underwrite
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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.
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.
C2 adjective /ˌʌnprəˈpɪʃəs/

unpropitious

Meaning
Not giving or indicating a good chance of success; unfavorable.
Example
The team began their journey under unpropitious weather conditions.
B2 verb /ˌʌndərˈskɔːr/

underscore

Meaning
to emphasize or highlight something
Example
The incident underscored the need for better safety measures.
C1 adjective /ˌʌndərɪkˈspoʊzd/

underexposed

Meaning
insufficiently exposed to light (in photography) or not given enough attention
Example
The photo was underexposed and looked too dark.
C1 adjective /ʌnˈskeɪðd/

unscathed

Meaning
Without suffering any injury, damage, or harm.
Example
She escaped from the accident unscathed.
C2 noun /ˈʌn.dɚˌstɔː.ri/

understory

Meaning
The layer of vegetation beneath the main canopy of a forest.
Example
The understory of a rainforest is home to small mammals and insects.
C2 adverb /ʌnˈɜːrɪŋli/

unerringly

Meaning
Without making any mistakes; always accurate
Example
The archer aimed unerringly at the target.
A2 adjective /ʌnˈhæp.i/

Unhappy

Meaning
not happy; feeling sad or displeased; unfortunate or undesirable
Example
He was unhappy with the results of his exam.
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.
B1 adjective /ˌʌnɪkˈspektɪd/

Unexpected

Meaning
not expected or anticipated; surprising
Example
The unexpected news left everyone speechless.
B2 adjective /ˌʌnɪnˈfɔːrmd/

uninformed

Meaning
lacking knowledge or awareness about a particular subject; not educated or informed
Example
The decision was made by an uninformed committee.
B1 adjective /ʌnˈʃʊr/

unsure

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

unhurt

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

unnaturally

Meaning
in a way that is not natural or normal; excessively or strangely
Example
He smiled unnaturally, making everyone feel uncomfortable.
C1 adjective /ʌnˈsəʊʃəbl/

unsociable

Meaning
not enjoying the company of others; avoiding social interaction
Example
He became unsociable after moving to a new city.
B2 adjective /ʌnˈendɪŋ/

Unending

Meaning
continuing forever; without end
Example
The unending rain made the day feel gloomy.
C2 adjective /ʌnˈblʌʃɪŋ/

Unblushing

Meaning
showing no shame or embarrassment; boldly shameless
Example
He told the unblushing lie without any hesitation.
B2 verb /ˌʌndərˈɛstɪmeɪt/

underestimate

Meaning
To judge something as less important or smaller than it really is.
Example
Never underestimate the power of teamwork.
C1 adjective /ˌʌndərˈsaɪzd/

undersized

Meaning
Smaller than the usual or expected size.
Example
The undersized puppy struggled to keep up with its siblings.
C2 adjective /ˌʌn.təˈwɔːrd/

untoward

Meaning
Unexpected and inappropriate or inconvenient.
Example
The meeting ended without any untoward incidents.
C2 adjective ˌʌn.əˈseɪ.lə.bəl

unassailable

Meaning
Unable to be attacked, questioned, or defeated.
Example
An unassailable position ensures dominance.
C1 adjective /ˌjuːnɪˈsɛljʊlər/

unicellular

Meaning
Consisting of a single cell.
Example
Amoebas are unicellular organisms.
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.
C2 adjective /ʌnˈwəʊntɪd/

unwonted

Meaning
Unusual, uncommon, or out of the ordinary.
Example
She spoke with an unwonted gentleness that surprised everyone.
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.
C1 noun /ˌjuːnɪˈfɔːrməti/

Uniformity

Meaning
the quality of being uniform; consistency or sameness
Example
The uniformity of the design created a pleasing visual effect.
C1 verb /ˌʌndəˈreɪt/

underrate

Meaning
to fail to recognize the full value or importance of something or someone
Example
Many people underrate the benefits of regular exercise.
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.
C1 noun /ʌnɪmˈpɔːrtəns/

unimportance

Meaning
the state or quality of being insignificant or not important
Example
He dismissed the issue with a sense of unimportance.
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.
B1 adjective /ʌnˈlaɪk/

Unlike

Meaning
different from; not similar to
Example
Unlike his brother, he prefers quiet activities.
C1 adjective /ˌʌnrɪˈfaɪnd/

unrefined

Meaning
not processed or purified; lacking polish or sophistication
Example
The unrefined oil must be processed before it can be used as fuel.
B2 adjective /ʌnˈbæləns/

