Society & Culture vocabulary for IELTS Speaking
- 33 words
- Band 6 to 9
- Every word and sentence read aloud
Study all 33 words
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diversity
/daɪˈvɜːsəti/nounB2
The state of having a range of different people or things.
Every colour and kind together: diversity means a range of different people or things.
- “The city celebrates its cultural diversity.”
- “Diversity in the workplace brings fresh ideas.”
Similar: variety, multiplicity, range
A Band 6 word. Try it in a phrase: “embrace diversity”.
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The topic at a glance
Society & Culture
33 words
Society & Culture
33 words
Nouns 22
Adjectives 7
Verbs 3
Phrases & idioms 1
Every word
33 words
Band 6diversitydaɪˈvɜːsətinounThe state of having a range of different people or things.
Every colour and kind together: diversity means a range of different people or things. The state of having a range of different people or things.
The city celebrates its cultural diversity.
Diversity in the workplace brings fresh ideas.
Goes with
Words that go with diversity: cultural diversity; promote diversity; diversity and inclusion; embrace diversity. Similar and opposite
- Similar
- varietymultiplicityrange
- Opposite
- uniformityhomogeneity
Word family
The diversity family: diversity (noun), diverse (adjective), diversify (verb), diversification (noun). 
Band 6literacyˈlɪtərəsinounThe ability to read and write; competence in a specified area.
A pencil to write, a book to read: literacy is the ability to read and write. The ability to read and write; competence in a specified area.
Adult literacy programmes have reached thousands of learners.
Digital literacy is now as important as traditional literacy.
Remember it
Literacy connects to Latin littera, “letter,” helping you remember reading and writing.
Goes with
Words that go with literacy: adult literacy; digital literacy; financial literacy; literacy rate; improve literacy levels. Similar and opposite
- Similar
- reading abilitycompetence
- Opposite
- illiteracy
Word family
The literacy family: literacy (noun), literate (adjective), illiterate (adjective), illiteracy (noun). 
Band 6welfareˈwelfeənounThe health, happiness, and general wellbeing of a person or group; state support.
Food and help ready for those in need: welfare is people's wellbeing, and the support that protects it. The health, happiness, and general wellbeing of a person or group; state support.
The charity works for the welfare of children.
Some families rely on welfare payments.
Remember it
Welfare combines “well” and an old sense of “fare,” meaning a person’s well-being or how they are doing.
Watch out
welfareswelfareUsually uncountable when referring to wellbeing or state support.
Goes with
Words that go with welfare: social welfare; welfare state; child welfare; the welfare of citizens. Similar and opposite
- Similar
- wellbeingwellnessbenefit
- Opposite
- hardshipneglect
Band 7biasˈbaɪəsnounA tendency to favour or oppose something unfairly, affecting judgement.
Two equal apples, yet the scale tips one way: bias is a tilt in judgement that unfairly favours one side. A tendency to favour or oppose something unfairly, affecting judgement.
Readers accused the paper of political bias.
Good journalism should be free of bias.
Remember it
Bias originally meant a slant or oblique direction, suggesting an unfair tilt in judgement.
Watch out
biasnessbiasThe noun is 'bias', not 'biasness'.
Goes with
Words that go with bias: media bias; political bias; show bias; unconscious bias; free from bias. Similar and opposite
- Similar
- prejudicepartialityslant
- Opposite
- impartialityobjectivityneutrality
Word family
The bias family: bias (noun), biased (adjective), unbiased (adjective). 
Band 7close-knitˌkləʊs ˈnɪtadjective(Of a group) bound together by strong relationships and shared interests.
Stitches knitted tightly together: a close-knit group has strong bonds. (Of a group) bound together by strong relationships and shared interests.
They come from a close-knit community.
Ours is a close-knit family.
Watch out
closeknitclose-knitRetain the hyphen when the adjective comes before a noun.
Goes with
Words that go with close-knit: close-knit community; close-knit family; close-knit team; a close-knit community. Similar and opposite
- Similar
- tight-knitcloseunited
- Opposite
- fragmenteddistant
Band 7epidemicˌepɪˈdemɪknounA widespread occurrence of a disease, or a rapid rise in something harmful.
