Word list · C2 Proficiency

C2 vocabulary list

402 words at C2 level, each with pronunciation, a plain definition and a sentence showing it in use. C2 words are the long tail: precise, formal, often literary. Native speakers recognise them and use most of them almost never.

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1
abjure
/æbˈdʒʊr/

To solemnly renounce a belief, cause, or claim.

He chose to abjure his former political allegiance.
2
abnegate
/ˈæb.nɪ.ɡeɪt/

To renounce or reject something desired or valuable.

The monk chose to abnegate all worldly possessions.
3
abnegation
/ˌæb.nɪˈɡeɪ.ʃən/

The act of renouncing or rejecting something.

His abnegation of personal wealth impressed his followers.
4
abrogate
/ˈæb.rə.ɡeɪt/

To repeal or abolish a law, right, or formal agreement.

The new government moved to abrogate the restrictive press laws.
5
abscond
/əbˈskɒnd/

To leave hurriedly and secretly to escape detection.

The cashier absconded with the day's earnings.
6
abstemious
/əbˈstiː.mi.əs/

Not self-indulgent, especially when eating and drinking.

Her abstemious lifestyle contributed to her excellent health at ninety.
7
abstruse
/æbˈstruːs/

Difficult to understand; obscure.

The philosopher's abstruse arguments were beyond the grasp of most readers.
8
acerbic
/əˈsɜːr.bɪk/

Sharp and forthright in tone, especially of a comment or style.

The critic was known for his acerbic reviews of Broadway shows.
9
acquiesce
/ˌæk.wiˈes/

To accept something reluctantly but without protest.

After much debate, she finally acquiesced to the committee's decision.
10
acrimonious
/ˌæk.rɪˈmoʊ.ni.əs/

Angry and bitter in tone or manner.

The acrimonious debate ended without either side reaching a compromise.
11
acumen
/ˈæk.jə.men/

The ability to make good judgments and quick decisions.

Her business acumen helped the startup grow into a major corporation.
12
adulterate
/əˈdʌl.tər.eɪt/

To make something poorer in quality by adding another substance.

The merchant was caught trying to adulterate the olive oil with cheaper blends.
13
adumbrate
/ˈæd.ʌm.breɪt/

To outline or foreshadow something in a vague way.

The opening scene adumbrated the tragic events to come.
14
amalgamate
/əˈmæl.ɡə.meɪt/

To combine or unite to form one organization or structure.

The two rival companies decided to amalgamate and form a new entity.
15
ameliorate
/əˈmiːl.jə.reɪt/

To make something bad or unsatisfactory better.

New policies were introduced to ameliorate working conditions in factories.
16
anachronistic
/əˌnæk.rəˈnɪs.tɪk/

Belonging to a period other than that being portrayed.

The use of a telephone in a medieval film was anachronistic.
17
anathema
/əˈnæθ.ə.mə/

Something or someone that one vehemently dislikes.

Racism is anathema to a just society.
18
anomalous
/əˈnɒm.əl.əs/

Deviating from what is standard, normal, or expected.

The anomalous test results prompted scientists to repeat the experiment.
19
antediluvian
/ˌæn.tɪ.dɪˈluː.vi.ən/

Ridiculously old-fashioned or out of date.

His antediluvian views on technology amused his grandchildren.
20
antipathy
/ænˈtɪp.ə.θi/

A deep-seated feeling of dislike or aversion.

She felt a strong antipathy toward dishonest people.
21
aplomb
/əˈplɒm/

Self-confidence or assurance, especially in a demanding situation.

She handled the press conference with remarkable aplomb.
22
apocryphal
/əˈpɒk.rɪ.fəl/

Of doubtful authenticity, although widely circulated as true.

The apocryphal tale about the president chopping down a cherry tree persists to this day.
23
arcane
/ɑːrˈkeɪn/

Understood by few; mysterious or secret.

The arcane rituals of the ancient cult fascinated historians.
24
assiduous
/əˈsɪd.ju.əs/

Showing great care and perseverance.

The assiduous researcher spent years verifying every detail.
25
assuage
/əˈsweɪdʒ/

To make an unpleasant feeling less intense.

Nothing could assuage her grief after the loss.
26
auspicious
/ɔːˈspɪʃ.əs/

Conducive to success; favorable.

Sunny weather on the wedding day seemed like an auspicious sign.
27
avarice
/ˈæv.ər.ɪs/

Extreme greed for wealth or material gain.

His avarice drove him to cheat his business partners.
28
banal
/bəˈnɑːl/

So lacking in originality as to be obvious and boring.

The speech was full of banal platitudes that inspired no one.
29
bastion
/ˈbæs.ti.ən/

A stronghold or fortified area; something preserving particular values.

The university remained a bastion of free speech and intellectual inquiry.
30
bathetic
/bəˈθet.ɪk/

Producing an unintentional effect of anticlimax.

The film's bathetic ending ruined an otherwise gripping story.
31
beguile
/bɪˈɡaɪl/

To charm or enchant, sometimes in a deceptive way.

The salesman beguiled customers with his smooth talk and confident smile.
32
belabor
/bɪˈleɪ.bər/

To argue or elaborate in excessive detail.

There is no need to belabor the point; everyone already understands.
33
bellicose
/ˈbel.ɪ.koʊs/

Demonstrating aggression and willingness to fight.

The bellicose rhetoric between the two nations alarmed diplomats.
34
bibulous
/ˈbɪb.jə.ləs/

Excessively fond of drinking alcohol.

His bibulous habits eventually damaged his health.
35
blithe
/blaɪð/

Showing a casual and cheerful indifference considered improper.

His blithe disregard for safety rules alarmed his colleagues.
36
bombastic
/bɒmˈbæs.tɪk/

High-sounding but with little meaning; inflated.

The politician's bombastic speech failed to address any real issues.
37
boorish
/ˈbʊr.ɪʃ/

Rough and bad-mannered; coarse.

His boorish behavior at the dinner party embarrassed everyone present.
38
bourgeois
/ˈbʊr.ʒwɑː/

Of or characteristic of the middle class, typically materialistic.

He rejected bourgeois values and chose to live as a nomadic artist.
39
braggadocio
/ˌbræɡ.əˈdoʊ.ʃi.oʊ/

Boastful or arrogant behavior.

His braggadocio masked a deep insecurity.
40
bruit
/bruːt/

To spread a report or rumor widely.

News of the merger was bruited about the office for weeks.
41
bucolic
/bjuːˈkɒl.ɪk/

Relating to the pleasant aspects of the countryside and rural life.

The artist painted bucolic scenes of rolling hills and grazing sheep.
42
bugbear
/ˈbʌɡ.ber/

A cause of annoyance or dread; a persistent problem.

Paperwork was always his biggest bugbear at the office.
43
byzantine
/ˈbɪz.ən.tiːn/

Excessively complicated and difficult to understand.

The country's byzantine tax code frustrated both citizens and accountants.
44
cabal
/kəˈbæl/

A secret political clique or faction.

A powerful cabal within the organization secretly influenced all major decisions.
45
cacophony
/kəˈkɒf.ə.ni/

A harsh, discordant mixture of sounds.

The cacophony of car horns and construction drills filled the city street.
46
caitiff
/ˈkeɪ.tɪf/

A contemptible or cowardly person.

The caitiff betrayed his companions to save himself.
47
callipygian
/ˌkæl.ɪˈpɪdʒ.i.ən/

Having well-shaped buttocks.

The classical statue was often admired for its callipygian proportions.
48
calumniate
/kəˈlʌm.ni.eɪt/

To make false and defamatory statements about someone.

Rivals attempted to calumniate her reputation before the election.
49
calumny
/ˈkæl.əm.ni/

The making of false and defamatory statements about someone.

The politician sued the newspaper for calumny after the false accusations.
50
cantankerous
/kænˈtæŋ.kər.əs/

Bad-tempered, argumentative, and uncooperative.

The cantankerous old professor was feared by all first-year students.
51
cantle
/ˈkæn.tl̩/

The back part of a horse's saddle.

He gripped the cantle as the horse jumped the fence.
52
capricious
/kəˈprɪʃ.əs/

Given to sudden and unaccountable changes of mood or behavior.

