C1 noun /ˈʌp.ʃɒt/

Upshot

Meaning

the final result or outcome of a series of events; conclusion

Example

The upshot of the meeting was a decision to postpone the project.

B1 noun /ˌʌnɪmˈplɔɪmənt/

Unemployment

Meaning

the state of being unemployed; lack of paid work

Example

The unemployment rate has increased significantly this year.

B1 adjective /ʌnˈkaʊntəbəl/

Uncountable

Meaning

too many to be counted; innumerable; infinite in quantity

Example

There are uncountable stars in the night sky.

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.

C2 adjective /ʌnˈspɛərɪŋ/

unsparing

Meaning

Showing no mercy or generosity; harsh or severe.

Example

The critic was unsparing in his review of the play.

B2 adjective /ʌnˈtʃeɪndʒɪŋ/

unchanging

Meaning

remaining the same over time; not changing

Example

Her love for her family was unchanging throughout the years.

C1 adjective /ʌnˈfɔːltərɪŋ/

unfaltering

Meaning

Steady and resolute; not weakening or hesitating

Example

She continued with unfaltering determination.

C2 adjective /ʌnˈstɪntɪŋ/

unstinting

Meaning

given generously without holding back

Example

She received unstinting support from her family.

C2 verb /ʌnˈfɛtər/

unfetter

Meaning

to release from restraint or restriction; to free

Example

The new law will unfetter small businesses from excessive regulations.

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.

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.

B2 adverb /ˈʌltəmətli/

ultimately

Meaning

in the end, after everything else

Example

Ultimately, we decided to go ahead with the project.

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.

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.

B2 adjective /ʌnˈdʒʌst/

Unjust

Meaning

not fair or right; morally wrong

Example

The punishment was unjust for such a minor offense.

B2 noun ˌjuːtɪlaɪˈzeɪʃən

utilization

Meaning

The action of making practical and effective use of something.

Example

Increased plastic utilization calls for better waste management.

C1 adjective /ˈʌndərhænd/

underhand

Meaning

done secretly and dishonestly; deceitful

Example

The politician was accused of using underhand tactics to win the election.

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.

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.

A1 adjective /juːzd/

used

Meaning

having already been used

Example

This is a used car.

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.

B2 adjective /ˌʌnrɪˈzɒlvd/

unresolved

Meaning

not solved or settled; remaining undecided or unclear

Example

The dispute remains unresolved despite several meetings.

A1 adverb /ʌp/

up

Meaning

towards a higher position or level

Example

He climbed up the ladder quickly.

C2 verb /ʌpˈbreɪd/

upbraid

Meaning

To scold or criticize someone harshly.

Example

The teacher upbraided the student for being late again.

C1 adjective /ʌnˈkæni/

uncanny

Meaning

Strange or mysterious, especially in an unsettling way.

Example

She has an uncanny ability to predict the future.

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 /ʌnˈsaɪtli/

unsightly

Meaning

Unpleasant to look at; ugly.

Example

The garbage pile created an unsightly view in the park.

C1 adjective /ˌʌnəbˈtruːsɪv/

unobtrusive

Meaning

not attracting attention; blending in without causing notice

Example

The security cameras are designed to be unobtrusive.

C2 noun /ˈjuːʒəri/

usury

Meaning

The practice of lending money at unreasonably high interest rates.

Example

The law strictly prohibits usury.

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.

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 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.

B2 adjective /ʌnˈsiːn/

Unseen

Meaning

not previously seen or noticed; invisible; hidden

Example

The unseen forces of nature can be very powerful.

B1 adjective /ʌnˈlaɪkli/

Unlikely

Meaning

not likely to happen; improbable

Example

It's unlikely to rain today with such clear skies.

C1 adjective /ʌnˈkɛmpt/

unkempt

Meaning

Having an untidy or disheveled appearance.

Example

He looked unkempt after sleeping outdoors all night.

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.

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 /ʌnˈduː/

Undue

Meaning

excessive; inappropriate; more than is necessary or proper

Example

The teacher complained about undue pressure from parents.

C1 adjective /ˌʌndərˈsteɪtɪd/

understated

Meaning

Presented in a subtle and restrained way.

Example

She wore an elegant but understated dress.

C1 adjective /ʌnˈmænɪdʒəbəl/

Unmanageable

Meaning

difficult or impossible to control or handle

Example

The large class became unmanageable without proper supervision.

C1 adjective /ʌnˈweɪ.vər.ɪŋ/

unwavering

Meaning

Steady or resolute; not wavering.

Example

He showed unwavering dedication to his goal.

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.

A2 preposition /əˈpɒn/

upon

Meaning

on or immediately after

Example

Upon hearing the news, he rushed to the hospital.

