The IELTS Speaking module tests your ability to communicate clearly and correctly in English. You will talk with an examiner face to face for a total of 15-20 minutes. The speaking module usually goes with a fixed three-part structure, though the topics vary from case to case.
Speaking test requires the candidate to express thought through the mouth. It means test-takers should have enough so-called speaking vocabulary: know them and pronounce them clearly and correctly. Anyone who wants to get a higher score from a speaking test must build a stronger speaking vocabulary.
However, the following 100+ word list is for all candidates, even if one only needs an average score. It is a minimum IELTS speaking vocabulary. Try to pronounce them fluently and loudly with full confidence, which is the basis to shoot a good score on the speaking tests.
If you don't have time to learn and practice all of them, we remark stars (*) for some important words you may start at first.
In addition to these generic words, we prepared some speaking vocabularies by topics that are also deserved to study by high score hunters.
Hot Vocabulary Groups
Other Vocabulary Groups
100 IELTS Speaking Words
1.
fantastic ![Look Up Look Up](../pic/icon/edit16.png)
(*)
They did a fantastic job. ![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read22.png)
2.
amazing ![Look Up Look Up](../pic/icon/edit16.png)
(*)
she makes the most amazing cakes. ![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read22.png)
3.
absurd
Gym shorts looked absurd on such a tall girl. ![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read22.png)
4.
unbelievable ![Look Up Look Up](../pic/icon/edit16.png)
(*)
Your audacity is unbelievable. ![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read22.png)
5.
intelligent ![Look Up Look Up](../pic/icon/edit16.png)
(*)
Annabelle is intelligent and hardworking. ![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read22.png)
6.
annoyed ![Look Up Look Up](../pic/icon/edit16.png)
(*)
Kelly was annoyed with him. ![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read22.png)
7.
gorgeous ![Look Up Look Up](../pic/icon/edit16.png)
(*)
Such a gorgeous color and exquisite decoration. ![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read22.png)
8.
brilliant ![Look Up Look Up](../pic/icon/edit16.png)
(*)
You are a brilliant young mathematician. ![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read22.png)
9.
monotonous
Soon we heard a low, monotonous wailing of many voices. ![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read22.png)
10.
doleful
We dislike that doleful consequence. ![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read22.png)
11.
stringent
California's air pollution guidelines are stringent. ![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read22.png)
12.
efficient ![Look Up Look Up](../pic/icon/edit16.png)
(*)
It's an energy efficient heating system. ![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read22.png)
13.
outstanding ![Look Up Look Up](../pic/icon/edit16.png)
(*)
The team's outstanding performance impresses me very much. ![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read22.png)
14.
adventurous ![Look Up Look Up](../pic/icon/edit16.png)
(*)
They wanted more adventurous meals. ![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read22.png)
15.
impatient ![Look Up Look Up](../pic/icon/edit16.png)
(*)
They are impatient for change. ![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read22.png)
16.
practical ![Look Up Look Up](../pic/icon/edit16.png)
(*)
There are two obvious practical applications of the research. ![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read22.png)
17.
romantic ![Look Up Look Up](../pic/icon/edit16.png)
(*)
He's very handsome, and so romantic. ![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read22.png)
18.
deliberate ![Look Up Look Up](../pic/icon/edit16.png)
(*)
He is a careful and deliberate worker. ![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read22.png)
19.
ambitious ![Look Up Look Up](../pic/icon/edit16.png)
(*)
The scope of the book is very ambitious. ![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read22.png)
20.
organized ![Look Up Look Up](../pic/icon/edit16.png)
(*)
I am systematic and organized enough to save things. ![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read22.png)
21.
reserved
He is a reserved, almost taciturn man. ![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read22.png)
22.
sociable ![Look Up Look Up](../pic/icon/edit16.png)
(*)
We will visit a very sociable little village. ![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read22.png)
23.
talkative ![Look Up Look Up](../pic/icon/edit16.png)
(*)
The talkative driver hadn't stopped chatting. ![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read22.png)
24.
unusable
The steps were overgrown and unusable. ![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read22.png)
25.
avid
She was avid for information about the murder inquiry. ![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read22.png)
26.