The capricious weather made it impossible to plan outdoor activities.
53
captious
/ˈkæp.ʃəs/

Tending to find fault or raise petty objections.

The captious critic found something wrong with every performance.
54
castigate
/ˈkæs.tɪ.ɡeɪt/

To reprimand someone severely.

The press castigated the government for its slow response.
55
cenacle
/ˈsen.ə.kl̩/

A small dining room or a group of people with shared interests.

The literary cenacle met weekly to discuss new works.
56
chicanery
/ʃɪˈkeɪ.nər.i/

The use of trickery to achieve a political or legal purpose.

The election was marred by chicanery and voter suppression.
57
chivvy
/ˈtʃɪv.i/

To tell someone repeatedly to do something; to nag.

She had to chivvy the children to finish their homework.
58
circumspect
/ˈsɜːr.kəm.spekt/

Wary and unwilling to take risks; cautious.

Investors became more circumspect after the stock market crash.
59
circumvent
/ˌsɜːr.kəmˈvent/

To find a way around an obstacle or restriction.

They found a clever way to circumvent the regulations.
60
clandestine
/klænˈdes.tɪn/

Kept secret or done secretively, especially because illicit.

The agents held a clandestine meeting in an abandoned warehouse.
61
clerisy
/ˈkler.ɪ.si/

A distinct class of learned or literary people.

The clerisy debated the merits of the new philosophical movement.
62
cogent
/ˈkoʊ.dʒənt/

Clear, logical, and convincing.

She presented a cogent argument that persuaded the entire board.
63
commensurate
/kəˈmen.sjə.rət/

Corresponding in size, extent, or degree; proportionate.

The salary should be commensurate with the level of experience required.
64
compendium
/kəmˈpen.di.əm/

A collection of concise but detailed information about a subject.

The book served as a compendium of traditional folk remedies.
65
compunction
/kəmˈpʌŋk.ʃən/

A feeling of guilt or moral scruple that prevents wrongdoing.

He showed no compunction about breaking his promise.
66
concomitant
/kɒnˈkɒm.ɪ.tənt/

Naturally accompanying or associated with something.

Weight gain is a concomitant risk of a sedentary lifestyle.
67
conflagration
/ˌkɒn.fləˈɡreɪ.ʃən/

An extensive and destructive fire.

The conflagration destroyed three city blocks before firefighters contained it.
68
contrite
/kənˈtraɪt/

Feeling or expressing remorse for wrongdoing.

She looked contrite after realizing the harm her words had caused.
69
contumacious
/ˌkɒn.tjʊˈmeɪ.ʃəs/

Stubbornly or willfully disobedient to authority.

The contumacious defendant ignored every court order.
70
contumely
/ˈkɒn.tjʊ.mə.li/

Insulting language or treatment; insolent rudeness.

She endured years of contumely from her rivals before gaining recognition.
71
coruscate
/ˈkɒr.ə.skeɪt/

To flash or sparkle with light.

The diamonds coruscated brilliantly under the chandelier.
72
credulous
/ˈkred.jə.ləs/

Having too great a readiness to believe things.

The credulous audience believed every word of the outlandish story.
73
crepuscular
/krɪˈpʌs.kjə.lər/

Relating to or resembling twilight.

Many animals are crepuscular, most active at dawn and dusk.
74
cunctation
/kʌŋkˈteɪ.ʃən/

The action or habit of delaying; procrastination.

His cunctation in making decisions frustrated the entire team.
75
dearth
/dɜːrθ/

A scarcity or lack of something.

There is a dearth of affordable housing in the city.
76
debonair
/ˌdeb.əˈner/

Confident, stylish, and charming in manner.

The debonair gentleman greeted each guest with a warm handshake.
77
decorum
/dɪˈkɔːr.əm/

Behavior in keeping with good taste and propriety.

The guests maintained perfect decorum throughout the formal dinner.
78
defenestration
/diˌfen.ɪˈstreɪ.ʃən/

The act of throwing someone out of a window.

The defenestration of Prague is a famous historical event.
79
deipnosophist
/daɪpˈnɒs.ə.fɪst/

A person skilled in the art of dining and table talk.

The deipnosophist entertained guests with witty conversation throughout dinner.
80
deleterious
/ˌdel.ɪˈtɪr.i.əs/

Causing harm or damage.

Excessive screen time can have deleterious effects on children's eyesight.
81
deliquescent
/ˌdel.ɪˈkwes.ənt/

Tending to dissolve or melt away; becoming liquid.

The deliquescent salt absorbed moisture from the humid air.
82
denouement
/ˌdeɪ.nuːˈmɑːŋ/

The final outcome or resolution of a complex sequence of events.

The novel's denouement revealed the identity of the mysterious benefactor.
83
deracinate
/dɪˈræs.ɪ.neɪt/

To tear something up by the roots; to uproot.

The storm deracinated several ancient oak trees.
84
desiccate
/ˈdes.ɪ.keɪt/

To remove the moisture from something; to dry out.

The hot desert winds desiccated the soil completely.
85
desuetude
/ˈdes.wɪ.tjuːd/

A state of disuse.

The old law had fallen into desuetude and was never enforced.
86
desultory
/ˈdes.əl.tər.i/

Lacking a plan, purpose, or enthusiasm.

She made a few desultory attempts to tidy the room.
87
diatribe
/ˈdaɪ.ə.traɪb/

A forceful and bitter verbal attack.

The politician launched a diatribe against the new regulation.
88
didactic
/daɪˈdæk.tɪk/

Intended to teach, particularly in having moral instruction.

The novel was too didactic, reading more like a sermon than a story.
89
diffident
/ˈdɪf.ɪ.dənt/

Modest or shy because of a lack of self-confidence.

The diffident newcomer struggled to speak up in group meetings.
90
dilettante
/ˈdɪl.ə.tænt/

A person who cultivates an interest without real commitment or knowledge.

He was dismissed as a dilettante who dabbled in art without mastering it.
91
dirge
/dɜːrdʒ/

A lament for the dead, especially one forming part of a funeral rite.

The mournful dirge echoed through the cathedral.
92
disabuse
/ˌdɪs.əˈbjuːz/

To persuade someone that an idea or belief is mistaken.

He tried to disabuse her of the notion that success comes without effort.
93
discomfit
/dɪsˈkʌm.fɪt/

To make someone feel uneasy or embarrassed.

His pointed questions were designed to discomfit the witness.
94
disjunctive
/dɪsˈdʒʌŋk.tɪv/

Lacking connection or consistency between parts.

The disjunctive narrative made the novel hard to follow.
95
disparage
/dɪˈspær.ɪdʒ/

To regard or represent as being of little worth.

She would never disparage a colleague's work in public.
96
dissemble
/dɪˈsem.bl̩/

To conceal one's true motives or feelings.

He dissembled his anger behind a polite smile.
97
dissonance
/ˈdɪs.ən.əns/

Lack of harmony or agreement among things or people.

There was a clear dissonance between his words and his actions.
98
duplicitous
/djuːˈplɪs.ɪ.təs/

Deceitful; speaking or acting in two different ways.

The duplicitous agent was working for both sides.
99
duplicity
/djuːˈplɪs.ə.ti/

Deceitfulness or double-dealing.

His duplicity was exposed when the secret recordings were made public.
100
ebullient
/ɪˈbʌl.i.ənt/

Cheerful and full of energy; enthusiastic.

Her ebullient personality made her the life of every social gathering.
101
edify
/ˈed.ɪ.faɪ/

To instruct or improve someone morally or intellectually.

The documentary sought to edify viewers about climate science.
102
elucidate
/ɪˈluː.sɪ.deɪt/

To make something clear; to explain in detail.

The diagram helped elucidate the complex chemical process.
103
embonpoint
/ˌɒm.bɒnˈpwæ̃/

The plump or fleshy part of a person's body; plumpness.

The chef's embonpoint was a testament to his love of fine food.
104
empyreal
/emˈpɪr.i.əl/

Relating to heaven or the sky; celestial.

