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.

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 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.

B2 adjective /ʌnˈlɪmɪtɪd/

unlimited

Meaning

without any limits or restrictions

Example

The internet plan offers unlimited data for the whole month.

C1 adjective /ʌnˈtʌtʃəbəl/

Untouchable

Meaning

not able to be touched or affected; beyond criticism or attack

Example

The CEO seemed untouchable despite the scandal.

C2 adjective /ʌnˈblʌʃɪŋ/

Unblushing

Meaning

showing no shame or embarrassment; boldly shameless

Example

He told the unblushing lie without any hesitation.

C1 adjective /ˌʌnəˈsjuːmɪŋ/

unassuming

Meaning

Not pretentious or arrogant; modest.

Example

Despite his success, he remained unassuming and humble.

B2 adjective /ʌnˈtʃeɪndʒɪŋ/

unchanging

Meaning

remaining the same over time; not changing

Example

Her love for her family was unchanging throughout the years.

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.

B1 adjective /ˌʌnɪkˈspektɪd/

Unexpected

Meaning

not expected or anticipated; surprising

Example

The unexpected news left everyone speechless.

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 verb /ʌnˈkʌvə(r)/

uncover

Meaning

to reveal something that was hidden or secret

Example

The investigation uncovered new evidence.

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 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.

C1 adjective /ˌʌnrɪˈkwaɪtɪd/

unrequited

Meaning

Not returned or reciprocated, especially in the context of love or affection.

Example

He suffered from unrequited love for years.

C1 adjective /ʌnˈθɪŋkɪŋ/

unthinking

Meaning

done without careful thought; automatic or thoughtless

Example

His unthinking remark hurt her feelings.

B2 noun /ʌnˈsɜːrtənti/

Uncertainty

Meaning

the state of being uncertain; doubt or lack of sureness

Example

The uncertainty about the weather delayed our trip.

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 /ʌnˈberəbəl/

Unbearable

Meaning

too painful, annoying, or unpleasant to tolerate; impossible to endure

Example

The heat in the desert was unbearable.

B1 adjective /ʌnˈtru/

Untrue

Meaning

not true; false; incorrect

Example

His statement about the incident was completely untrue.

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.

C1 adjective /ˌʌnkɒnstɪˈtuːʃənəl/

Unconstitutional

Meaning

not in accordance with a political constitution; violating constitutional principles

Example

The court declared the new law unconstitutional.

C2 noun/verb /ˈʌpˌkæst/

upcast

Meaning

Verb: To cast or throw upward. Noun: Something thrown or directed upward.

Example

The fisherman upcast his net into the air.

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.

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.

B2 adjective /ˌʌndɪˈzaɪərəbl/

Undesirable

Meaning

not wanted or wished for; harmful or unpleasant

Example

The new policy had several undesirable consequences.

B1 adjective /ʌnˈklɪər/

unclear

Meaning

not easy to understand; vague or ambiguous

Example

The instructions were unclear, so I asked for clarification.

B1 adjective /ʌnˈplɛz.ənt/

Unpleasant

Meaning

not giving or causing pleasure; disagreeable

Example

The medicine had an unpleasant taste.

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.

C2 adjective /ʌnˈsʌlid/

unsullied

Meaning

not spoiled or made impure; perfectly clean or pure

Example

His reputation remained unsullied despite the accusations.

B1 adjective /ˈʌpər/

upper

Meaning

higher in position or rank

Example

The upper floor of the building is under renovation.

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.

A1 noun /ˌjuːnɪˈvɜːrsɪti/

university

Meaning

an institution of higher education and research, which grants academic degrees

Example

She is studying law at the university.

C1 adjective /ˌʌnɪnˈhɪbɪtɪd/

uninhibited

Meaning

Not restrained or restricted; free in behavior or expression.

Example

She gave an uninhibited laugh at the joke.

C2 noun /ˌjuːnɪˈtɛəriən/

unitarian

Meaning

A person who believes that God exists as one entity rather than as a Trinity; a member of a religious denomination that emphasizes individual freedom of belief.

Example

The Unitarian church is known for its inclusive and open-minded approach.

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.

C1 adjective /ˌʌnəˈdɔːrnd/

unadorned

Meaning

Plain and simple; not decorated.

Example

The room was unadorned, with only a table and a chair.

B2 adjective /ʌnprəˈdʌk.tɪv/

Unproductive

Meaning

not achieving much; not producing good results

Example

The meeting was unproductive and wasted everyone's time.

C2 noun juːˈbɪkwɪti

ubiquity

Meaning

The fact of appearing everywhere or of being very common.

Example

The ubiquity of smartphones has transformed communication.

