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