Band 8 vocabulary for IELTS Speaking
- 46 words
- Band 8
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Study all 46 words
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biodiversity
/ˌbaɪəʊdaɪˈvɜːsəti/nounC1
The variety of plant and animal life in a particular habitat or on Earth.
So many kinds of life in one reef: biodiversity is the variety of plants and animals.
Remember it: “Bio” means life, and “diversity” means variety: biodiversity is the variety of living things.
- “Rainforests are rich in biodiversity.”
- “Habitat loss is driving a decline in biodiversity.”
Similar: biological diversity, variety of life
A Band 8 word. Try it in a phrase: “biodiversity loss”.
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The band at a glance
Band 8
46 words
Band 8
46 words
Education 5
Technology 8
Environment 7
Health & Wellbeing 5
Business & Work 8
Travel & Tourism 4
Society & Culture 3
Media & Communication 6
- noun
- adjective
- verb
- phrase or idiom
Every word
46 words
Band 8biodiversityˌbaɪəʊdaɪˈvɜːsətinounThe variety of plant and animal life in a particular habitat or on Earth.
So many kinds of life in one reef: biodiversity is the variety of plants and animals. The variety of plant and animal life in a particular habitat or on Earth.
Rainforests are rich in biodiversity.
Habitat loss is driving a decline in biodiversity.
Remember it
“Bio” means life, and “diversity” means variety: biodiversity is the variety of living things.
Watch out
a biodiversitybiodiversityBiodiversity is normally uncountable.
Goes with
Words that go with biodiversity: protect biodiversity; loss of biodiversity; rich biodiversity; biodiversity loss. Similar and opposite
- Similar
- biological diversityvariety of life
- Opposite
- monoculture
Word family
The biodiversity family: biodiversity (noun), biodiverse (adjective). 
Band 8burnoutˈbɜːnaʊtnounPhysical or mental collapse caused by overwork or prolonged stress.
Burnt down to nothing: burnout is exhaustion from too much stress for too long. Physical or mental collapse caused by overwork or prolonged stress.
Long hours can lead to burnout.
She took time off to recover from burnout.
Remember it
Imagine a candle burning out after excessive use: burnout similarly follows prolonged stress or overwork.
Watch out
suffer from burn outsuffer from burnoutThe noun is written as one word.
Goes with
Words that go with burnout: suffer burnout; avoid burnout; risk of burnout; on the verge of burnout. Similar and opposite
- Similar
- exhaustionfatiguebreakdown
- Opposite
- freshnessvitality
Word family
The burnout family: burnout (noun), burn out (verb), burnt-out (adjective). 
Band 8censorshipˈsensəʃɪpnounThe suppression or control of information considered unacceptable.
Lines blacked out: censorship is hiding or controlling information. The suppression or control of information considered unacceptable.
The regime imposed strict censorship on the press.
Online censorship is a growing concern.
Watch out
censorship informationcensorship of informationUse 'of' before the thing being censored.
Goes with
Words that go with censorship: media censorship; strict censorship; impose censorship; internet censorship; freedom from censorship. Similar and opposite
- Similar
- suppressionrestrictioncontrol
- Opposite
- freedom of speechopenness
Word family
The censorship family: censorship (noun), censor (verb, noun), censored (adjective). 
Band 8cognitiveˈkɒɡnətɪvadjectiveRelating to the mental processes of thinking, learning, and understanding.
A puzzle being worked out: cognitive means to do with thinking, learning and understanding. Relating to the mental processes of thinking, learning, and understanding.
Early education supports children's cognitive development.
Sleep has a measurable effect on cognitive performance.
Remember it
From Latin cognoscere, “to know,” cognitive concerns knowing, thinking, and understanding.
Goes with
Words that go with cognitive: cognitive development; cognitive ability; cognitive skills; cognitive load. Similar and opposite
- Similar
- mentalintellectual
Word family
The cognitive family: cognitive (adjective), cognition (noun), cognitively (adverb). 
Band 8conducivekənˈdjuːsɪvadjectiveMaking a particular situation or outcome likely or possible.
