.
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.
B1 adjective /ʌnˈnesəseri/

Unnecessary

Meaning
not needed; not required; pointless
Example
The meeting was unnecessary since all decisions were already made.
B2 adjective /ˌjuːnɪˈvɜːrsəl/

Universal

Meaning
applicable to all cases; existing everywhere
Example
Music is a universal language that everyone understands.
B1 adverb /ˌʌpsaɪd ˈdaʊn/

Upside-down

Meaning
with the upper part at the bottom; in or into a reversed position
Example
The picture was hanging upside-down on the wall.
C2 adjective /ʌnˈblʌʃɪŋ/

Unblushing

Meaning
showing no shame or embarrassment; boldly shameless
Example
He told the unblushing lie without any hesitation.
C1 noun /ˈʌp.raɪt.nəs/

Uprightness

Meaning
the quality of being honest and morally correct; integrity
Example
His uprightness in business dealings earned him great respect.
B1 adjective /ˈʌpˌkʌmɪŋ/

upcoming

Meaning
about to happen or appear
Example
The upcoming event will be held next week.
B2 adjective /ˈʌt.moʊst/

Utmost

Meaning
greatest; most extreme; maximum possible
Example
She showed utmost care while handling the fragile items.
B2 adjective /ʌnprɪˈpɛrd/

Unprepared

Meaning
not ready or able to deal with something
Example
He was unprepared for the difficult exam.
B1 adjective /ˌʌnˈɪntrəstɪŋ/

uninteresting

Meaning
not holding attention or curiosity; boring
Example
The lecture was uninteresting and difficult to stay focused on.
B2 adjective /ʌnˈdʒʌst/

Unjust

Meaning
not fair or right; morally wrong
Example
The punishment was unjust for such a minor offense.
B2 adjective /ˌʌnrɪˈzɒlvd/

unresolved

Meaning
not solved or settled; remaining undecided or unclear
Example
The dispute remains unresolved despite several meetings.
C2 verb /ˌʌn.dɪˈsiːv/

undeceive

Meaning
To free someone from a misconception or false belief.
Example
She tried to undeceive him about the false rumors.
B2 adjective /ˌʌnprɪˈdɪktəbəl/

unpredictable

Meaning
not able to be predicted; changing suddenly and unexpectedly
Example
The weather in this region is highly unpredictable.
B2 adjective /ʌnˈsteɪbəl/

Unstable

Meaning
likely to change; not steady or secure; unsteady
Example
The unstable economy made people worried about their jobs.
B2 adjective /ʌnˈkwɒl.ɪ.faɪd/

Unqualified

Meaning
not having the necessary skills or qualifications; complete or absolute
Example
He was unqualified for the engineering position due to lack of experience.
B2 adjective /ʌnˈsiːn/

Unseen

Meaning
not previously seen or noticed; invisible; hidden
Example
The unseen forces of nature can be very powerful.
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.
C2 adjective /ˌʌnsɛrəˈmoʊniəs/

unceremonious

Meaning
Done without formality or courtesy; abrupt or rude.
Example
He made an unceremonious exit from the party.
C2 adjective /ʌnˈsʌlid/

unsullied

Meaning
not spoiled or made impure; perfectly clean or pure
Example
His reputation remained unsullied despite the accusations.
B2 adjective /ʌnˈendɪŋ/

Unending

Meaning
continuing forever; without end
Example
The unending rain made the day feel gloomy.
B2 adverb /ʌnˈnesəserəli/

Unnecessarily

Meaning
to a greater extent than is needed; without necessity
Example
Don't worry unnecessarily about the exam.
C2 adjective /ˌʌn.rɪˈdʒɛn.ər.ət/

unregenerate

Meaning
Not reformed or showing no signs of change; stubbornly refusing to reform or repent.
Example
He remained an unregenerate opponent of progress.
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.
C1 verb /ˌʌndərˈlaɪ/

underlie

Meaning
to be the hidden cause or basis of something
Example
Strong cultural traditions underlie the community's practices.
B1 adjective /ʌnˈʃʊr/

unsure

Meaning
not certain or confident; feeling doubt
Example
She felt unsure about the decision.
B2 adverb /ʌnˈwɪlɪŋli/

unwillingly

Meaning
in a way that shows reluctance or lack of desire; not willingly
Example
She unwillingly agreed to attend the meeting.
B1 adjective /ʌnˈlaɪkli/

