afterward adv
happening after something else happened
Example: We discussed the results afterward.
IdiomPal Academic Word List for TOEFL® Test and IELTS Preparation
200 words from the New Academic Word List, with meanings and example sentences, for academic reading and writing. The IdiomPal app includes all 959 words with flashcards and quizzes. This is general academic vocabulary, not a list of test content.
amongst prep
in or through a group
Example: The idea is popular amongst young researchers.
artistic adj
Being able to paint, write music, etc.; creative
Example: Her artistic skills improved quickly.
backward adv
toward what is behind you
Example: He took one step backward.
bodily adv
physically, as when lifting someone
Example: Sleep supports normal bodily functions.
carrier n
a company, usually an airline, that carries things
Example: Mosquitoes are carriers of the disease.
collective adj
formed by working together as a group
Example: The team made a collective decision.
computation n
the act of calculating; method of computing
Example: The computation took several hours.
continuity n
continued existence; fact of not stopping
Example: Good records ensure continuity of care.
definite adj
Not likely to change; clearly decided
Example: We need a definite answer soon.
freely adv
(living, existing) without being controlled
Example: Students can speak freely in class.
generalization n
making a statement about a group from limited data
Example: This generalization does not fit every case.
generalize verb
To apply a particular idea to a large group
Example: It is risky to generalize from one study.
goodness n
nourishment; good food value
Example: She believed in the goodness of people.
historically adv
throughout history
Example: The region has historically relied on farming.
importantly adv
in an important way;
Example: More importantly, the method is cheap.
interestingly adv
you'll find this surprising; in an interesting way
Example: Interestingly, both groups scored the same.
locally adj
Concerning the area around where you are
Example: The food is grown locally.
machinery n
machines in general
Example: The factory bought new machinery.
marker n
something that is easy to recognize or identify
Example: Age is an important marker of risk.
meaningful adj
Having importance; showing someone's intention
Example: The study found a meaningful difference.
namely adv
that is to say, specifically
Example: One factor stands out, namely cost.
nationalism n
The spirit of love of your country, e.g. leading to war
Example: Nationalism grew rapidly after the war.
neat adj
Not messy; clean and orderly; simple and effective
Example: Keep your notes neat and clear.
nicely adv
in a pleasing way; in a polite way
Example: The two theories fit together nicely.
noisy adj
full of noise; loud
Example: The library was unusually noisy today.
outer adj
on or around something
Example: The outer layer protects the cell.
painful adj
causing or feeling physical pain or hurt
Example: The treatment can be painful.
pardon verb
to excuse
Example: The president may pardon the prisoner.
parental adj
concerning, or provided by, a parent
Example: Parental support helps children learn.
partial adj
not complete; being only part of something
Example: The experiment was only a partial success.
partially adv
in part; in some degree; not wholly
Example: The building was partially destroyed.
photographic adj
concerning the art of making images with cameras
Example: The museum keeps a photographic record.
planner n
notebook for recording appointments or things to do
Example: City planners studied traffic patterns.
problematic adj
being difficult to deal with or fix
Example: This assumption is problematic.
readily adv
in a quick and easy manner
Example: The data are readily available online.
realism n
accepting things as they are, not as you want
Example: The novel is known for its realism.
realistic adj
looks or appears real; like things really are
Example: Set a realistic goal for the semester.
rewrite verb
to write again to improve, or correct errors
Example: I had to rewrite the introduction.
ruler n
someone who has control over a country or area
Example: The ruler controlled the entire valley.
sexuality n
characterized and distinguished by sex
Example: The course examines gender and sexuality.
simplify verb
to make something easier to do, use or understand
Example: Charts can simplify complex data.
sometime adj
at an unknown time in the future
Example: The report will be released sometime next month.
specialty n
the specific area of your field
Example: Her specialty is marine biology.
subset n
a small set which is part of a larger set
Example: We analyzed a subset of the data.
supposedly adv
as some people believe (shows you doubt it)
Example: The drug is supposedly safe.
systematic adj
done in a thorough, logical or planned way
Example: They conducted a systematic review.
terribly adv
to an extreme degree; badly; very
Example: The test was terribly difficult.
thickness n
the distance between the opposite edges of a thing
Example: Measure the thickness of the sample.
underneath adv
below or beneath something; under
Example: The cable runs underneath the floor.