Light, quiet and order: a desk like this is conducive to study, it makes good work likely. Making a particular situation or outcome likely or possible.
A quiet room is more conducive to studying.
The policy created an environment conducive to innovation.
Remember it
'Conduct' good conditions → they lead to (are conducive to) a good result.
Watch out
conducive for learningconducive to learningConducive takes 'to'.
Goes with
Words that go with conducive: conducive to learning; conducive environment; conducive to growth; conducive to something. Similar and opposite
- Similar
- favourablehelpfulbeneficial
- Opposite
- detrimentalunfavourable
Band 8cosmopolitanˌkɒzməˈpɒlɪtənadjectiveIncluding or influenced by people and cultures from many parts of the world.
The whole world on one street: a cosmopolitan city is full of different cultures. Including or influenced by people and cultures from many parts of the world.
London is a truly cosmopolitan city.
The area has a cosmopolitan atmosphere.
Remember it
Cosmopolitan combines Greek kosmos, “world,” and politēs, “citizen”: a world-minded, culturally diverse person or place.
Goes with
Words that go with cosmopolitan: cosmopolitan city; cosmopolitan atmosphere; a cosmopolitan outlook. Similar and opposite
- Similar
- multiculturalinternationalworldly
- Opposite
- provincialinsular
Word family
The cosmopolitan family: cosmopolitan (adjective), cosmopolitanism (noun). 
Band 8credibleˈkredəbladjectiveAble to be believed; convincing and trustworthy.
Trusted reference books: credible means believable and trustworthy. Able to be believed; convincing and trustworthy.
Always check that a source is credible.
She gave a credible account of events.
Remember it
Credible comes from Latin credere, meaning “to believe.”
Watch out
credablecredibleThe correct spelling contains 'ible'.
Goes with
Words that go with credible: credible source; credible evidence; highly credible; a credible source. Similar and opposite
- Similar
- believabletrustworthyreliable
- Opposite
- implausibleunreliabledubious
Word family
The credible family: credible (adjective), credibility (noun), credibly (adverb). 
Band 8cut cornerskʌt ˈkɔːnəzidiomTo do something in the cheapest or easiest way, often sacrificing quality.
A path worn across the corner to save time: to cut corners is to do something the quick, cheap way. To do something in the cheapest or easiest way, often sacrificing quality.
They cut corners on safety to save money.
You can't cut corners with customer service.
Remember it
Imagine cutting across a corner to save distance: cutting corners saves effort but may reduce quality.
Goes with
Words that go with cut corners: cut corners on; no cutting corners; cut corners. Similar and opposite
- Similar
- take shortcutsskimp
- Opposite
- do things properly
Band 8degradationˌdeɡrəˈdeɪʃnnounThe process by which the quality of the environment is damaged or reduced.
Good land worn down and cracked: degradation is damage that makes the environment worse. The process by which the quality of the environment is damaged or reduced.
Overfarming leads to soil degradation.
Environmental degradation threatens future generations.
Watch out
environmental degradeenvironmental degradationUse the noun after 'environmental'.
Goes with
Words that go with degradation: environmental degradation; soil degradation; land degradation; degradation of the environment. Similar and opposite
- Similar
- deteriorationdeclinedamage
- Opposite
- improvementrestoration
Word family
The degradation family: degradation (noun), degrade (verb), degraded (adjective). 
Band 8demographicˌdeməˈɡræfɪkadjectiveRelating to the structure of populations, such as age, income, or education.
Each stack a different group: demographic means about the make-up of a population. Relating to the structure of populations, such as age, income, or education.
The country faces major demographic change.
Advertisers target specific demographic groups.
Remember it
Demographic combines Greek roots meaning “people” and “write or describe,” describing population groups.
Watch out
demographic of the populationdemographics of the populationUse the plural noun for population statistics.
Goes with
Words that go with demographic: demographic change; demographic shift; demographic group; an ageing demographic. Similar and opposite
- Similar
- population-relatedstatistical
Word family
The demographic family: demographic (adjective), demographics (noun), demographically (adverb). 
