English Vocabulary Dictionary | Word Meanings, Definitions & Examples
CEFR Level
Showing no mercy or generosity; harsh or severe.
"The critic was unsparing in his review of the play."
given generously without holding back
"She received unstinting support from her family."
not spoiled or made impure; perfectly clean or pure
"His reputation remained unsullied despite the accusations."
not able or willing to learn; resistant to instruction or guidance
"He was so stubborn that he became almost unteachable."
not moderated or softened; lacking proper balance or control
"The untempered anger of the crowd caused chaos."
Unexpected and inappropriate or inconvenient.
"The meeting ended without any untoward incidents."
Not restricted or hampered; free and unrestricted.
"She enjoyed untrammeled freedom in her new life abroad."
Too great, intense, or awful to be expressed or described in words.
"She was filled with unutterable joy at the news of her success."
Difficult to carry or move because of its size, shape, or weight.
"The box was too unwieldy to carry up the stairs."
Unusual, uncommon, or out of the ordinary.
"She spoke with an unwonted gentleness that surprised everyone."
To release from a yoke or to free from restraint or obligation.
"The farmer unyoked the oxen after a long day of work."
To scold or criticize someone harshly.
"The teacher upbraided the student for being late again."
Verb: To cast or throw upward. Noun: Something thrown or directed upward.
"The fisherman upcast his net into the air."
to lift or raise something forcefully; to cause to rise suddenly
"The workers had to upheave the heavy stone to clear the path."
Extremely funny or noisy; causing loud laughter or commotion.
"The comedian's jokes were absolutely uproarious."
An oceanographic phenomenon that involves wind-driven motion of dense, cooler, and nutrient-rich water towards the ocean surface.
"Upwelling brings nutrients to the ocean surface."
showing polished manners, refinement, and sophistication
"He was an urbane gentleman who charmed everyone at the party."
refined courtesy, elegance, and sophistication in manner
"Her urbanity made her popular among diplomats and leaders."
a mischievous or poorly dressed child, often from the streets
"The ragged urchins played by the riverbank."
Relating to or resembling a bear.
"The man’s ursine strength amazed everyone."
The legal right to use and enjoy the benefits of someone else’s property without owning it.
"The tenant had the usufruct of the land but not its ownership."
Charging excessively high interest rates on loans.
"The bank was accused of offering loans at usurious rates."
To take someone else's position or power illegally or by force.
"He tried to usurp the throne from the rightful king."
The act of taking someone's power or property illegally or by force.
"The general's usurpation of the presidency led to political unrest."
The practice of lending money at unreasonably high interest rates.
"The law strictly prohibits usury."
The ethical theory that actions are right if they are useful or for the benefit of the majority.
"Utilitarianism suggests that we should act to maximize overall happiness."
excessively fond of or submissive to one's wife
"He was so uxorious that he agreed with everything his wife said."