IELTS Vocabulary - 2500 words to score 7 - 8 in IELTS exam

Download 2500 IELTS Vocabulary band +8

Vocabulary for IELTS exam is one of the main topics that you should study while preparing for the exam.

Here are more than 2500 vocabulary essential for IELTS in 25 different topics, which will help you to score band +7.5 to 8.

IELTS vocabulary - is it necessary to study?

IELTS exam contains four sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.

For each section, you should have a strong background about vocabulary so you can deal with it and score a high band 7 - 8.

IELTS vocabulary

➤ IELTS vocabulary in the Listening section

Listening section of the IELTS exam consists of four parts, the first part is the easiest and the last one is the hardest.

You will hear a wide variety of IELTS words with different speeds and usually with the British accent. 

In a few cases, you may hear one record with the Australian accent.

You will hear numbers, letters, names, directions, mono speech, and conversations using daily language, as well as academic and scientific compound terms particularly in part 4.

➤ IELTS vocabulary in the Reading section

The reading section in the IELTS test contains three reading passages with 40 questions and you should answer all these questions in 1 hour.

The average time for each reading passage is 20 minutes, and many IELTS instructors prefer to take a maximum of 6 to 8 minutes to read the passage completely to save time to answer the question.

You can not do this fast reading without a good knowledge about the advanced IELTS vocabulary.

➤ IELTS vocabulary in the Writing section

As you know, there are four criteria to evaluate your IELTS essays for task 1 and task 2.

One of these criteria is called lexical resource, which evaluates the words you write in your essay, how rich your vocabulary is, and to what extent you know how to use it.

Choosing the right words in the context, using synonyms, and avoiding tautology will increase your final score.

IELTS vocabulary will reduce your IELTS writing score if:

1. you use words in the wrong meaning;
2. you confuse the form of a word (for example, instead of an adjective, use a noun, etc.);
3. you do not use synonyms and repeat the same words;
4. you spell many words in a wrong way.

➤ IELTS vocabulary in the Speaking section

Again in the speaking section, lexical resource or vocabulary using is one of the criteria on which the IELTS examiner will give you the final score according to it.

To get a high score on this criterion, it is necessary to know a wide variety of terms on the topic of discussion.

You should know a variety of vocabulary and synonyms related to the common topics of the speaking part.

Just remember, the more advanced IELTS vocabulary you use correctly, the higher score you will get.

IELTS vocabulary band +7 vs band +8

In this section, you will find more than 2500 IELTS words in 25 different topics divided into band 7 and band 8 vocabulary with the meaning of each word.

Hint: You can download all these vocabulary and more as a pdf file at the end of this article.

Topic 1: People

IELTS vocabulary Band +7 "Topic: People"
Adolescent = teenager	Sibling = brother or sister
Characteristic = typical feature	Responsibility = duty
Individual = person	Resemble = look like
Reliable = can be trusted	Bond = close tie / link
Conscious =  aware	Inherent = natural / instinctive

IELTS vocabulary Band +8 "Topic: People"
Self-esteem = belief in yourself	Stereotypical = having typical qualities
Fallible = able to make mistakes and be wrong	Sociable = friendly or seeking company
Tendency = recurring action or behavior	Gender = sex (male or female)
Lifetime =  period of time you are alive	Empathise = understand someone’s feelings
Hardwired = automatic behavior	Habitually = usually or repeatedly

Topic 2: Health & fitness

IELTS vocabulary Band +7 "Topic: Health & fitness"
Allergic = react badly to	Harmful = unsafe
Appetite = desire for food	Lifestyle = the way you live
Ingredients = contents of food	Recovery = getting better(from illness)
Hunger = need for food	Treatment = medical care
Nutritious = full of VIT	Suffer = feel pain

IELTS vocabulary Band +8 "Topic: Health & fitness"
Sedentary = sitting a lot or inactive	Psychological = mental
Beneficial = helpful / positive	Intake = amount you take in
Detrimental = harmful / negative	Eradicate = get rid of / eliminate / wipe out
Well-being = health and happiness	Severity = how serious something is
Preventive	Additives = chemicals added to food