Band 8depletiondɪˈpliːʃnnounThe reduction of something, especially a natural resource, by using it up.
The water almost gone: depletion is using up a resource until little is left. The reduction of something, especially a natural resource, by using it up.
The depletion of fish stocks worries scientists.
We must slow the depletion of natural resources.
Remember it
Depletion comes from Latin roots meaning “to empty,” as using up a resource empties its supply.
Goes with
Words that go with depletion: resource depletion; ozone depletion; depletion of stocks; the depletion of resources. Similar and opposite
- Similar
- exhaustionreductionusing up
- Opposite
- replenishmentrenewal
Word family
The depletion family: depletion (noun), deplete (verb), depleted (adjective). 
Band 8detoxifyˌdiːˈtɒksɪfaɪverbTo remove harmful substances from the body or a system.
Clean water and greens: to detoxify is to rid the body of harmful substances. To remove harmful substances from the body or a system.
The liver helps to detoxify the blood.
Some diets claim to detoxify the body.
Goes with
Words that go with detoxify: detoxify the body; detox programme; detox the body. Similar and opposite
- Similar
- cleansepurify
- Opposite
- contaminatepoison
Word family
The detoxify family: detoxify (verb), detoxification (noun), detox (noun). 
Band 8detrimentalˌdetrɪˈmentladjectiveTending to cause harm or damage.
The dirty water is killing the plant: something detrimental causes harm. Tending to cause harm or damage.
Plastic waste is detrimental to marine life.
A lack of sleep is detrimental to your health.
Watch out
detrimental for healthdetrimental to healthThe standard preposition is 'to'.
Goes with
Words that go with detrimental: detrimental effect; detrimental to health; detrimental impact; have a detrimental effect on. Similar and opposite
- Similar
- harmfuldamagingadverse
- Opposite
- beneficialadvantageous
Word family
The detrimental family: detrimental (adjective), detriment (noun), detrimentally (adverb). 
Band 8digital divideˈdɪdʒɪtl dɪˈvaɪdnounThe gap between people who have access to modern technology and those who do not.
One home connected, one not: the digital divide is the gap between those with technology and those without. The gap between people who have access to modern technology and those who do not.
The pandemic exposed a stark digital divide in schools.
Bridging the digital divide requires investment in infrastructure.
Goes with
Words that go with digital divide: bridge the digital divide; widen the digital divide; the digital divide. Similar and opposite
- Similar
- technology gapaccess gap
- Opposite
- digital inclusion
Band 8disruptivedɪsˈrʌptɪvadjectiveCausing radical change to an existing industry or market.
One phone replaced them all: disruptive change breaks up how a whole industry works. Causing radical change to an existing industry or market.
Streaming was a disruptive technology for the music industry.
Start-ups often thrive on disruptive ideas.
Remember it
From Latin disrumpere, “to break apart,” disruptive change breaks up established systems.
Goes with
Words that go with disruptive: disruptive technology; disruptive innovation; a disruptive force. Similar and opposite
- Similar
- groundbreakingrevolutionarytransformative
- Opposite
- conventionalincremental
Word family
The disruptive family: disruptive (adjective), disrupt (verb), disruption (noun), disruptor (noun). 
Band 8diversifydaɪˈvɜːsɪfaɪverbTo expand into a wider range of products, markets, or activities.
Not all the eggs in one basket: to diversify is to spread into more products or markets. To expand into a wider range of products, markets, or activities.
The firm diversified into new markets.
Investors are advised to diversify their portfolios.
Remember it
From Latin diversus, “different,” diversify means make something more varied or different.
Watch out
diversify in new marketsdiversify into new marketsUse into for expansion into an area.
Goes with
Words that go with diversify: diversify the economy; diversify into; diversify a portfolio; diversify your income. Similar and opposite
- Similar
- expandbranch outbroaden
- Opposite
- specialisenarrow
Word family
The diversify family: diversify (verb), diversification (noun), diverse (adjective), diversity (noun). 
Band 8finiteˈfaɪnaɪtadjectiveLimited in size or amount; having an end.
