Unlawful
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B2 adjective /ʌnˈlɔːfl/

Unlawful

Meaning
not authorized by law; illegal
Example
The court declared the search unlawful.
B1 verb /juˈnaɪt/

unite

Meaning
to join together or combine; to bring people or things together
Example
The crisis helped unite the community.
B2 adjective /ʌnˈendɪŋ/

Unending

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

usurious

Meaning
Charging excessively high interest rates on loans.
Example
The bank was accused of offering loans at usurious rates.
B2 noun /juːˈtɪl.ə.ti/

Utility

Meaning
the state of being useful, profitable, or beneficial; a public service
Example
The utility of solar panels increases with rising electricity costs.
C1 adjective + noun ʌnˈpresɪdentɪd ˈnɒlɪdʒ

unprecedented knowledge

Meaning
Information or understanding that has never been obtained or achieved before.
Example
Artemis will provide unprecedented knowledge about the solar system.
C1 noun /ʌnkənˈsɜːrn/

Unconcern

Meaning
lack of worry or interest; indifference
Example
She showed complete unconcern about the criticism.
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.
A1 adjective /juːzd/

used

Meaning
having already been used
Example
This is a used car.
C2 noun /ˌjuːzɜːrˈpeɪʃən/

usurpation

Meaning
The act of taking someone's power or property illegally or by force.
Example
The general's usurpation of the presidency led to political unrest.
A1 preposition /ˈʌndər/

under

Meaning
in or to a lower position than something
Example
The cat is under the table.
C1 verb /ʌnˈmɑːsk/

unmask

Meaning
to remove a mask or covering; to reveal the true identity, nature, or intentions of someone or something
Example
The investigation helped unmask the real culprit behind the crime.
C1 adjective /ʌnˈkuːθ/

uncouth

Meaning
Lacking good manners, refinement, or grace; awkward or rough.
Example
His uncouth behavior shocked the guests at the party.
B2 adjective /ˌʌnkənˈvɪnsɪŋ/

Unconvincing

Meaning
failing to persuade or impress; not believable or credible
Example
His excuse for being late was completely unconvincing.
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.
A1 pronoun /ʌs/

us

Meaning
used to refer to the speaker and one or more other people as the object of a verb or preposition
Example
She gave us a gift.
C2 verb /ʌnˈjoʊk/

unyoke

Meaning
To release from a yoke or to free from restraint or obligation.
Example
The farmer unyoked the oxen after a long day of work.
C1 verb /ʌnˈnɜːrv/

unnerve

Meaning
to make someone lose confidence, courage, or composure
Example
The hostile questions began to unnerve the witness.
B2 adverb juːˈnæn.ɪ.məs.li

unanimously

Meaning
With the agreement of all people involved; without opposition.
Example
The proposal was unanimously accepted.
A1 verb /ˌʌndərˈstænd/

understand

Meaning
to know the meaning of something; to comprehend
Example
Do you understand the instructions?
C1 adjective /ˌʌnfɔːrˈsiːn/

unforeseen

Meaning
Not anticipated or predicted; unexpected.
Example
The project faced unforeseen challenges that delayed its completion.
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 /ʌnˈnoʊn/

Unknown

Meaning
not known or identified; unfamiliar
Example
The author of this letter remains unknown.
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.
C1 adjective /ʌnˈsiːmli/

unseemly

Meaning
Not proper or appropriate in behavior or appearance; unbecoming.
Example
His unseemly remarks embarrassed everyone at the dinner table.
B2 adjective /ˌʌnˈnoʊ.tɪst/

Unnoticed

Meaning
not seen or observed; ignored
Example
His hard work went unnoticed by his manager.
B2 adverb /ʌnˈsɜːrtənli/

uncertainly

Meaning
in a way that shows doubt or lack of certainty
Example
She glanced uncertainly at the complicated instructions.
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.
C2 adjective /ʌnˈælɔɪd/

unalloyed

Meaning
Pure, complete, and not mixed with anything else.
Example
She felt unalloyed joy at the news of her success.
B1 adjective /ˌʌnˈɪntrəstɪŋ/

uninteresting

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

upset

Meaning
to make someone worried, sad, or angry; to disturb
Example
The bad news upset everyone.
B2 adjective ʌnˈprɛsɪˌdɛntɪd

unprecedented

Meaning
Never done or known before; without previous example.
Example
Unprecedented advancements in science changed human lives.
C2 verb /ʌnˈfrɒk/

unfrock

Meaning
To remove a priest from his position or deprive someone of a rank.
Example
The corrupt priest was unfrocked after the investigation.
A1 noun /ˈʌŋkəl/

uncle

Meaning
the brother of one's father or mother
Example
My uncle is visiting us next week.
B2 adjective /ʌnhaɪˈdʒiːnɪk/

