IELTS Speaking · Vocabulary
vocational
adjectivevəʊˈkeɪʃənlBand 7
Last updated 2 September 2026
In short
“vocational” is a Band 7 adjective that means relating to training that prepares people for a specific trade or occupation. 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
Relating to training that prepares people for a specific trade or occupation.
Example sentences
- “Vocational courses give students practical, job-ready skills.”
- “There is growing demand for vocational training in the trades.”
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms
occupationalcareer-focusedpractical
Antonyms
academictheoretical
Collocations & common phrases
Collocations
vocational trainingvocational qualificationvocational course
Common phrases
a vocational route into work
Related words
Explore more vocabulary
Frequently asked questions
What does “vocational” mean?
Relating to training that prepares people for a specific trade or occupation.
How do you use “vocational” in a sentence?
For example: “Vocational courses give students practical, job-ready skills.”
What are some synonyms for “vocational”?
Synonyms include occupational, career-focused, practical.
Is “vocational” good vocabulary for IELTS Speaking?
Yes. It is Band 7 vocabulary, and collocations such as vocational training, vocational qualification, vocational course help you use it naturally. Reaching for precise, less common words like this is exactly what lifts your Lexical Resource score.