The sand will run out: finite means limited, with an end. Limited in size or amount; having an end.
Fossil fuels are a finite resource.
We have only a finite amount of time.
Remember it
Finite comes from Latin finis, meaning “end”: a finite supply has an end.
Watch out
finite resources are unlimitedfinite resources are limitedFinite means limited, not unlimited.
Goes with
Words that go with finite: finite resources; finite supply; finite resources. Similar and opposite
- Similar
- limitedrestrictedbounded
- Opposite
- infiniteunlimitedlimitless
Word family
The finite family: finite (adjective), infinite (adjective), infinitely (adverb). 
Band 8get off the groundɡet ɒf ðə ˈɡraʊndidiomTo start successfully or begin to operate.
Wheels leaving the runway: a project gets off the ground when it starts successfully. To start successfully or begin to operate.
The project never really got off the ground.
It took years for the start-up to get off the ground.
Remember it
A project that gets off the ground has successfully begun, like a plane starting its flight.
Goes with
Words that go with get off the ground: get a business off the ground; get off the ground. Similar and opposite
- Similar
- take offget startedlaunch
- Opposite
- stallfail
Band 8grassrootsˌɡrɑːsˈruːtsadjectiveInvolving ordinary people at a local level rather than leaders or organisations.
Growth from the roots up: grassroots action is started by ordinary people locally. Involving ordinary people at a local level rather than leaders or organisations.
The movement began as a grassroots campaign.
Change often starts at the grassroots level.
Watch out
grass root movementgrassroots movementThe adjective is normally written as one word.
Goes with
Words that go with grassroots: grassroots movement; grassroots level; grassroots support; at grassroots level. Similar and opposite
- Similar
- community-basedlocal
- Opposite
- top-down
Band 8holistichəˈlɪstɪkadjectiveDealing with the whole of something rather than its individual parts.
Every piece makes one picture: a holistic approach looks at the whole, not just the parts. Dealing with the whole of something rather than its individual parts.
The school takes a holistic approach to a child's development.
Good healthcare should be holistic, not just treat symptoms.
Remember it
Greek holos means “whole,” so holistic approaches consider the complete person or system.
Watch out
holisticlyholisticallyThe adverb is spelled with '-ally'.
Goes with
Words that go with holistic: holistic approach; holistic education; holistic development; look at the bigger picture. Similar and opposite
- Similar
- comprehensiveall-roundintegrated
- Opposite
- narrowfragmented
Word family
The holistic family: holistic (adjective), holism (noun), holistically (adverb). 
Band 8immerseɪˈmɜːsverbTo involve yourself deeply in an activity or environment.
Right under the surface: to immerse yourself in something is to get deeply involved in it. To involve yourself deeply in an activity or environment.
Travelling lets you immerse yourself in a new culture.
She immersed herself in the local language.
Remember it
From Latin immergere, “plunge into,” immerse means become deeply involved, as if submerged in an experience.
Watch out
immerse yourself into a cultureimmerse yourself in a cultureImmerse takes 'in'.
Goes with
Words that go with immerse: immerse yourself in; fully immerse; immersive experience; immerse yourself in the culture. Similar and opposite
- Similar
- absorbengrosssteep
- Opposite
- detach
Word family
The immerse family: immerse (verb), immersion (noun), immersive (adjective). 
Band 8intuitiveɪnˈtjuːɪtɪvadjectiveEasy to understand or use without conscious reasoning or instruction.
Each shape obviously fits its hole: intuitive means easy to use without being told how. Easy to understand or use without conscious reasoning or instruction.
The interface is clean and intuitive.
Good design feels intuitive to the user.
Goes with
Words that go with intuitive: intuitive design; intuitive interface; highly intuitive; intuitive to use. Similar and opposite
- Similar
- user-friendlyinstinctiveself-explanatory
- Opposite
- counterintuitiveconfusing
Word family
The intuitive family: intuitive (adjective), intuition (noun), intuitively (adverb). 
Band 8lucrativeˈluːkrətɪvadjectiveProducing a great deal of profit.