Beds made ready all down the corridor: an epidemic is a disease spreading fast to many people. A widespread occurrence of a disease, or a rapid rise in something harmful.
The country is battling a flu epidemic.
Some experts describe obesity as an epidemic.
Remember it
Epidemic combines Greek epi, “upon,” with demos, “people”: a disease spreading among people.
Goes with
Words that go with epidemic: flu epidemic; obesity epidemic; contain an epidemic; reach epidemic proportions. Similar and opposite
- Similar
- outbreakplague
Word family
The epidemic family: epidemic (noun), epidemiology (noun), epidemiologist (noun), epidemiological (adjective). 
Band 7incentiveɪnˈsentɪvnounSomething that motivates or encourages someone to do something.
A prize waiting at the finish: an incentive is something that makes you want to act. Something that motivates or encourages someone to do something.
Bonuses act as an incentive to work harder.
There is little incentive to change.
Watch out
an incentive for do somethingan incentive to do somethingUse to before a verb.
Goes with
Words that go with incentive: financial incentive; provide an incentive; incentive to; an incentive to do something. Similar and opposite
- Similar
- motivationencouragementinducement
- Opposite
- deterrentdisincentive
Word family
The incentive family: incentive (noun), incentivise (verb). 
Band 7inequalityˌɪnɪˈkwɒlətinounAn unfair difference between groups of people in status, wealth, or opportunity.
One plate full, one nearly empty: inequality is an unfair difference between groups. An unfair difference between groups of people in status, wealth, or opportunity.
The gap has widened social inequality.
Education can help reduce inequality.
Watch out
inequality among two groupsinequality between two groupsUse 'between' for two groups.
Goes with
Words that go with inequality: social inequality; income inequality; gender inequality; tackle inequality; a widening inequality. Similar and opposite
- Similar
- disparityimbalanceunfairness
- Opposite
- equalityparity
Word family
The inequality family: inequality (noun), unequal (adjective), equality (noun), equal (adjective). 
Band 7influentialˌɪnfluˈenʃladjectiveHaving a great effect on someone or something.
One stone, ripples everywhere: influential means having a big effect on others. Having a great effect on someone or something.
She is one of the most influential voices in journalism.
The report was highly influential in shaping policy.
Remember it
Influential comes from Latin roots meaning “flow into,” suggesting an effect flowing into someone’s thinking or actions.
Watch out
influential toinfluential in/onUse 'influential in' an area or 'influential on' someone.
Goes with
Words that go with influential: highly influential; influential figure; influential role; an influential voice. Similar and opposite
- Similar
- powerfulimportantauthoritative
- Opposite
- insignificantpowerless
Word family
The influential family: influential (adjective), influence (noun, verb). 
Band 7integrationˌɪntɪˈɡreɪʃnnounThe process of combining people or groups into a unified society or system.
Separate threads woven into one cloth: integration brings different groups together as one. The process of combining people or groups into a unified society or system.
Language classes support the integration of newcomers.
Social integration takes time and effort.
Remember it
Integration comes from Latin roots meaning “make whole,” linking it to combining separate parts into one.
Watch out
integration into the societyintegration into societyNo article is normally used with society in this general sense.
Goes with
Words that go with integration: social integration; economic integration; promote integration; the integration of communities. Similar and opposite
- Similar
- assimilationincorporationunification
- Opposite
- segregationexclusion
Word family
The integration family: integration (noun), integrate (verb), integrated (adjective). 
Band 7intellectualˌɪntəˈlektʃuəladjectiveRelating to the ability to think and understand ideas at a high level.
A room built for ideas: intellectual means to do with thinking and understanding at a high level. Relating to the ability to think and understand ideas at a high level.
University should offer genuine intellectual challenge.
Reading widely stimulates intellectual curiosity.
Goes with
Words that go with intellectual: intellectual curiosity; intellectual challenge; intellectual property; intellectually demanding. Similar and opposite
- Similar
- cerebralacademicscholarly
- Opposite
- unintellectual
Word family
The intellectual family: intellectual (adjective), intellect (noun), intellectually (adverb). 
Band 7normnɔːmnounA standard or pattern of behaviour that is typical or expected in a society.
