EN Vocabulary - 3000 Words
Common words beginning U
/ˈʌɡli/
adjective
Unpleasant or repulsive, especially in appearance.
example - people in school always told me I was uglysynonyms - unattractive, ill-favoured, hideous, plain, plain-featured, plain-looking, unlovely, unprepossessing, unsightly, displeasing, disagreeable
Involving or likely to involve violence or other unpleasantness.
example - the mood in the room turned uglysynonyms - unpleasant, nasty, alarming, disagreeable, tense, charged, serious, grave, dangerous, perilous, threatening, menacing, hostile, ominous, sinister
/ˈʌltɪmətli/
adverb
Finally; in the end.
example - the largest firms may ultimately become unstoppablesynonyms - eventually, in the end, in the long run, at length, finally, sooner or later, in time, in the fullness of time, after some time, in the final analysis, when all is said and done, one day, some day, sometime, at last, at long last
/ʌmˈbrɛlə/
noun
A device consisting of a circular canopy of cloth on a folding metal frame supported by a central rod, used as protection against rain.
example - Yet as I pack a bag to hold water and umbrellas and tissue paper, I"m quite aware that the three hours will not feel like that.synonyms - parasol, sunshade
A protecting force or influence.
example - Europe sought a measure of independence from the US defence umbrellasynonyms - patronage, aegis, umbrella, protection, guidance, support, backing, guardianship, trusteeship, sponsorship, supervision, influence, control, charge, responsibility, keeping, care
A thing that includes or contains many different elements or parts.
example - the umbrella body for more than 100 training organizationssynonyms - aegis, auspices, patronage, championship, protection, safe keeping, protectorship, guardianship, support, guidance, charge, responsibility, care, cover, backing, agency
The gelatinous disc of a jellyfish, which it contracts and expands to move through the water.
example - The mouth is usually on the concave side, and the tentacles originate on the rim of the umbrella.
/ʌnˈeɪb(ə)l/
adjective
Lacking the skill, means, or opportunity to do something.
example - she was unable to conceal her surprisesynonyms - not able, powerless, impotent, not equal to, not up to, at a loss, inadequate, ineffectual, incompetent, unfit, unfitted, unqualified
/ˈʌŋk(ə)l/
noun
The brother of one"s father or mother or the husband of one"s aunt.
example - he visited his unclesynonyms - relative, relation, blood relation, blood relative, family member, one"s own flesh and blood, next of kin
/ʌnˈkʌmf(ə)təb(ə)l/
adjective
Causing or feeling slight pain or physical discomfort.
example - his hard, uncomfortable bedsynonyms - painful, not comfortable, intolerable, unbearable, disagreeable, excruciating, agonizing, confining, cramped, Spartan
/ʌnˈkɒnʃəs/
adjective
Not awake and aware of and responding to one"s environment.
example - the boy was beaten unconscioussynonyms - knocked out, insensible, senseless, insentient, insensate, passed out, comatose, in a coma, inert
Done or existing without one realizing.
example - he would wipe back his hair in an unconscious gesture of annoyancesynonyms - unintentional, unintended, accidental, unthinking, unwitting, inadvertent, unpremeditated, unplanned
noun
The part of the mind which is inaccessible to the conscious mind but which affects behaviour and emotions.
example - horrific apparitions surfaced out of the recesses of his unconscioussynonyms - subconscious mind, subconscious, unconscious mind, psyche, ego, superego, id, inner self, innermost self, self, inner man, inner woman
/ˈʌndə/
preposition
Extending or directly below.
example - vast stores of gas under the North Sea
At a lower level than.
example - the room under his study
Lower than (a specified amount, rate, norm, or age)
example - they averaged just under 2.8 per centsynonyms - less than, lower than, smaller than, not so much as, not as much as, below
Controlled, managed, or governed by.
example - the province is now under martial law
Undergoing (a process)
example - under constructionsynonyms - undergoing, in the process of, receiving
adverb
Extending or directly below something.
example - weaving the body through the crossbars, over and under, over and undersynonyms - down, downward, lower, below, underneath, beneath
Under water.
example - he was floating for some time but suddenly went undersynonyms - down, downward, lower, below, underneath, beneath
/ʌndəˈɡraʊnd/
/ˈʌndəɡraʊnd/
adverb
Beneath the surface of the ground.
example - miners working undergroundsynonyms - below ground, below the surface, under the earth, in the earth
adjective
Situated beneath the surface of the ground.
example - an underground car parksynonyms - subterranean, subterrestrial, below ground, buried, sunken, lower-level, basement
noun
An underground railway, especially the one in London.
example - travel chaos on the Undergroundsynonyms - metro
A group or movement organized secretly to work against an existing regime.
example - the French undergroundsynonyms - resistance movement, resistance, illegal opposition
A group or movement seeking to explore alternative forms of lifestyle or artistic expression.