Money that keeps growing: a lucrative business makes a lot of profit. Producing a great deal of profit.
Consulting can be a lucrative career.
They signed a lucrative contract.
Remember it
The Latin root lucrum means “profit,” helping you remember that lucrative activities produce substantial profit.
Goes with
Words that go with lucrative: lucrative deal; lucrative career; highly lucrative; a lucrative opportunity. Similar and opposite
- Similar
- profitablewell-paidmoney-making
- Opposite
- unprofitableloss-making
Word family
The lucrative family: lucrative (adjective), lucratively (adverb). 
Band 8meticulousməˈtɪkjələsadjectiveShowing great attention to detail; very careful and precise.
Every tiny part in its exact place: a meticulous person is extremely careful with detail. Showing great attention to detail; very careful and precise.
Her meticulous notes made revision much easier.
The project required meticulous planning.
Watch out
meticulous on detailsmeticulous about detailsMeticulous usually takes 'about'.
Goes with
Words that go with meticulous: meticulous attention to detail; meticulous planning; meticulously researched; meticulous about something. Similar and opposite
- Similar
- thoroughpainstakingscrupulous
- Opposite
- carelesssloppyslapdash
Word family
The meticulous family: meticulous (adjective), meticulously (adverb), meticulousness (noun). 
Band 8misinformationˌmɪsɪnfəˈmeɪʃnnounFalse or inaccurate information, especially that spread unintentionally.
Signs pointing the wrong way: misinformation is false information that misleads people. False or inaccurate information, especially that spread unintentionally.
Social media can spread misinformation rapidly.
The campaign aims to combat misinformation.
Watch out
a misinformationmisinformationIt is normally uncountable.
Goes with
Words that go with misinformation: spread misinformation; combat misinformation; online misinformation; a wave of misinformation. Similar and opposite
- Similar
- falsehooddisinformationfake news
- Opposite
- accurate informationfacts
Word family
The misinformation family: misinformation (noun), misinform (verb), misinformed (adjective). 
Band 8obsoleteˈɒbsəliːtadjectiveNo longer produced or used; out of date.
Things nobody uses any more: obsolete means out of date and no longer used. No longer produced or used; out of date.
New models make older devices obsolete within a year.
Some skills quickly become obsolete in a fast-moving industry.
Remember it
From Latin obsolescere, “to grow old,” obsolete things are outdated and no longer useful.
Watch out
become obsoletedbecome obsoleteObsolete is normally the adjective used after 'become'.
Goes with
Words that go with obsolete: become obsolete; render obsolete; technologically obsolete; planned obsolescence. Similar and opposite
- Similar
- outdatedout of dateantiquateddefunct
- Opposite
- currentup to datemodern
Word family
The obsolete family: obsolete (adjective), obsolescence (noun), obsolescent (adjective). 
Band 8off the beaten trackɒf ðə ˌbiːtn ˈtrækidiomIn a place away from where people usually go; remote and unfamiliar.
Off the main road onto the small path: off the beaten track is somewhere few people go. In a place away from where people usually go; remote and unfamiliar.
We prefer destinations off the beaten track.
The village is well off the beaten track.
Remember it
Imagine leaving a well-used track: off the beaten track means away from usual tourist routes.
Goes with
Words that go with off the beaten track: get off the beaten track; off the beaten track. Similar and opposite
- Similar
- remotesecludedout of the way
- Opposite
- touristymainstream
Band 8offsetˌɒfˈsetverbTo counteract or balance out something with an opposing force or action.
The seedling balances the coal: to offset something is to cancel out its effect. To counteract or balance out something with an opposing force or action.
Airlines let passengers offset their carbon emissions.
Savings in one area offset the extra costs in another.
Remember it
To offset something is to set an opposing action against it, balancing its effect.
Goes with
Words that go with offset: offset emissions; carbon offset; offset the cost; offset something against. Similar and opposite
- Similar
- counterbalancecompensate forcounteract
- Opposite
- add tocompound
Word family
offsetverb · noun offset is a verb and a noun. 