Topic 3: Science

IELTS vocabulary Band +7 "Topic: Science"
Elementary = basic	Combine = mix together
Analyse = examine in details	Exposure = in contact with
Detergent = soap	Side effects = unwanted reactions
Basis = the principal idea	Toxic = poisonous
Fertilizer = plant food	Contaminated = polluted

IELTS vocabulary Band +8 "Topic: Sience"
Ascertain = make sure or establish	Breakthrough = important new discovery
Release = allow to escape(gas) or give off	Accumulate = collect over time, gather or build up
Absorb = take in or soak up (liquid or gas)	Synthetic = man-made or artificial
Potential = ability / capability	Advances = progress or developments
Precise = exact or accurate	Quantify = count or measure

Topic 4: Community

IELTS vocabulary Band +7 "Topic: Community"
Antisocial = against society	Conform = follow the rules
Cooperate = work together	Mindset = attitude
Minority = small percentage	Shun = avoid
Conventional = traditional	Interaction = communication
Pressure = stress	Conduct = behavior

IELTS vocabulary Band +8 "Topic: Community"
Considerate = Kind and Helpful or thoughtful	Mainstream = common or average (ideas)
Civilization = culturally advanced human society	Supportive = helpful and encouraging
Appropriate = suitable	Engage = join in or get involved
Voluntary = done willingly or without payment	Charitable = helping the poor or needy
Foster = help something grow (attitude or idea)	Multicultural = having many different cultures

Topic 5: Study

IELTS vocabulary Band +7 "Topic: Study"
Theoretical = academic or not proven	Educational
Acquire = gain or get	Compulsory = must be done
Valid = reasonable	Determine = discover or find out
Establish = prove	Significant = important
Review = check or go over	Concentrate = think very hard

IELTS vocabulary Band +8 "Topic: Study"
Specialize = concentrate on one subject	Profound = deep or intense (effect or feeling)
Cognitive = connected to thinking or mental	Curiosity = desire to know or find out  / interest
Achievement = reaching a goal or success	Failure = lack of success or collapse
Determination = trying hard or not giving up	Miscalculation = bad judgment or calculation
Collaborate = work together with	Methodical = in a careful or ordered way

Topic 6: Advertising

IELTS vocabulary Band +7 "Topic: Advertising"
Persuade = get s to agree	Convinced = sure of S
Unavoidable = certain to happen	Commercialized = focused on profits
Effective = achieving its aims	Ploy = trick or gimmick
Visualise = mentally picture	Intrusive = not welcome
Promote = advertise	Exaggerate = magnify the truth

IELTS vocabulary Band +8 "Topic: Advertising"
Ignore = pay no attention	Endorse = recommend a product or brand
Guarantee = promise that S will happen	Gullible = easily tricked or too trusting
Prominent = noticeable / stand out	Pressure = forcefully persuade compel
Incorporate = use / include / contain	Entice = persuade by offering S /  tempt
Bombard = attack continuously / pester	Inescapable = cannot be avoided / unavoidable

Topic 7: Travel & places

IELTS vocabulary Band +7 "Topic: Travel & Places"
Memorable = unforgettable	Inhabitants = people living in a place
Custom = local tradition	Attract = act like a magnet
Remote = distant / far away	Spectacular = amazing
Landscape = large area of countryside	Outweigh = be more important than
Basic = simple / not luxurious	Barren = without plants

IELTS vocabulary Band +8 "Topic: Travel & Places"
Cautious = avoiding risks / wary	Wander = walk without aim / stroll /  roam
Adventurous = willing to try new thing / daring	Spontaneous = act without planning / unplanned
Unspoilt = beautiful or undamaged (place	Wilderness = land not used
Paradise = a perfect place	Leisurely = in a relaxed way / not rushed (adj+adv)
Foreign = strange or unfamiliar	Rival = be good as S else

Topic 8: Government

IELTS vocabulary Band +7 "Topic: Government"
Blame = accuse	Childcare = care for children
Govern = control a place	Provide = give / make available
Regulation = official rule	Depend = need help / support
Entitlement = right or privilege	Healthcare = care for the sick
Oppose = be against	Assistance = help / aid

IELTS vocabulary Band +8 "Topic: Government"
Guidelines = official advice / rules	Consensus = general agreement / unity
Instil = put and idea or feeling in S mind	Taxpayer = person paying tax /  ordinary citizen
Corrupt = dishonest / abusing their power	Expenditure = total amount a government spends
Resolve = firmly decide / undertake	Authority = legal power / right
Instability = lack of stability or uncertainty	Bureaucracy = admin system /   official procedures

