How many words do I need to know for IELTS?

For band 6.0, you need approximately 5,000-6,000 words. For band 7.0+, aim for 7,000-8,000 words. Focus on topic-specific vocabulary for the most common IELTS themes: education, environment, technology, health, crime, and society.

What is the Academic Word List (AWL)?

The Academic Word List is a collection of 570 word families that are commonly found in academic texts. These words are particularly useful for IELTS Academic as they appear frequently in reading passages and are valued in writing. AWL words include: analyse, approach, concept, data, environment, and similar academic terms.

How should I learn IELTS vocabulary?

The most effective approach is to learn words in context, not in isolation. Study words with example sentences, learn common collocations, use spaced repetition for review, and actively use new words in writing and speaking within 24 hours of learning them.

Should I learn different vocabulary for Speaking and Writing?

Yes, to some extent. Writing requires more formal, academic vocabulary and precise collocations. Speaking benefits from a mix of formal and informal language, including phrasal verbs and natural expressions. However, topic vocabulary (environment, education, etc.) is useful for both modules.

What are collocations and why are they important for IELTS?

Collocations are words that naturally go together in English, such as 'make a decision' (not 'do a decision') or 'heavy rain' (not 'strong rain'). Using correct collocations improves your Lexical Resource score in both Writing and Speaking.

How many new words should I learn per day for IELTS?

Aim for 10 new words per day with deep learning (definition, example, collocations, word family). This is more effective than trying to memorise 50 words superficially. Review previously learned words daily using spaced repetition.

IELTS Vocabulary List 2026

500 essential words for IELTS organized by topic. Each word includes a definition, example sentence, and common collocations. Words from the Academic Word List (AWL) are marked with a star.

How to Learn Vocabulary Effectively for IELTS

Learn words in context — always study words with example sentences, not in isolation
Learn collocations — know which words go together (e.g., “make a decision” not “do a decision”)
Use spaced repetition — review words at increasing intervals (1 day, 3 days, 7 days, 14 days)
Learn word families — noun, verb, adjective, adverb forms (e.g., analyse, analysis, analytical, analytically)

Use new words actively — write sentences and speak using them within 24 hours
Focus on topic vocabulary — learn 30–50 words per IELTS topic area
Keep a vocabulary notebook — record word, meaning, example, collocations, and synonyms
Aim for 10 new words per day — quality over quantity; deep learning beats memorisation

Vocabulary for Writing

Use formal, academic vocabulary — avoid informal/slang
Use synonyms to avoid repetition (e.g., increase/rise/grow/expand)
Learn hedging language: tend to, it is likely that, may, could
Use precise collocations: conduct research, pose a threat, address an issue
AWL words (marked with ★ below) are especially useful for Writing

Vocabulary for Speaking

Use a mix of formal and informal vocabulary
Use phrasal verbs naturally: come across, figure out, look into
Include idiomatic expressions sparingly — see our idioms page
Show range: use both simple and advanced words
Pronounce words correctly — practise saying new words aloud

Jump to Topic:

Education Environment Technology Health Crime & Society Work & Economy Government Media Science Urbanisation Globalisation Culture

Education (42 Words)