Band 8outsourceˈaʊtsɔːsverbTo arrange for work to be done by an outside company rather than in-house.
The work goes out of the building: to outsource is to pay another company to do a job. To arrange for work to be done by an outside company rather than in-house.
Many firms outsource their customer service.
Production was outsourced to cut costs.
Watch out
outsource work from another companyoutsource work to another companyUse to for the external provider.
Goes with
Words that go with outsource: outsource production; outsource jobs; outsource to; outsource work overseas. Similar and opposite
- Similar
- contract outsubcontractfarm out
- Opposite
- insource
Word family
The outsource family: outsource (verb), outsourcing (noun), outsourced (adjective). 
Band 8pedagogyˈpedəɡɒdʒinounThe method and practice of teaching, especially as an academic subject.
A room arranged for how the lesson will be taught: pedagogy is the method and craft of teaching. The method and practice of teaching, especially as an academic subject.
Digital tools are reshaping classroom pedagogy.
Her research focuses on inclusive pedagogy for mixed-ability groups.
Remember it
Greek paidagōgos meant “child-leader”: pedagogy is the practice of guiding children’s learning.
Watch out
pedagogy methodspedagogical methodsUse the adjective before a noun.
Goes with
Words that go with pedagogy: modern pedagogy; inclusive pedagogy; pedagogical approach; a shift in pedagogy. Similar and opposite
- Similar
- teaching methodinstructiondidactics
Word family
The pedagogy family: pedagogy (noun), pedagogical (adjective), pedagogically (adverb). 
Band 8picturesqueˌpɪktʃəˈreskadjectiveVisually attractive, especially in a quaint or charming way.
Pretty as a painting: a picturesque place is charming to look at. Visually attractive, especially in a quaint or charming way.
We stayed in a picturesque fishing village.
The route winds through picturesque countryside.
Goes with
Words that go with picturesque: picturesque village; picturesque scenery; picturesque setting; a picturesque landscape. Similar and opposite
- Similar
- sceniccharmingquaint
- Opposite
- unattractivedrab
Word family
The picturesque family: picturesque (adjective), picture (noun). 
Band 8redundantrɪˈdʌndəntadjectiveNo longer needed or useful; (of a worker) no longer employed because the job is unnecessary.
The typewriter is no longer needed: redundant means not needed any more, and for a worker, a job that has gone. No longer needed or useful; (of a worker) no longer employed because the job is unnecessary.
New technology made several roles redundant.
Hundreds of workers were made redundant after the merger.
Goes with
Words that go with redundant: make redundant; become redundant; redundant workers; made redundant. Similar and opposite
- Similar
- unnecessarysuperfluoussurplus
- Opposite
- essentialnecessary
Word family
The redundant family: redundant (adjective), redundancy (noun), redundantly (adverb). 
Band 8rehabilitationˌriːəˌbɪlɪˈteɪʃnnounThe process of restoring someone to health or normal life through treatment or training.
Bars and steps to walk again: rehabilitation helps someone back to health step by step. The process of restoring someone to health or normal life through treatment or training.
Physical rehabilitation helped her walk again.
The programme focuses on the rehabilitation of offenders.
Remember it
Rehabilitation means making someone fit again; Latin habilis means “able” or “suitable.”
Goes with
Words that go with rehabilitation: physical rehabilitation; rehabilitation programme; drug rehabilitation; undergo rehabilitation. Similar and opposite
- Similar
- recoveryrestorationreintegration
Word family
The rehabilitation family: rehabilitation (noun), rehabilitate (verb), rehabilitative (adjective). 
Band 8resilientrɪˈzɪliəntadjectiveAble to recover quickly from difficulties; tough and adaptable.
A tree growing through rock and wind: resilient means able to recover quickly from difficulty. Able to recover quickly from difficulties; tough and adaptable.
The economy proved surprisingly resilient.
Resilient employees cope better with change.
Remember it
From Latin resilire, “to spring back,” resilient means able to recover quickly after difficulties.
Watch out
resilentresilientRe-sil-i-ent: there is an i before the e.