The empyreal glow of the sunset took their breath away.
105
encomium
/ɪnˈkoʊ.mi.əm/

A speech or piece of writing that praises someone highly.

The professor delivered a heartfelt encomium for his retiring colleague.
106
enervate
/ˈen.ər.veɪt/

To cause someone to feel drained of energy or vitality.

The oppressive heat enervated the hikers as they crossed the desert.
107
ephemeral
/ɪˈfem.ər.əl/

Lasting for a very short time; transient.

The beauty of cherry blossoms is ephemeral, lasting only a few days.
108
epigone
/ˈep.ɪ.ɡoʊn/

A less distinguished follower or imitator of someone.

Critics dismissed him as merely an epigone of the great master.
109
equanimity
/ˌek.wəˈnɪm.ə.ti/

Mental calmness and composure, especially in a difficult situation.

She faced the crisis with remarkable equanimity and clear thinking.
110
equivocal
/ɪˈkwɪv.ə.kəl/

Open to more than one interpretation; ambiguous.

The results of the experiment were equivocal and inconclusive.
111
equivocate
/ɪˈkwɪv.ə.keɪt/

To use ambiguous language to conceal the truth or avoid commitment.

The politician continued to equivocate rather than give a direct answer.
112
ersatz
/ˈɛr.zæts/

Made or used as a substitute, typically inferior.

During the war, they drank ersatz coffee made from chicory.
113
erstwhile
/ˈɜːrst.waɪl/

Former; of a previous time.

The erstwhile allies found themselves on opposite sides of the conflict.
114
erudite
/ˈer.ʊ.daɪt/

Having or showing great knowledge or learning.

The erudite historian could quote from obscure primary sources.
115
eschew
/ɪsˈtʃuː/

To deliberately avoid or keep away from.

She eschewed social media in favor of face-to-face interaction.
116
esoteric
/ˌes.əˈter.ɪk/

Intended for or understood by only a small number of people.

The lecture on esoteric philosophy attracted a small but passionate audience.
117
estivation
/ˌes.tɪˈveɪ.ʃən/

A state of dormancy during hot or dry periods.

Some desert animals survive through estivation during summer.
118
excoriate
/ɪkˈskɔːr.i.eɪt/

To censure or criticize severely.

The editorial excoriated the administration for its handling of the crisis.
119
exculpate
/ˈek.skʌl.peɪt/

To show or declare that someone is not guilty.

The video evidence exculpated the accused of all charges.
120
exigent
/ˈek.sɪ.dʒənt/

Pressing; demanding immediate action or attention.

The exigent circumstances required an emergency response.
121
expunge
/ɪkˈspʌndʒ/

To erase or remove completely something unwanted.

The court ordered the juvenile record to be expunged.
122
extemporaneous
/ɪkˌstem.pəˈreɪ.ni.əs/

Spoken or done without preparation; impromptu.

Her extemporaneous speech at the ceremony was more moving than any prepared one.
123
extirpate
/ˈek.stɜːr.peɪt/

To root out and destroy completely.

The campaign aimed to extirpate corruption from every level of government.
124
extol
/ɪkˈstoʊl/

To praise enthusiastically.

Critics extolled the film for its originality and depth.
125
extricate
/ˈek.strɪ.keɪt/

To free someone or something from a constraint or difficulty.

The firefighters worked to extricate the driver from the wreckage.
126
facetious
/fəˈsiː.ʃəs/

Treating serious issues with deliberately inappropriate humor.

His facetious remark during the meeting annoyed his colleagues.
127
factotum
/fækˈtoʊ.təm/

An employee who does all kinds of work.

The office factotum handled everything from filing to fixing the printer.
128
farrago
/fəˈrɑː.ɡoʊ/

A confused mixture of things; a hodgepodge.

The report was a farrago of half-truths and speculation.
129
fastidious
/fæˈstɪd.i.əs/

Very attentive to and concerned about accuracy and detail.

The fastidious editor caught every misplaced comma in the manuscript.
130
fatuous
/ˈfætʃ.u.əs/

Silly and pointless; devoid of intelligence.

His fatuous comments during the serious discussion irritated everyone.
131
feckless
/ˈfek.ləs/

Lacking initiative or strength of character; irresponsible.

The feckless manager failed to address any of the team's concerns.
132
felicitous
/fɪˈlɪs.ɪ.təs/

Well chosen or suited to the circumstances; pleasing.

The ambassador made a felicitous remark that eased the diplomatic tension.
133
flippant
/ˈflɪp.ənt/

Not showing a serious or respectful attitude.

Her flippant response to the safety concern annoyed the inspector.
134
foment
/foʊˈment/

To instigate or stir up unrest or revolution.

Agitators tried to foment rebellion among the workers.
135
fortuitous
/fɔːrˈtjuː.ɪ.təs/

Happening by accident or chance rather than design.

Their fortuitous meeting at the airport led to a lifelong friendship.
136
fractious
/ˈfræk.ʃəs/

Easily irritated; tending to cause trouble.

The fractious committee could not agree on anything.
137
fuddle
/ˈfʌd.l̩/

To confuse or stupefy, especially with alcohol.

The strong wine fuddled his mind.
138
fuliginous
/fjuːˈlɪdʒ.ɪ.nəs/

Sooty or dusky in color or nature.

A fuliginous haze hung over the industrial district.
139
funambulist
/fjuːˈnæm.bjə.lɪst/

A tightrope walker.

The funambulist crossed the wire high above the city streets.
140
furtive
/ˈfɜːr.tɪv/

Attempting to avoid notice or attention; secretive.

She cast a furtive glance over her shoulder before opening the letter.
141
gainsay
/ˌɡeɪnˈseɪ/

To deny or contradict a fact or statement.

No one could gainsay the effectiveness of her leadership style.
142
garrulous
/ˈɡær.ə.ləs/

Excessively talkative, especially on trivial matters.

The garrulous taxi driver told stories the entire ride.
143
gasconade
/ˌɡæs.kəˈneɪd/

Extravagant boasting or bragging.

His gasconade about his achievements grew tiresome.
144
gauche
/ɡoʊʃ/

Lacking ease or grace; unsophisticated.

His gauche table manners embarrassed his dinner companions.
145
germane
/dʒɜːrˈmeɪn/

Relevant to a subject under consideration.

Her comments were not germane to the topic being discussed.
146
gesticulate
/dʒeˈstɪk.jə.leɪt/

To use gestures, especially dramatic ones, while speaking.

The animated professor gesticulated wildly during the exciting lecture.
147
grandiloquent
/ɡrænˈdɪl.ə.kwənt/

Pompous or extravagant in language or style.

His grandiloquent manner of speaking put people off.
148
gratuitous
/ɡrəˈtjuː.ɪ.təs/

Uncalled for; lacking good reason; unjustified.

The movie was criticized for its gratuitous violence.
149
gregarious
/ɡrɪˈɡer.i.əs/

Fond of company; sociable and outgoing.

His gregarious personality made him popular at every gathering.
150
grouse
/ɡraʊs/

To complain petulantly; a game bird.

Workers began to grouse about the new overtime policy.
151
guile
/ɡaɪl/

Sly or cunning intelligence.

She used guile rather than force to achieve her objectives.
152
guileless
/ˈɡaɪl.ləs/

Devoid of guile; innocent and without deception.

The child's guileless honesty charmed everyone in the room.
153
hackneyed
/ˈhæk.nid/

Lacking significance through having been overused; unoriginal.

The film relied on hackneyed plot devices that audiences had seen countless times.
154
hapless
/ˈhæp.ləs/

Unfortunate; having no luck.

The hapless tourist was pickpocketed twice on the same day.
155
harangue
/həˈræŋ/

A lengthy and aggressive speech or lecture.

The coach delivered a fiery harangue about the team's lack of effort.
156
harbinger
/ˈhɑːr.bɪn.dʒər/

A person or thing that signals the approach of something.

The first robin is often considered a harbinger of spring.
157
haughty
/ˈhɔː.ti/

Arrogantly superior and disdainful.

The haughty manager rarely acknowledged the junior staff.
158
hebetude
/ˈheb.ɪ.tjuːd/

The state of being dull or lethargic.

