IELTS Speaking · Vocabulary

lucrative

adjective/ˈluːkrətɪv/Band 8

Last updated 21 July 2026

In short

“lucrative” is a Band 8 adjective that means producing a great deal of profit. Below you'll find its pronunciation, natural example sentences, synonyms and antonyms, and the collocations that help you use it accurately in the IELTS Speaking test.

Meaning

Producing a great deal of profit.

Example sentences

Natural, spoken examples at the level an examiner rewards.

  • Consulting can be a lucrative career.
  • They signed a lucrative contract.

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms

profitablewell-paidmoney-making

Antonyms

unprofitableloss-making

Collocations & common phrases

Word partners that make your usage sound natural — the difference between knowing a word and using it well.

Collocations

lucrative deallucrative careerhighly lucrative

Common phrases

a lucrative opportunity

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Frequently asked questions

What does “lucrative” mean?
Producing a great deal of profit.
How do you use “lucrative” in a sentence?
For example: “Consulting can be a lucrative career.”
What are some synonyms for “lucrative”?
Synonyms include profitable, well-paid, money-making.
Is “lucrative” good vocabulary for IELTS Speaking?
Yes. It is Band 8 vocabulary, and collocations such as lucrative deal, lucrative career, highly lucrative help you use it naturally. Reaching for precise, less common words like this is exactly what lifts your Lexical Resource score.

Next step

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