greedy ![Look Up Look Up](../pic/icon/edit16.png)
(*)
They got the greedy thief who plundered a defense contractor. ![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read22.png)
27.
understanding ![Look Up Look Up](../pic/icon/edit16.png)
(*)
Foreign visitors with little understanding of English. ![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read22.png)
28.
dedicated ![Look Up Look Up](../pic/icon/edit16.png)
(*)
Investing in dedicated bike lanes will encourage more bicycle commuters. ![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read22.png)
29.
incurable
The claim that a product can cure an incurable disease should sound alarms. ![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read22.png)
30.
pretty ![Look Up Look Up](../pic/icon/edit16.png)
(*)
She is a pretty little girl with an engaging grin. ![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read22.png)
31.
outgoing ![Look Up Look Up](../pic/icon/edit16.png)
(*)
She's an extremely affable, jovial, outgoing type of person. ![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read22.png)
32.
disorganize ![Look Up Look Up](../pic/icon/edit16.png)
(*)
Attacks on leading government figures might disorganize the regime. ![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read22.png)
33.
frank ![Look Up Look Up](../pic/icon/edit16.png)
(*)
It's a long and frank discussion. ![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read22.png)
34.
generous ![Look Up Look Up](../pic/icon/edit16.png)
(*)
She was generous with her money. ![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read22.png)
35.
tolerant ![Look Up Look Up](../pic/icon/edit16.png)
(*)
We must be tolerant of others. ![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read22.png)
36.
inexperienced ![Look Up Look Up](../pic/icon/edit16.png)
(*)
This young lady is an inexperienced driver. ![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read22.png)
37.
mischievous
Two mischievous kittens had decorated the bed with shredded newspaper. ![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read22.png)
38.
sensitive ![Look Up Look Up](../pic/icon/edit16.png)
(*)
The new method of protein detection was more sensitive than earlier ones. ![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read22.png)
39.
sensible ![Look Up Look Up](../pic/icon/edit16.png)
(*)
I cannot believe that it is sensible to spend so much. ![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read22.png)
40.
emotional ![Look Up Look Up](../pic/icon/edit16.png)
(*)
He was a strongly emotional young man. ![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read22.png)
41.
sentimental ![Look Up Look Up](../pic/icon/edit16.png)
(*)
She felt a sentimental attachment to the place creep over her. ![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read22.png)
42.
responsible ![Look Up Look Up](../pic/icon/edit16.png)
(*)
The gene was responsible for a rare type of eye cancer. ![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read22.png)
44.
supportive ![Look Up Look Up](../pic/icon/edit16.png)
(*)
The staff are extremely supportive of each other. ![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read22.png)
45.
passive ![Look Up Look Up](../pic/icon/edit16.png)
(*)
The women were portrayed as passive victims. ![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read22.png)
46.
costive ![Look Up Look Up](../pic/icon/edit16.png)
(*)
If he did ask her she would become costive. ![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read22.png)
47.
stingy
His employer is stingy and idle. ![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read22.png)
48.
malignant
They were in the hands of malignant fate. ![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read22.png)
49.
vigilant
The burglar was spotted by vigilant neighbors. ![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read22.png)
50.
omnipotent
They argued an omnipotent sovereign on that point. ![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read22.png)
51.
fierce ![Look Up Look Up](../pic/icon/edit16.png)
(*)
He kissed her with a fierce, demanding passion. ![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read22.png)
52.
severe ![Look Up Look Up](../pic/icon/edit16.png)
(*)
The charges would have warranted a severe sentence. ![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read22.png)
53.
intriguing
No one forgot that intriguing story. ![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read22.png)
54.
retarded
In retrospect, it was a totally retarded idea. ![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read22.png)
55.
discreet
We made some discreet inquiries. ![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read22.png)
56.
discreditable
He must stop his discreditable conduct. ![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read22.png)
57.
thrifty
I'm cheap, or rather thrifty and money smart. ![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read22.png)
58.
furtive ![Look Up Look Up](../pic/icon/edit16.png)
(*)
They spent a furtive day together. ![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read22.png)
59.