A hebetude settled over the class during the long lecture.
159
hedonistic
/ˌhiː.dəˈnɪs.tɪk/

Engaged in the pursuit of pleasure as the highest good.

The hedonistic lifestyle of the ancient Roman aristocracy was legendary.
160
hegemony
/hɪˈdʒem.ə.ni/

Leadership or dominance, especially by one state or social group.

The country's economic hegemony influenced trade policies worldwide.
161
hubris
/ˈhjuː.brɪs/

Excessive pride or self-confidence leading to downfall.

His hubris prevented him from seeing the warning signs until it was too late.
162
hypnopompic
/ˌhɪp.noʊˈpɒm.pɪk/

Relating to the state immediately preceding waking up.

She experienced vivid hypnopompic visions each morning.
163
iconoclast
/aɪˈkɒn.ə.klæst/

A person who attacks cherished beliefs or institutions.

The artist was an iconoclast who challenged every convention of traditional painting.
164
idiosyncratic
/ˌɪd.i.oʊ.sɪŋˈkræt.ɪk/

Relating to characteristics peculiar to an individual.

Her idiosyncratic writing style was instantly recognizable.
165
ignominious
/ˌɪɡ.nəˈmɪn.i.əs/

Deserving or causing public disgrace or shame.

The team suffered an ignominious defeat in the championship final.
166
ignominy
/ˈɪɡ.nə.mɪn.i/

Public shame or disgrace.

The once-respected leader faced the ignominy of a criminal conviction.
167
imbroglio
/ɪmˈbroʊl.joʊ/

An extremely confused, complicated, or embarrassing situation.

The political imbroglio threatened to bring down the government.
168
impecunious
/ˌɪm.pɪˈkjuː.ni.əs/

Having little or no money.

The impecunious writer survived on bread and coffee.
169
impetuous
/ɪmˈpetʃ.u.əs/

Acting or done quickly without thought or care.

His impetuous decision to quit his job surprised everyone.
170
implacable
/ɪmˈplæk.ə.bl̩/

Unable to be appeased or pacified.

She was implacable in her demand for justice.
171
impolitic
/ɪmˈpɒl.ɪ.tɪk/

Failing to possess or display prudence; unwise.

It was impolitic to criticize the host during the dinner.
172
imprecation
/ˌɪm.prɪˈkeɪ.ʃən/

A spoken curse.

The angry villager hurled imprecations at the departing soldiers.
173
impugn
/ɪmˈpjuːn/

To dispute the truth, validity, or honesty of something.

The defense attorney tried to impugn the credibility of the witness.
174
incandescent
/ˌɪn.kænˈdes.ənt/

Emitting light as a result of being heated; extremely bright.

The incandescent sunset painted the sky in shades of orange and gold.
175
inchoate
/ɪnˈkoʊ.eɪt/

Just begun and not fully formed or developed.

The idea was still inchoate and needed much more refinement.
176
incongruous
/ɪnˈkɒŋ.ɡru.əs/

Not in harmony or keeping with the surroundings; out of place.

A luxury sports car looked incongruous in the rural farming village.
177
indefatigable
/ˌɪn.dɪˈfæt.ɪ.ɡə.bl̩/

Persisting tirelessly; showing sustained effort.

The indefatigable volunteer worked around the clock during the disaster relief.
178
ineffable
/ɪˈnef.ə.bl̩/

Too great or extreme to be expressed or described in words.

She felt ineffable joy upon holding her newborn child for the first time.
179
inefficacious
/ˌɪn.ef.ɪˈkeɪ.ʃəs/

Not producing the desired effect.

The inefficacious remedy only made the patient's symptoms worse.
180
ineluctable
/ˌɪn.ɪˈlʌk.tə.bl̩/

Unable to be resisted or avoided; inescapable.

The ineluctable march of time changes everything.
181
ingenuous
/ɪnˈdʒen.ju.əs/

Innocent and unsuspecting; candidly frank.

Her ingenuous smile won the trust of everyone around her.
182
ingratiate
/ɪnˈɡreɪ.ʃi.eɪt/

To bring oneself into favor with someone through flattering actions.

He tried to ingratiate himself with the boss by working late.
183
innocuous
/ɪˈnɒk.ju.əs/

Not harmful or offensive.

It seemed like an innocuous remark, but it upset her deeply.
184
inscrutable
/ɪnˈskruː.tə.bl̩/

Impossible to understand or interpret.

Her inscrutable expression gave no hint of what she was thinking.
185
insipid
/ɪnˈsɪp.ɪd/

Lacking flavor, vigor, or interest.

The insipid soup needed salt and seasoning.
186
interpolate
/ɪnˈtɜːr.pə.leɪt/

To insert something between existing elements or into a text.

The editor interpolated explanatory notes throughout the ancient manuscript.
187
intransigent
/ɪnˈtræn.sɪ.dʒənt/

Unwilling to change one's views or to agree about something.

The intransigent negotiator refused to make any concessions.
188
inveigle
/ɪnˈveɪ.ɡl̩/

To persuade someone to do something through deception or flattery.

She inveigled him into lending her a large sum of money.
189
inveterate
/ɪnˈvet.ər.ət/

Having a particular habit or activity that is long-established and unlikely to change.

He was an inveterate gambler who could not resist a bet.
190
irascible
/ɪˈræs.ɪ.bl̩/

Having or showing a tendency to be easily angered.

The irascible old man shouted at anyone who walked on his lawn.
191
jaundiced
/ˈdʒɔːn.dɪst/

Affected by bitterness, resentment, or cynicism.

Years of disappointment gave him a jaundiced view of politics.
192
jejune
/dʒɪˈdʒuːn/

Naive, simplistic, and superficial.

The critic found the novel's treatment of complex issues rather jejune.
193
jettison
/ˈdʒet.ɪ.sən/

To throw or drop something from an aircraft or ship; to abandon.

The airline decided to jettison its unprofitable routes.
194
jurisprudence
/ˌdʒʊr.ɪsˈpruː.dəns/

The theory or philosophy of law.

Her thesis explored the evolution of environmental jurisprudence.
195
juxtapose
/ˈdʒʌk.stə.poʊz/

To place things close together for contrasting effect.

The museum juxtaposed classical paintings with modern abstract art.
196
juxtaposition
/ˌdʒʌk.stə.pəˈzɪʃ.ən/

The fact of placing two things close together for contrasting effect.

The juxtaposition of wealth and poverty in the city was striking.
197
kakistocracy
/ˌkæk.ɪsˈtɒk.rə.si/

Government by the worst or least qualified citizens.

Many satirists described the regime as a kakistocracy.
198
kowtow
/ˌkaʊˈtaʊ/

To act in an excessively subservient manner.

He refused to kowtow to the demands of the unreasonable client.
199
kvetch
/kvɛtʃ/

To complain persistently and habitually.

He would kvetch about the office temperature no matter what it was set to.
200
laconic
/ləˈkɒn.ɪk/

Using very few words to express something.

His laconic reply of "fine" revealed nothing about his true feelings.
201
lacuna
/ləˈkjuː.nə/

An unfilled space or gap.

There was a significant lacuna in the historical record.
202
lampoon
/læmˈpuːn/

To publicly criticize by using ridicule, irony, or sarcasm.

The comedian lampooned the government's policies in his latest show.
203
languid
/ˈlæŋ.ɡwɪd/

Displaying a disinclination for physical exertion or effort.

They spent a languid afternoon lounging by the pool.
204
languish
/ˈlæŋ.ɡwɪʃ/

To lose or lack vitality; to grow weak or feeble.

The bill continued to languish in committee without any debate.
205
largesse
/lɑːrˈʒes/

Generosity in bestowing money or gifts upon others.

The billionaire's largesse funded the construction of a new hospital.
206
lassitude
/ˈlæs.ɪ.tjuːd/

A state of physical or mental weariness; lack of energy.

The tropical heat induced a profound lassitude in the travelers.
207
laud
/lɔːd/

To praise highly, especially in a public context.

Critics lauded the author's latest novel as a masterpiece.
208
legerdemain
/ˌledʒ.ər.dəˈmeɪn/

Skillful use of one's hands when performing tricks; deception.