Unlikely

Meaning
not likely to happen; improbable
Example
It's unlikely to rain today with such clear skies.
C2 adjective /ˌʌnpriːpəˈzɛsɪŋ/

unprepossessing

Meaning
not attractive or appealing in appearance
Example
Despite his unprepossessing looks, he was very kind and intelligent.
C1 verb /ʌnˈrævəl/

unravel

Meaning
To undo twisted or knitted threads; to solve or explain something complicated.
Example
The detective worked hard to unravel the mystery.
A2 adjective /ʌnˈkʌmf.tə.bəl/

Uncomfortable

Meaning
causing or feeling slight pain or physical discomfort; making someone feel embarrassed, awkward, or anxious
Example
The chair was so uncomfortable that I couldn't sit in it for more than ten minutes.
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.
B2 noun /ˈʌndərkləʊðz/

underclothes

Meaning
Clothing worn beneath outer clothes, such as underwear or lingerie
Example
He folded his underclothes neatly before packing them.
C1 noun /ˌʌnriˈælɪti/

unreality

Meaning
the state or quality of being unreal; lack of reality or truth
Example
The dreamlike setting gave the story a sense of unreality.
A2 conjunction /ʌnˈlɛs/

unless

Meaning
except if
Example
We won't go unless it stops raining.
C2 noun /ˈʌŋɡwənt/

unguent

Meaning
A soothing or healing ointment applied to the skin.
Example
The doctor applied an unguent to heal the burn.
C2 noun /ˈʌndərlɪŋ/

underling

Meaning
a person of low rank or importance; a subordinate
Example
The manager ordered his underlings to finish the task quickly.
C1 adjective /ˌʌnəˈsjuːmɪŋ/

unassuming

Meaning
Not pretentious or arrogant; modest.
Example
Despite his success, he remained unassuming and humble.
B2 adjective /ˈjuː.nɪ.faɪd/

unified

Meaning
Made into a whole or joined together.
Example
A unified approach fosters better outcomes.
B1 noun /ˈjuːnjən/

Union

Meaning
the action of joining or combining; a political unit formed from separate states
Example
The union of the two companies created a powerful corporation.
C1 adjective ʌnˈjiːl.dɪŋ

unyielding

Meaning
Not easily broken or giving in to pressure.
Example
Her unyielding determination helped her overcome all challenges.
C2 noun /ˈʌp.wel.ɪŋ/

upwelling

Meaning
An oceanographic phenomenon that involves wind-driven motion of dense, cooler, and nutrient-rich water towards the ocean surface.
Example
Upwelling brings nutrients to the ocean surface.
C1 noun /ˈʌndərˌstʌdi/

understudy

Meaning
An actor who learns another's role to act as a replacement if needed.
Example
The understudy performed when the lead actor fell ill.
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 noun /ʌnˈsɜːrtənti/

Uncertainty

Meaning
the state of being uncertain; doubt or lack of sureness
Example
The uncertainty about the weather delayed our trip.
C1 adjective ˌʌn.pəˈtɜːbd

unperturbed

Meaning
Not worried or disturbed by something; calm and composed.
Example
She remained unperturbed despite the challenges.
C1 adjective /ˌʌnkɒnstɪˈtuːʃənəl/

Unconstitutional

Meaning
not in accordance with a political constitution; violating constitutional principles
Example
The court declared the new law unconstitutional.
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 /ˌʌn.əkˈsep.tə.bəl/

Unacceptable

Meaning
not satisfactory or allowable; not acceptable
Example
The quality of work was completely unacceptable.
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.
C2 noun /ˈʌm.brə/