B1 adjective /ˌʌnɪmˈpɔːrtənt/

unimportant

Meaning

not having much value, significance, or influence

Example

The detail seemed unimportant compared to the main issue.

C2 adverb /ʌnˈɜːrɪŋli/

unerringly

Meaning

Without making any mistakes; always accurate

Example

The archer aimed unerringly at the target.

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.

C1 noun /juːnəˈnɪməti/

Unanimity

Meaning

complete agreement among all members of a group

Example

The committee reached unanimity on the new policy.

C2 adjective /ɜːrˈbeɪn/

urbane

Meaning

showing polished manners, refinement, and sophistication

Example

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

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.

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.

C1 adjective ˌʌn.pəˈtɜːbd

unperturbed

Meaning

Not worried or disturbed by something; calm and composed.

Example

She remained unperturbed despite the challenges.

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 /ʌnˈkʌltʃəd/

Uncultured

Meaning

lacking good manners, refinement, or education; uncivilized

Example

His uncultured behavior embarrassed everyone at the dinner party.

C1 adjective /ˌʌn.əˈdʌl.tə.reɪ.tɪd/

Unadulterated

Meaning

not mixed or diluted with any different or extra elements; pure

Example

She felt unadulterated joy when she heard the news.

C2 verb /ʌnˈɑːrm/

unarm

Meaning

to remove weapons from someone or to deprive of means of attack or defense

Example

The soldiers were ordered to unarm the prisoners.

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.

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.

B2 adjective /ʌnˈhɜːd/

Unheard

Meaning

not heard or listened to; not given a hearing; unknown or unfamiliar

Example

His complaints went unheard by the management.

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 /ʌnˈnætʃərəl/

Unnatural

Meaning

not existing in nature; artificial; forced

Example

The actor's smile looked unnatural and forced.

A2 noun /ˈʌndərweər/

underwear

Meaning

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

Example

He bought new underwear for the trip.

B1 noun /ˌʌnɪmˈplɔɪmənt/

Unemployment

Meaning

the state of being unemployed; lack of paid work

Example

The unemployment rate has increased significantly this year.

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.

B2 adjective /ˈʌt.ɚ/

Utter

Meaning

complete; absolute; total

Example

The movie was an utter disaster at the box office.

C1 noun /ʌnkənˈsɜːrn/

Unconcern

Meaning

lack of worry or interest; indifference

Example

She showed complete unconcern about the criticism.

C2 noun /ˈɜːrtʃɪn/

urchin

Meaning

a mischievous or poorly dressed child, often from the streets

Example

The ragged urchins played by the riverbank.

B1 adjective /ʌnɪmˈplɔɪd/

Unemployed

Meaning

without a job; not having paid work

Example

He has been unemployed for six months now.

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.

B1 adjective /ˈɜːrdʒənt/

Urgent

Meaning

requiring immediate action or attention; pressing

Example

The patient needs urgent medical attention.

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 /ʌnəˈfreɪd/

unafraid

Meaning

Not feeling fear; brave or courageous

Example

She walked into the dark room, unafraid of what might be inside.

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 /ˌʌnˈɪntɪmeɪtɪŋ/

unintimating

Meaning

Not giving a hint or suggestion; not indicating.

Example

His unintimating tone gave no clue of his true feelings.

A2 verb /ʌpˈset/

upset

Meaning

to make someone worried, sad, or angry; to disturb

Example

The bad news upset everyone.

B2 adjective /ʌnˈskɪld/

Unskilled

Meaning

lacking technical training or ability; not requiring special skills

Example

Many unskilled workers are looking for training opportunities.

C2 noun /ˈjuːʒəri/

usury

Meaning

The practice of lending money at unreasonably high interest rates.

Example

The law strictly prohibits usury.

A1 adjective /juːzd/

used

Meaning

having already been used

Example

This is a used car.

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 verb /ˈjuːtɪlaɪz/

utilize

Meaning

to make practical or effective use of something

Example

The company aims to utilize solar energy for production.

B2 adverb /ʌnˈdaʊtɪdli/

undoubtedly

Meaning

without a doubt, certainly

Example

He is undoubtedly the best player on the team.

C2 verb /ˌʌndərˈɡɜːrd/

undergird

Meaning

to provide support or foundation for; to strengthen

Example

Strong values undergird a healthy society.

C1 adjective /ʌnˈtoʊld/

Untold

Meaning

very great in amount or degree; countless; immeasurable

Example

The earthquake caused untold damage to the city.

C1 adjective /ˈʌpərˌmoʊst/

uppermost

Meaning

situated at the highest place or most important

Example

Her family's safety was uppermost in her mind during the crisis.