Goes with
Words that go with resilient: resilient economy; emotionally resilient; build resilience; bounce back. Similar and opposite
- Similar
- toughadaptablerobust
- Opposite
- fragilevulnerable
Word family
The resilient family: resilient (adjective), resilience (noun). 
Band 8seamlessˈsiːmləsadjectiveSmooth and continuous, with no awkward gaps or interruptions.
One smooth piece with no joins: seamless means smooth, with no awkward gaps or breaks. Smooth and continuous, with no awkward gaps or interruptions.
The app offers a seamless user experience.
The two systems work together seamlessly.
Remember it
Seamless fabric has no visible joins, like a smooth process without interruptions.
Goes with
Words that go with seamless: seamless integration; seamless experience; seamless transition; seamless integration. Similar and opposite
- Similar
- smoothuninterruptedfluid
- Opposite
- disjointedclunky
Word family
The seamless family: seamless (adjective), seamlessly (adverb), seam (noun). 
Band 8sedentaryˈsedntriadjectiveInvolving little physical activity; spending much time sitting down.
A worn sofa and unused trainers: a sedentary life is mostly sitting, with little movement. Involving little physical activity; spending much time sitting down.
A sedentary lifestyle increases the risk of heart disease.
Office work is often highly sedentary.
Remember it
'Sed-' relates to 'sit' (as in 'sediment' that settles), a sedentary person sits a lot.
Goes with
Words that go with sedentary: sedentary lifestyle; sedentary job; sedentary behaviour; lead a sedentary lifestyle. Similar and opposite
- Similar
- inactivedesk-bound
- Opposite
- activephysically active
Band 8stakeholderˈsteɪkhəʊldənounA person or group with an interest or concern in a business or project.
A seat at the table for each side: stakeholders are everyone with an interest in a project. A person or group with an interest or concern in a business or project.
The plan was drawn up in consultation with stakeholders.
Employees are key stakeholders in the company.
Remember it
Picture someone holding a stake in a project: a stakeholder has an interest in its outcome.
Goes with
Words that go with stakeholder: key stakeholder; engage stakeholders; stakeholder involvement; all stakeholders involved. Similar and opposite
- Similar
- interested partyshareholder
Word family
The stakeholder family: stakeholder (noun), stake (noun). 
Band 8streamlineˈstriːmlaɪnverbTo make a process or system more efficient by simplifying it.
A smooth shape with nothing to slow it: to streamline a process is to make it simpler and faster. To make a process or system more efficient by simplifying it.
The software streamlines the whole booking process.
We streamlined operations to cut costs.
Remember it
A streamlined object has a smooth shape; streamline a process by removing unnecessary obstacles.
Goes with
Words that go with streamline: streamline the process; streamline operations; streamline workflow; streamline something. Similar and opposite
- Similar
- simplifyoptimiserationalise
- Opposite
- complicateovercomplicate
Word family
The streamline family: streamline (verb), streamlined (adjective), streamlining (noun). 
Band 8surveillancesəˈveɪlənsnounClose observation of a person or place, especially by cameras or digital tracking.
Cameras watching over a square: surveillance is close watching of people or places. Close observation of a person or place, especially by cameras or digital tracking.
Cities are increasingly covered by video surveillance.
Critics warn of a growing surveillance culture.
Remember it
French surveiller means “to watch over,” matching close observation.
Watch out
a surveillancesurveillanceSurveillance is usually uncountable.
Goes with
Words that go with surveillance: under surveillance; mass surveillance; surveillance camera; keep under surveillance. Similar and opposite
- Similar
- monitoringobservationtracking
- Opposite
- privacy
Band 8susceptiblesəˈseptəbladjectiveLikely to be influenced or harmed by a particular thing.
The paper boat soaks it up: susceptible means easily affected or harmed by something. Likely to be influenced or harmed by a particular thing.
Young children are especially susceptible to infection.
Some people are more susceptible to stress than others.
Watch out
susceptible for infectionsusceptible to infectionUse to after susceptible.