Word	Definition	Example Sentence	Common Collocations
Curriculum	The subjects and content taught in a school or course	The national curriculum should include financial literacy.	school curriculum, design a curriculum, core curriculum
Pedagogy	The method and practice of teaching	Modern pedagogy emphasises student-centred learning.	effective pedagogy, progressive pedagogy, teaching pedagogy
Literacy	The ability to read and write	Improving literacy rates is essential for economic development.	digital literacy, financial literacy, literacy rate
Enrol	To officially join a course or institution	Over 500 students enrolled in the programme last year.	enrol in a course, enrolment figures, enrol at university
Attainment ★ AWL	The level of achievement or knowledge reached	Educational attainment varies significantly between regions.	academic attainment, level of attainment, attainment gap
Compulsory	Required by law or rule; mandatory	Education is compulsory for children aged 5 to 16 in the UK.	compulsory education, compulsory subject, make something compulsory
Scholarship	Financial aid awarded to a student for study	She won a scholarship to study medicine at Oxford.	win a scholarship, scholarship programme, full scholarship
Dissertation	A long essay or thesis, especially for a degree	He spent a year writing his dissertation on climate policy.	write a dissertation, submit a dissertation, doctoral dissertation
Vocational	Related to practical skills and training for a specific job	Vocational training can be more practical than university for some careers.	vocational training, vocational education, vocational course
Syllabus	An outline of topics to be covered in a course	The syllabus for the IELTS preparation course covers all four modules.	course syllabus, follow the syllabus, design a syllabus
Academic ★ AWL	Related to education, scholarship, and formal study	Academic research suggests that early education is crucial.	academic performance, academic journal, academic year
Tuition	Teaching or instruction, or the fees charged for it	Tuition fees have risen dramatically in the past decade.	tuition fees, private tuition, tuition costs
Discipline ★ AWL	A branch of knowledge; also, controlled behaviour	Self-discipline is essential for effective independent study.	academic discipline, maintain discipline, self-discipline
Cognitive	Related to mental processes of understanding and learning	Play-based learning supports children's cognitive development.	cognitive development, cognitive skills, cognitive ability
Assessment ★ AWL	The process of evaluating ability or progress	Continuous assessment is fairer than a single final exam.	continuous assessment, self-assessment, assessment criteria
Collaborate ★ AWL	To work together with others	Students should collaborate on projects to develop teamwork skills.	collaborate with, collaborative learning, collaboration between
Autonomous ★ AWL	Independent; self-governing	Universities should promote autonomous learning.	autonomous learner, autonomous learning, become autonomous
Proficiency	A high degree of skill or competence	Language proficiency is measured by tests like IELTS.	language proficiency, level of proficiency, demonstrate proficiency
Undergraduate	A university student who has not yet obtained a degree	Undergraduate programmes typically last three to four years.	undergraduate degree, undergraduate student, undergraduate course
Postgraduate	A student studying for a qualification above a first degree	Postgraduate research contributes significantly to scientific knowledge.	postgraduate degree, postgraduate student, postgraduate research
Rote learning	Learning by memorisation and repetition	Rote learning is less effective than understanding concepts.	rote memorisation, reliance on rote learning, move away from rote learning
Innate	Inborn; natural rather than learned	Some argue that intelligence is innate, while others say it is developed.	innate ability, innate talent, innate quality
Competence ★ AWL	The ability to do something well	Digital competence is increasingly required in the modern workplace.	core competence, demonstrate competence, professional competence
Seminar	A small group discussion class at university	Seminars encourage students to analyse and debate ideas.	attend a seminar, seminar discussion, lead a seminar
Plagiarism	Presenting another person's work as your own	Universities have strict penalties for plagiarism.	commit plagiarism, plagiarism detection, avoid plagiarism
Dropout	A person who leaves school or university early	High dropout rates are often linked to poverty.	dropout rate, school dropout, college dropout
Extracurricular	Activities outside the regular academic curriculum	Extracurricular activities develop leadership and social skills.	extracurricular activities, extracurricular involvement, participate in extracurricular
Stimulate ★ AWL	To encourage or cause interest and activity	Interactive lessons stimulate student engagement.	stimulate interest, stimulate growth, stimulate discussion
Aptitude	A natural ability or talent	Not every student has an aptitude for mathematics.	natural aptitude, aptitude test, show aptitude for
Prerequisite	Something required as a prior condition	A good IELTS score is a prerequisite for university admission.	prerequisite for, meet the prerequisites, essential prerequisite
Accreditation	Official recognition that a programme meets quality standards	Choose a language school with proper accreditation.	gain accreditation, accreditation body, professional accreditation
Inclusive ★ AWL	Open to everyone; not excluding any group	Inclusive education ensures all students can learn together.	inclusive education, inclusive environment, socially inclusive
Critical thinking	Objective analysis and evaluation of information	Schools should prioritise critical thinking over memorisation.	develop critical thinking, critical thinking skills, encourage critical thinking
Empirical ★ AWL	Based on observation or experience rather than theory	Empirical evidence supports the benefits of early education.	empirical evidence, empirical research, empirical study
Nurture	To care for and encourage growth or development	A good education system nurtures both academic and social skills.	nature vs nurture, nurture talent, nurture development
Holistic	Considering the whole rather than individual parts	A holistic approach to education addresses emotional and physical wellbeing.	holistic approach, holistic education, holistic development
Tertiary	Third level of education (university, college)	Access to tertiary education should not depend on family income.	tertiary education, tertiary level, tertiary institution
Facilitate ★ AWL	To make a process easier or help it happen	Technology can facilitate more personalised learning.	facilitate learning, facilitate discussion, facilitate access
Disparity ★ AWL	A great difference or inequality	There is a growing disparity in educational outcomes between rich and poor.	income disparity, educational disparity, gender disparity
Incentive ★ AWL	Something that motivates action	Scholarships provide a financial incentive for academic excellence.	financial incentive, provide an incentive, strong incentive
Pedagogy	The art and science of teaching	Progressive pedagogy puts the learner at the centre.	innovative pedagogy, effective pedagogy, pedagogical approach
Benchmark	A standard point of reference for comparison	IELTS serves as an international benchmark for English proficiency.	set a benchmark, benchmark standard, industry benchmark

