English Vocabulary Dictionary | Word Meanings, Definitions & Examples
CEFR Level
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."
to live in; to occupy as a dwelling
"Many animals inhabit the forest."
a person or animal that lives in a particular place
"The inhabitants of the village rely on farming for their livelihood."
to breathe in; to draw air into the lungs
"Take a deep breath and inhale slowly."
to receive property, money, or traits from someone after their death or from ancestors
"She inherited her father's house after his death."
To cause something to begin; to start.
"The company plans to initiate a new training program next month."
To introduce a substance, especially a drug, into the body using a needle.
"The nurse will inject the vaccine into the patient's arm."
the act of introducing a substance into the body through a needle
"The nurse gave me an injection to prevent the infection."
the lack of fairness or justice; an unjust act or treatment
"The trial was a clear example of injustice."
Mental or spiritual power that helps a person cope with difficulties.
"Community service fosters inner strength in individuals."
To introduce new methods, ideas, or products.
"The company must innovate to stay ahead of its competitors."
The introduction of something new, such as an idea, method, or device.
"Innovation is key to the success of technology companies."
Creative devices or advanced technologies that introduce new methods or approaches to accomplish tasks.
"Teachers use innovative tools to enhance classroom learning."
To ask for information; to investigate.
"She inquired about the details of the job."
An act of asking for information; an investigation into something.
"The committee launched an inquiry into the financial irregularities."
mentally ill; extremely foolish or unreasonable
"The idea of jumping off the cliff seemed insane."
not confident or assured; uncertain and anxious
"She felt insecure about her performance in the exam."
lack of confidence or assurance; a state of uncertainty or vulnerability
"Her insecurity made her doubt her abilities despite her experience."
Showing or feeling no concern for others' feelings.
"His insensitive comment hurt her deeply."
to put something into something else
"Please insert your card into the machine."
a person within a group or organization who has access to confidential information
"He was an insider who knew all the company's secrets."
The ability to understand the true nature of something; deep understanding.
"Her insight into human behavior made her a successful psychologist."
Showing deep understanding or perceptiveness.
"The professor gave an insightful lecture on global economics."
Too small or unimportant to be worth considering.
"The cost was so insignificant that nobody noticed it."
the act of demanding something firmly or repeatedly
"At his insistence, we stayed longer."
To look at something carefully to check for problems or details.
"The engineer inspected the bridge for cracks."
a careful examination of something, especially to check that it is correct or safe
"The building passed the safety inspection last week."
An official employed to ensure regulations are obeyed or standards are met.
"The inspector carefully checked the restaurant's kitchen for hygiene standards."
lack of stability or balance; tendency to change, fail, or collapse easily
"Political instability has slowed economic growth in the region."
the act or process of putting something in position and making it ready for use
"The installation of the new software took less than an hour."
A natural way of behaving or reacting that does not require learning.
"Birds build nests by instinct."