C2 – VOCABULARY

(Represent a high level of proficiency in English, suitable for formal writing,

academic texts, or complex discussions.)

 Abate - To reduce in intensity or amount.

 Aberration - A deviation from the norm or standard.
 Abstain - To choose not to do something.
 Accolade - An award or praise given as a special honor.
 Acrimonious - Bitter and sharp in language or tone.
 Admonish - To warn or reprimand someone firmly.
 Altruistic - Showing selfless concern for the well-being of others.
 Ameliorate - To make something better or improve.
 Anomaly - Something that deviates from what is standard or expected.
 Antithetical - Directly opposed or contrasted; mutually incompatible.
 Apocryphal - Of doubtful authenticity, although widely circulated as true.
 Arduous - Involving or requiring strenuous effort; difficult and tiring.
 Assuage - To make an unpleasant feeling less intense.
 Auspicious - Conducive to success; favorable.
 Bellicose - Demonstrating aggression and willingness to fight.
 Belligerent - Hostile and aggressive.
 Benevolent - Well-meaning and kindly.
 Blatant - Very obvious and offensive.
 Brevity - Concise and exact use of words in writing or speech.
 Cacophony - A harsh, discordant mixture of sounds.
 Capricious - Given to sudden changes of mood or behavior.
 Circumspect - Wary and unwilling to take risks.
 Cognizant - Having knowledge or being aware of.
 Condescending - Having or showing a feeling of patronizing superiority.
 Conundrum - A confusing or difficult problem or question.
 Debilitate - To weaken or make someone or something weak.
 Deference - Respectful submission or yielding to the judgment of another.
 Derogatory - Showing a critical or disrespectful attitude.
 Dichotomy - A division between two completely opposed things.
 Disparage - To belittle or regard something as being of little worth.
 Ebullient - Cheerful and full of energy.
 Eclectic - Deriving ideas, style, or taste from a broad range of sources.
 Efficacious - Effective; producing the desired outcome.
 Egregious - Outstandingly bad or shocking.
 Elucidate - To make something clear; explain.
 Ephemeral - Lasting for a very short time.
 Equanimity - Mental calmness and composure, especially in difficult situations.
 Esoteric - Intended for or understood by a small, specialized group.
 Exacerbate - To make a bad situation worse.
 Fastidious - Very attentive to detail and accuracy.
 Fatuous - Silly and pointless.
 Flabbergasted - Extremely surprised or shocked.
 Fortuitous - Happening by chance rather than intention.
 Garrulous - Excessively talkative, especially on trivial matters.
 Grandiose - Impressive in appearance or style, especially in an extravagant way.
 Hackneyed - Lacking significance because of overuse; unoriginal.
 Harangue - A lengthy and aggressive speech.
 Hedonistic - Engaged in the pursuit of pleasure; sensually self-indulgent.
 Iconoclast - A person who attacks or criticizes cherished beliefs or institutions.
 Impetuous - Acting or done quickly without thought or care.
 Ineffable - Too great or extreme to be expressed in words.
 Intransigent - Unwilling to change one’s views or to agree about something.
 Juxtapose - To place side by side for comparison or contrast.
 Languid - Displaying or having a disinclination for physical exertion; slow and relaxed.
 Lugubrious - Looking or sounding sad and dismal.
 Malevolent - Having or showing a wish to do evil to others.
 Mendacious - Not telling the truth; lying.
 Munificent - More generous than is usual or necessary.
 Nebulous - Vague, unclear, or ill-defined.
 Nonchalant - Feeling or appearing casually calm and relaxed.
 Obfuscate - To render obscure, unclear, or unintelligible.
 Obsequious - Excessively obedient or attentive, fawning.
 Obstinate - Stubbornly refusing to change one’s opinion or course of action.
 Ostentatious - Characterized by vulgar or pretentious display; designed to impress.
 Pernicious - Having a harmful effect, especially in a subtle way.
 Perfunctory - Carried out with minimal effort or reflection.
 Polemic - A strong verbal or written attack on someone or something.
 Precocious - Having developed abilities or behavior at an earlier age than usual.
 Proclivity - A natural inclination or predisposition towards something.
 Profligate - Recklessly extravagant or wasteful in the use of resources.
 Propensity - An inclination or natural tendency to behave in a particular way.
 Quintessential - Representing the most perfect example of something.
 Recalcitrant - Resisting authority or control; not obedient or compliant.
 Recondite - Little known; abstruse.
 Redundant - No longer needed or useful; superfluous.
 Replete - Filled or well-supplied with something.
 Sagacious - Having or showing keen mental discernment and good judgment.
 Scintillating - Sparkling or shining brightly; brilliantly and excitingly clever.
 Sycophant - A person who acts obsequiously toward someone important to gain advantage.
 Tenacious - Holding fast; characterized by keeping a firm hold.
 Transitory - Not permanent; temporary.
 Ubiquitous - Present, appearing, or found everywhere.
 Unfathomable - Incapable of being fully explored or understood.
 Untenable - Not able to be maintained or defended against attack or objection.
 Usurp - To take (a position of power) illegally or by force.
 Vacillate - To waver between different opinions or actions; be indecisive.
 Vainglorious - Excessively proud of oneself or one’s achievements.
 Vapid - Offering nothing that is stimulating or challenging; bland.
 Vicarious - Experienced in the imagination through the feelings or actions of another person.
 Vicissitudes - A change of circumstances or fortune, typically one that is unwelcome or
unpleasant.
 Vilify - To speak or write about in an abusively disparaging manner.
 Visceral - Relating to deep inward feelings rather than to the intellect.
 Voracious - Having a huge appetite; extremely eager or avid.
 Wistful - Having or showing a feeling of vague or regretful longing.
 Zealous - Having or showing great energy or enthusiasm in pursuit of a cause.
 Zenith - The highest point reached by a celestial or other object.
 Abstruse - Difficult to understand; obscure.
 Despot - A ruler with absolute power, often oppressive.
 Epiphany - A moment of sudden revelation or insight.
 Felicity - Intense happiness or the ability to find appropriate expression for one's thoughts.