shabby ![Look Up Look Up](../pic/icon/edit16.png)
(*)
A conscript in a shabby uniform saluted the car. ![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read22.png)
60.
assertive ![Look Up Look Up](../pic/icon/edit16.png)
(*)
Patients should be more assertive with their doctors. ![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read22.png)
61.
tangible ![Look Up Look Up](../pic/icon/edit16.png)
(*)
The emphasis is now on tangible results. ![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read22.png)
62.
tempting ![Look Up Look Up](../pic/icon/edit16.png)
(*)
He cannot refuse a tempting financial offer like this. ![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read22.png)
63.
tire ![Look Up Look Up](../pic/icon/edit16.png)
(*)
Soon the ascent grew steeper and he began to tire. ![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read22.png)
64.
cynical ![Look Up Look Up](../pic/icon/edit16.png)
(*)
No one will accept her cynical attitude. ![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read22.png)
65.
notorious ![Look Up Look Up](../pic/icon/edit16.png)
(*)
Los Angeles is notorious for its smog. ![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read22.png)
66.
applicable ![Look Up Look Up](../pic/icon/edit16.png)
(*)
The same considerations are equally applicable to accident claims. ![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read22.png)
67.
agitated ![Look Up Look Up](../pic/icon/edit16.png)
(*)
There's no point getting agitated. ![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read22.png)
68.
boldly ![Look Up Look Up](../pic/icon/edit16.png)
(*)
You will have our support as long as you fight boldly against corruption. ![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read22.png)
69.
eminent
He is one of the world's most eminent statisticians. ![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read22.png)
70.
dry ![Look Up Look Up](../pic/icon/edit16.png)
(*)
The jacket kept me warm and dry. ![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read22.png)
71.
doleful
We dislike his doleful look. ![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read22.png)
72.
unavoidable ![Look Up Look Up](../pic/icon/edit16.png)
(*)
It's the natural and unavoidable consequences of growing old. ![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read22.png)
73.
inevitable ![Look Up Look Up](../pic/icon/edit16.png)
(*)
They believe that war was inevitable. ![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read22.png)
74.
dignified ![Look Up Look Up](../pic/icon/edit16.png)
(*)
She maintained a dignified silence. ![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read22.png)
75.
indispensable
He made himself indispensable to the parish priest. ![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read22.png)
76.
cunning
A cunning look came into his eyes. ![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read22.png)
77.
reveal
The clouds were breaking up to reveal a clear blue sky. ![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read22.png)
78.
flashy
He always had a flashy car. ![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read22.png)
79.
impressive ![Look Up Look Up](../pic/icon/edit16.png)
(*)
The photo shows us an impressive view of the mountains. ![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read22.png)
80.
rational
I'm sure there's a perfectly rational explanation. ![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read22.png)
81.
reasonable ![Look Up Look Up](../pic/icon/edit16.png)
(*)
It seems a reasonable enough request. ![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read22.png)
82.
miserable ![Look Up Look Up](../pic/icon/edit16.png)
(*)
Their happiness made Anne feel even more miserable. ![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read22.png)
83.
spontaneous
The audience broke into spontaneous applause. ![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read22.png)
85.
industrious ![Look Up Look Up](../pic/icon/edit16.png)
(*)
He struck me as being particularly hardworking, energetic and industrious . ![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read22.png)
86.
studious
We all noticed his studious absence from public view. ![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read22.png)
87.
indolent
They didn't want any competition in the lazy and indolent stakes. ![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read22.png)
88.
cosmopolitan
His knowledge of French, Italian, and Spanish made him genuinely cosmopolitan. ![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read22.png)
89.
radiant ![Look Up Look Up](../pic/icon/edit16.png)
(*)
She gave him a radiant smile. ![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read22.png)
90.
versatile
She just brought a versatile sewing machine. ![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read22.png)
91.
canny
The canny shoppers came early for a bargain. ![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read22.png)
92.
cautious ![Look Up Look Up](../pic/icon/edit16.png)
(*)
The plan received a cautious welcome. ![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read22.png)
93.
discreet
We made some discreet inquiries. ![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read22.png)
94.
