English Vocabulary Dictionary | Word Meanings, Definitions & Examples
CEFR Level
a substance used for cleaning, especially for washing clothes and dishes
"She bought a new brand of detergent for laundry."
to become progressively worse in quality, condition, or value
"Her health began to deteriorate after the accident."
To become progressively worse; to decline in quality, condition, or strength.
"The quality of air deteriorates due to pollution."
The firmness of purpose; the act of deciding something firmly.
"Her determination helped her overcome all the obstacles."
A longer or less direct route taken to avoid something or reach a destination.
"We had to take a detour because the main road was closed."
to cause severe and overwhelming destruction or damage
"The hurricane devastated the coastal town."
causing severe shock, distress, or destruction; extremely damaging or upsetting
"The earthquake had a devastating effect on the city."
Extremely harmful or destructive results or effects
"Air pollution has devastating consequences for health."
a person or company that creates software, buildings, or land projects
"She works as a software developer at a tech company."
Areas or countries that are in the process of economic growth and development
"Pollution affects developing regions the most."
relating to the process of growth or progress
"Early childhood is a crucial developmental stage for learning."
To plan or invent something carefully.
"The engineers devised a new method to reduce costs."
to give time, effort, or resources to something
"She devotes much of her time to helping the poor."
Very loving, loyal, or dedicated.
"She is a devoted mother who always puts her children first."
love, loyalty, or enthusiasm for a person, activity, or cause
"Her devotion to helping others made her a beloved figure in the community."
Tiny drops of water that form on cool surfaces at night from condensation.
"The grass was wet with morning dew."
a medical condition in which the body cannot properly control the level of sugar in the blood
"He was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes last year."
To identify a disease, condition, or problem by examining symptoms.
"The doctor diagnosed him with pneumonia."
The identification of a disease, condition, or problem through examination of symptoms.
"The diagnosis confirmed that she had diabetes."
To state or order authoritatively; to say aloud words to be written down.
"The teacher dictated the instructions to the students."
a ruler with total power over a country, typically one who has obtained control by force
"The dictator ruled the country with an iron fist."
To recognize or make a distinction between things.
"It is important to differentiate between fact and opinion."
to break down food in the body; to think about and understand
"It takes time to digest a heavy meal."
Relating to the digestion of food.
"Digestive enzymes help break down food."
a numeral from 0 to 9; also a finger or toe
"You must enter a four-digit code to unlock the phone."
A period of time during which a person refrains from using electronic devices such as smartphones or computers, regarded as an opportunity to reduce stress or focus on social interaction in the physical world.
"A digital detox can help improve mental clarity and reduce stress."
A format in which information is stored as electronic data.
"A digital format family tree can be shared online."
the state or quality of being worthy of respect or honor
"He faced the difficult situation with calm and dignity."
A situation in which a difficult choice has to be made between two or more alternatives.
"She faced a dilemma about whether to accept the job offer or continue her studies."
Showing care and conscientiousness in one's work or duties.
"She is a diligent student who always finishes her assignments on time."
not bright; having little light; not clearly visible
"The room was dim because the curtains were closed."
a small coin, especially a U.S. coin worth ten cents
"He gave me a dime for the phone call."
A measurable extent of a particular kind, such as length, breadth, depth, or height.
"The room’s dimensions are larger than we expected."
Aspects or features of a situation, problem, or thing.
"New dimensions of space exploration are being uncovered."
to make or become less; to reduce in size, importance, or value
"Over time, his influence in the company began to diminish."
in a faint or unclear way; with little light
"The room was dimly lit by a single candle."
The profession, activity, or skill of managing international relations or handling affairs tactfully.
"Effective diplomacy helped avoid the conflict."
An official representing a country abroad; a person skilled in dealing with people tactfully.
"The diplomat negotiated a peace agreement."
Concerning diplomacy; having or showing skill in dealing with people in a sensitive and effective way.
"She gave a diplomatic response to avoid offending anyone."
a book or online resource listing people, businesses, or services with relevant details
"I need to find a plumber in the phone directory."
A physical or mental condition that limits a person's movements, senses, or activities.
"The organization supports people living with disability."
Lacking the basic resources or conditions needed for a good standard of living or equal opportunities.
"The program provides support to disadvantaged children."
Unpleasant or offensive; causing discomfort or annoyance.
"The weather was cold and disagreeable."
a failure to agree or a difference in opinion
"Their disagreement on the issue caused a delay in the project."
The expression of an unfavorable opinion or judgment
"Her parents showed clear disapproval of her decision to drop out of college."
to have a negative opinion about something; to consider something wrong or bad
"Many parents disapprove of smoking."
causing great damage or harm
"The flood caused disastrous damage to the city."
to throw away something that is no longer needed
"She decided to discard the old clothes."