Environment & Nature (31 Words)

Word	Definition	Example Sentence	Common Collocations
Sustainability ★ AWL	Meeting present needs without compromising future generations	Sustainability should be at the heart of urban planning.	environmental sustainability, sustainability goals, promote sustainability
Biodiversity	The variety of plant and animal life in a habitat	Deforestation threatens biodiversity across the tropics.	loss of biodiversity, protect biodiversity, biodiversity hotspot
Emissions	Gases released into the atmosphere, especially carbon dioxide	Governments must reduce carbon emissions to meet climate targets.	carbon emissions, greenhouse gas emissions, reduce emissions
Renewable	A resource that can be replenished naturally	Investment in renewable energy is increasing globally.	renewable energy, renewable resources, renewable sources
Deforestation	The clearing of forests on a large scale	Deforestation in the Amazon is a major environmental concern.	rate of deforestation, illegal deforestation, combat deforestation
Ecosystem	A community of living organisms and their environment	Pollution can disrupt entire ecosystems.	fragile ecosystem, marine ecosystem, ecosystem services
Contamination	The presence of harmful substances in the environment	Water contamination poses serious health risks.	water contamination, soil contamination, prevent contamination
Conservation ★ AWL	Protection and preservation of the natural environment	Wildlife conservation requires international cooperation.	conservation efforts, nature conservation, conservation area
Drought	A prolonged period of abnormally low rainfall	Droughts are becoming more frequent due to climate change.	severe drought, drought conditions, drought-resistant crops
Erosion ★ AWL	The gradual wearing away of soil or rock	Coastal erosion is accelerating due to rising sea levels.	soil erosion, coastal erosion, erosion of values
Fossil fuels	Non-renewable energy sources such as coal, oil, and gas	The world must transition away from fossil fuels.	dependence on fossil fuels, burn fossil fuels, fossil fuel industry
Carbon footprint	The total greenhouse gases produced by human activities	Individuals can reduce their carbon footprint by using public transport.	reduce carbon footprint, personal carbon footprint, calculate carbon footprint
Habitat	The natural home or environment of an organism	Habitat destruction is the leading cause of species extinction.	natural habitat, habitat loss, habitat destruction
Pollutant	A substance that contaminates the environment	Industrial pollutants are responsible for poor air quality in cities.	air pollutant, toxic pollutant, remove pollutants
Biodegradable	Capable of being decomposed by bacteria or organisms	Switching to biodegradable packaging would reduce plastic waste.	biodegradable materials, biodegradable packaging, biodegradable waste
Endangered	At serious risk of extinction	Many endangered species are found in tropical rainforests.	endangered species, critically endangered, endangered list
Glacier	A large body of ice that moves slowly over land	Glaciers are melting at an unprecedented rate.	glacier retreat, melting glaciers, glacier ice
Ozone layer	A layer of the atmosphere that absorbs UV radiation	The ozone layer is gradually recovering thanks to international agreements.	deplete the ozone layer, ozone depletion, protect the ozone layer
Recycle	To convert waste into reusable material	Recycling reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills.	recycle waste, recycling rate, recycling programme
Toxic	Poisonous; harmful to health or the environment	Toxic chemicals from factories can contaminate rivers.	toxic waste, toxic substances, toxic fumes
Flora	Plant life of a particular region or period	The flora and fauna of the island are unique.	local flora, tropical flora, flora and fauna
Fauna	Animal life of a particular region or period	Marine fauna is threatened by ocean acidification.	marine fauna, native fauna, fauna species
Greenhouse effect	Warming caused by gases trapping heat in the atmosphere	The greenhouse effect is intensifying due to human activity.	enhanced greenhouse effect, greenhouse gases, greenhouse warming
Pesticide	A chemical used to kill insects or other pests	Excessive use of pesticides harms soil health and wildlife.	pesticide use, pesticide residue, ban pesticides
Preservation ★ AWL	Keeping something in its original state	The preservation of natural habitats is critical for biodiversity.	wildlife preservation, cultural preservation, preservation efforts
Smog	A mixture of fog and air pollutants	Smog is a serious health hazard in many large cities.	industrial smog, photochemical smog, smog levels
Aquifer	An underground layer of rock that holds water	Over-extraction of water from aquifers causes land subsidence.	underground aquifer, deplete aquifers, aquifer recharge
Afforestation	The planting of trees on land that was not forested	Afforestation programmes can help absorb carbon dioxide.	afforestation programme, promote afforestation, large-scale afforestation
Ecological ★ AWL	Related to the relationship between organisms and environment	The ecological impact of industrialisation has been devastating.	ecological balance, ecological damage, ecological footprint
Degradation ★ AWL	The process of something being damaged or made worse	Environmental degradation is closely linked to poverty.	environmental degradation, land degradation, soil degradation
Sustainable ★ AWL	Able to be maintained at a certain level without depleting resources	Sustainable farming practices protect the soil for future use.	sustainable development, sustainable energy, sustainable practices