Example Sentences with C2 Vocabulary:

1. Abate
o Topic: Environment
o "Efforts to reduce pollution must continue until air quality
significantly abates, ensuring a healthier environment for future
generations."
2. Aberration
o Topic: Crime
o "The recent rise in crime rates is an aberration from the otherwise
declining trend over the past decade."
3. Ameliorate
o Topic: Education
o "Investing in teacher training can ameliorate the quality of education,
leading to better learning outcomes."
4. Auspicious
o Topic: Business
 o "The recent economic reforms provide an auspicious environment for
new startups, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship."
5. Belligerent
o Topic: Global Affairs
o "A belligerent stance in international relations can exacerbate
tensions rather than fostering diplomatic solutions."
6. Capricious
o Topic: Technology
o "The capricious nature of technological advancements makes it
challenging for regulatory bodies to keep pace."
7. Cognizant
o Topic: Health
o "Governments must be cognizant of the long-term impacts of
unhealthy diets on public health."
8. Conundrum
o Topic: Society
o "The rising cost of living presents a conundrum for policymakers,
who must balance economic growth with social welfare."
9. Derogatory
o Topic: Media
o "The media's use of derogatory language can perpetuate harmful
stereotypes and hinder social cohesion."
10.Disparage
o Topic: Gender Equality
o "Efforts to promote gender equality are often disparaged by those
resistant to social change."
11.Efficacious
o Topic: Health
 o "Vaccination campaigns have proven efficacious in reducing the
spread of preventable diseases."
12.Ephemeral
o Topic: Environment
o "While technological solutions to environmental issues may provide
ephemeral relief, sustainable practices are crucial for long-term
success."
13.Esoteric
o Topic: Education
o "Many students find the esoteric nature of advanced mathematics
intimidating, which can discourage further study in the field."
14.Exacerbate
o Topic: Climate Change
o "Deforestation and industrial emissions continue to exacerbate global
warming, necessitating urgent intervention."
15.Flabbergasted
o Topic: Technology
o "Many were flabbergasted by the rapid advancements in artificial
intelligence, which have revolutionized numerous industries."
16.Grandiose
o Topic: Urban Development
o "Governments often propose grandiose infrastructure projects
without considering the practical needs of their citizens."
17.Hackneyed
o Topic: Media
o "The media's hackneyed portrayal of social issues often fails to
capture the complexities involved."
18.Ineffable
 o Topic: Art and Culture
o "Art has an ineffable ability to capture the human experience,
transcending language and cultural barriers."
19.Malevolent
o Topic: Internet Safety
o "Cybersecurity measures are crucial in protecting users from
malevolent online threats such as hacking and identity theft."
20.Munificent
o Topic: Charity
o "The munificent donations from philanthropists have significantly
improved the lives of those in underprivileged communities."
21.Nebulous
o Topic: Politics
o "The government's nebulous policies on immigration have led to
confusion and criticism from the public."
22.Obfuscate
o Topic: Communication
o "Some companies deliberately obfuscate terms in their contracts to
mislead customers."
23.Ostentatious
o Topic: Wealth
o "The ostentatious display of wealth in certain areas stands in stark
contrast to the poverty seen in others."
24.Pernicious
o Topic: Health
o "The pernicious effects of smoking on health are well-documented,
yet many continue to engage in the habit."
25.Recalcitrant
 o Topic: Law
o "The recalcitrant behavior of repeat offenders suggests a need for
more effective rehabilitation programs."