Unbalanced

Meaning
not balanced; lacking stability or equilibrium; mentally unstable
Example
The unbalanced table kept wobbling.
C2 adjective /ˌʌnəˈʃʊəd/

unassured

Meaning
Lacking confidence or certainty.
Example
She gave an unassured answer during the interview.
A1 noun /ˌjuːnɪˈvɜːrsɪti/

university

Meaning
an institution of higher education and research, which grants academic degrees
Example
She is studying law at the university.
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 /ʌnˈwaɪz/

unwise

Meaning
Showing poor judgment; not sensible or prudent.
Example
It would be unwise to invest all your money in one company.
B1 adjective /ʌnˈtru/

Untrue

Meaning
not true; false; incorrect
Example
His statement about the incident was completely untrue.
B2 adjective /ʌnˈbaɪəst/

unbiased

Meaning
Not showing prejudice; impartial and fair.
Example
The report gave an unbiased view of the situation.
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 /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 verb /ʌpˈhoʊld/

uphold

Meaning
to maintain or support a principle, law, or decision
Example
The judge promised to uphold justice at all costs.
C2 adjective /ˈʌndjʊleɪtɪŋ/

undulating

Meaning
Having a smoothly rising and falling form or motion like waves.
Example
We drove through undulating hills.
C1 adjective /ˌʌnɪˈkwɪvəkəl/

unequivocal

Meaning
Leaving no doubt; clear and unambiguous
Example
She gave an unequivocal answer to the question.
B2 adjective /ʌn.rɪˈleɪ.tɪd/

Unrelated

Meaning
having no connection or relationship; not connected by family ties
Example
The two incidents were completely unrelated to each other.
B1 noun /ˌʌnɪmˈplɔɪmənt/

Unemployment

Meaning
the state of being unemployed; lack of paid work
Example
The unemployment rate has increased significantly this year.
C1 verb /ʌnˈroʊl/

unroll

Meaning
to open something that is rolled up; to spread out gradually
Example
She unrolled the map on the table to find the route.
A1 noun /ˈʌŋkəl/

uncle

Meaning
the brother of one's father or mother
Example
My uncle is visiting us next week.
B1 adjective /ʌnˈpɒpjʊlə/

unpopular

Meaning
not liked or supported by many people
Example
The decision was unpopular with the public.
C1 adjective /ʌnˈsəʊʃəl/

unsocial

Meaning
not enjoying the company of others; avoiding social interaction; contrary to social norms
Example
He prefers unsocial hours so he can work alone without interruptions.
B2 adjective /ʌnˈriːdəbl/

unreadable

Meaning
not able to be read or understood clearly; illegible
Example
The doctor’s handwriting was completely unreadable.
B2 adjective /ˌʌndɪˈstɜːrbd/

Undisturbed

Meaning
not interrupted or interfered with; calm and peaceful
Example
She slept undisturbed for eight hours.
B2 adverb /ʌnˈkɒnʃəsli/

unconsciously

Meaning
without being aware of one's actions or surroundings
Example
She unconsciously tapped her foot to the rhythm of the music.
B2 adverb /ʌnˈplɛzəntli/

unpleasantly

Meaning
in a way that causes discomfort, annoyance, or displeasure; in an unfriendly or disagreeable manner
Example
The room was unpleasantly hot during the afternoon.
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.
B2 adjective /ʌnˈnætʃərəl/

Unnatural

Meaning
not existing in nature; artificial; forced
Example
The actor's smile looked unnatural and forced.
B2 adjective /ʌnˈsiːn/

Unseen

Meaning
not previously seen or noticed; invisible; hidden
Example
The unseen forces of nature can be very powerful.
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 /ʌnˈfeɪv(ə)rəbəl/

unfavorable

Meaning
not beneficial or advantageous; showing disapproval or opposition
Example
The proposal received an unfavorable response from the committee.
C1 adjective /ʌnˈfɔːltərɪŋ/

unfaltering

Meaning
Steady and resolute; not weakening or hesitating
Example
She continued with unfaltering determination.
B2 adjective /ˌʌnrɪˈlaɪəbl/

