100 Must-Know Academic English Words for IELTS

To increase suddenly and dramatically; a sudden powerful forward movement or rapid increase.

"Online enrolment surged by 45% during the first quarter of 2025, driven by rising demand for remote education."

To fall or drop sharply and rapidly in value, amount, or degree.

"House prices plummeted in the aftermath of the financial crisis, leaving many homeowners in negative equity."

To rise and fall irregularly; to vary unpredictably.

"Exchange rates fluctuated throughout the year, making it difficult for exporters to plan ahead."

To reach a level and stay there without further increase; a period of stability after growth.

"After a decade of rapid expansion, internet penetration in the region plateaued at approximately 78%."

To increase rapidly or make something become more intense or serious.

"Healthcare costs escalated sharply, prompting the government to introduce sweeping reforms to the public insurance system."

To become or make smaller, weaker, or less important over time.

"The influence of print media has diminished considerably since the widespread adoption of smartphones."

To rise quickly to a high level; to increase far above the usual amount.

"Unemployment soared to 12% during the recession, disproportionately affecting young workers."

To stop developing, growing, or making progress; to become inactive.

"Wages stagnated for nearly a decade while the cost of living continued to climb."

To reach the highest point or maximum level before declining.

"Carbon emissions peaked in 2024 before declining as renewable energy sources became more widely adopted."

To decrease gradually in size, strength, or importance over a period.

"The chart shows a steady decline in birth rates across all developed nations between 2000 and 2020."

To become or make steady and unlikely to change or fail.

"After months of volatility, the currency stabilized at around 1.15 against the dollar."

To happen or make something happen faster or earlier than expected.

"The pandemic accelerated the shift to digital learning, compressing a decade of change into two years."

To become progressively worse in quality, condition, or functionality.

"Air quality in major cities continued to deteriorate despite tighter vehicle emission standards."

To return to a normal state of health, strength, or prosperity after a period of difficulty.

"The tourism sector recovered more slowly than manufacturing, taking nearly three years to reach pre-pandemic levels."

To gradually become smaller, fewer, or less until almost nothing remains.

"Public funding for the arts has dwindled over the past two decades, forcing many theatres to close."

To become or make something stronger, more extreme, or more serious.

"Competition for university places intensified as the number of applicants outpaced available spots."

To gradually decrease in amount, intensity, or frequency toward an end.

"Growth in smartphone sales began to taper off in 2023 as market saturation took hold."

To increase very quickly to a very high level in a short period.

"Demand for electric vehicles skyrocketed after governments introduced generous tax incentives for buyers."

To fall or decrease suddenly and dramatically, often unexpectedly.

"Consumer confidence took a nosedive following the announcement of new trade tariffs."

To stop rising or falling and remain at a constant level.

"After climbing steeply for five years, the number of international students levelled off at around 600,000."

Used to introduce a statement that contrasts with a previous statement.

"Urban residents tend to favour public transport, whereas their rural counterparts rely heavily on private cars."

In an opposite way; used to introduce a contrasting point of view or fact.

"Higher education boosts long-term earnings. Conversely, dropping out of school is correlated with lower lifetime income."

In the same way; also; similarly.

"Japan experienced a sharp decline in fertility rates; likewise, South Korea saw its birth rate fall to record lows."

Used to show how two things are different from each other.

"Developed nations spent heavily on vaccine research. In contrast, many low-income countries struggled to secure basic medical supplies."

In a like manner; used to compare two things that share qualities.

"The US saw a rise in remote working after 2020. Similarly, European firms adopted flexible arrangements at scale."

In spite of that; despite what has just been said; however.

"The experiment had several methodological flaws. Nevertheless, the findings have been widely cited in subsequent research."

Although; even though (used to add a concessive comment).

"The economy showed signs of recovery, albeit at a much slower pace than analysts had predicted."

In spite of; despite something that might prevent or oppose.

"Notwithstanding the initial resistance from stakeholders, the policy was eventually implemented across all departments."

Without being affected by; in spite of a particular fact or condition.

"Despite significant investment in renewable energy, fossil fuels still account for over 60% of global energy production."

At the same time as; although (more formal variant of "while").

"Whilst the number of graduates increased, employer satisfaction with graduate readiness showed no improvement."

Used to contradict a previous statement and assert the opposite is true.

"Some argue that technology isolates people. On the contrary, research suggests it strengthens connections among distant family members."

When compared with something else; used to highlight differences in degree.

"India's spending on healthcare is just 3.5% of GDP. In comparison, the UK allocates roughly 10%."