B2 adjective /ʌnˈriːdəbl/

unreadable

Meaning

not able to be read or understood clearly; illegible

Example

The doctor’s handwriting was completely unreadable.

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 /juːnəˈnɪməti/

Unanimity

Meaning

complete agreement among all members of a group

Example

The committee reached unanimity on the new policy.

B2 adjective /ˌʌndɪˈzaɪərəbl/

Undesirable

Meaning

not wanted or wished for; harmful or unpleasant

Example

The new policy had several undesirable consequences.

B1 adjective /juːˈniːk/

Unique

Meaning

being the only one of its kind; unlike anything else

Example

Every snowflake is unique in its pattern.

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.

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.

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.

B1 noun /ʌnˈhæp.i.nəs/

unhappiness

Meaning

the state of being unhappy; sadness or dissatisfaction

Example

Her constant unhappiness affected everyone around her.

C1 adjective /ˌʌnfɔːrθˈkʌmɪŋ/

unforthcoming

Meaning

Not willing to talk or provide information; uncooperative.

Example

The witness was unforthcoming about what he had seen.

C1 adjective /ˌʌnɪˈkwɪvəkəl/

unequivocal

Meaning

Leaving no doubt; clear and unambiguous

Example

She gave an unequivocal answer to the question.

B2 adjective /ʌnˈkɒn.ʃəs/

Unconscious

Meaning

not awake and aware of one's surroundings; done or existing without one realizing

Example

The patient was unconscious for several hours after the surgery.

C1 adjective /juːˈbɪkwɪtəs/

ubiquitous

Meaning

Existing or being everywhere at the same time.

Example

Social media has become ubiquitous among young people.

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.

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 adverb /ʌnˈɜːrɪŋli/

unerringly

Meaning

Without making any mistakes; always accurate

Example

The archer aimed unerringly at the target.

B2 adjective /ˈʌt.ɚ/

Utter

Meaning

complete; absolute; total

Example

The movie was an utter disaster at the box office.

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 verb /ʌnˈnɜːrv/

unnerve

Meaning

to make someone lose confidence, courage, or composure

Example

The hostile questions began to unnerve the witness.

C1 adjective /ʌnˈθɪŋkɪŋ/

unthinking

Meaning

done without careful thought; automatic or thoughtless

Example

His unthinking remark hurt her feelings.

B2 adjective /ʌnˈskɪld/

Unskilled

Meaning

lacking technical training or ability; not requiring special skills

Example

Many unskilled workers are looking for training opportunities.

B2 adjective /ʌnˈlɪmɪtɪd/

unlimited

Meaning

without any limits or restrictions

Example

The internet plan offers unlimited data for the whole month.

C1 adjective /ˌʌnkɒnstɪˈtuːʃənəl/

Unconstitutional

Meaning

not in accordance with a political constitution; violating constitutional principles

Example

The court declared the new law unconstitutional.

B2 adjective /ʌnˈɪndʒərd/

uninjured

Meaning

Without injury; not physically harmed.

Example

All the passengers were rescued uninjured.

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.

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.

A2 noun /ˌʌpˈsteəz/

Upstairs

Meaning

on or to an upper floor of a building; the upper floor or floors

Example

She went upstairs to her bedroom to rest.

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.

C1 adjective ʌnˈwɔːr.rən.tɪd

unwarranted

Meaning

Not justified or necessary; without good reason.

Example

His anger toward the staff was completely unwarranted.

C2 adjective /juːˈbɪkwɪtəs/

ubiquitious

Meaning

Present, appearing, or found everywhere.

Example

Smartphones have become ubiquitous in modern society.

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.

C2 adjective /ʌnˈflɛdʒd/

unfledged

Meaning

Inexperienced, immature, or not fully developed.

Example

The unfledged writer struggled to complete his first novel.

B2 adjective /ˌʌnprɪˈdɪktəbəl/

unpredictable

Meaning

not able to be predicted; changing suddenly and unexpectedly

Example

The weather in this region is highly unpredictable.

C2 noun juːˈbɪkwɪti

ubiquity

Meaning

The fact of appearing everywhere or of being very common.

Example

The ubiquity of smartphones has transformed communication.

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.

A1 adjective /ˈjuːs.fəl/

Useful

Meaning

having a beneficial purpose; practical

Example

This tool is very useful for fixing problems.

C1 noun /ˈʌp.rɔːr/

Uproar

Meaning

a loud and emotional noise or disturbance; public outcry

Example

The announcement caused an uproar among the students.

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 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.

B2 adjective /ˌʌnəˈfɪʃ.əl/

Unofficial

Meaning

not officially authorized or confirmed; informal

Example

The unofficial results showed a close race.