Unreliable

Meaning
not dependable; not able to be trusted or relied upon
Example
The old car is unreliable and breaks down frequently.
B1 adjective /ˈʌpər/

upper

Meaning
higher in position or rank
Example
The upper floor of the building is under renovation.
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.
C2 adjective /juːˈʒʊəriəs/

usurious

Meaning
Charging excessively high interest rates on loans.
Example
The bank was accused of offering loans at usurious rates.
C2 adjective /ʌnˈflɛdʒd/

unfledged

Meaning
Inexperienced, immature, or not fully developed.
Example
The unfledged writer struggled to complete his first novel.
C1 adjective /ˌʌnkɒnstɪˈtuːʃənəl/

Unconstitutional

Meaning
not in accordance with a political constitution; violating constitutional principles
Example
The court declared the new law unconstitutional.
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.
A2 adjective /ʌnˈtaɪdi/

Untidy

Meaning
not neat or orderly; messy and disorganized
Example
Her untidy room was filled with clothes scattered everywhere.
C1 adjective /ʌnˈtaɪərɪŋ/

Untiring

Meaning
continuing without stopping; persistent; tireless
Example
Her untiring efforts finally led to success.
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.
C1 adjective /ʌnˈsiːmli/

unseemly

Meaning
Not proper or appropriate in behavior or appearance; unbecoming.
Example
His unseemly remarks embarrassed everyone at the dinner table.
C1 adjective /ʌnˈhoʊli/

Unholy

Meaning
wicked; sinful; profane
Example
The unholy alliance between the two companies caused public outrage.
C1 adjective /ʌnˈweɪ.vər.ɪŋ/

unwavering

Meaning
Steady or resolute; not wavering.
Example
He showed unwavering dedication to his goal.
B2 verb /ʌnˈfəʊld/

unfold

Meaning
to open or spread out something that was folded; to gradually reveal or develop
Example
She unfolded the letter carefully.
C1 noun /ʌpˈhiːvəl/

upheaval

Meaning
a violent or sudden change or disruption to something
Example
The company faced a major upheaval after the sudden resignation of its CEO.
B1 adjective /ʌnɪmˈplɔɪd/

Unemployed

Meaning
without a job; not having paid work
Example
He has been unemployed for six months now.
B2 adjective /ʌnˈlɔːfl/

Unlawful

Meaning
not authorized by law; illegal
Example
The court declared the search unlawful.
C1 adjective /ʌnˈsɜːrvɪsəbəl/

Unserviceable

Meaning
not in working order; unable to be used; defective
Example
The old computer became unserviceable after the system crash.
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.
C1 verb /ˌʌn.dəˈtʃɑːrdʒ/

undercharge

Meaning
To charge less than the correct or fair amount.
Example
The shopkeeper accidentally undercharged me for the groceries.
B2 adjective /ʌnˈɪndʒərd/

uninjured

Meaning
Without injury; not physically harmed.
Example
All the passengers were rescued uninjured.
B2 adjective /ˈʌt.moʊst/

Utmost

Meaning
greatest; most extreme; maximum possible
Example
She showed utmost care while handling the fragile items.
C1 adjective /juːˈbɪkwɪtəs/

ubiquitous

Meaning
Existing or being everywhere at the same time.
Example
Social media has become ubiquitous among young people.
B2 noun /ˈʌndərˌteɪkɪŋ/

undertaking

Meaning
A task, project, or responsibility that someone agrees to do.
Example
Starting a new company is a difficult undertaking.
C1 adjective /ˌʌnbɪˈkʌmɪŋ/

unbecoming

Meaning
Not proper or appropriate for a person; unsuitable.
Example
His rude behavior was unbecoming of a leader.
C1 adjective /ˌʌnˈɪntɪmeɪtɪŋ/

unintimating

Meaning
Not giving a hint or suggestion; not indicating.
Example
His unintimating tone gave no clue of his true feelings.
C2 verb /ʌnˈfɛtər/

unfetter

Meaning
to release from restraint or restriction; to free
Example
The new law will unfetter small businesses from excessive regulations.
B1 adjective /ʌnˈlaɪkli/

Unlikely

Meaning
not likely to happen; improbable
Example
It's unlikely to rain today with such clear skies.
B2 adjective /ʌnˈwɪl.ɪŋ/

Unwilling

Meaning
not ready to do something; reluctant; not wanting to do
Example
He was unwilling to share his secret with anyone.
C2 adjective /ʌnˈsʌlid/

unsullied

Meaning
not spoiled or made impure; perfectly clean or pure
Example
His reputation remained unsullied despite the accusations.
C1 adjective /ʌnˈɡɑː.dɪd/