Everything the same, the expected way: a norm is the usual way of behaving in a society. A standard or pattern of behaviour that is typical or expected in a society.
Working from home has become the norm.
Social norms vary from culture to culture.
Remember it
Norm comes from Latin norma, meaning a rule or standard.
Goes with
Words that go with norm: social norms; cultural norms; become the norm; the norm rather than the exception. Similar and opposite
- Similar
- standardconventionrule
- Opposite
- exceptionanomaly
Word family
The norm family: norm (noun), normal (adjective), normally (adverb), normality (noun), normalise (verb). 
Band 7prejudiceˈpredʒədɪsnounAn unfair opinion about someone formed without reason or knowledge.
The verdict before the book is opened: prejudice is judging before you know the facts. An unfair opinion about someone formed without reason or knowledge.
Education can help break down prejudice.
She faced prejudice because of her accent.
Remember it
Prejudice comes from Latin roots meaning “judge beforehand,” before knowing the facts.
Watch out
prejudice towards someoneprejudice against someoneUsually used with 'against' when describing unfair treatment.
Goes with
Words that go with prejudice: racial prejudice; overcome prejudice; deep-seated prejudice; without prejudice. Similar and opposite
- Similar
- biasbigotryintolerance
- Opposite
- toleranceopen-mindedness
Word family
The prejudice family: prejudice (noun, verb), prejudiced (adjective), prejudicial (adjective). 
Band 7recessionrɪˈseʃnnounA period of temporary economic decline with reduced trade and activity.
Shutters down all along the street: a recession is a time when the economy shrinks. A period of temporary economic decline with reduced trade and activity.
The economy slipped into recession.
Many small firms closed during the recession.
Remember it
From Latin recedere, “to withdraw,” recession describes an economy pulling back or declining.
Goes with
Words that go with recession: economic recession; slide into recession; global recession; in the grip of a recession. Similar and opposite
- Similar
- downturnslumpdepression
- Opposite
- boomrecoveryupturn
Word family
The recession family: recession (noun), recessionary (adjective). 
Band 7revolutioniseˌrevəˈluːʃənaɪzverbTo change something completely and fundamentally, usually for the better.
From petrol can to plug: to revolutionise something is to change it completely. To change something completely and fundamentally, usually for the better.
The internet has revolutionised the way we communicate.
AI could revolutionise healthcare.
Goes with
Words that go with revolutionise: revolutionise an industry; completely revolutionise; revolutionise the way we…. Similar and opposite
- Similar
- transformoverhaulreinvent
- Opposite
- preservemaintain
Word family
The revolutionise family: revolutionise (verb), revolution (noun), revolutionary (adjective). 
Band 7walk of lifeˌwɔːk əv ˈlaɪfidiomA person's occupation or position within society.
Shoes from different jobs: your walk of life is your job or place in society. A person's occupation or position within society.
The club welcomes people from all walks of life.
You meet every walk of life in this job.
Watch out
people from every walks of lifepeople from every walk of life'every' is followed by a singular noun.
Goes with
Words that go with walk of life: all walks of life; every walk of life; people from all walks of life. Similar and opposite
- Similar
- backgroundsocial class
Band 7wellbeingˌwelˈbiːɪŋnounThe state of being comfortable, healthy, and happy.
Calm, light and good habits: wellbeing is feeling healthy, comfortable and happy. The state of being comfortable, healthy, and happy.
Employers are paying more attention to staff wellbeing.
Exercise improves both physical and mental wellbeing.
Goes with
Words that go with wellbeing: mental wellbeing; sense of wellbeing; promote wellbeing; a sense of wellbeing. Similar and opposite
- Similar
- welfarewellnesshealth
- Opposite
- distressill health
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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 9alleviateəˈliːvieɪtverbTo make pain, suffering, or a problem less severe.
Warmth and tea ease the ache: to alleviate pain is to make it lighter. To make pain, suffering, or a problem less severe.
Painkillers can alleviate the symptoms.
The scheme was set up to alleviate poverty.
Remember it
Alleviate comes from Latin levis, “light”: to alleviate suffering is to make it feel lighter.