Goes with
Words that go with susceptible: susceptible to; highly susceptible; susceptible to disease; be susceptible to. Similar and opposite
- Similar
- vulnerableproneat risk
- Opposite
- resistantimmune
Word family
The susceptible family: susceptible (adjective), susceptibility (noun). 
Band 8take at face valueteɪk ət ˌfeɪs ˈvæljuːidiomTo accept something as it appears, without questioning it.
Perfect outside, rotten inside: to take something at face value is to accept it without looking deeper. To accept something as it appears, without questioning it.
Don't take everything you read at face value.
She took his promise at face value.
Watch out
take it on face valuetake it at face valueThe fixed preposition is 'at'.
Goes with
Words that go with take at face value: take at face value; accept at face value; at face value. Similar and opposite
- Similar
- accept as truetake literally
- Opposite
- questionbe sceptical of
Band 8take with a pinch of saltteɪk wɪð ə ˌpɪntʃ əv ˈsɔːltidiomTo regard information as likely to be exaggerated or untrue.
Add a pinch of salt: take a story with a pinch of salt when it may not be fully true. To regard information as likely to be exaggerated or untrue.
Take online reviews with a pinch of salt.
I'd take that statistic with a pinch of salt.
Goes with
Words that go with take with a pinch of salt: take something with a pinch of salt; with a pinch of salt. Similar and opposite
- Similar
- be sceptical ofdoubt
- Opposite
- take at face value
Band 8tipping pointˈtɪpɪŋ pɔɪntnounThe critical point at which a change becomes unstoppable or irreversible.
One nudge more and it falls: a tipping point is where a change becomes unstoppable. The critical point at which a change becomes unstoppable or irreversible.
Scientists warn the climate may be nearing a tipping point.
The campaign reached a tipping point and support surged.
Remember it
Picture a glass tipping: beyond the critical point, the change becomes difficult or impossible to stop.
Goes with
Words that go with tipping point: reach a tipping point; climate tipping point; past the tipping point. Similar and opposite
- Similar
- critical pointthresholdturning point
Band 8transparencytrænsˈpærənsinounOpenness and honesty, so that actions and information can be easily seen and understood.
Glass you can see right through: transparency means openness, nothing hidden. Openness and honesty, so that actions and information can be easily seen and understood.
Voters are demanding greater transparency.
The company promised full transparency about its data use.
Remember it
Transparency suggests being clear enough to see through, like transparent glass.
Goes with
Words that go with transparency: greater transparency; financial transparency; lack of transparency; a culture of transparency. Similar and opposite
- Similar
- opennessaccountabilitycandour
- Opposite
- secrecyconcealment
Word family
The transparency family: transparency (noun), transparent (adjective), transparently (adverb). 
Band 8urbanisationˌɜːbənaɪˈzeɪʃnnounThe increasing movement of people from rural areas into towns and cities.
Fields turning into city: urbanisation is people moving from the countryside into towns. The increasing movement of people from rural areas into towns and cities.
Rapid urbanisation has strained public services.
Urbanisation is changing traditional ways of life.
Remember it
Urbanisation relates to Latin urbs, meaning “city.”
Goes with
Words that go with urbanisation: rapid urbanisation; the pace of urbanisation; the process of urbanisation. Similar and opposite
- Similar
- city growth
- Opposite
- rural depopulation
Word family
The urbanisation family: urbanisation (noun), urbanise (verb), urbanised (adjective), urban (adjective). 
Band 8viableˈvaɪəbladjectiveCapable of working successfully; feasible.
A seed that has taken root: a viable plan can work and survive. Capable of working successfully; feasible.
The business is no longer commercially viable.
Solar power is a viable alternative to coal.
Remember it
From Latin vita, “life,” viable describes something capable of surviving or working successfully.
Watch out
financial viablefinancially viableUse the adverb to modify viable.
Goes with
Words that go with viable: commercially viable; viable option; economically viable; a viable alternative. Similar and opposite
- Similar
- feasibleworkablepracticable
- Opposite
- unviableimpractical
Word family
The viable family: viable (adjective), viability (noun).