C2 Collocations with Examples for IELTS Writing/CPE

1. Adverse impact
o Topic: Environment
o "Industrial pollution has an adverse impact on marine ecosystems, leading to
biodiversity loss."
2. Alleviate poverty
o Topic: Society
o "Government initiatives to alleviate poverty must focus on providing education
and job opportunities."
3. Ample evidence
o Topic: Health
o "There is ample evidence to suggest that regular exercise improves mental
health."
4. Augment resources
o Topic: Business
o "Companies need to augment resources through innovation to remain
competitive in the market."
5. Blatant disregard
o Topic: Law
o "The company showed blatant disregard for environmental regulations, resulting
in hefty fines."
6. Catalyst for change
o Topic: Society
o "Social media has acted as a catalyst for change, empowering individuals to
voice their opinions."
7. Climactic moment
o Topic: Literature
o "The novel’s climactic moment leaves readers questioning the protagonist's true
motives."
8. Conducive environment
o Topic: Education
o "A conducive environment is essential for students to thrive academically."
9. Cursory glance
o Topic: Communication
o "At first cursory glance, the proposal seemed sound, but deeper analysis revealed
flaws."
10. Dampen enthusiasm
o Topic: Economy
 o "The economic downturn has dampened enthusiasm for new investments."
11. Derive satisfaction
o Topic: Employment
o "Employees who derive satisfaction from their work are generally more
productive."
12. Dispel myths
o Topic: Science
o "Education can help dispel myths about vaccines, leading to higher immunization
rates."
13. Drastic measures
o Topic: Environment
o "Governments must take drastic measures to combat climate change."
14. Dubious distinction
o Topic: Social Issues
o "The country holds the dubious distinction of having one of the highest crime
rates in the region."
15. Elusive goal
o Topic: Personal Development
o "Achieving work-life balance remains an elusive goal for many professionals."
16. Endeavor to improve
o Topic: Technology
o "Tech companies continually endeavor to improve user experience with
innovative designs."
17. Ephemeral nature
o Topic: Technology
o "The ephemeral nature of social media trends makes it difficult for brands to
maintain consistent engagement."
18. Exert influence
o Topic: Politics
o "Lobbyists often exert influence on legislation, shaping policies to benefit their
interests."
19. Fiercely competitive
o Topic: Business
o "The fiercely competitive nature of the job market requires individuals to
constantly upskill."
20. Flawed argument
o Topic: Debate
o "The opposition presented a flawed argument, lacking substantial evidence to
support their claims."
21. Flourish under pressure
o Topic: Personal Development
o "Individuals who flourish under pressure often excel in high-stakes
environments."
22. Grave consequences
o Topic: Law
 o "Ignoring health and safety regulations can have grave consequences for both
workers and employers."
23. Heightened awareness
o Topic: Health
o "There is a heightened awareness of mental health issues in the workplace
today."
24. Imminent danger
o Topic: Environment
o "Wildlife is in imminent danger due to habitat destruction."
25. Impose restrictions
o Topic: Government
o "Many countries have imposed restrictions on travel to curb the spread of the
virus."
26. Intrinsic value
o Topic: Education
o "Art education provides students with an intrinsic value that goes beyond
academic achievement."
27. Irrevocable decision
o Topic: Law
o "The court’s irrevocable decision left the defendant with no further avenues for
appeal."
28. Mitigate risks
o Topic: Business