Topic 9: Animals

IELTS vocabulary Band +7 "Topic: Animals"
Endangered = dying out	Venomous = poisonous
Domesticates = tame / not wild	Thrive = grow = be successful
Predator = animals that hunts another	Vulnerable = easily hurt
Nocturnal = active at night	Dwindle = become smaller or fewer
Habitat = A natural environ.	Prey

IELTS vocabulary Band +8 "Topic: Animals"
Survival = continuing to live or exist	Co-exist = live in the same time or place
Abandon = leave permanently = desert	Captivity = the state of being locked up
Cruelty = behavior that causes pain	Sanctuary = safe  = protected place
Defence = reaction to attack /  self-protection	Conservation = protecting them
Colony	Creature = living thing

Topic 10: Space

IELTS vocabulary Band +7 "Topic: Space"
Explode = break up violently	Explore = search a new area
Risky = dangerous	Debris = large broken pieces
Frightening = makes u afraid	Infinite = without end
Acclimatise = adjust / adapt / get used to	Fascinating = extremely interesting
Surface = top layer	Astronaut = working in space

IELTS vocabulary Band +8 "Topic: Space"
Collide = crash into / strike	Universal = worldwide / existing everywhere
Misuse = bad usage of S	Boost = (give)added power / increase
Hollow = empty inside	Prolonged = lengthy / over a long time
Rotation = spinning / turning	Fragile = easily broken / delicate
Vertical = pointing, going up	Transmit = send out(a signal)

Topic 11: Technology and Computer

IELTS vocabulary Band +7 "Topic: Technology & Computer"
Virtual = not real	Digital = computerized
Embrace = accept eagerly	Online = via the internet
Addicted = obsessed	Secure = safe
Cutting-edge = the very latest	Cyberbullying = attacking S online
Technological = relate to tech	Dated = old-fashioned

IELTS vocabulary Band +8 "Topic: Technology & Computer"
Appliance = domestic machine	Creativity = imagination / ingenuity
Surpass = beat / outperform / do or be better than	Run-down = neglected / in a bad condition
Hardware = the phys. Parts PC	Upgrade = improve the quality
Innovative = inventive / a new use of something	Computerized = run or controlled by computer
Devise = come up with = invent	Equipped = have(a tool) included or attached

Topic 12: Machines

IELTS vocabulary Band +7 "Topic: Machines"
Device = gadget or tool	Manufactured = made in a factory
Operate = work(a machine)	Convey = transport
Automated = done by mach.	Mechanical
Accelerate = go faster	Manually = by hand
Technique = method	Rotate = turn

Topic 13: Fashion

IELTS vocabulary Band +7 "Topic: Fashion"
Consumer = user of goods	Passing = short-lived
Trendy = fashionable	Lasting = long-term
Impulsive = acts without thinking	Consumerism = buying and owning goods
Purchase = S bought	Impractical = unsuitable for a situation
Discard = through away	Mass-produced = made on large scale

IELTS vocabulary Band +8 "Topic: Fashion"
Ethical = morally right	Emerge = appear / arise
Disposable = intended to be thrown away	Second-hand = used / not new
Possessions = things you own / belongings	Donate = give money or goods to charity
Individuality = what makes you different or unique	Impulse = sudden urge or desire
Manufacturer = company making goods / producer	Material = physical / related to possessions

Topic 14: City

IELTS vocabulary Band +7 "Topic: City"
Inadequate = not good enough	Transportation = means of travel
Pedestrian = person walking	Commute = journey to work
Pavement = footbath	Slums = poor quality housing
Infrastructure = services in an area	Overpopulated = having too many people
Outskirts = edge of the city	Isolated = alone / separate

IELTS vocabulary Band +8 "Topic: City"
Imbalance = inequality / lack of balance	Overwhelmed = unable to cope / strongly affected
Shortage = lack / not enough of	Affluent = rich / wealthy / prosperous
Deprived = poor / disadvantaged	Congested = having too much traffic
Sanitation = system to remove dirty water or waste	Homelessness = the issue of people having no home
Poverty = the condition of being poor	Amenities = facilities / conveniences