unemployed adj
being without a job; jobless
Example: Many unemployed workers need training.
whichever det
whatever one
Example: Choose whichever method works best.
whoever pron
whatever person; any person at all
Example: Whoever finishes first can leave early.
accent n
a way of speaking that shows your dialect or class
Example: She speaks English with a slight accent.
actively adv
doing things to achieve a specific goal
Example: Students should actively join discussions.
adaptation n
changing to a new form; thing that is changed
Example: Thick fur is an adaptation to cold.
adaptive adj
able to adjust to new conditions
Example: Learning software can be adaptive.
apple n
hard round red or green fruit with a white center
Example: The student brought an apple to class.
authority n
people in positions of power, able to decide things
Example: Local authorities closed the road.
availability n
being present and able to be used
Example: The availability of water affects crops.
bang verb
to strike something loudly or forcefully
Example: The door closed with a loud bang.
bat n
object used for hitting a ball in various games
Example: Some bats feed on insects.
blank adj
being empty; not filled out; with no writing on it
Example: Leave this line blank.
bleed verb
to lose blood because of an injury
Example: The wound began to bleed again.
bound verb
to go to a specified place; to jump
Example: Researchers are bound by ethical rules.
broadly adv
in a general (not detailed) manner
Example: The results are broadly similar.
bucket n
open container with a handle used to carry liquids
Example: Fill the bucket with clean water.
calculation n
process or result of using mathematics
Example: Check the calculation twice.
calculator n
a small electronic device used for calculation
Example: You may use a calculator on the exam.
characterization n
the way someone or something is described
Example: The characterization of the hero is weak.
cheat verb
To act in dishonest manner to gain an advantage
Example: Students who cheat will fail the course.
cheers n
a toast used when raising your glass to drink
Example: We said cheers and raised our glasses.
clever adj
Showing intelligence; quick to understand or learn
Example: That was a clever solution.
clip n
a metal holder used for keeping things together
Example: The teacher showed a short video clip.
clue n
a piece of information that helps explain a situation or provide a solution to a problem
Example: The fossil gives a clue about the past.
commentary n
explanation or discussion of a written work/event
Example: The article offers useful commentary.
commonly adv
typically, normally; not unusually
Example: This term is commonly used in biology.
comparable adj
being similar in some way
Example: The two groups were comparable in age.
complication n
action making something harder to do something
Example: Infection is a common complication.
conditional adj
depending (on)
Example: The offer is conditional on your grades.
connector n
a device that joins things together
Example: A connector links the two wires.
conscious adj
aware of what is going on around you; not knocked out
Example: He made a conscious effort to listen.
consciousness n
being awake
Example: The patient lost consciousness briefly.
container n
an object that can be used to hold things
Example: Store the liquid in a sealed container.
correction n
a change to make something right
Example: The editor made one small correction.
correctly adv
in an accurate or correct manner
Example: Make sure you cite sources correctly.
cure n
a medicine or treatment that makes an ill person become healthy
Example: There is still no cure for the disease.
detection n
the act of discovering something or solving a crime
Example: Early detection saves lives.
developmental adj
concerning the development or growth
Example: The study tracks developmental changes in children.
directive n
formal an order from an authority
Example: The agency issued a new directive.
disturbance n
a noise or something that stops you from continuing what you were doing
Example: Noise is a common sleep disturbance.
economically adv
in an efficient manner; without using too much effort
Example: The plan is not economically possible.
economist n
a person who studies economics
Example: The economist predicted slower growth.
enormously adv
extremely, by a large amount
Example: Prices vary enormously between regions.
equality n
the idea that all people have the same rights
Example: The movement fought for racial equality.
flip n
to rotate or turn something over
Example: Flip the page to see the answer.
ghost n
spirit of a dead person, appearing to the living
Example: The story is about a friendly ghost.
hedge n
a fence made with small trees; avoid or try to avoid fulfilling
Example: Investors hedge against rising prices.
identification n
(card or paper) that proves who a person is
Example: Please bring photo identification.
incredible adj
very hard to believe
Example: The view from the top is incredible.
incredibly adv
extremely, hard to believe
Example: The task was incredibly complex.
indicator n
an instrument that shows conditions in a machine, such as temperature, speed, pressure; in chemistry: a compound that changes color in the presence of an acid or a base
Example: Income is a useful indicator of health.