C1 adjective /ʌnˈmaɪndfəl/

Unmindful

Meaning

not paying attention; careless; heedless

Example

She was unmindful of the danger around her.

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 noun /ʌnˈsɜːrtənti/

Uncertainty

Meaning

the state of being uncertain; doubt or lack of sureness

Example

The uncertainty about the weather delayed our trip.

B2 adjective /ʌnˈtʃeɪndʒəbəl/

Unchangeable

Meaning

not able to be changed or altered; fixed and permanent

Example

The laws of physics are unchangeable principles that govern the universe.

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 /ˈjuːnɪfɔːrm/

Uniform

Meaning

consistent; identical; standardized

Example

All students must wear a uniform to school.

C1 adjective /ˌʌnəˈsjuːmɪŋ/

unassuming

Meaning

Not pretentious or arrogant; modest.

Example

Despite his success, he remained unassuming and humble.

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.

C2 noun /ˈʌmbrɪdʒ/

umbrage

Meaning

A feeling of resentment or offense.

Example

She took umbrage at his rude remark.

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 adjective /ˌjuːnɪˈlætərəl/

Unilateral

Meaning

one-sided; involving only one party

Example

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

C1 adjective /ˌjuːnɪˈsɛljʊlər/

unicellular

Meaning

Consisting of a single cell.

Example

Amoebas are unicellular organisms.

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 /ʌnˈbraɪdld/

unbridled

Meaning

Uncontrolled and unrestrained.

Example

The protesters showed unbridled enthusiasm for change.

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.

C1 adjective /ʌnˈtaɪmli/

Untimely

Meaning

happening at an inappropriate or inconvenient time; premature

Example

His untimely death at the age of thirty shocked everyone.

C2 adjective /ʌnəˈpiːzd/

unappeased

Meaning

Not satisfied or calmed; still feeling discontent or anger

Example

Despite the apology, she remained unappeased.

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 adjective /ʌnˈvɔɪst/

unvoiced

Meaning

not expressed in speech; in phonetics, a sound produced without vocal cord vibration

Example

The student kept her opinion unvoiced during the meeting.

B2 verb /ˈjuːtɪlaɪz/

utilize

Meaning

to make practical or effective use of something

Example

The company aims to utilize solar energy for production.

C1 noun /ʌnkənˈsɜːrn/

Unconcern

Meaning

lack of worry or interest; indifference

Example

She showed complete unconcern about the criticism.

B2 verb /ɜːrdʒ/

urge

Meaning

to strongly encourage or try to persuade someone to do something

Example

Doctors urge patients to exercise regularly.

B2 adjective /ʌnhaɪˈdʒiːnɪk/

Unhygienic

Meaning

not clean; lacking proper sanitation

Example

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

B2 adjective /ˈʌt.moʊst/

Utmost

Meaning

greatest; most extreme; maximum possible

Example

She showed utmost care while handling the fragile items.

C2 adjective /ˈʌndjʊleɪtɪŋ/

undulating

Meaning

Having a smoothly rising and falling form or motion like waves.

Example

We drove through undulating hills.

B2 noun ˈjuːnəti

unity

Meaning

The state of being united or joined as a whole.

Example

Unity among people led to victory.

C2 adjective /ˌʌnpriːpəˈzɛsɪŋ/

unprepossessing

Meaning

not attractive or appealing in appearance

Example

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

B1 adjective /ˈʌpər/

upper

Meaning

higher in position or rank

Example

The upper floor of the building is under renovation.

B2 adjective /ˌʌnkənˈvɪnsɪŋ/

Unconvincing

Meaning

failing to persuade or impress; not believable or credible

Example

His excuse for being late was completely unconvincing.

B2 adjective /ʌnˈberəbəl/

Unbearable

Meaning

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

Example

The heat in the desert was unbearable.

B2 adjective /ʌnˈwɜːrði/

Unworthy

Meaning

not deserving respect or attention; lacking worth or merit

Example

He felt unworthy of such praise and recognition.

B2 adjective /ˌʌnkənˈvɛnʃənl/

unconventional

Meaning

not based on or conforming to what is generally done or believed

Example

Her unconventional approach to teaching inspired her students to think creatively.

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.

C1 verb /ˌʌn.dəˈtʃɑːrdʒ/

undercharge

Meaning

To charge less than the correct or fair amount.

Example

The shopkeeper accidentally undercharged me for the groceries.

C2 adjective /ˌʌnɪkˈsɛpʃənəbl/

unexceptionable

Meaning

Not open to objection; acceptable and unobjectionable

Example

His behavior was unexceptionable throughout the event.

C1 verb /ˌʌndərˈsɛl/

undersell

Meaning

to sell something at a lower price than competitors or to downplay the value of something

Example

The shop undersold its rivals by offering huge discounts.

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.