In a way that matches or is proportional to something else.

"As demand for organic produce grew, prices correspondingly increased across all major supermarket chains."

As another option or possibility; used to suggest a different choice.

"Students can submit a 3,000-word essay. Alternatively, they may choose to give a 15-minute oral presentation."

In a way that seems contradictory or absurd but may nonetheless be true.

"Paradoxically, countries with the highest taxation levels often report the greatest citizen satisfaction with public services."

As a result; therefore (used to show a direct cause-and-effect relationship).

"The factory released untreated waste into the river. Consequently, local fish populations declined by over 70%."

For that reason; as a logical conclusion from the preceding statement.

"Renewable energy sources produce no direct emissions; therefore, they play a critical role in climate change mitigation."

As a consequence; for this reason (often used in formal or academic writing).

"The survey relied on self-reported data, hence the results should be interpreted with some caution."

As a result or consequence of this; in this way.

"The government reduced subsidies on fossil fuels, thus encouraging investment in cleaner alternatives."

Because of; on account of (used to introduce a cause or reason).

"Owing to the rapid urbanisation of coastal regions, mangrove forests have been reduced by nearly 35%."

Originating from; having as a root cause.

"Many of the health issues observed in the study were stemming from poor dietary habits established in childhood."

Believed to be caused by; regarded as resulting from a particular source.

"The sharp rise in obesity rates has been largely attributed to the increased availability of processed foods."

Caused or set off by a particular event or action.

"The economic downturn was triggered by a collapse in global oil prices."

Had as a consequence or outcome; led to a particular effect.

"The new traffic regulations resulted in a 20% decrease in road accidents within the first year."

Caused or brought about a particular result or situation.

"Deforestation in the Amazon led to significant biodiversity loss and disrupted local rainfall patterns."

Caused or encouraged someone to take action; served as the impetus for something.

"Rising sea levels prompted several Pacific island nations to develop long-term relocation plans."

Caused something to happen or exist, especially something significant or complex.

"The invention of the printing press gave rise to a dramatic increase in literacy across Europe."

Caused something to happen; produced a particular change or effect.

"Technological innovation brought about fundamental changes in the way businesses communicate with their customers."

Helped to cause or bring about a result, usually as one of several factors.

"A combination of poor infrastructure and inadequate training contributed to the high failure rate of small businesses."

Brought about or gave rise to; succeeded in persuading or causing something.

"The tax incentives induced a wave of foreign investment in the country's manufacturing sector."

To assert or maintain a position in an argument; to claim firmly.

"Many educators contend that standardised testing fails to capture the full range of student abilities."

To publicly support or recommend a particular cause, policy, or course of action.

"Environmental groups advocate a complete ban on single-use plastics to reduce ocean pollution."

To state a fact or belief confidently and forcefully as though it is true.

"The researchers assert that early childhood education has a measurable impact on long-term academic outcomes."

To continue to hold an opinion or position firmly, especially against challenge.

"Critics maintain that the proposed legislation would disproportionately affect low-income households."

To prove a statement or theory to be wrong or false; to deny the truth of.

"Subsequent studies refuted the claim that mobile phone radiation causes significant health risks."

To accept or admit the existence, truth, or validity of something.

"The report acknowledges that further research is needed before any definitive conclusions can be drawn."

To give special importance or prominence to something in speaking or writing.

"Health experts emphasize the importance of regular physical activity in preventing chronic diseases."

To emphasize or call special attention to something; to highlight its significance.

"The recent floods underscore the urgent need for improved urban drainage infrastructure."

To examine or inspect closely and thoroughly; to investigate with careful attention.

"Policymakers must scrutinize the long-term environmental consequences of rapid industrialisation."

To provide evidence or proof to support or prove the truth of a claim.

"The author fails to substantiate several of the central claims made in the opening chapter."

To confirm or give support to a statement, theory, or finding with additional evidence.

"Independent surveys corroborate the government's data showing a decline in youth unemployment."

To question the truth, validity, or accuracy of something; a disagreement or argument.

"Several economists dispute the effectiveness of quantitative easing as a long-term recovery strategy."

To declare one's public approval or support for something; to recommend.

"The World Health Organization endorsed the new vaccine after extensive clinical trials confirmed its safety."

To publicly declare something to be wrong or evil; to criticise harshly.

"Human rights organisations denounced the government's decision to restrict press freedom."

To suggest or assume the existence, truth, or necessity of something as a basis for reasoning.

"Darwin postulated that species evolve through a process of natural selection over millions of years."