individually adv
in a way involving only that person
Example: Each sample was tested individually.
industrialization n
process of creating and developing many businesses
Example: Industrialization changed city life.
industrialize verb
To make into something at an industrial level
Example: The country began to industrialize quickly.
inequality n
situation where things are not equal/fair
Example: Income inequality has increased.
influential adj
having the power to cause change; having influence
Example: She wrote an influential book.
instability n
not stable; changeable
Example: Political instability hurt the economy.
intensity n
great energy, strength, or concentration
Example: Adjust the intensity of the light.
intensive adj
needing great effort for a short period of time
Example: The course is an intensive program.
interrupt verb
to cause something to stop happening for a time
Example: Please do not interrupt the speaker.
interviewer n
a person who asks questions to obtain information
Example: The interviewer asked ten questions.
junior adj
someone lower in rank
Example: She is a junior at the university.
kilometer n
a metric unit of length equal to 1000 meters
Example: The trail is five kilometers long.
lab n
laboratory; a place to do scientific experiments
Example: We meet in the lab on Mondays.
likelihood n
the chance that something might happen
Example: Exercise reduces the likelihood of illness.
lump n
a small hard part of something smooth, soft, or continuous
Example: The doctor found a small lump.
mathematical adj
concerning numbers and equations
Example: The model uses a mathematical formula.
memorize verb
to study something so that you remember it
Example: Students memorize key vocabulary.
minus prep
(prep) being less than zero in number
Example: Ten minus four equals six.
monkey n
an animal related to humans, which lives in trees
Example: The monkey learned to use a tool.
nasty adj
very bad, unpleasant, or offensive
Example: The medicine has a nasty taste.
nest n
the home of a bird or spider
Example: The bird built a nest in the tree.
observer n
someone whose job it is to watch or notice things
Example: An observer recorded the behavior.
occurrence n
specific instance of something happening
Example: Floods are a rare occurrence here.
periodic adj
happening regularly, but not frequently
Example: The machine needs periodic checks.
physically adv
in a manner related to the body
Example: The work is physically demanding.
plug verb
an electrical connector; to fill or close tightly so liquid or air cannot pass
Example: Plug the device into the wall.
politically adv
in connection with government matters
Example: The topic is politically sensitive.
positively adv
definitely or certainly
Example: Sleep is positively related to memory.
presume verb
to think that something is probably true
Example: We presume the data are accurate.
processor n
a machine or company that prepares something and makes it ready for use
Example: A faster processor reduces waiting time.
productive adj
doing a lot of work and achieving a lot
Example: Morning is my most productive time.
productivity n
rate at which something is made or that people work
Example: New tools increased productivity.
progression n
process of developing over time
Example: The drug slows disease progression.
progressive adj
believing in modern ideas about social change
Example: The condition is progressive.
projection n
an image on a screen
Example: Population projections show steady growth.
pronounce verb
to make the sound of a word or letter with your voice
Example: How do you pronounce this word?
punch verb
to make a quick hit with a closed hand
Example: He tried to punch the wall.
punish verb
to make someone suffer for bad behavior
Example: Schools should not punish curiosity.
punishment n
the act of punishing someone
Example: The punishment did not reduce crime.
purely adv
for no other reason; only and completely
Example: The decision was purely financial.
quotation n
words that a person has said or written in a play, book or movie
Example: Begin the essay with a quotation.
ray n
the lines of light coming from an object
Example: A ray of light entered the room.
reactive adj
easily reacting to; responsive
Example: Sodium is a highly reactive metal.
reactor n
device to control nuclear energy as a power source
Example: The nuclear reactor was shut down.
recipe n
directions for making something
Example: The recipe needs two eggs.
reliability n
a quality that makes someone or something dependable and deserving of trust
Example: We tested the reliability of the survey.
replacement n
the act of putting something new in the place of something that is old, broken or missing
Example: The old part needs a replacement.
resistant adj
not affected by something
Example: Some bacteria are resistant to the drug.
ridiculous adj
something that deserves laughter, is foolish or funny
Example: The claim sounded ridiculous at first.
rope n
a thick string made by twisting many fibers together
Example: Tie the boat with a strong rope.
rub verb
to move something back and forth along a surface
Example: Rub your hands to warm them.
selective adj
choosing through thoughtful comparison
Example: The university has a selective admission process.
separately adv
not with another person or thing
Example: Each group was interviewed separately.
separation n
a line that seperates; a point of parting; a gap
Example: The separation of powers limits government.
similarity n
the degree to which people or things are the same
Example: There is a strong similarity between them.
slavery n
(n,) the state of being a slave
Example: The country ended slavery in 1865.
snake n
an animal with with a long thin body and no arms or legs
Example: The snake hid under a rock.
socially adv
being with other people
Example: The behavior is socially accepted.
specification n
a detailed description of the design and materials used to make something.
