English Vocabulary Dictionary | Word Meanings, Definitions & Examples
CEFR Level
To establish or apply by authority; to force something unwelcome or unfamiliar to be accepted or put in place.
"Pollution imposes harmful effects on the environment."
to confine or keep someone in a prison or under restraint
"The criminal was imprisoned for his actions."
Not suitable or appropriate; against accepted standards.
"It is improper to talk loudly in the library."
a sudden strong desire or urge to act without thinking
"He bought the watch on impulse without planning to."
the state of being unable to do something
"His inability to make decisions affected his career."
Not correct, precise, or exact; containing errors.
"The report was full of inaccurate data."
Not sufficient or good enough.
"The funding was inadequate to complete the project."
not suitable or proper in the circumstances
"It was inappropriate to talk loudly in the library."
lacking the ability, skill, or capacity to do something
"He is incapable of understanding complex instructions."
a thing that motivates or encourages someone to do something
"The company offers bonuses as an incentive to increase productivity."
Things that motivate or encourage one to do something.
"Tax incentives are used to encourage investment in renewable energy."
A unit of length equal to 2.54 centimeters; or to move slowly and carefully in small amounts.
"She inched closer to the edge of the stage."
having a tendency or disposition toward something
"He is inclined to help those in need."
the action or state of including or being included within a group or structure
"Diversity and inclusion are key values in modern workplaces."
Including everything or everyone; not excluding any group or part.
"The school takes an inclusive approach to education."
Not finished, lacking some parts or not whole.
"Her report was incomplete and needed further details."
Not staying the same throughout; lacking harmony or regularity.
"His answers were inconsistent and confusing."
trouble or difficulty caused to someone; to cause trouble or difficulty to someone
"We apologize for any inconvenience caused by the delay."
causing trouble, difficulties, or discomfort
"It was inconvenient for her to travel during the storm."
to include something as part of a whole; to form a legal corporation
"The teacher incorporated new technology into her lessons."
A list of items arranged in order, or to arrange data systematically for reference.
"The book includes a detailed index at the end."
A sign, piece of information, or signal that suggests something.
"Dark clouds are an indication of an approaching storm."
a sign or piece of information that shows the state or level of something
"The rising unemployment rate is a clear indicator of economic troubles."
having no particular interest or concern; not caring one way or another
"She was indifferent to the outcome of the match."
originating or occurring naturally in a particular place; native
"These plants are indigenous to South America."
in a way that is not direct; through an intermediate means or influence
"The policy affected small businesses indirectly."
to cause or persuade someone to do something; to bring about a result
"The doctor induced sleep with a mild sedative."
to allow oneself to enjoy something enjoyable, often excessively
"He indulged in a piece of chocolate cake after dinner."
The rapid development of industry that occurred in Britain in the late 18th and 19th centuries, brought about by the introduction of machinery and characterized by the use of steam power and the growth of factories.
"The Industrial Revolution marked a shift in production processes."
The development of industries in a country or region on a wide scale.
"Industrialization changed the global economy dramatically."
not producing any significant or desired effect; useless; unsuccessful
"The new policy proved to be ineffective in reducing crime rates."
Not achieving maximum productivity; wasting resources or effort.
"The machine is old and inefficient compared to modern equipment."
the state of being unequal; disparity in status, rights, or opportunities
"Inequality in wealth distribution remains a significant issue worldwide."
Certain to happen; unavoidable.
"Death is inevitable for all living beings."
in a way that cannot be avoided or prevented
"Inevitably, the team faced challenges during the project."
A very young child or baby.
"The infant was sleeping peacefully in the cradle."
To contaminate with a disease-causing organism.
"The virus can infect healthy people quickly."
The process of becoming infected with harmful microorganisms such as bacteria or viruses.
"The doctor prescribed antibiotics to treat the infection."
capable of causing infection or disease; spreading easily from one person to another; able to spread feelings or attitudes such as enthusiasm
"Her infectious laughter made everyone in the room smile."
to conclude or deduce something from evidence and reasoning rather than from explicit statements
"From his silence, I inferred that he was not happy with the decision."
Of lower quality, rank, or status.
"This material is inferior to the one we used before."
limitless or endless in space, extent, or number
"The universe is often described as infinite."
A concept describing something without any limit or end.
"The universe seems to stretch into infinity."
a localized physical condition in which part of the body becomes red, swollen, hot, and often painful
"The doctor prescribed medicine to reduce the inflammation in her knee."
A general increase in prices and fall in the purchasing value of money.
"The government is taking steps to control inflation."
to cause something unpleasant or painful to be suffered by someone or something
"The storm inflicted considerable damage to the city."
A person with the ability to influence potential buyers of a product or service by promoting or recommending the items on social media.
"Social media influencers shape consumer preferences."
Having great power to change or affect people or things.
"She is one of the most influential leaders of our time."
giving or providing useful information; educational; instructive
"The documentary was very informative and educational."
the basic physical and organizational structures and facilities needed for the operation of a society or enterprise
"The government is investing heavily in transport infrastructure."