Watch out
alleviate from painalleviate painAlleviate takes a direct object.
Goes with
Words that go with alleviate: alleviate pain; alleviate symptoms; alleviate suffering; help to alleviate. Similar and opposite
- Similar
- easerelievereducesoothe
- Opposite
- aggravateworsenintensify
Word family
The alleviate family: alleviate (verb), alleviation (noun). 
Band 9cohesionkəʊˈhiːʒnnounThe state of forming a united whole; unity within a group.
Tied together, the sticks will not break: cohesion is a group holding together as one. The state of forming a united whole; unity within a group.
Community events strengthen social cohesion.
The team lacked cohesion.
Remember it
Cohesion comes from Latin roots meaning “stick together,” like members forming a united group.
Goes with
Words that go with cohesion: social cohesion; community cohesion; lack of cohesion; a sense of cohesion. Similar and opposite
- Similar
- unitysolidaritytogetherness
- Opposite
- divisionfragmentation
Word family
The cohesion family: cohesion (noun), cohesive (adjective), cohesively (adverb). 
Band 9marginaliseˈmɑːdʒɪnəlaɪzverbTo treat a person or group as insignificant or push them to the edge of society.
One piece pushed to the edge: to marginalise people is to push them to the side of society. To treat a person or group as insignificant or push them to the edge of society.
The policy risks marginalising vulnerable groups.
Minorities are often marginalised in the media.
Remember it
To marginalise someone is to push them to the margin, the outer edge of society.
Goes with
Words that go with marginalise: marginalised groups; marginalised communities; socially marginalised; pushed to the margins. Similar and opposite
- Similar
- excludesidelineisolate
- Opposite
- includeembrace
Word family
The marginalise family: marginalise (verb), marginalisation (noun), marginal (adjective), marginally (adverb). 
Band 9philanthropyfɪˈlænθrəpinounThe practice of giving money and time to help improve the lives of others.
Gifts ready to give away: philanthropy is giving money and time to help others. The practice of giving money and time to help improve the lives of others.
The foundation is known for its philanthropy.
Corporate philanthropy has grown in recent years.
Remember it
Philanthropy combines Greek roots meaning “love of humanity,” linking it to helping people.
Watch out
philanthropist activityphilanthropic activityUse the adjective, not the person noun.
Goes with
Words that go with philanthropy: corporate philanthropy; act of philanthropy; a spirit of philanthropy. Similar and opposite
- Similar
- charitygenerositybenevolence
- Opposite
- selfishnessgreed
Word family
The philanthropy family: philanthropy (noun), philanthropist (noun), philanthropic (adjective), philanthropically (adverb). 
Band 9scrutinyˈskruːtəninounCritical observation or examination.
Every detail examined under the glass: scrutiny is close, critical examination. Critical observation or examination.
Public figures are under constant media scrutiny.
The claims did not stand up to scrutiny.
Remember it
Scrutiny comes from Latin roots meaning “search” or “examine closely.”
Watch out
under close scrutiniesunder close scrutinyScrutiny is usually uncountable.
Goes with
Words that go with scrutiny: public scrutiny; under scrutiny; close scrutiny; come under scrutiny; stand up to scrutiny. Similar and opposite
- Similar
- examinationinspectionclose examination
- Opposite
- neglectdisregard
Word family
The scrutiny family: scrutiny (noun), scrutinise (verb). 
Band 9ubiquitousjuˈbɪkwɪtəsadjectivePresent, appearing, or found everywhere.
Phones covering every inch: something ubiquitous is found everywhere you look. Present, appearing, or found everywhere.
Smartphones have become ubiquitous.
Wi-Fi is now almost ubiquitous in cities.
Remember it
Think 'you-bik-witous' → it's wherever YOU look.
Watch out
ubiquitous everywhereubiquitousUbiquitous already means present everywhere.
Goes with
Words that go with ubiquitous: become ubiquitous; ubiquitous presence; all but ubiquitous. Similar and opposite
- Similar
- omnipresentpervasiveeverywhere
- Opposite
- rarescarce
Word family
The ubiquitous family: ubiquitous (adjective), ubiquity (noun), ubiquitously (adverb).