Mastering a wide range of advanced English words is essential if you’re aiming to become fluent in English and pass your IELTS test with a high score.
Reaching a more advanced level often requires learning specific vocabulary words for IELTS and knowing how to use them naturally in conversation and writing.
We’ve put together a list of 10 advanced English words to use in essays and speaking that will help you sound more like a native speaker, boosting your confidence and your results.
Let’s take a look.
Advanced English words for a high IELTS score
A wide English vocabulary lets you express your ideas clearly and understand other speakers. It also shows IELTS examiners that you have fluent English.
When to use advanced vocabulary words for IELTS
There are many advanced words to use in essays in the Writing section, including in Task 1, where you’ll need to summarise information. Additionally, you can use advanced words in Task 2 to develop your arguments.
In the Speaking section, using advanced English vocabulary helps you speak more fluently and accurately about a variety of topics.
Similarly, in the Listening and Reading sections, a broad vocabulary will help you understand the texts and the recordings you’ll encounter.
Mistakes to avoid when using advanced English words
Using a wide range of advanced English words can help boost your IELTS score. However, just using advanced words isn’t enough on its own - you also need to use them appropriately and naturally. Be careful not to overuse them or apply them in the wrong contexts, as this can sound unnatural. Aim for clarity over complexity and ensure you use the correct collocations (words that go together).
Make sure you use the right word form too: mixing up nouns, verbs, adjectives or adverbs can result in grammatical mistakes that can lower your score. To support you, we’ve included the different forms for each advanced word in our list below.
Read: Find out more about how and why to use advanced English words for IELTS.
10 Advanced English words for IELTS — and beyond
1. Ubiquitous (adjective)
You can use ubiquitous to describe something that’s very common, or that you see everywhere. You could apply it to trends, technology, food, fashion and many other things.
Here’s an example: 'Smartphones have become ubiquitous for communication in most developed countries, where the majority of the population is likely to own one.'
You could also use the adverb ubiquitously, as in: 'Smartphones are used ubiquitously by young people.'
The noun ubiquity isn’t as commonly used, however. (Ironically, it’s not ubiquitous.)
2. Alleviate (verb)
The verb alleviate is useful to talk about solutions to problems or ways to reduce the negative effects of something.
For example: 'Investing in public transport can help alleviate traffic congestion in urban areas.'
The noun form is alleviation, as in: 'Investments in public transport were necessary for the alleviation of traffic congestion.' However, this sounds less natural than using the verb.
As for the unnatural-sounding adjective, alleviative, probably best to avoid it.
3. Meticulous (adjective)
Use meticulous to describe careful people or processes, attention to detail or thoroughness.
As an example: 'Scientists must be meticulous when conducting experiments or recording data to ensure accurate results.'
To talk about how someone does something, you can use the adverb meticulously, as in: 'He meticulously prepared the meal.'
Or, as a noun: 'His meticulousness is both his strength and something that holds him back.'
4. Pervasive (adjective)
Pervasive is used to describe something that’s everywhere. You can use it when discussing or describing widespread issues, influences or trends.
Here’s an example: 'Advertising is so pervasive in most cultures that it shapes our choices even if we might not be aware of it.'
Want to use it as a noun? Try 'The pervasiveness of advertising on social media has made it harder to find genuinely useful content and information among all the noise.'
The adverb is pervasively, but it may be difficult to find a natural context for it.
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5. Discrepancy (noun)
Discrepancy is a great word to highlight differences, inconsistencies or gaps between things.
For example: 'There is a significant discrepancy between the number of graduates leaving higher education and the number of available jobs.'
The adjective is discrepant, as in: 'The discrepant data confused researchers.' This isn’t often used, though. And you’re even less likely to need the adverb discrepantly.
6. Futile (adjective)
Futile is a stronger way to say ‘hopeless’, so you can use it when talking about actions or solutions that are ineffective or pointless.
For example: 'Trying to stop teenagers spending lots of time on their smartphones is futile.'
The noun form futility can also be used, as in: 'He recognised the futility of trying to stop his children accessing their smartphones.' You can also use the adverb futilely, but it’s not common.
7. Exacerbate (verb)
When you exacerbate something, you make it worse. You can use this verb to talk about the negative effects of something.
For example: 'Cutting down forests can exacerbate habitat loss for the animals that live there.'
You may get the chance to use the adjective form, exacerbating, as in: 'A fight broke out in the shop, exacerbating existing tensions between the customers.'
The noun form exacerbation exists, but it sounds very formal and isn’t common in everyday language.
8. Mitigate (verb)
When you mitigate something, you alleviate its worst effects or minimise its negative impacts. You can also use it to talk about solving problems.
For example: 'Significant investments in public transport have helped mitigate pollution in the city.'
The noun mitigation can also be used, as in: 'Mitigation of traffic congestion is a top priority for the government.' The adjective mitigatory is less common.
9. Volatile (adjective)
Volatile is an advanced English word that refers to something unstable or liable to change rapidly and unpredictably, often for the worse.
Here’s an example: 'The volatile nature of the stock market means investments are never 100% guaranteed to make money.'
You can also use the noun form, as in 'The current volatility of the stock market makes investing risky.' You’re less likely to encounter the adverb form volatilely.
10. Indulge (verb)
When you indulge in something, you allow yourself to enjoy it, often excessively. Use this word to talk about habits, lifestyles, attitudes or behaviours. People typically talk about indulging in things they consider to be luxuries, like chocolate, shopping or TV shows.
For example, 'I like to indulge in chocolate when I’m watching my favourite shows.'
You can also use the adjective indulgent, as in: 'The ice cream is so indulgent, she’s had it for dessert three times already this week.'
The adverb indulgently can also be useful, as in: 'She smiled indulgently and allowed her son to choose some treats.'
Read: Get effective strategies to improve your vocabulary for IELTS.
Final thoughts
Incorporating advanced English words into your vocabulary is a powerful way to improve your IELTS score and achieve fluent English.
Use our list of 10 Advanced English words correctly to impress examiners in the Speaking and Writing sections, and help your comprehension in the Reading and Listening sections.
With regular practice and a focus on natural usage, you can expand your English vocabulary, gain the confidence to use these advanced English words effectively in any context – and perform well in your exam.
Ready for your IELTS test? Book with the British Council now