The magician's legerdemain left the audience utterly astonished.
209
leitmotiv
/ˈlaɪt.moʊ.tiːf/

A recurrent theme throughout a musical or literary composition.

The leitmotiv of betrayal runs through all of the author's novels.
210
litigious
/lɪˈtɪdʒ.əs/

Unreasonably prone to go to law to settle disputes.

The litigious neighbor threatened lawsuits over the smallest disagreements.
211
logorrhea
/ˌlɒɡ.əˈriː.ə/

A tendency to talk excessively and incoherently.

His logorrhea made meetings drag on for hours.
212
loquacious
/ləˈkweɪ.ʃəs/

Tending to talk a great deal; talkative.

The loquacious dinner guest dominated every conversation at the table.
213
lothario
/ləˈθɑːr.i.oʊ/

A man who seduces women.

The charming lothario broke many hearts across the city.
214
lugubrious
/ləˈɡuː.bri.əs/

Looking or sounding sad and dismal.

The lugubrious tone of the cello piece moved the audience to tears.
215
machiavellian
/ˌmæk.i.əˈvel.i.ən/

Cunning, scheming, and unscrupulous in gaining political power.

His machiavellian tactics alienated allies and created numerous enemies.
216
maelstrom
/ˈmeɪl.strəm/

A powerful whirlpool; a situation of confused and violent movement.

The company was caught in a maelstrom of legal battles and public scrutiny.
217
magnanimity
/ˌmæɡ.nəˈnɪm.ə.ti/

The quality of being generous and forgiving.

He showed great magnanimity in forgiving his former rival.
218
magnanimous
/mæɡˈnæn.ɪ.məs/

Generous or forgiving, especially toward a rival or less powerful person.

The magnanimous victor offered assistance to those he had defeated.
219
magnate
/ˈmæɡ.neɪt/

A wealthy and influential person, especially in business.

The media magnate owned television stations across three continents.
220
magniloquent
/mæɡˈnɪl.ə.kwənt/

Using high-flown or bombastic language.

The magniloquent speech was full of grand promises but lacked substance.
221
maladroit
/ˌmæl.əˈdrɔɪt/

Ineffective or bungling; clumsy.

His maladroit handling of the negotiations led to their failure.
222
malapropism
/ˈmæl.ə.prɒp.ɪ.zəm/

The mistaken use of a word in place of a similar-sounding one.

Saying 'dance a flamingo' instead of 'flamenco' is a malapropism.
223
malfeasance
/mælˈfiː.zəns/

Wrongdoing, especially by a public official.

The investigation uncovered widespread malfeasance within the police department.
224
mammon
/ˈmæm.ən/

Wealth regarded as an evil influence or false object of worship.

He devoted his life to the pursuit of mammon.
225
manacle
/ˈmæn.ə.kl̩/

A metal band, chain, or shackle for the hands or feet.

The prisoner's wrists were bound with iron manacles.
226
maudlin
/ˈmɔːd.lɪn/

Self-pityingly or tearfully sentimental.

After a few drinks, he became maudlin and started crying about the past.
227
mawkish
/ˈmɔː.kɪʃ/

Sentimental in a feeble or sickly way.

The mawkish greeting card made her cringe.
228
melange
/meɪˈlɑːnʒ/

A mixture or medley of different things.

The album was a melange of jazz, rock, and classical influences.
229
mellifluous
/mɛˈlɪf.lu.əs/

Sweet-sounding and pleasant to hear.

The singer's mellifluous voice captivated audiences worldwide.
230
mendacious
/menˈdeɪ.ʃəs/

Not telling the truth; lying habitually.

The mendacious politician's claims were quickly debunked by fact-checkers.
231
mercurial
/mɜːrˈkjʊr.i.əl/

Subject to sudden or unpredictable changes of mood.

The actor's mercurial temperament made him difficult to work with.
232
mien
/miːn/

A person's look or manner, especially indicating their character.

His dignified mien commanded respect from everyone present.
233
minutiae
/mɪˈnjuː.ʃi.iː/

The small, precise, or trivial details of something.

She paid attention to the minutiae of the contract.
234
misanthrope
/ˈmɪs.ən.θroʊp/

A person who dislikes humankind and avoids human society.

The old misanthrope lived alone on the hill and spoke to no one.
235
mollify
/ˈmɒl.ɪ.faɪ/

To appease the anger or anxiety of someone.

The manager tried to mollify the upset customer with a refund.
236
morose
/məˈroʊs/

Sullen and ill-tempered; gloomy.

He became increasingly morose after losing his job.
237
munificent
/mjuːˈnɪf.ɪ.sənt/

Larger or more generous than is usual or necessary.

The munificent donation funded the entire new library wing.
238
nadir
/ˈneɪ.dɪr/

The lowest point in the fortunes of a person or organization.

The company's stock price reached its nadir during the financial crisis.
239
nascent
/ˈnæs.ənt/

Just beginning to develop; not yet fully formed.

The nascent democracy faced many challenges in its first year.
240
natter
/ˈnæt.ər/

To talk casually and at length about unimportant things.

The neighbors would natter over the garden fence for hours.
241
nebulous
/ˈneb.jə.ləs/

In the form of a cloud or haze; vague and ill-defined.

The project's goals were still nebulous and needed clarification.
242
nefarious
/nɪˈfer.i.əs/

Wicked, villainous, or criminal in nature.

The detective uncovered the gang's nefarious plot to steal millions.
243
noisome
/ˈnɔɪ.səm/

Having an extremely offensive smell; disagreeable.

A noisome odor emanated from the abandoned factory.
244
nomenclature
/ˈnoʊ.mən.kleɪ.tʃər/

The devising or choosing of names for things in a particular field.

Medical nomenclature can be confusing for patients unfamiliar with Latin roots.
245
nonchalance
/ˈnɒn.ʃəl.əns/

The quality of being casually calm and relaxed.

She accepted the award with studied nonchalance, as if it were expected.
246
nondescript
/ˈnɒn.dɪ.skrɪpt/

Lacking distinctive or interesting features or characteristics.

The spy chose a nondescript car to avoid attracting attention.
247
nonpareil
/ˌnɒn.pəˈrel/

Having no match or equal; unrivaled.

Her talent as a violinist was nonpareil among her generation.
248
nostrum
/ˈnɒs.trəm/

A medicine prepared by an unqualified person; a pet scheme.

The politician offered the same old nostrum for economic recovery.
249
numinous
/ˈnjuː.mɪ.nəs/

Having a strong religious or spiritual quality; awe-inspiring.

The ancient temple had a numinous atmosphere that moved all visitors.
250
obdurate
/ˈɒb.djʊ.rət/

Stubbornly refusing to change one's opinion or course of action.

The obdurate negotiator would not budge from his original demands.
251
obfuscate
/ˈɒb.fʌs.keɪt/

To render obscure, unclear, or unintelligible.

The witness seemed to deliberately obfuscate the facts during testimony.
252
obsequious
/əbˈsiː.kwi.əs/

Excessively obedient or attentive to gain favor.

The obsequious assistant agreed with every word the manager said.
253
obstinate
/ˈɒb.stɪ.nət/

Stubbornly refusing to change one's opinion or course of action.

The obstinate child refused to eat any vegetables.
254
obstreperous
/əbˈstrep.ər.əs/

Noisy and difficult to control.

The obstreperous children refused to sit still during the assembly.
255
obviate
/ˈɒb.vi.eɪt/

To remove a need or difficulty; to prevent.

The new design obviated the need for frequent maintenance.
256
oleaginous
/ˌoʊ.liˈædʒ.ɪ.nəs/

Rich in, covered with, or producing oil; exaggeratedly flattering.

The oleaginous lobbyist showered politicians with compliments and gifts.
257
oneiromancy
/oʊˈnaɪ.rə.mæn.si/

The interpretation of dreams to foretell the future.

Ancient civilizations practiced oneiromancy as a form of divination.
258
opprobrium
/əˈproʊ.bri.əm/

Harsh criticism or censure; public disgrace.