Umbra

Meaning
the fully shaded inner region of a shadow cast by an opaque object; the dark center of a sunspot
Example
During the eclipse, we stood in the moon's umbra.
B1 preposition, adverb, adjective /ˌʌndərˈniːθ/

underneath

Meaning
Located directly below or beneath something
Example
The keys were hidden underneath the pile of papers.
B2 verb /ˌʌndərˈmaɪn/

undermine

Meaning
to gradually weaken or damage something or someone
Example
Constant criticism can undermine a child's confidence.
C1 adjective /ʌnˈtɛnəbl/

untenable

Meaning
not able to be maintained or defended against attack or objection
Example
The politician resigned when his position became untenable.
B2 verb /ʌnˈkʌvə(r)/

uncover

Meaning
to reveal something that was hidden or secret
Example
The investigation uncovered new evidence.
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.
B2 verb /ˈjuːtɪlaɪz/

utilize

Meaning
to make practical or effective use of something
Example
The company aims to utilize solar energy for production.
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.
B2 adjective /ˌʌndɪˈzaɪərəbl/

Undesirable

Meaning
not wanted or wished for; harmful or unpleasant
Example
The new policy had several undesirable consequences.
B1 adjective /ʌnˈeɪ.bəl/

Unable

Meaning
lacking the power, skill, or means to do something
Example
He was unable to attend the meeting.
C2 noun /ɜːrˈbænɪti/

urbanity

Meaning
refined courtesy, elegance, and sophistication in manner
Example
Her urbanity made her popular among diplomats and leaders.
C1 adjective /ʌnˈkwaɪ.ət/

Unquiet

Meaning
restless; unable to remain still or quiet; anxious or troubled
Example
She spent an unquiet night worrying about the exam results.
B2 adjective /ʌnˈhɜːrt/

unhurt

Meaning
Not injured or harmed.
Example
She walked away from the accident unhurt.
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 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.
C1 adjective /ʌnˈsɪvəl/

Uncivil

Meaning
not polite or courteous; rude and discourteous in behavior
Example
His uncivil remarks during the meeting offended everyone present.
C2 adjective /ʌnˈtiːtʃəbəl/

unteachable

Meaning
not able or willing to learn; resistant to instruction or guidance
Example
He was so stubborn that he became almost unteachable.
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 /ˌʌnfɔːrθˈkʌmɪŋ/

unforthcoming

Meaning
Not willing to talk or provide information; uncooperative.
Example
The witness was unforthcoming about what he had seen.
B2 adjective /ʌnˈfɪt/

Unfit

Meaning
not in good physical condition; unsuitable or inappropriate
Example
He was declared unfit for military service due to his poor health.
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.
B1 adjective /ˈjuːnɪfɔːrm/

Uniform

Meaning
consistent; identical; standardized
Example
All students must wear a uniform to school.
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.
C1 adjective /ˌʌnəˈkaʊntəbl/

unaccountable

Meaning
Not able to be explained or justified.
Example
She felt an unaccountable fear as she entered the dark room.
B1 adjective /ˌʌnˈpeɪd/

Unpaid

Meaning
not paid for; without payment or salary
Example
She worked as an unpaid intern for six months.
B2 adjective /ʌnˌkənˈdɪʃ.ən.əl/

Unconditional

Meaning
not subject to any conditions; complete and absolute
Example
She offered her unconditional support to her friend in need.
A2 adjective /ʌnˈtaɪdi/

Untidy

Meaning
not neat or orderly; messy and disorganized
Example
Her untidy room was filled with clothes scattered everywhere.
C2 verb /ˈʌndərˌmæn/

underman

Meaning
to supply with fewer workers or personnel than needed
Example
The hospital was undermanned during the flu outbreak.
A2 adjective /ˈʌɡ.li/

Ugly

Meaning
unpleasant or repulsive in appearance; morally reprehensible
Example
The old building looked ugly after years of neglect.
C2 noun /ˈjuːʒəri/

usury

Meaning
The practice of lending money at unreasonably high interest rates.
Example
The law strictly prohibits usury.
B1 adjective /ʌnˈwɒn.tɪd/

Unwanted

Meaning
not desired or welcome; not wanted
Example
He felt like an unwanted guest at the meeting.
A2 verb /ʌpˈset/

upset

Meaning
to make someone worried, sad, or angry; to disturb
Example
The bad news upset everyone.
C1 adjective /ʌnˈtʌtʃəbəl/

