IELTS Speaking · Vocabulary
offset
verb/ˌɒfˈset/Band 8
Last updated 21 July 2026
In short
“offset” is a Band 8 verb that means to counteract or balance out something with an opposing force or action. 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
To counteract or balance out something with an opposing force or action.
Example sentences
Natural, spoken examples at the level an examiner rewards.
- “Airlines let passengers offset their carbon emissions.”
- “Savings in one area offset the extra costs in another.”
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms
counterbalancecompensate forcounteract
Antonyms
add tocompound
Collocations & common phrases
Word partners that make your usage sound natural — the difference between knowing a word and using it well.
Collocations
offset emissionscarbon offsetoffset the cost
Common phrases
offset something against
Related words
Explore more vocabulary
Frequently asked questions
What does “offset” mean?
To counteract or balance out something with an opposing force or action.
How do you use “offset” in a sentence?
For example: “Airlines let passengers offset their carbon emissions.”
What are some synonyms for “offset”?
Synonyms include counterbalance, compensate for, counteract.
Is “offset” good vocabulary for IELTS Speaking?
Yes. It is Band 8 vocabulary, and collocations such as offset emissions, carbon offset, offset the cost 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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