Unguarded

Meaning
not protected or defended; careless about revealing private thoughts or information
Example
In an unguarded moment, she revealed her true feelings about the project.
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.
C1 adjective /ʌnˈmɒdɪfaɪd/

unmodified

Meaning
not changed from its original form or state
Example
The data was used in its unmodified form for analysis.
B2 adjective ʌnˈprɛsɪˌdɛntɪd

unprecedented

Meaning
Never done or known before; without previous example.
Example
Unprecedented advancements in science changed human lives.
C1 adjective /ˌjuːtɪlɪˈtɛəriən/

utilitarian

Meaning
Designed to be useful or practical rather than attractive; relating to the doctrine that actions are right if they are useful or for the benefit of a majority.
Example
The building had a simple utilitarian design.
C1 noun /ˈʌlsər/

ulcer

Meaning
a sore on the skin or a mucous membrane that does not heal easily
Example
The doctor prescribed medicine to treat the stomach ulcer.
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.
B1 noun /ˈjuːs.fəl.nəs/

Usefulness

Meaning
the quality of being useful; practical value or helpfulness
Example
The usefulness of this tool became apparent during the project.
C1 adjective ʌnˈskruːpjʊləs

unscrupulous

Meaning
Having or showing no moral principles; not honest or fair.
Example
Unscrupulous peers can lead adolescents to delinquency.
C1 adjective /ʌnˈsaɪtli/

unsightly

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

unaccountable

Meaning
Not able to be explained or justified.
Example
She felt an unaccountable fear as she entered the dark room.
C2 noun juːˈbɪkwɪti

ubiquity

Meaning
The fact of appearing everywhere or of being very common.
Example
The ubiquity of smartphones has transformed communication.
C1 adjective ʌnˈtʃɑːtɪd

uncharted

Meaning
Not mapped or surveyed; unknown or unexplored.
Example
The mission aimed to explore uncharted areas of the planet.
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.
C2 adjective /ˈɜːrsaɪn/

ursine

Meaning
Relating to or resembling a bear.
Example
The man’s ursine strength amazed everyone.
C2 verb /juˈzɜrp/

usurp

Meaning
to take someone's position of power illegally or by force
Example
The general tried to usurp the king's throne.
C1 adjective /ˌʌnsəˈfɪstɪˌkeɪtɪd/

unsophisticated

Meaning
Lacking worldly experience, refinement, or complexity.
Example
The villagers led an unsophisticated but happy life.
C1 adjective /ʌnˈsɪvəl/

Uncivil

Meaning
not polite or courteous; rude and discourteous in behavior
Example
His uncivil remarks during the meeting offended everyone present.
B2 adjective /ˌʌnkənˈtroʊld/

uncontrolled

Meaning
not restrained or managed; lacking control
Example
The wildfire spread in an uncontrolled manner, causing widespread damage.
C1 adjective /ˌʌnɪmˈplɔɪəbəl/

unemployable

Meaning
Not able to be employed; lacking the skills or qualities necessary for employment
Example
Due to his criminal record, he was considered unemployable in most companies.
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 /ˌʌnəkˈnɒlɪdʒd/

unacknowledged

Meaning
Not recognized, admitted, or accepted; ignored or unnoticed
Example
Her contributions to the project went unacknowledged.
C1 noun /ˈjuːnɪsən/

unison

Meaning
Simultaneous performance or utterance of action or speech.
Example
The choir sang in unison.
C1 verb /ˌʌndərˈlaɪ/

underlie

Meaning
to be the hidden cause or basis of something
Example
Strong cultural traditions underlie the community's practices.
C1 noun /ˈʌndərˌwɜːrld/

underworld

Meaning
The criminal world of organized crime or the mythical world of the dead.
Example
The detective spent years studying the secrets of the underworld.
B2 adjective /ˌʌnkənˈvɪnsɪŋ/

Unconvincing

Meaning
failing to persuade or impress; not believable or credible
Example
His excuse for being late was completely unconvincing.
C2 adjective /ʌnəˈpiːzd/

unappeased

Meaning
Not satisfied or calmed; still feeling discontent or anger
Example
Despite the apology, she remained unappeased.
C2 noun /ˈjuːʒəri/

usury

Meaning
The practice of lending money at unreasonably high interest rates.
Example
The law strictly prohibits usury.