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IELTS B2 · C1 · word list

IELTS word list: the 789 most frequent B2 and C1 words

Every word with its meaning and an example sentence, most frequent first.

community

A group of people living in the same area or sharing common interests or characteristics

The community rallied together to support families affected by the flooding.

stock

Goods kept for sale; a supply of materials; shares in a company; to keep a supply of

The store decided to stock more organic products in response to growing consumer demand for healthy options.

found

To establish or originate an institution or organization; to lay the groundwork for

The philanthropist decided to found a research institute dedicated to advancing medical breakthroughs.

media

The main means of mass communication, including television, radio, newspapers, and the internet

The proliferation of social media has fundamentally transformed how news is disseminated and consumed globally.

project

A planned piece of work designed to achieve a particular aim; to estimate future amounts

The infrastructure project is expected to create thousands of jobs over the next five years.

minister

A senior member of government heading a department; a member of the clergy; to attend to needs

The finance minister announced a series of reforms aimed at reducing the national debt and stimulating growth.

united

Joined together for a common purpose; in agreement or harmony

The community remained united in their efforts to rebuild after the devastating flood destroyed their homes.

data

Facts, statistics, or information collected for analysis or reference

The research team collected data from thousands of participants.

expected

Regarded as likely to happen; anticipated or predicted based on available information

The expected increase in demand has prompted manufacturers to expand production capacity.

investment

The allocation of money or resources with the expectation of future benefit or profit

Investment in research and development drives innovation and long-term competitive advantage.

energy

The capacity for work or vigorous activity; the fundamental force driving physical and biological processes

Renewable energy sources are becoming increasingly competitive with traditional fossil fuels in cost efficiency.

known

Recognized, familiar, or within the scope of knowledge; established as true

The scientist is known internationally for groundbreaking research in renewable energy.

federal

Relating to the central government of a union of states; nationwide rather than local

Federal regulations require companies to disclose material information to shareholders and regulators.

moving

Causing strong emotions, especially sadness or sympathy; in motion

The documentary featured moving testimonies from survivors that brought many viewers to tears.

potential

Having the capacity to develop into something; latent qualities or abilities

The manager recognized her potential and offered her opportunities for professional development.

purchase

To buy something; the act of buying; something that has been bought

Customers must show identification when making a purchase with a credit card.

remains

What is left over after other parts have been removed or destroyed; historical ruins or a person's body after death

Archaeologists discovered the remains of an ancient Roman settlement beneath the foundations of the modern building.

means

A method, way, or instrument by which something is achieved; financial resources or income

The scholarship provides students of limited means with the opportunity to pursue higher education.

campaign

An organised course of action to achieve a goal; a series of military operations

The advocacy campaign successfully raised awareness of environmental issues.

decade

A period of ten years

The past decade has witnessed remarkable technological advancements.

user

A person who uses or operates something, especially a computer system or service

The platform now has over ten million active users engaging with content daily.

executive

A senior manager with significant decision-making authority in an organization

The board appointed a new chief executive to lead the company through its restructuring phase.

prime

Of first importance; main; of the best quality

The city center location is prime real estate, commanding premium prices.

previously

At an earlier time; before

The building, previously used as a warehouse, has been converted into modern apartments.

analyst

A person who examines and interprets data or information

The financial analyst predicted that the market would recover by autumn.

multiple

Consisting of, having, or involving many parts, elements, or members

The investigation revealed multiple factors contributed to the accident rather than a single cause.

investor

A person or organization that puts money into financial ventures expecting profit

Institutional investors have increasingly prioritized environmental and social governance criteria.

stake

A strong wooden or metal post; something at risk; a share or interest in something

The investor acquired a significant stake in the technology company, becoming one of its largest shareholders.

sector

A distinct part or division of something larger, especially an area of economic activity

The technology sector has experienced unprecedented growth, transforming the global economy over the past two decades.

growing

Increasing in size, amount, or degree; developing or expanding

The growing demand for sustainable products has transformed consumer behavior and corporate practices.

standard

A level of quality or attainment; a model used for comparison; normal or customary

The company maintains strict quality standards to ensure that all products meet customer expectations.

planning

The process of making plans for something; the systematic organization of resources to achieve goals

Effective project planning is essential to ensure that deadlines are met and resources are used efficiently.

revenue

Income generated from business operations, investments, or government taxation

The company reported record revenue growth of fifteen percent compared to the same quarter last year.

identify

To establish or indicate who or what someone or something is; to recognize or distinguish

The audit aimed to identify potential vulnerabilities in the organization's cybersecurity framework.

advance

To move forward; progress or development

Scientists have made a significant advance in cancer research this year.

alongside

Close beside; together with

They worked alongside each other on the project for over six months.

update

A report or account that brings information up to the current time; an act of updating something

The project manager requested weekly updates on all ongoing initiatives from department heads.

lower

To move something to a less high position; to reduce in amount, degree, or intensity

The central bank decided to lower interest rates to stimulate economic growth during the recession.

contract

A legally binding agreement; to decrease in size; to acquire an illness

Both parties must sign the contract before work can commence.

environment

The surrounding conditions, influences, and forces that affect the development and behavior of organisms

The workplace environment significantly influences employee productivity and job satisfaction levels.

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3,215

Total Words

B2 · C1

Levels

2026

Updated

Related Guides

IELTS Vocabulary FAQ

How many words do I need for IELTS Band 7+?

For Band 7+, you should have an active vocabulary of around 7,000-8,000 words. However, more important than quantity is depth: Can you use synonyms, form collocations, and use words in the right context? The 789 most frequent B2 and C1 words on this page are the best place to start; the full 3,215-word bank with audio and exercises is inside the trainer.

Should I learn British or American English for IELTS?

IELTS accepts both varieties. What matters is consistency: if you write "colour", stay with British spelling throughout. Examiners are used to both. Tip: pick the variety you have had more exposure to through films, books or work.

What is the most effective way to learn IELTS vocabulary?

Learn words in context — in sentences and collocations, not as isolated items. Use spaced repetition, group words by IELTS topics (environment, technology, education) and write two or three sentences with new words every day. Frequency-ordered lists like this one make sure you spend your time on words you will actually meet.

Which vocabulary categories are most important for IELTS?

The most common IELTS topics are: Education & Learning, Environment & Sustainability, Technology & Innovation, Health & Lifestyle, and Society & Culture. Academic verbs (analyze, evaluate, demonstrate) and linking words (furthermore, nevertheless, consequently) are particularly important for Writing and Speaking.

Is vocabulary alone enough for a good IELTS score?

No. Vocabulary (Lexical Resource) is one of four criteria in Speaking and Writing; you also need grammatical range, coherence and task achievement. A rich vocabulary helps enormously, though: it lets you be precise and avoid repetition.