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IELTS Speaking · Vocabulary · Band

Band 7 vocabulary for IELTS Speaking

Last updated 21 July 2026

In short

Less common words and collocations that lift you to a good user. These 42 words are pitched at Band 7 of the IELTS Speaking Lexical Resource scale. Learn each one with its meaning, pronunciation, example sentences and natural collocations.

Word list

All 42 words in this collection, with meanings and example sentences.

aptitude
A natural ability or talent for doing something.
“He showed a real aptitude for languages from an early age.”
artificial intelligence
Computer systems able to perform tasks that normally require human intelligence.
“Artificial intelligence now powers everyday apps.”
automation
The use of machines and technology to perform tasks without human control.
“Automation has transformed manufacturing.”
bias
A tendency to favour or oppose something unfairly, affecting judgement.
“Readers accused the paper of political bias.”
breathtaking
Astonishingly beautiful or impressive.
“The view from the summit was breathtaking.”
broaden your horizons
To increase the range of your knowledge, experience, or interests.
“Studying abroad really broadened my horizons.”
carbon footprint
The total amount of greenhouse gases produced by a person, activity, or organisation.
“Flying less is one way to reduce your carbon footprint.”
chronic
(Of an illness or problem) persisting for a long time or constantly recurring.
“She suffers from chronic back pain.”
close-knit
(Of a group) bound together by strong relationships and shared interests.
“They come from a close-knit community.”
connectivity
The state of being connected, especially to the internet or other devices.
“Rural areas often suffer from poor connectivity.”
cutting-edge
The most advanced or innovative stage in the development of something.
“The lab uses cutting-edge technology.”
cybersecurity
The protection of computer systems and data from digital attacks.
“Companies are investing heavily in cybersecurity.”
deforestation
The clearing or removal of forests, usually for farming or development.
“Deforestation threatens countless species.”
emissions
Gases or substances released into the atmosphere, especially those that cause pollution.
“Governments have pledged to cut carbon emissions.”
epidemic
A widespread occurrence of a disease, or a rapid rise in something harmful.
“The country is battling a flu epidemic.”
excursion
A short trip made for pleasure, usually returning the same day.
“We went on a day excursion to the islands.”
expedition
An organised journey undertaken for a specific purpose, such as exploration.
“They joined an expedition to the Arctic.”
flexible working
Working arrangements that give employees choice over hours or location.
“Flexible working has become the norm for many.”
hospitality
Friendly and generous treatment of guests; also the industry that serves travellers.
“We were touched by their warm hospitality.”
immunity
The body's ability to resist a particular infection or toxin.
“Vaccines build immunity against disease.”
in moderation
In amounts that are not excessive; within sensible limits.
“Most things are fine in moderation.”
incentive
Something that motivates or encourages someone to do something.
“Bonuses act as an incentive to work harder.”
inequality
An unfair difference between groups of people in status, wealth, or opportunity.
“The gap has widened social inequality.”
influential
Having a great effect on someone or something.
“She is one of the most influential voices in journalism.”
integration
The process of combining people or groups into a unified society or system.
“Language classes support the integration of newcomers.”
intellectual
Relating to the ability to think and understand ideas at a high level.
“University should offer genuine intellectual challenge.”
itinerary
A planned route or schedule for a journey.
“Our itinerary includes three cities in five days.”
norm
A standard or pattern of behaviour that is typical or expected in a society.
“Working from home has become the norm.”
prejudice
An unfair opinion about someone formed without reason or knowledge.
“Education can help break down prejudice.”
productivity
The rate at which goods or work are produced, relative to time or effort.
“Automation has boosted productivity.”
proficient
Competent or skilled in doing or using something.
“She is proficient in three languages.”
recession
A period of temporary economic decline with reduced trade and activity.
“The economy slipped into recession.”
revenue
The income that a business receives from its normal activities.
“Advertising is their main source of revenue.”
revolutionise
To change something completely and fundamentally, usually for the better.
“The internet has revolutionised the way we communicate.”
rote learning
Memorising information through repetition rather than by understanding it.
“Critics argue that rote learning does little to develop critical thinking.”
under the weather
Slightly unwell.
“I'm feeling a bit under the weather today.”
unwind
To relax after a period of work or tension.
“A holiday is the perfect chance to unwind.”
viral
(Of content) spreading very quickly and widely online.
“The clip went viral overnight.”
vocational
Relating to training that prepares people for a specific trade or occupation.
“Vocational courses give students practical, job-ready skills.”
walk of life
A person's occupation or position within society.
“The club welcomes people from all walks of life.”
well-rounded
Having a broad range of knowledge, skills, or experience.
“Extracurricular activities help produce well-rounded students.”
wellbeing
The state of being comfortable, healthy, and happy.
“Employers are paying more attention to staff wellbeing.”

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Frequently asked questions

How can I remember Band 7 vocabulary for IELTS?
Use spaced repetition and active recall rather than rote lists: review each word with flashcards and quizzes at growing intervals, and practise saying it aloud in your own example sentences.
Do I need less common words to score Band 7+ in IELTS Speaking?
Yes. The Lexical Resource criterion rewards less common and idiomatic vocabulary used accurately, along with natural collocations and effective paraphrasing — not just a wide list of words.
How many words are in this collection?
This collection has 42 hand-picked words, each with a definition, pronunciation, example sentences, synonyms and collocations.

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