B2 adjective /ˌʌndɪˈstɜːrbd/

Undisturbed

Meaning

not interrupted or interfered with; calm and peaceful

Example

She slept undisturbed for eight hours.

C2 verb /ʌnˈkaʊtʃ/

uncouch

Meaning

to remove from a couch or to release from being laid down (rare/archaic usage)

Example

The surgeon attempted to uncouch the cataract.

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.

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.

B2 adjective /ʌnˈendɪŋ/

Unending

Meaning

continuing forever; without end

Example

The unending rain made the day feel gloomy.

C2 noun /ˈʌmbrɪdʒ/

umbrage

Meaning

A feeling of resentment or offense.

Example

She took umbrage at his rude remark.

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 adjective /ˌjuːnɪˈlætərəl/

Unilateral

Meaning

one-sided; involving only one party

Example

The country made a unilateral decision to withdraw from the treaty.

C2 verb /ʌpˈhiːv/

upheave

Meaning

to lift or raise something forcefully; to cause to rise suddenly

Example

The workers had to upheave the heavy stone to clear the path.

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.

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 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 /ʌnˈwel.kəm/

Unwelcome

Meaning

not wanted or accepted; not invited or pleasant

Example

The unwelcome news ruined their vacation plans.

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.

B2 adjective /ʌnfəˈmɪl.jər/

Unfamiliar

Meaning

not known or recognized; strange

Example

The city was unfamiliar to me since I had never been there before.

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 /ˈjuːʒəl/

usual

Meaning

habitually or typically occurring or done

Example

It’s our usual meeting spot.

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.

C2 adjective /juːˈnɪsənənt/

unisonant

Meaning

Sounding together or in harmony.

Example

The unisonant voices created a powerful effect.

A2 adjective /ˈjuːs.ləs/

Useless

Meaning

having no beneficial purpose; not useful

Example

This broken computer is completely useless.

C1 adjective /ˌʌnsəˈfɪstɪˌkeɪtɪd/

unsophisticated

Meaning

Lacking worldly experience, refinement, or complexity.

Example

The villagers led an unsophisticated but happy life.

C2 adjective /ˈɜːrsaɪn/

ursine

Meaning

Relating to or resembling a bear.

Example

The man’s ursine strength amazed everyone.

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.

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.

C2 adjective /ʌnˈtræməld/

untrammeled

Meaning

Not restricted or hampered; free and unrestricted.

Example

She enjoyed untrammeled freedom in her new life abroad.

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.

B2 adverb /ʌnˈkaɪndli/

unkindly

Meaning

in a cruel, harsh, or unsympathetic manner

Example

She spoke unkindly about her colleague during the meeting.

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.

C2 adjective /juːˈbɪkwɪtəs/

ubiquitious

Meaning

Present, appearing, or found everywhere.

Example

Smartphones have become ubiquitous in modern society.

B2 adjective /ˌʌndɪˈsaɪdɪd/

Undecided

Meaning

not having made a decision; uncertain

Example

She was undecided about which college to attend.

B2 adjective /ʌnˈfeɪθ.fəl/

Unfaithful

Meaning

not loyal or true to a spouse, partner, or commitment

Example

He was unfaithful to his wife for many years.

C1 adjective /ˌʌnəˈfɛktɪd/

unaffected

Meaning

Not influenced or touched by something; genuine and natural.

Example

He remained unaffected by the criticism and kept working hard.

C1 noun /ˌjuːnɪˈfɔːrməti/

Uniformity

Meaning

the quality of being uniform; consistency or sameness

Example

The uniformity of the design created a pleasing visual effect.

B2 adjective /ˌʌnkənˈtroʊld/

uncontrolled

Meaning

not restrained or managed; lacking control

Example

The wildfire spread in an uncontrolled manner, causing widespread damage.

B1 adjective /ˈʌpˌkʌmɪŋ/

upcoming

Meaning

about to happen or appear

Example

The upcoming event will be held next week.

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 /ˌʌndərˈsaɪzd/

undersized

Meaning

Smaller than the usual or expected size.

Example

The undersized puppy struggled to keep up with its siblings.

B2 noun /ʌnəˈbɪləti/

unability

Meaning

the state of being unable to do something; incapacity

Example

His unability to solve the problem caused delays in the project.

B2 adjective /ˌʌnˈnoʊ.tɪst/

Unnoticed

Meaning

not seen or observed; ignored

Example

His hard work went unnoticed by his manager.

A1 adjective /ˈjuːs.fəl/

Useful

Meaning

having a beneficial purpose; practical

Example

This tool is very useful for fixing problems.