o "Insurance is one of the most effective ways to mitigate risks associated with
business operations."
29. Mounting pressure
o Topic: Politics
o "The government is facing mounting pressure to reform the healthcare system."
30. Mutually beneficial
o Topic: Business
o "The merger was mutually beneficial, enhancing market reach for both
companies."
31. Narrowly defined
o Topic: Education
o "Academic success should not be narrowly defined by exam results alone."
32. Pervasive problem
o Topic: Society
o "Cyberbullying is a pervasive problem that affects teenagers globally."
33. Poignant reminder
o Topic: History
o "The memorial serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made during the
war."
34. Polarizing issue
o Topic: Politics
o "Gun control remains a polarizing issue in many countries."
35. Prominent role
 o Topic: Media
o "Journalists play a prominent role in shaping public opinion."
36. Profound effect
o Topic: Technology
o "The Internet has had a profound effect on how we communicate and access
information."
37. Raise concerns
o Topic: Health
o "The rise in obesity rates has raised concerns about public health."
38. Recurrent theme
o Topic: Literature
o "A recurrent theme in the novel is the conflict between tradition and modernity."
39. Relentless pursuit
o Topic: Business
o "The company’s relentless pursuit of innovation has set it apart from
competitors."
40. Rendered obsolete
o Topic: Technology
o "Many traditional skills have been rendered obsolete by modern technology."
41. Resounding success
o Topic: Business
o "The product launch was a resounding success, exceeding all sales expectations."
42. Rife with challenges
o Topic: Economy
o "The economic landscape is rife with challenges that businesses must navigate."
43. Robust system
o Topic: Technology
o "A robust system of cybersecurity measures is essential to protect sensitive data."
44. Shed light on
o Topic: Science
o "Recent research has shed light on the potential benefits of a plant-based diet."
45. Skeptical attitude
o Topic: Media
o "A skeptical attitude towards media reports can help the public discern fact from
fiction."
46. Stark contrast
o Topic: Society
o "There is a stark contrast between the living standards of urban and rural
populations."
47. Substantiate claims
o Topic: Academic Writing
o "Researchers must substantiate their claims with empirical evidence to be
credible."
48. Sweeping changes
o Topic: Government
o "The new administration has proposed sweeping changes to the tax system."
49. Take precedence
o Topic: Personal Development
o "In a work-life balance, family should take precedence over work
commitments."
50. Unwavering commitment
o Topic: Business
o "The company’s unwavering commitment to quality has earned it a loyal
customer base."
51. Utmost importance
o Topic: Health
o "Maintaining mental well-being is of utmost importance in today’s high-stress
world."
52. Vested interest
o Topic: Politics
o "Many lobbyists have a vested interest in the outcome of the legislative process."
53. Voracious appetite
o Topic: Technology
o "Consumers have developed a voracious appetite for new gadgets and
technology."
54. Warrant attention
o Topic: Environment
o "The decline in bee populations warrants serious attention due to their role in
pollination."
55. Widespread acclaim
o Topic: Arts
o "The film received widespread acclaim for its innovative storytelling."
56. Widespread opposition
o Topic: Politics
o "The new policy has met with widespread opposition from various social
groups."
57. Yield results
o Topic: Research
o "Years of dedicated research are beginning to yield promising results."
58. Zealous pursuit