Topic 15: Environment

IELTS vocabulary Band +7 "Topic: Environment"
Agricultural	Cultivate = make S grow
Disaster = terrible event or accident	Erosion = loss of soil
Environmental	Logging = cutting down trees
Vital = very important	Irrigation = watering system
Impact	Pesticide = insect killer

IELTS vocabulary Band +8 "Topic: Environment"
Urgent = pressing / needing quick attention	Pollutant = a substance that pollutes
Ecosystem = all living things in an area	Vegetation = Plants and trees in an are
Unprecedented = never seen before / unheard-of	Intervene = step in / become involved
Hazardous = dangerous to health or safety	Degrade = become spoiled or lower in quality
Safeguard = keep safe / protect	Deforestation = removal of trees / logging

Topic 16: Energy

IELTS vocabulary Band +7 "Topic: Energy"
Generate = produce	Alternative = not traditional
Harness = capture and use	Mining = digging up coal etc.
Renewable = can be made again	Sustainable = will not run out
Maximize = make the most of	Consumption = use
Curb = limit the use of	Emissions = gases released

IELTS vocabulary Band +8 "Topic: Energy"
Abundant = in large quantities / plentiful	Regulate = control S with rules
Scarce = not easy to find = rare	Supply = give or provide a supply
Unsustainable = using more than can be replaced	Squander = waste(money, supplies or opportunity)
Exploit = take advantage or make the most of	Biofuels = fuel made from a living thing or waste
Achievable = realistic / attainable	Finite = limited / have end

Topic 17: Issues

IELTS vocabulary Band +7 "Topic: Issues"
Globalization = worldwide trade	Modernization
Tackle = deal with (a prob.)	Worsen = get worse
Overcome = beat = conquer	Pressing = urgent
Development = growth / becoming advanced	Diversity = including different types
Tolerate = willing to accept (BH)	Ongoing = continuing

IELTS vocabulary Band +8 "Topic: Issues"
Scenario = possible future situation	Critical = very serious or important / crucial
Escalate = become worse / intensify	Dispute = argument / disagreement
Contemplate = consider / think carefully	Crisis = extremely bad situation / emergency
Inevitable = certain to happen /  unavoidable	Acknowledge = admit or accept that S is true
Chaos = total confusion / disorder = turmoil	Measures = preventive actions /  steps

Topic 18: Business & Work

IELTS vocabulary Band +7 "Topic: Business & Work"
Occupation = job	Overtime = extra working Hrs.
Rewarding = satisfying	Deadline = due date
Recruit = take on new staff	Conditions = (work) environ.
Negotiate = discuss details (of a deal)	Colleague = person you work with
Financial = related to money	Employee = worker

IELTS vocabulary Band +8 "Topic: Business & Work"
Competitive = involving competition with others	Household = of the people in a house  / domestic
Flexibility = ability to adapt	Delegate = give tasks to others / pass on
Monopoly = no competitors /  exclusive control	Demanding = stressful / need a lot of attention
High-street = ordinary or traditional (shops)	Ambitious = having a strong desire to success
Leadership = the ability to lead	Entrepreneurs = people who start businesses

Topic 19: Crime

IELTS vocabulary Band +7 "Topic: Crime"
Imprison = put in jail	Commit = carry out (crime)
Petty = small (crimes)	Deter = frighten off
Juvenile = relating to young	Prevent = stop
Consequence = Effect or result	Enforce = ensure people obey (law)
Offence = crime	Harsh = very tough (punish.)

IELTS vocabulary Band +8 "Topic: Crime"
Vandalism = damage to property	Predominantly = mostly / largely
Bystander = S watching nearby / onlooker	Weapon = object used to fight
Wrongdoing = any bad or illegal action	Prohibit = legally prevent S /  forbid /  ban
Lenient = soft = not strict (punishment)	Legalise = make S legal /  authorize
Prosecute = legally accuse S of a crime / sue	Punish = Make S suffer for a crime

Topic 20: Media

IELTS vocabulary Band +7 "Topic: Media"
Tabloid = less serious news papers	Biased = one-sided
Inform = give the facts	Impartial = neutral / balanced
Medium = one type of media	Well-informed = having a lot of information
Emphasize = highlight	Verify = check S is true
Sensational = aiming to shock	Paparazzi = celebrity photographers

