Vocabulary for Writing Task - IELTS

Dear IELTS students, here are some useful words to score well in your IELTS Writing Test. Learn to use the following vocabularies in the right context.

affectation

a deliberate pretense or exaggerated display

To a vast majority, fountain pens are an affectation.

complacent

contented to a fault with oneself or one's actions

Paul believes the medical advances made in treating HIV over the past decade have led to people becoming more complacent and taking more risks.

= self-satisfied

concomitant

an event or situation that happens at the same time

Quality and equity in education must be conceived as concomitant.  

= co-occurrence
> subsequent

culpable

deserving blame or censure as being wrong or injurious

But the state is even more culpable, making bad decisions about the design of the program, particularly the contractual requirements related to field testing.

= blameworthy, blameable, guilty

depravity

moral perversion; impairment of virtue and moral principles

The depravities of leading men in TV dramas traditionally don’t leave permanent scars

= a corrupt or degenerate act or practice

espouse

choose and follow a theory, idea, policy, etc.

But one complicating factor potentially cancels out much of the optimism espoused yesterday.

- adopt, embrace

galling

causing irritation or annoyance

The high pay phone costs in Germany are particularly galling for many troops because they can call home from combat areas for much less.

= annoying, irritating

hallmark

a distinctive characteristic or attribute

And within those types, they found hallmark genetic changes that are driving many cancers.

ignominious

deserving or bringing disgrace or shame

After an ignominious two years, the program was scrapped.

= dishonourable, disgraceful, inglorious, shameful

nefarious

extremely wicked

According to my “hospitality insider,” nefarious guest activities are only becoming more foul and disturbing.

= villainous

nonchalant

marked by casual unconcern or indifference

Indian society's nonchalant attitude towards the disease must change as well.

= unconcerned, casual

mitigate

make less severe or harsh

Here are a few ways to mitigate problems and frustrations.

= lighten, palliate

perpetuate

cause to continue or prevail

Many accused the show of mocking Islam and perpetuating racial stereotypes.

propensity

a natural inclination

Most unfortunate, and misleading, are the links these reporters imply between military service, mental health and an increased propensity for extreme violence.

reconcile

come to terms

Fighting and reconciling is a major part of any healthy relationship.

= harmonise

scapegoat

someone who is punished for the errors of others

“Our folks are so angry and frustrated about being used as a scapegoat that they’re going to continue to engage in this battle.”

squander

spend thoughtlessly; throw away

In his world fortunes are constantly being made and squandered.

= spend extravagantly

supersede

take the place or move into the position of

Company officials say they hoped to see a national sales tax law in place that will supersede state laws.

= replace

ludicrous

inviting ridicule

A few years ago, the idea of blind drivers seemed ludicrous.

= absurd, nonsensical, idiotic, humorous, laughable, ridiculous

latent

potentially existing but not presently evident or realized

“Uncertainties about the fiscal outlook in the United States present a particular latent risk to global financial stability,” Mr. Viñals said.

= potential, possible
> inactive (not presently active)

tenacity

persistent determination

The work is pushed steadily, with tenacity, but results are slow in coming.