Technology & Innovation (20 Words)

Word	Definition	Example Sentence	Common Collocations
Artificial intelligence	Computer systems that perform tasks requiring human intelligence	Artificial intelligence is transforming healthcare and education.	AI technology, AI-powered, develop AI
Automation ★ AWL	Using technology to perform tasks without human intervention	Automation has increased efficiency but reduced some jobs.	industrial automation, automation of tasks, automate processes
Cybersecurity	Protection of computer systems from digital attacks	Cybersecurity is a growing concern for businesses worldwide.	cybersecurity threat, cybersecurity measures, cybersecurity breach
Algorithm	A set of rules or steps to solve a problem or make decisions	Social media algorithms determine what content users see.	search algorithm, algorithm-based, design an algorithm
Innovation ★ AWL	A new method, idea, or product	Technological innovation drives economic growth.	drive innovation, technological innovation, innovative approach
Digital divide	The gap between those with and without access to technology	The digital divide is widening between urban and rural areas.	bridge the digital divide, address the digital divide, widen the digital divide
Obsolete	No longer in use; outdated	Some fear that AI will make certain professions obsolete.	become obsolete, render obsolete, technologically obsolete
Surveillance ★ AWL	Close observation, especially of a suspected person	The use of surveillance cameras raises privacy concerns.	surveillance camera, state surveillance, surveillance technology
Bandwidth	The capacity of a network to transmit data	High bandwidth is essential for video conferencing.	internet bandwidth, limited bandwidth, bandwidth capacity
Encryption	Converting data into code to prevent unauthorised access	End-to-end encryption protects user privacy in messaging apps.	data encryption, encryption technology, end-to-end encryption
Biotechnology	Technology that uses biological systems for products or processes	Biotechnology has revolutionised medicine and agriculture.	biotechnology industry, advances in biotechnology, biotechnology research
Connectivity	The state of being connected, especially to the internet	Internet connectivity is essential for remote education.	internet connectivity, improve connectivity, digital connectivity
Proliferation ★ AWL	Rapid increase or spread	The proliferation of smartphones has changed how we access information.	rapid proliferation, proliferation of technology, nuclear proliferation
Virtual reality	Computer-generated simulation of a 3D environment	Virtual reality could revolutionise education and training.	VR technology, virtual reality headset, virtual reality experience
Data breach	An incident where confidential information is accessed without permission	Data breaches can expose millions of users to identity theft.	suffer a data breach, prevent data breaches, major data breach
Cutting-edge	The most advanced; at the forefront of technology	The hospital uses cutting-edge technology for diagnostics.	cutting-edge technology, cutting-edge research, cutting-edge design
Streamline	To make a process more efficient	Technology can streamline administrative tasks in schools.	streamline processes, streamline operations, streamline workflow
Autonomous ★ AWL	Operating independently without human control	Autonomous vehicles could reduce traffic accidents.	autonomous vehicle, autonomous system, fully autonomous
Infrastructure ★ AWL	The basic physical systems of a country or organisation	Digital infrastructure is as important as physical infrastructure.	IT infrastructure, build infrastructure, infrastructure development
Misinformation	False or inaccurate information spread unintentionally	Social media accelerates the spread of misinformation.	spread misinformation, combat misinformation, online misinformation