Example: The product meets the technical specification.
spray verb
to make water or liquid fly in very small drops
Example: Farmers spray the crops in spring.
stabilize verb
to make something stable or consistent, with no major changes
Example: The new policy helped stabilize prices.
standardize verb
to change something in order to make everything the same or make everything agree
Example: We need to standardize the test.
sword n
a long metal weapon with a sharp point and edge
Example: The museum displays an ancient sword.
tech n
short for 'technology' or 'technician'
Example: She works for a tech company.
tempt verb
to make someone want something, even if it's bad
Example: Low prices tempt customers to buy more.
tense adj
stretched tight and stiff
Example: Use the past tense in this section.
traditionally adv
something done in a customary or traditional manner
Example: Traditionally, the festival lasts three days.
tricky adj
difficult to do or deal with; something that needs skill
Example: This question is quite tricky.
unstable adj
likely to move from its position or fall
Example: The chemical is unstable at high temperatures.
variability n
(statistics) degree scores depart from the mean
Example: There is high variability in the results.
variance n
(statistics) amount of difference in distributions
Example: We calculated the variance of the scores.
variant n
thing that differs from something of the same kind
Example: A new variant of the virus appeared.
wisdom n
knowledge gained from experience in life
Example: Age does not always bring wisdom.
absorb verb
to take in a liquid; soak up
Example: Plants absorb water through their roots.
absorption n
process of being absorbed (e.g. liquid, attention)
Example: Vitamin D aids calcium absorption.
accelerate verb
to increase the speed or rate of something
Example: Heat can accelerate the reaction.
acceleration n
increase in the speed or rate of something
Example: The car has strong acceleration.
accumulate verb
To gather or acquire so that you have more of it
Example: Dust can accumulate quickly.
accumulation n
The act of getting or becoming bigger or more over time
Example: The accumulation of waste is a problem.
accuracy n
being exactly right; correctness
Example: The accuracy of the test is high.
accurately adv
exactly and without any mistakes; correctly
Example: The model accurately predicts rainfall.
acid n
sour substance that reacts with metals e.g. lemon
Example: Acid can damage metal surfaces.
acidic adj
containing acid
Example: The soil here is slightly acidic.
admission n
the act of taking responsibility for an error or mistake
Example: She applied for admission to the program.
adolescent n
Teenager developing into an adult
Example: Adolescents need more sleep than adults.
affirm verb
to state, strengthen or support a belief you have
Example: The court affirmed the earlier decision.
agriculture n
the science of farming
Example: Agriculture depends on stable weather.
alien n
person or creature from a planet other than Earth
Example: An alien species can harm local plants.
alliance n
A group of people or organizations being joined or associated
Example: The two nations formed an alliance.
allocate verb
To distribute or set apart for a plan or purpose
Example: The school will allocate more funds to science.
allocation n
The distribution of items set apart according to a plan or purpose
Example: The allocation of resources was unfair.
approximate adj
about; not exact but close
Example: The approximate cost is ten dollars.
approximation n
something that is similar, but not an exact copy
Example: This figure is only an approximation.
archaeology n
the study of ancient societies by looking at old tools, bones and buildings
Example: She studied archaeology in Greece.
architect n
person who designs and advises on buildings
Example: The architect designed a green building.
aspect n
an element, feature, or quality of something
Example: Sleep affects every aspect of health.
assembly n
a group of machine parts forming a tool or machine
Example: The school assembly starts at nine.
assert verb
To state or declare your ideas positively strongly
Example: The author asserts that the law failed.
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TOEFL is a registered trademark of ETS. IELTS is a registered trademark of its owners. This product is not endorsed or approved by ETS or the IELTS partners. Word list based on the New Academic Word List 1.2 by Browne, Culligan & Phillips, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Meanings and examples are adaptations under the same license.