The scandal brought widespread opprobrium upon the entire organization.
259
opsimath
/ˈɒp.sɪ.mæθ/

A person who begins to learn or study late in life.

The opsimath enrolled in university at the age of seventy.
260
opulent
/ˈɒp.jə.lənt/

Ostentatiously costly and luxurious.

The opulent ballroom was decorated with crystal chandeliers and gold leaf.
261
ostentatious
/ˌɒs.tenˈteɪ.ʃəs/

Designed to impress or attract notice through an extravagant display.

The ostentatious mansion had a gold-plated fountain in the entrance.
262
otiose
/ˈoʊ.ʃi.oʊs/

Serving no practical purpose or result; futile.

The committee meeting proved otiose, with nothing of value decided.
263
pabulum
/ˈpæb.jə.ləm/

Bland or insipid intellectual matter; food for thought.

The magazine offered nothing but pabulum for the masses.
264
palter
/ˈpɔːl.tər/

To equivocate or act insincerely; to trifle.

He paltered with the truth to avoid responsibility.
265
panacea
/ˌpæn.əˈsiː.ə/

A solution or remedy for all difficulties or diseases.

Technology is often mistakenly seen as a panacea for social problems.
266
parsimonious
/ˌpɑːr.sɪˈmoʊ.ni.əs/

Unwilling to spend money or use resources; stingy.

The parsimonious landlord refused to repair the broken heating system.
267
pastiche
/pæˈstiːʃ/

A work of art that imitates the style of another work or period.

The film was an entertaining pastiche of 1970s spy thrillers.
268
paucity
/ˈpɔː.sə.ti/

The presence of something in only small or insufficient quantities.

The paucity of evidence made it impossible to prosecute the case.
269
pedantic
/pɪˈdæn.tɪk/

Excessively concerned with minor details or rules.

His pedantic corrections during the meeting irritated everyone.
270
pellucid
/pəˈluː.sɪd/

Translucently clear; easily understood.

The pellucid waters of the mountain lake revealed every pebble on the bottom.
271
penchant
/ˈpen.tʃənt/

A strong or habitual liking for something.

She had a penchant for vintage clothing from the 1950s.
272
penurious
/pɪˈnjʊr.i.əs/

Extremely poor; poverty-stricken.

The penurious artist could barely afford paint and canvas.
273
peregrinate
/ˈper.ɪ.ɡrɪ.neɪt/

To travel or wander from place to place.

He spent his youth peregrinating across South America.
274
peregrination
/ˌper.ɪ.ɡrɪˈneɪ.ʃən/

A journey, especially a long or meandering one.

His peregrinations across Asia lasted nearly three years.
275
peremptory
/pəˈremp.tər.i/

Insisting on immediate attention or obedience in a brusquely imperious way.

The judge issued a peremptory order to clear the courtroom.
276
perfidy
/ˈpɜːr.fɪ.di/

Deceitfulness or untrustworthiness.

The spy's perfidy was eventually discovered by his own agency.
277
perfunctory
/pərˈfʌŋk.tər.i/

Carried out with a minimum of effort or reflection.

He gave the report only a perfunctory glance before signing it.
278
periphrasis
/pəˈrɪf.rə.sɪs/

The use of indirect and circumlocutory speech or writing.

The politician's answer was full of periphrasis and avoided the question.
279
pernicious
/pəˈnɪʃ.əs/

Having a harmful effect, especially in a gradual or subtle way.

The pernicious influence of corruption undermined public trust in government.
280
persiflage
/ˈpɜːr.sɪ.flɑːʒ/

Light and slightly contemptuous mockery or banter.

The dinner conversation was full of witty persiflage.
281
perspicacious
/ˌpɜːr.spɪˈkeɪ.ʃəs/

Having a ready insight into and understanding of things.

The perspicacious analyst foresaw the market crash before anyone else.
282
phantasmagoria
/ˌfæn.tæz.məˈɡɔːr.i.ə/

A sequence of real or imaginary images like those seen in a dream.

The fever produced a phantasmagoria of vivid hallucinations.
283
phlegmatic
/fleɡˈmæt.ɪk/

Having an unemotional and stolidly calm disposition.

The phlegmatic detective remained calm even at crime scenes.
284
pittance
/ˈpɪt.əns/

A very small or inadequate amount of money.

She worked long hours for a mere pittance.
285
placate
/ˈpleɪ.keɪt/

To make someone less angry or hostile.

He offered flowers to placate his annoyed partner.
286
plangent
/ˈplæn.dʒənt/

Having a loud, reverberating, mournful sound.

The plangent tones of the bell echoed across the valley.
287
polymath
/ˈpɒl.i.mæθ/

A person of wide-ranging knowledge or learning.

Leonardo da Vinci was the quintessential polymath.
288
portmanteau
/pɔːrtˈmæn.toʊ/

A word blending the sounds and meanings of two others.

The word 'brunch' is a portmanteau of breakfast and lunch.
289
potboiler
/ˈpɒt.bɔɪ.lər/

A book or other creative work produced merely to make money.

The author admitted that his latest thriller was a potboiler.
290
pother
/ˈpɒð.ər/

A commotion or fuss.

There was a great pother about the missing documents.
291
predilection
/ˌpriː.dɪˈlek.ʃən/

A preference or special liking for something.

She had a predilection for dark chocolate over milk chocolate.
292
preternatural
/ˌpriː.tərˈnætʃ.ər.əl/

Beyond what is normal or natural.

She seemed to have a preternatural ability to sense danger.
293
prevaricate
/prɪˈvær.ɪ.keɪt/

To speak or act in an evasive way.

The witness continued to prevaricate under cross-examination.
294
prig
/prɪɡ/

A self-righteously moralistic person.

Nobody liked the office prig who reported every minor infraction.
295
probity
/ˈproʊ.bə.ti/

The quality of having strong moral principles; honesty.

A judge must be a person of unquestionable probity.
296
proclivity
/prəˈklɪv.ə.ti/

A tendency to choose or do something regularly; an inclination.

His proclivity for risk-taking eventually led to significant financial losses.
297
prodigal
/ˈprɒd.ɪ.ɡəl/

Spending money or resources freely and recklessly.

His prodigal lifestyle quickly exhausted his inheritance.
298
profligate
/ˈprɒf.lɪ.ɡət/

Recklessly extravagant or wasteful.

The profligate spending led the company into serious debt.
299
prolix
/ˈproʊ.lɪks/

Using or containing too many words; tediously lengthy.

His prolix writing style tested even the most patient readers.
300
propitiate
/prəˈpɪʃ.i.eɪt/

To win or regain the favor of someone by doing something pleasing.

The ancient peoples offered sacrifices to propitiate the gods.
301
prosaic
/proʊˈzeɪ.ɪk/

Having the style or character of prose; lacking excitement.

Life in the small town was comfortable but prosaic.
302
prurient
/ˈprʊr.i.ənt/

Having excessive interest in sexual matters.

The tabloid catered to readers' prurient curiosity.
303
puckish
/ˈpʌk.ɪʃ/

Playful, especially in a mischievous way.

The child had a puckish grin that suggested he was up to something.
304
pulchritude
/ˈpʌl.krɪ.tjuːd/

Beauty of form or appearance.

The pulchritude of the tropical sunset left everyone speechless.
305
pule
/pjuːl/

To cry in a weak, thin voice; to whimper.

The hungry kitten began to pule at the door.
306
purloin
/pɜːrˈlɔɪn/

To steal something.

Someone purloined the valuable painting from the gallery.
307
quagmire
/ˈkwæɡ.maɪər/

A soft, boggy area of land; a complex or hazardous situation.

The negotiations became a quagmire from which neither side could escape.
308
quandary
/ˈkwɒn.dər.i/

A state of perplexity or uncertainty about what to do.

She found herself in a quandary when offered two excellent job opportunities.
309
querulous
/ˈkwer.ə.ləs/

Complaining in a petulant or whining manner.

The querulous passenger demanded to speak with the airline manager.
310
quiescent
/kwiˈes.ənt/

In a state of inactivity or dormancy.

The volcano had been quiescent for centuries before the sudden eruption.
311
quixotic
/kwɪkˈsɒt.ɪk/

Exceedingly idealistic; unrealistic and impractical.