Unhygienic

Meaning
not clean; lacking proper sanitation
Example
The restaurant was closed due to unhygienic conditions in the kitchen.
B1 adjective /ʌnˈlaɪk/

Unlike

Meaning
different from; not similar to
Example
Unlike his brother, he prefers quiet activities.
C2 adjective /ʌnˈstɪntɪŋ/

unstinting

Meaning
given generously without holding back
Example
She received unstinting support from her family.
C1 noun ˈʌp.raɪ.zɪŋ

uprising

Meaning
An act of resistance or rebellion; a revolt against an authority or government.
Example
The uprising marked the beginning of the revolution.
A1 preposition/conjunction /ʌnˈtɪl/

until

Meaning
up to the time of
Example
I will wait until you come back.
B2 adjective /ʌnˈbiːtən/

Unbeaten

Meaning
not defeated; having never lost; undefeated
Example
The team remains unbeaten this season.
C1 adjective /ˌʌnɪnˈhɪbɪtɪd/

uninhibited

Meaning
Not restrained or restricted; free in behavior or expression.
Example
She gave an uninhibited laugh at the joke.
C2 adjective /ˈɜːrsaɪn/

ursine

Meaning
Relating to or resembling a bear.
Example
The man’s ursine strength amazed everyone.
C2 adjective /ˌʌn.təˈwɔːrd/

untoward

Meaning
Unexpected and inappropriate or inconvenient.
Example
The meeting ended without any untoward incidents.
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 /ʌnˌkənˈfɜːmd/

Unconfirmed

Meaning
not confirmed as true or definite; not verified or substantiated
Example
The report remains unconfirmed until we receive official verification.
B2 adjective /ʌnˈiːkwəl/

Unequal

Meaning
not the same in quantity, size, or value; not fair or just
Example
The distribution of wealth is unequal in many countries.
B1 adjective ʌnˈplænd

unplanned

Meaning
Not planned or arranged in advance; happening spontaneously without preparation.
Example
Unplanned urbanization contributes to environmental issues.
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 ʌnˈtʃɑːtɪd

uncharted

Meaning
Not mapped or surveyed; unknown or unexplored.
Example
The mission aimed to explore uncharted areas of the planet.
C1 adjective /ˌʌndərˈsteɪtɪd/

understated

Meaning
Presented in a subtle and restrained way.
Example
She wore an elegant but understated dress.
C2 noun /juːˈkeɪs/

ukase

Meaning
An authoritative decree or order, especially one issued by a sovereign or government.
Example
The czar issued a ukase restricting the freedom of the press.
B2 adjective /ʌnˈfeɪ.vər.ə.bəl/

Unfavourable

Meaning
not helpful or advantageous; adverse
Example
The weather conditions were unfavourable for our outdoor event.
B2 verb /ˈjuːtɪlaɪz/

utilize

Meaning
to make practical or effective use of something
Example
The company aims to utilize solar energy for production.
C1 verb /ˌʌn.dəˈtʃɑːrdʒ/

undercharge

Meaning
To charge less than the correct or fair amount.
Example
The shopkeeper accidentally undercharged me for the groceries.
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.
C1 adjective /ʌnˈskeɪðd/

unscathed

Meaning
Without suffering any injury, damage, or harm.
Example
She escaped from the accident unscathed.
C1 adjective /ʌnˈfɔːltərɪŋ/

unfaltering

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

uncoordinated

Meaning
lacking coordination, not well-organized or clumsy in movement
Example
His movements were uncoordinated, making him prone to accidents.
B1 adjective /ʌnˈwel/

Unwell

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

Unilateral

Meaning
one-sided; involving only one party
Example
The country made a unilateral decision to withdraw from the treaty.
C1 adjective ʌnˈmætʃt

unmatched

Meaning
Not equaled or rivaled by any other; without equal.
Example
The freedom fighters showed unmatched bravery.
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.
C1 noun /ˈʌndərˌɡɑːrmənt/

undergarment

Meaning
a piece of clothing worn under outer clothes, usually next to the skin
Example
He bought new undergarments for the wedding.
C2 adjective ˌʌn.əˈseɪ.lə.bəl

unassailable

Meaning
Unable to be attacked, questioned, or defeated.
Example
An unassailable position ensures dominance.
B2 verb /ˌʌndərˈmaɪn/

undermine

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

ulterior

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

unappeased

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

unviable

Meaning
Not capable of working successfully; not feasible or practical.
Example
The project was deemed unviable due to high costs.
B2 verb /ʌnˈkʌvə(r)/

uncover

Meaning
to reveal something that was hidden or secret
Example
The investigation uncovered new evidence.
C2 noun /ˈɜːrtʃɪn/

urchin

Meaning
a mischievous or poorly dressed child, often from the streets
Example
The ragged urchins played by the riverbank.
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.
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.
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.
C1 adjective /ˌʌnəbˈtruːsɪv/

unobtrusive

Meaning
not attracting attention; blending in without causing notice
Example
The security cameras are designed to be unobtrusive.
B2 adjective /ʌnprəˈdʌk.tɪv/