IELTS vocabulary Band +8 "Topic: Media"
Speculate = make guess about topic or person	Scrutinize = examine very carefully
Viewer = person watching TV	Censor = control what is published
Manipulate = control S or S in a negative way	Distorted = altered / inaccurate
Controversial = causing disagreement	Spotlight = public attention /  publicity / limelight / being in the public eye
Infamous = famous for S bad or negative / notorious	Imply = suggest S without stating it

Topic 21: Art

IELTS vocabulary Band +7 "Topic: Art"
Dramatic = full of emotions	Comical = funny
Atmosphere = mood or feeling (of a place)	Entertaining = providing amusement
Lively = full of energy	Participate = take part
Exhibition = a public display	Perform = play or act on stage
Subjective = personal view	Tedious = boring / tiresome

IELTS vocabulary Band +8 "Topic: Art"
Audience = the who watch or read S	Sacrifice = give up
Moving = causing sadness /  emotional	Influence = cause S to change /  affect
Inspire = make you want to do or create S	Convey = communicate or express (emotion)
Venue = place where an even happens	Spectator = person watch a live event
Interactive = actively involving the visitor or user	Escapism = a way to avoid reality to being bored

Topic 22: Changes

IELTS vocabulary Band +7 "Topic: Changes"
Imminent = coming soon	Gradual = little by little
Endure = last a long time	Temporary = for a short time
Moderate = slight	Retrospect = looking back
Shift = change	Preceding = earlier
Abrupt = sudden	Turbulent = not calm

IELTS vocabulary Band +8 "Topic: Changes"
Instantly = immediately	Minute = tiny / very small
Topical = current / happening now	Imperceptible = invisible / unnoticeable
Insignificant = slight / unimportant	Subtle = small but important
Remnant = piece of the past /  remains	Persist = continue to do happen (negative)
Considerable = large / noticeable /  significant	Consistently = in a constant or unchanged way

Topic 23: Letter

IELTS vocabulary Band +7 "Topic: Letter & General"
Grateful = thankful	Apologies = say sorry
Sincerely = genuinely	Appreciate = thankful for
Enclosed = put inside	Delighted = very pleased
Dissatisfied = not happy with	Service = treatment of a customer
Propose = suggest	Available = free / not busy

IELTS vocabulary Band +8 "Topic: Letter & General"
Inconvenient = causing problems and difficulties	Unforeseen = unexpected / sudden
Behalf = acting for S	Response = answer / reaction
Consider = think about an idea	Privileged = (feel) special/given advantages
Hesitate = pause before acting / stop to think	Accidently = not deliberately / unintentionally
Ruined = spoiled/ damaged	Unpleasant = not enjoyable / upsetting

Topic 24: Describing data

IELTS vocabulary Band +7 "Topic: Describing data"
Percentage	Reach = get up to (level)
Fluctuate = vary a great deal	Indicate = show
Projected	Steadily = in a constant way
Steep = at a sharp angle	Anticipated = expected
Noticeable = visible/evident	Proportion = fraction

IELTS vocabulary Band +8 "Topic: Describing data"
Marked = very clear/noticeable	Decline = become worse or lower / go down
Plateaued = remained steady or unchanged	Previous = the one before/earlier
Relatively = judged in relation to S else	Comparison = examining the differences
Repeatedly = again and again	Variation = change
Forecast = say what will happen /predicted	Upward = going up

Topic 25: Essay writing

IELTS vocabulary Band +7 "Topic: Essay Writing"
Moreover = in addition	Overall = in general
Notion = idea	Nevertheless = despite this
Whereas = on the other hand	Furthermore = as well/more importantly
Challenge = difficulty/problem	Unbelievable
Definitely = in a very clear way	Consequently = as a result

Download 2500 IELTS vocabulary PDF

Now, download more than 2500 IELTS vocabulary you will use in your IELTS exam.

In addition to the previous topics, you will find another 10 topics with more than 500 English words.

You will find the English IELTS vocabulary PDF list divided into English topics to be easy for you to recall them.

IELTS Vocabulary

These English words will help you in IELTS preparation especially in writing task 1 and writing task 2.

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2500 Essential words for IELTS

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