Untouchable

Meaning
not able to be touched or affected; beyond criticism or attack
Example
The CEO seemed untouchable despite the scandal.
B2 adjective /ˌʌnəˈvɔɪdəbəl/

Unavoidable

Meaning
cannot be avoided; certain to happen; inevitable
Example
The meeting is unavoidable, so we must attend.
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 /ɜːrˈbeɪn/

urbane

Meaning
showing polished manners, refinement, and sophistication
Example
He was an urbane gentleman who charmed everyone at the party.
C1 adjective /ʌnˈmænɪdʒəbəl/

Unmanageable

Meaning
difficult or impossible to control or handle
Example
The large class became unmanageable without proper supervision.
C2 adjective /ˌʌnəˈsweɪdʒd/

unassuaged

Meaning
Not made less intense or relieved; unrelieved.
Example
His grief remained unassuaged despite the passage of time.
B1 adjective /juːˈniːk/

Unique

Meaning
being the only one of its kind; unlike anything else
Example
Every snowflake is unique in its pattern.
B2 adjective /ʌnˈkɒmən/

uncommon

Meaning
rare, unusual, or remarkable
Example
It is uncommon to see snow in this region.
C1 adjective /ʌnˈwɪtɪŋ/

unwitting

Meaning
Not aware of what is happening; done without realizing.
Example
She became an unwitting participant in the scam.
C1 adjective ʌnˈpær.ə.leld

Unparalleled

Meaning
Having no equal; unmatched, peerless, and supreme in quality or achievement.
Example
The unparalleled beauty of the Taj Mahal amazes visitors.
C1 adjective /ʌnˈsaɪtli/

unsightly

Meaning
Unpleasant to look at; ugly.
Example
The garbage pile created an unsightly view in the park.
C1 noun /ˈʌp.rɔːr/

Uproar

Meaning
a loud and emotional noise or disturbance; public outcry
Example
The announcement caused an uproar among the students.
B2 verb /ˌʌndərˈteɪk/

undertake

Meaning
to commit to and begin a task or project; to take on responsibility
Example
She decided to undertake a challenging project.
B2 adjective /ʌnˈwel.kəm/

Unwelcome

Meaning
not wanted or accepted; not invited or pleasant
Example
The unwelcome news ruined their vacation plans.
B2 adverb /ʌnˈdaʊtɪdli/

undoubtedly

Meaning
without a doubt, certainly
Example
He is undoubtedly the best player on the team.
B2 verb /ʌnˈveɪl/

unveil

Meaning
to reveal or disclose something, especially in a formal manner
Example
The company will unveil a new product next week.
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.
B1 verb /ʌnˈlɒk/

unlock

Meaning
to open something that is locked; to make something accessible or available
Example
She used the key to unlock the door.
C1 adjective /ʌnˈfɔːltərɪŋ/

unfaltering

Meaning
Steady and resolute; not weakening or hesitating
Example
She continued with unfaltering determination.
B2 noun ˌjuːtɪlaɪˈzeɪʃən

utilization

Meaning
The action of making practical and effective use of something.
Example
Increased plastic utilization calls for better waste management.
B2 adjective /ˌʌnəˈfɪʃ.əl/

Unofficial

Meaning
not officially authorized or confirmed; informal
Example
The unofficial results showed a close race.
C1 adjective /ʌnˈkwes.tʃən.ə.bl̩/

Unquestionable

Meaning
not able to be disputed or doubted; certain and beyond doubt
Example
Her honesty and integrity are unquestionable qualities.
B1 verb /ʌnˈræp/

unwrap

Meaning
remove wrapping or covering from something; reveal something gradually or clearly
Example
She carefully unwrapped the gift with excitement.
B2 adjective /ˈʌl.tɪ.mət/

Ultimate

Meaning
being the best or most extreme example of its kind; final; last
Example
This is the ultimate test of your skills.
C2 adjective /ˌʌnɪmˈpiːtʃəbl/

unimpeachable

Meaning
Not able to be doubted, questioned, or criticized; completely trustworthy.
Example
She is known for her unimpeachable honesty.