immortal ![Look Up Look Up](../pic/icon/edit16.png)
(*)
Our mortal bodies are inhabited by immortal souls. ![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read22.png)
95.
extravagant
It was rather extravagant to buy both. ![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read22.png)
96.
idle ![Look Up Look Up](../pic/icon/edit16.png)
(*)
Being idle won't pay the bills ![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read22.png)
97.
abstemious
The monks here have willingly chosen this abstemious life. ![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read22.png)
98.
frugal
He led a remarkably frugal existence. ![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read22.png)
99.
wholehearted
You have my wholehearted support. ![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read22.png)
100.
competent
She spoke quite competent French. ![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read22.png)
101.
sympathetic ![Look Up Look Up](../pic/icon/edit16.png)
(*)
He was sympathetic toward staff with family problems. ![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read22.png)
102.
compassionate
One of the lessons she tried to teach her son is to be compassionate. ![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read22.png)
103.
eccentric ![Look Up Look Up](../pic/icon/edit16.png)
(*)
My favorite aunt is very eccentric. ![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read22.png)
104.
interpersonal
You will need good interpersonal skills. ![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read22.png)
105.
introversive
Try to find out those children in your class who are introversive. ![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read22.png)
106.
cozy
We have a cozy chat in lunch room. ![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read22.png)
107.
lax ![Look Up Look Up](../pic/icon/edit16.png)
(*)
He asked to improve lax security arrangements at the airport. ![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read22.png)
108.
conceited
Not to be vain or conceited , but it was the truth and anyone sensible would agree. ![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read22.png)
109.
extraordinary ![Look Up Look Up](../pic/icon/edit16.png)
(*)
Young children need extraordinary amounts of attention. ![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read22.png)
110.
vernal
We are shocked by the vernal freshness of the land. ![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read22.png)
111.
futile ![Look Up Look Up](../pic/icon/edit16.png)
(*)
He knew it's a futile attempt to keep fans from mounting the stage. ![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read22.png)
112.
crooked
His teeth were yellow and crooked. ![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read22.png)
113.
timorous
We heard her timorous voice and felt her nervousness. ![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read22.png)
114.
harsh ![Look Up Look Up](../pic/icon/edit16.png)
(*)
The story took place on days of harsh military discipline. ![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read22.png)
115.
consecutive ![Look Up Look Up](../pic/icon/edit16.png)
(*)
The project will last five consecutive months. ![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read22.png)
116.
anti clockwise ![Look Up Look Up](../pic/icon/edit16.png)
(*)
To release the cover, move anti clockwise. ![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read22.png)
117.
clockwise ![Look Up Look Up](../pic/icon/edit16.png)
(*)
Please turn the knob clockwise. ![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read22.png)
118.
dread
Jane was dreading the party. ![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read22.png)
119.
instinctive ![Look Up Look Up](../pic/icon/edit16.png)
(*)
She has an instinctive distaste for conflict. ![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read22.png)
120.
bleak
She looked around the bleak little room in despair. ![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read22.png)
121.
brisk
I usually have a good brisk walk in the morning. ![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read22.png)
122.
caustic
The players were making caustic comments about the refereeing. ![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read22.png)
123.
brittle
Her bones became fragile and brittle. ![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read22.png)
124.
unceasing
The success is from the unceasing efforts of staffs. ![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read22.png)
125.
climatic ![Look Up Look Up](../pic/icon/edit16.png)
(*)
Under certain climatic conditions, desert locusts increase in number. ![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read22.png)
126.
clumsy
A terribly clumsy fellow ruins efforts of all team members. ![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read22.png)
127.
considerate ![Look Up Look Up](../pic/icon/edit16.png)
(*)
The girl is the quietest and most considerate tenants possible. ![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read22.png)
128.
coherent
They failed to develop a coherent economic strategy. ![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read22.png)
129.
incredible ![Look Up Look Up](../pic/icon/edit16.png)
(*)
They did an almost incredible tale of triumph and tragedy. ![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read22.png)
130.
constant ![Look Up Look Up](../pic/icon/edit16.png)
(*)
The company has kept its prices fairly constant. ![Speak Speak](../pic/icon/read22.png)