Mainly; for the most part; to the greatest extent.

"The workforce in the technology sector is predominantly male, though the gender gap is slowly narrowing."

As is certain to happen; unavoidably; as an expected and unavoidable consequence.

"As populations age, healthcare costs will inevitably rise, placing greater strain on public budgets."

In a permanent, essential, or characteristic way; by nature.

"Some critics argue that social media platforms are inherently addictive by design."

To a great or significant extent; considerably.

"The new policy substantially reduced waiting times for patients in the public health system."

To only a small extent; slightly; by a small amount.

"Female participation in higher education increased only marginally compared to the previous decade."

In a manner that is large or important enough to have an effect or be noticed.

"Countries that invested in early childhood education performed significantly better on international literacy assessments."

In a way that includes or deals with all or nearly all aspects of something.

"The report comprehensively examines the impact of climate change on agricultural yields across Sub-Saharan Africa."

By means of observation or experience rather than theory or pure logic.

"The hypothesis has not yet been empirically tested under controlled laboratory conditions."

In the most central or important respects; at the most basic level.

"Artificial intelligence is fundamentally changing the way medical diagnoses are made."

By everyone; in every case; applying to all situations or people.

"Access to clean water is universally recognised as a basic human right."

In theory rather than in practice; according to the assumptions of a particular theory.

"Theoretically, free trade should benefit all participating nations, but the reality is often more complex."

Arranged or existing for the present, possibly to be changed later; temporary.

"The government released provisional data indicating a 2.3% growth in GDP for the third quarter."

Dealing with things sensibly and realistically; focused on practical outcomes rather than theory.

"A pragmatic approach to urban planning would prioritise affordable housing over luxury developments."

Of crucial importance in relation to the development or success of something.

"The 2015 Paris Agreement was a pivotal moment in the global fight against climate change."

More important than anything else; supreme; of the highest importance.

"Patient safety must remain paramount when introducing new technologies into clinical settings."

Necessary and essential as a part of a whole; fundamental.

"Critical thinking skills are integral to academic success at the university level."

Possible and practical to do or achieve; capable of being accomplished.

"With current technology, colonising Mars within the next decade is not considered feasible by most scientists."

Capable of working successfully; practicable and likely to succeed.

"Solar power has become a viable alternative to fossil fuels in many tropical regions."

Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level without depleting resources or causing damage.

"Governments must adopt sustainable agricultural practices to ensure long-term food security."

Present, appearing, or found everywhere; extremely widespread.

"Smartphones have become ubiquitous in modern society, even in low-income communities."

Widespread in a particular area or at a particular time; common or dominant.

"Childhood obesity is particularly prevalent in countries with high consumption of processed foods."

Relevant or applicable to a particular matter; directly related to the topic at hand.

"The study raises several pertinent questions about the long-term effects of screen time on children."

Making a certain situation or outcome likely or possible; tending to promote or assist.

"A quiet, well-lit environment is conducive to effective study and concentration."

Tending to cause harm; damaging or injurious to something.

"Excessive screen time has been shown to have a detrimental effect on children's sleep quality."

Resulting in good; favourable or advantageous; producing positive effects.

"Regular exercise is widely regarded as beneficial for both physical and mental health."

Very great or intense; having a deep and far-reaching effect or influence.

"The Industrial Revolution had a profound impact on the structure of European societies."

Notably large in size, amount, extent, or degree; worthy of attention.

"A considerable proportion of the national budget is allocated to defence spending."

So small or unimportant as to be not worth considering; insignificant.

"The difference in test scores between the two groups was negligible, suggesting no meaningful effect."

Of considerable importance, size, or worth; significant and meaningful.

"The company made a substantial investment in research and development to remain competitive."

To make a problem, situation, or negative feeling worse; to aggravate.

"Climate change is expected to exacerbate water shortages in already arid regions of the world."

To make something less severe, serious, or painful; to reduce the negative impact of.

"Planting trees along riverbanks can help mitigate the effects of soil erosion and flooding."

To make suffering, a deficiency, or a problem less severe; to relieve partially.

"International aid programmes have helped alleviate poverty in some of the world's least developed countries."

To damage or weaken something gradually or insidiously; to erode the foundation of.

"Corruption continues to undermine public trust in governmental institutions across the region."

To make an action or process easier or more achievable; to assist the progress of.

"Online platforms facilitate communication between students and teachers outside of regular school hours."

To surround or include comprehensively; to contain or cover a wide range of things.

"The curriculum encompasses subjects ranging from mathematics and science to art and physical education."