Health & Medicine (20 Words)

Word	Definition	Example Sentence	Common Collocations
Epidemic	A widespread occurrence of a disease in a community	The obesity epidemic is a major public health concern.	obesity epidemic, combat an epidemic, epidemic proportions
Sedentary	Involving little physical movement	Sedentary lifestyles increase the risk of heart disease.	sedentary lifestyle, sedentary job, sedentary behaviour
Diagnosis	The identification of a disease or condition	Early diagnosis improves the chances of successful treatment.	make a diagnosis, early diagnosis, clinical diagnosis
Preventive	Designed to stop something (especially disease) from happening	Preventive healthcare is more cost-effective than treatment.	preventive measures, preventive medicine, preventive care
Malnutrition	Lack of proper nutrition from not eating enough or eating the wrong foods	Malnutrition affects millions of children in developing countries.	suffer from malnutrition, child malnutrition, combat malnutrition
Rehabilitation	The process of restoring health or normal life	Drug rehabilitation programmes help addicts recover.	rehabilitation centre, physical rehabilitation, drug rehabilitation
Wellbeing	The state of being comfortable, healthy, or happy	Mental wellbeing is just as important as physical health.	mental wellbeing, physical wellbeing, sense of wellbeing
Chronic	Persisting for a long time; constant	Chronic diseases account for the majority of healthcare costs.	chronic illness, chronic pain, chronic condition
Vaccination	Treatment with a vaccine to produce immunity	Childhood vaccination programmes have saved millions of lives.	vaccination programme, mass vaccination, vaccination rate
Obesity	The condition of being very overweight	Obesity is linked to numerous health problems including diabetes.	childhood obesity, obesity rate, tackle obesity
Sanitation	Conditions relating to public health and hygiene	Poor sanitation leads to the spread of infectious diseases.	improve sanitation, basic sanitation, water and sanitation
Supplement ★ AWL	Something added to improve or complete	Vitamin supplements can help address nutritional deficiencies.	dietary supplement, vitamin supplement, supplement intake
Pharmaceutical	Related to the preparation and dispensing of medicines	Pharmaceutical companies invest heavily in drug research.	pharmaceutical industry, pharmaceutical company, pharmaceutical products
Immunity	The body's ability to resist infection	Good nutrition strengthens the immune system.	build immunity, natural immunity, herd immunity
Therapy	Treatment intended to heal or relieve a condition	Cognitive behavioural therapy is effective for anxiety disorders.	physical therapy, occupational therapy, undergo therapy
Pandemic	A disease prevalent over a whole country or the world	The pandemic highlighted the importance of public health systems.	global pandemic, pandemic response, during the pandemic
Contagious	Spread from one person to another by direct contact	Highly contagious diseases can overwhelm healthcare systems.	highly contagious, contagious disease, become contagious
Hygiene	Conditions or practices for maintaining health and preventing disease	Good hygiene is the first line of defence against infection.	personal hygiene, food hygiene, hygiene standards
Prognosis	The likely course or outcome of a disease	The prognosis for early-stage cancer is generally positive.	good prognosis, poor prognosis, prognosis for recovery
Holistic	Treating the whole person, not just symptoms	A holistic approach to health includes diet, exercise, and mental care.	holistic approach, holistic medicine, holistic treatment

Crime & Society (30 Words)

Deterrent Rehabilitation Offender Recidivism Incarceration Juvenile Verdict Legislation Prosecution Custody Delinquency Reoffend Probation Surveillance Fraud Corruption Penalty Parole Litigation Tribunal Vandalism Homicide Acquit Accomplice Statute Jurisdiction Plea Manslaughter Burglary Embezzlement