His quixotic quest to eliminate all poverty seemed noble but unachievable.
312
quotidian
/kwɒˈtɪd.i.ən/

Of or occurring every day; ordinary.

The novel captured the quotidian struggles of working-class life.
313
raconteur
/ˌræk.ɒnˈtɜːr/

A person who tells anecdotes in a skillful and amusing way.

The grandfather was a natural raconteur whose stories held everyone spellbound.
314
raffish
/ˈræf.ɪʃ/

Unconventional and slightly disreputable, especially in an attractive way.

The raffish adventurer charmed everyone with tales of his exploits.
315
ragamuffin
/ˈræɡ.ə.mʌf.ɪn/

A person, typically a child, in ragged, dirty clothes.

The little ragamuffin appeared at the door asking for food.
316
raiment
/ˈreɪ.mənt/

Clothing; garments.

The queen appeared in raiment of the finest silk.
317
rapacious
/rəˈpeɪ.ʃəs/

Aggressively greedy or grasping.

The rapacious corporation exploited workers to maximize profits.
318
recalcitrant
/rɪˈkæl.sɪ.trənt/

Having an obstinately uncooperative attitude toward authority.

The recalcitrant student refused to follow any classroom rules.
319
recapitulate
/ˌriː.kəˈpɪtʃ.ə.leɪt/

To summarize and state again the main points of.

The professor recapitulated the key concepts before the final exam.
320
recondite
/ˈrek.ən.daɪt/

Little known; abstruse and requiring special knowledge.

The professor's lecture on recondite mathematical theories confused most students.
321
redolent
/ˈred.əl.ənt/

Strongly reminiscent or suggestive of something.

The old house was redolent of lavender and beeswax polish.
322
regnant
/ˈreɡ.nənt/

Reigning; ruling.

The regnant monarch presided over an era of peace.
323
repartee
/ˌrep.ɑːrˈtiː/

Conversation or speech characterized by quick, witty comments.

The actors' repartee kept the audience laughing throughout.
324
repudiate
/rɪˈpjuː.di.eɪt/

To refuse to accept or be associated with; to deny the truth of.

The candidate publicly repudiated the extremist views of his supporters.
325
resplendent
/rɪˈsplen.dənt/

Impressive and attractive in appearance; dazzling.

The queen appeared resplendent in her jewel-encrusted gown.
326
reticent
/ˈret.ɪ.sənt/

Not revealing one's thoughts or feelings readily.

He was reticent about his childhood experiences and rarely spoke of them.
327
rodomontade
/ˌrɒd.ə.mɒnˈteɪd/

Boastful or inflated talk or behavior.

His rodomontade about his accomplishments fooled no one.
328
sagacious
/səˈɡeɪ.ʃəs/

Having or showing keen mental discernment and good judgment.

The sagacious advisor predicted the market downturn months in advance.
329
salubrious
/səˈluː.bri.əs/

Health-giving; healthy.

The salubrious mountain air refreshed the weary travelers.
330
sanctimonious
/ˌsæŋk.tɪˈmoʊ.ni.əs/

Making a show of being morally superior to other people.

His sanctimonious lectures on ethics rang hollow given his own behavior.
331
sanguine
/ˈsæŋ.ɡwɪn/

Optimistic or positive, especially in a difficult situation.

Despite the company's losses, the CEO remained sanguine about the future.
332
sartorial
/sɑːrˈtɔːr.i.əl/

Relating to tailoring, clothes, or style of dress.

His sartorial elegance was admired at every formal event.
333
scintilla
/sɪnˈtɪl.ə/

A tiny trace or spark of a specified quality.

There was not a scintilla of evidence to support the accusation.
334
scintillate
/ˈsɪn.tɪ.leɪt/

To emit sparks; to sparkle or be brilliantly clever.

The comedian scintillated on stage with rapid-fire wit.
335
seamy
/ˈsiː.mi/

Sordid and disreputable.

The documentary exposed the seamy side of the entertainment industry.
336
sedulous
/ˈsed.jə.ləs/

Showing dedication and diligence.

Her sedulous attention to detail ensured the project's success.
337
sesquipedalian
/ˌses.kwɪ.pɪˈdeɪ.li.ən/

Relating to long words; given to using long words.

The professor's sesquipedalian vocabulary confused his students.
338
simulacrum
/ˌsɪm.jəˈleɪ.krəm/

An image or representation of someone or something; an imitation.

The theme park was a simulacrum of a medieval village.
339
slough
/slaʊ/

To shed or remove a layer of dead skin; a swamp.

The snake sloughed its old skin to reveal new scales.
340
smite
/smaɪt/

To strike with a firm blow.

Legend says the hero will smite the dragon and save the kingdom.
341
sobriquet
/ˈsoʊ.brɪ.keɪ/

A person's nickname.

The musician earned the sobriquet 'The King of Blues.'
342
solicitous
/səˈlɪs.ɪ.təs/

Showing concern or care for someone's well-being.

The solicitous nurse checked on the patient every hour.
343
soliloquy
/səˈlɪl.ə.kwi/

An act of speaking one's thoughts aloud regardless of hearers.

Hamlet's famous soliloquy explores the nature of existence itself.
344
soothsayer
/ˈsuːθ.seɪ.ər/

A person supposed to be able to foresee the future.

The soothsayer warned the emperor of impending danger.
345
soporific
/ˌsɒp.əˈrɪf.ɪk/

Tending to induce drowsiness or sleep.

The lecturer's soporific monotone put half the audience to sleep.
346
sparge
/spɑːrdʒ/

To sprinkle or spray with moisture.

The brewer sparged the grain bed with hot water.
347
specious
/ˈspiː.ʃəs/

Superficially plausible but actually wrong.

The defendant's specious arguments failed to convince the jury.
348
strop
/strɒp/

A device for sharpening a razor or knife.

The barber ran the blade along the leather strop.
349
suffuse
/səˈfjuːz/

To gradually spread through or over.

A warm blush suffused her cheeks.
350
sully
/ˈsʌl.i/

To damage or spoil.

The scandal sullied his reputation beyond repair.
351
supercilious
/ˌsuː.pərˈsɪl.i.əs/

Behaving as though one thinks one is superior to others.

The supercilious waiter looked down his nose at the casual diners.
352
supplant
/səˈplɑːnt/

To supersede and replace.

Digital photography has supplanted film in most applications.
353
surreptitious
/ˌsʌr.əpˈtɪʃ.əs/

Kept secret because it would not be approved of.

She cast a surreptitious glance at the answer sheet during the exam.
354
susurrus
/suːˈsʌr.əs/

A whispering or rustling sound.

The susurrus of wind through the leaves was calming.
355
svelte
/svelt/

Slender and elegant.

The svelte dancer glided effortlessly across the stage.
356
sycophant
/ˈsɪk.ə.fænt/

A person who acts obsequiously to gain advantage from a powerful person.

The king was surrounded by sycophants who told him only what he wanted to hear.
357
sycophantic
/ˌsɪk.əˈfæn.tɪk/

Behaving in an obsequiously flattering manner.

The sycophantic assistant praised every decision the boss made.
358
synecdoche
/sɪˈnek.də.ki/

A figure of speech in which a part is used for the whole.

Using 'wheels' to mean a car is an example of synecdoche.
359
syzygy
/ˈsɪz.ɪ.dʒi/

The alignment of three celestial bodies in a straight line.

A solar eclipse occurs during a syzygy of the sun, moon, and earth.
360
taciturn
/ˈtæs.ɪ.tɜːrn/

Reserved or uncommunicative in speech; saying little.

The taciturn farmer answered questions with single-word replies.
361
tantamount
/ˈtæn.tə.maʊnt/

Equivalent in seriousness to; virtually the same as.

Refusing to act was tantamount to giving approval.
362
tatterdemalion
/ˌtæt.ər.dɪˈmeɪl.jən/

A person in tattered clothing; a ragamuffin.

The tatterdemalion wandered the streets begging for food.
363
tautological
/ˌtɔː.təˈlɒdʒ.ɪ.kəl/

Using different words to say the same thing, even if redundant.