Unproductive

Meaning
not achieving much; not producing good results
Example
The meeting was unproductive and wasted everyone's time.
C2 adjective /ˌʌnɪmˈpiːtʃəbl/

unimpeachable

Meaning
Not able to be doubted, questioned, or criticized; completely trustworthy.
Example
She is known for her unimpeachable honesty.
B2 adverb /ˈʌt.ə.li/

Utterly

Meaning
completely; absolutely; totally
Example
The movie was utterly boring and I fell asleep.
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.
A1 adverb /ˈjuː.ʒu.ə.li/

Usually

Meaning
in most cases; generally; as a rule
Example
I usually wake up at 7 AM every morning.
B2 adjective /ˈʌt.moʊst/

Utmost

Meaning
greatest; most extreme; maximum possible
Example
She showed utmost care while handling the fragile items.
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.
C2 noun juːˈbɪkwɪti

ubiquity

Meaning
The fact of appearing everywhere or of being very common.
Example
The ubiquity of smartphones has transformed communication.
B2 adjective /ˌʌnəˈveɪləbəl/

unavailable

Meaning
Not able to be obtained, reached, or used; not present or accessible.
Example
The manager was unavailable to take calls during the meeting.
C1 verb /ˌʌndərˈlaɪ/

underlie

Meaning
to be the hidden cause or basis of something
Example
Strong cultural traditions underlie the community's practices.
C2 adjective /ˌʌnpriːpəˈzɛsɪŋ/

unprepossessing

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

uncommon

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

Uncivil

Meaning
not polite or courteous; rude and discourteous in behavior
Example
His uncivil remarks during the meeting offended everyone present.
B1 adjective /ˌʌnˈpeɪd/

Unpaid

Meaning
not paid for; without payment or salary
Example
She worked as an unpaid intern for six months.
C2 verb /ˌʌndərˈɡɜːrd/

undergird

Meaning
to provide support or foundation for; to strengthen
Example
Strong values undergird a healthy society.
C1 adjective /ʌnˈkæni/

uncanny

Meaning
Strange or mysterious, especially in an unsettling way.
Example
She has an uncanny ability to predict the future.
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.
A2 noun /ˈʌndərweər/

underwear

Meaning
Clothing worn beneath outer clothes, typically next to the skin.
Example
He bought new underwear for the trip.
C2 verb /ʌnˈkloʊð/

unclothe

Meaning
to remove clothing from someone or something
Example
The nurse helped unclothe the patient for the examination.
B1 adjective /ʌnˈʃʊr/

unsure

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

ubiquitous

Meaning
Existing or being everywhere at the same time.
Example
Social media has become ubiquitous among young people.
C2 adjective /ˌʌnsɛrəˈmoʊniəs/

unceremonious

Meaning
Done without formality or courtesy; abrupt or rude.
Example
He made an unceremonious exit from the party.
A1 interjection /ʌ/

uh

Meaning
a sound people make when they hesitate or are unsure what to say next.
Example
Uh, I’m not sure if that’s the right answer.
B2 adjective /ʌnprɪˈpɛrd/

Unprepared

Meaning
not ready or able to deal with something
Example
He was unprepared for the difficult exam.
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.
B2 adjective /ʌnˈrɪəl/

unreal

Meaning
not real or not based on reality; exaggerated or imaginary
Example
The experience felt unreal after the sudden news.
C2 adjective /ˈʌŋk.tʃu.əs/

unctuous

Meaning
Excessively flattering or ingratiating; oily in texture.
Example
His unctuous tone made everyone uncomfortable.
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 /ʌnˈfɛtərd/

unfettered

Meaning
not restricted or confined; free
Example
The artist enjoyed unfettered freedom of expression.
B1 noun /ˌʌnɪmˈplɔɪmənt/

Unemployment

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

Unholy

Meaning
wicked; sinful; profane
Example
The unholy alliance between the two companies caused public outrage.
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 ʌnɪnˈhæbɪtəbəl

uninhabitable

Meaning
Not suitable or safe for people to live in.
Example
Rapid urbanization can make cities uninhabitable.
C1 adjective /ʌnˈspiːkəbl/

unspeakable

Meaning
too bad or shocking to be expressed in words
Example
The survivors endured unspeakable horrors during the war.
A2 preposition /əˈpɒn/

upon

Meaning
on or immediately after
Example
Upon hearing the news, he rushed to the hospital.
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.
B2 adjective /ˌʌnəˈweər/

Unaware

Meaning
not knowing or realizing; having no knowledge of something
Example
She was completely unaware of the danger.
B2 adjective /ʌnˈbæləns/

Unbalanced

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