Saying 'free gift' is tautological since all gifts are free by definition.
364
tawdry
/ˈtɔː.dri/

Showy but cheap and of poor quality.

The souvenir shop was full of tawdry trinkets.
365
temerity
/tɪˈmer.ə.ti/

Excessive confidence or boldness; audacity.

She had the temerity to challenge the professor's conclusions publicly.
366
tempestuous
/temˈpes.tʃu.əs/

Characterized by strong and turbulent or conflicting emotion.

Their tempestuous relationship was marked by frequent arguments and reconciliations.
367
tenebrous
/ˈten.ɪ.brəs/

Dark, shadowy, or obscure.

They walked through the tenebrous corridors of the ancient castle.
368
tergiversate
/ˈtɜːr.dʒɪ.vər.seɪt/

To change one's loyalties; to be evasive.

Politicians who tergiversate on key issues lose public trust.
369
terpsichorean
/ˌtɜːrp.sɪ.kəˈriː.ən/

Relating to dancing.

Her terpsichorean skills earned her a place in the national ballet.
370
thaumaturgy
/ˈθɔː.mə.tɜːr.dʒi/

The working of wonders or miracles.

The ancient texts described the thaumaturgy of the temple priests.
371
tintinnabulation
/ˌtɪn.tɪˌnæb.jəˈleɪ.ʃən/

A ringing or tinkling sound.

The tintinnabulation of church bells filled the Sunday morning air.
372
tipple
/ˈtɪp.l̩/

To drink alcohol, especially habitually.

He liked to tipple a glass of port after dinner.
373
tmesis
/ˈtmiː.sɪs/

The separation of parts of a compound word by intervening words.

Using 'abso-blooming-lutely' is an example of tmesis.
374
torpor
/ˈtɔːr.pər/

A state of physical or mental inactivity; lethargy.

The summer heat induced a torpor that made productive work impossible.
375
trenchant
/ˈtren.tʃənt/

Vigorous or incisive in expression or style.

Her trenchant analysis of the economic data left no room for doubt.
376
trepid
/ˈtrep.ɪd/

Fearful and anxious; trembling with fear.

The trepid explorer hesitated at the entrance to the dark cave.
377
trepidation
/ˌtrep.ɪˈdeɪ.ʃən/

A feeling of fear or anxiety about something that may happen.

She approached the job interview with a mixture of excitement and trepidation.
378
tricorn
/ˈtraɪ.kɔːrn/

A hat with the brim turned up on three sides.

The colonial officer wore a distinctive tricorn hat.
379
trollop
/ˈtrɒl.əp/

A woman perceived as sexually disreputable.

The gossip unfairly labeled her a trollop.
380
truculent
/ˈtrʌk.jə.lənt/

Eager or quick to argue or fight; aggressively defiant.

The truculent union leader refused to accept any compromise.
381
tureen
/tjʊˈriːn/

A deep covered dish from which soup is served.

She ladled the chowder from the porcelain tureen.
382
turpitude
/ˈtɜːr.pɪ.tjuːd/

Depravity or wickedness.

The court found that the act constituted moral turpitude.
383
umbrage
/ˈʌm.brɪdʒ/

Offense or annoyance felt at a perceived slight.

She took umbrage at the suggestion that her work was not original.
384
unctuous
/ˈʌŋk.tʃu.əs/

Excessively or ingratiatingly flattering; oily.

The unctuous salesman would say anything to close a deal.
385
usurp
/juːˈzɜːrp/

To take a position of power illegally or by force.

The general attempted to usurp the throne through a military coup.
386
uxoricide
/ʌkˈsɔːr.ɪ.saɪd/

The killing of one's wife, or a man who kills his wife.

The crime novel centered on a case of uxoricide.
387
vacillate
/ˈvæs.ɪ.leɪt/

To alternate or waver between different opinions or actions.

She vacillated between accepting the offer and staying at her current job.
388
valetudinarian
/ˌvæl.ɪ.tjuː.dɪˈner.i.ən/

A person who is excessively concerned about their health.

The valetudinarian refused to leave the house during flu season.
389
vapid
/ˈvæp.ɪd/

Offering nothing that is stimulating or challenging; bland.

The vapid conversation at the party bored the intellectuals.
390
variegated
/ˈver.i.ə.ɡeɪ.tɪd/

Exhibiting different colors in patches or streaks.

The variegated leaves of the plant displayed green, white, and pink patterns.
391
velleity
/vəˈliː.ə.ti/

A wish or inclination not strong enough to lead to action.

His desire to learn the piano remained a mere velleity.
392
venal
/ˈviː.nəl/

Showing or motivated by susceptibility to bribery.

The venal official accepted bribes in exchange for government contracts.
393
verbiage
/ˈvɜːr.bi.ɪdʒ/

Speech or writing that uses too many words or excessively technical language.

The legal contract was buried under layers of unnecessary verbiage.
394
verdure
/ˈvɜːr.dʒər/

Lush green vegetation.

The hills were covered in fresh verdure after the spring rains.
395
verisimilitude
/ˌver.ɪ.sɪˈmɪl.ɪ.tjuːd/

The appearance of being true or real.

The historical film achieved remarkable verisimilitude in its set design.
396
vibrissae
/vaɪˈbrɪs.iː/

Long stiff hairs around the mouth of most mammals; whiskers.

Cats use their vibrissae to detect nearby objects in the dark.
397
vitriolic
/ˌvɪt.riˈɒl.ɪk/

Filled with bitter criticism or malice.

The vitriolic review devastated the young playwright.
398
vituperate
/vɪˈtjuː.pər.eɪt/

To blame or insult someone in strong or violent language.

The senator vituperated his opponent during the heated debate.
399
vociferous
/vəˈsɪf.ər.əs/

Vehement or clamorous in expressing feelings or demands.

The vociferous crowd demanded an immediate response from the mayor.
400
whet
/wet/

To sharpen or stimulate an appetite, interest, or desire.

The delicious appetizer whetted their appetite for the main course.
401
williwaw
/ˈwɪl.i.wɔː/

A sudden violent squall of cold wind.

The williwaw struck the fishing boat without warning.
402
zenith
/ˈzen.ɪθ/

The time at which something is most powerful or successful.

The empire reached its zenith during the eighteenth century.

How to use a list like this

Reading a word list start to finish is the least effective thing you can do with it. Vocabulary sticks when you meet a word in context, need it, and retrieve it later. A list is useful for two narrower jobs: finding the gaps, and checking whether the level you were assigned matches what you actually know.

A practical pass: scroll through, mark the words you could not define to a friend, and put only those into whatever review system you use. Twenty unknown words handled properly beat two hundred skimmed.

Where these levels come from

Each word here carries the level our own test assigns it, based on frequency banding rather than an official CEFR wordlist. The CEFR describes what you can do with a language, not which words you must know, so no authoritative per-word list exists. Treat the level as a useful sorting of frequency, not a ruling.

Background on the numbers: vocabulary size by CEFR level, how many English words the average person knows and the native speaker gap.

← C1 word list All levels

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English Vocabulary Size Test on Android tests you on the same words, keeps your history, and schedules the ones you missed for spaced repetition. Works offline, 16 interface languages.

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C2 vocabulary list

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abjure

abnegate

abnegation

abrogate

abscond

abstemious

abstruse

acerbic

acquiesce

acrimonious

acumen

adulterate

adumbrate

amalgamate

ameliorate

anachronistic

anathema

anomalous

antediluvian

antipathy

aplomb

apocryphal

arcane

assiduous

assuage

auspicious

avarice

banal

bastion

bathetic

beguile

belabor

bellicose

bibulous

blithe

bombastic

boorish

bourgeois

braggadocio

bruit

bucolic

bugbear

byzantine

cabal

cacophony

caitiff

callipygian

calumniate

calumny

cantankerous

cantle

capricious

captious

castigate

cenacle

chicanery

chivvy

circumspect

circumvent

clandestine

clerisy

cogent

commensurate

compendium

compunction

concomitant

conflagration

contrite

contumacious

contumely

coruscate

credulous

crepuscular

cunctation

dearth

debonair

decorum

defenestration