example - the late sixties underground
verb
Lay (cables) below ground level.
example - sections of electricity line had been undergrounded
/ʌndəˈstand/
verb
Perceive the intended meaning of (words, a language, or a speaker)
example - he didn"t understand a word I said
Interpret or view (something) in a particular way.
example - as the term is usually understood, legislation refers to regulations and directives
Be sympathetically or knowledgeably aware of the character or nature of.
example - Picasso understood coloursynonyms - appreciate, recognize, realize, acknowledge, know, be aware of, be conscious of, be cognizant of, accept
/ʌndəˈstandɪŋ/
noun
The ability to understand something; comprehension.
example - foreign visitors with little understanding of Englishsynonyms - comprehension, apprehension, grasp, grip, mastery, perception, discernment, appreciation, interpretation, cognizance, ken, conception, digestion, assimilation, absorption
Sympathetic awareness or tolerance.
example - he wrote with understanding and affection of the people of Dentsynonyms - compassion, sympathy, pity, empathy, feeling, concern, considerateness, consideration, tenderness, tender-heartedness, kindness, kind-heartedness, sensitivity, insight, fellow feeling, brotherly love, neighbourliness, decency, humanity, humanitarianism, humaneness, charity, goodwill, mercy, mercifulness, gentleness, tolerance, lenience, leniency, warmth, warm-heartedness, affection, love
An informal or unspoken agreement or arrangement.
example - he and I have an understandingsynonyms - agreement, gentleman"s agreement, arrangement, deal, bargain, settlement, pledge, promise, pact, compact, contract, concord, treaty, covenant, bond
adjective
Sympathetically aware of other people"s feelings; tolerant and forgiving.
example - a kind and understanding mansynonyms - compassionate, sympathetic, sensitive, considerate, tender, kind, kindly, kind-hearted, thoughtful, tolerant, patient, forbearing, lenient, merciful, forgiving, humane, human, good-natured, approachable, supportive, reassuring
Having insight or good judgement.
synonyms - discerning, shrewd, perceptive, astute, penetrating, observant, percipient, sharp-witted, sharp, quick, quick-witted, keen-witted, alert, clear-sighted, sharp-sighted, clear-eyed, far-sighted, far-seeing, acute, clever, canny, intelligent, insightful, judicious, wise, sagacious, sage, sensitive, intuitive, understanding, open-eyed, aware, thinking, discriminating
/ˈʌndəwɛː/
noun
Clothing worn under other clothes, typically next to the skin.
example - I look at my clock, standing in my bra and underwear while ironing my shirt of choice.
/ʌnɪmˈplɔɪd/
adjective
(of a person) without a paid job but available to work.
example - I was unemployed for three monthssynonyms - jobless, out of work, out of a job, not working, between jobs, workless, unwaged, unoccupied, idle
/ʌnɪmˈplɔɪm(ə)nt/
noun
The state of being unemployed.
example - the serious level of unemployment among school-leaverssynonyms - redundancy, dismissal, discharge
/ʌnɪkˈspɛktɪd/
adjective
Not expected or regarded as likely to happen.
example - his death was totally unexpectedsynonyms - unforeseen, unanticipated, unpredicted, not bargained for, unlooked for, unhoped for, out of the blue, without warning, without notice
/ʌnˈfɛː/
adjective
Not based on or behaving according to the principles of equality and justice.
example - at times like these the legal system appears inhuman and unfairsynonyms - unjust, inequitable, prejudiced, biased, discriminatory
/ʌnˈfɔːtʃ(ə)nətli/
adverb
It is unfortunate that.
example - unfortunately, we do not have the time to interview every applicantsynonyms - unluckily, sadly, regrettably, unhappily, woefully, lamentably, alas, sad to say, sad to relate
/ʌnˈhapi/
adjective
Not happy.
example - an unhappy marriagesynonyms - sad, miserable, sorrowful, dejected, despondent, disconsolate, morose, regretful, broken-hearted, heartbroken, down, downcast, dispirited, downhearted, heavy-hearted, crestfallen, depressed, melancholy, blue, gloomy, glum, mournful, despairing, doleful, forlorn, woebegone, woeful, tearful, long-faced, joyless, cheerless, out of sorts
Unfortunate.
example - an unhappy coincidencesynonyms - unfortunate, unlucky, luckless, hapless, ill-starred, ill-fated, star-crossed, ill-omened, doomed, blighted, wretched, miserable
/ˈjuːnjən/
noun
The action of joining together or the fact of being joined together, especially in a political context.
example - he was opposed to closer political or economic union with Europesynonyms - unification, uniting, joining, merging, merger, fusion, fusing, amalgamating, amalgamation, junction, coalition, combining, combination, consolidation, conjunction, confederation, federation, integration, synthesis, blend, blending, mixture, mingling, commingling
A society or association formed by people with a common interest or purpose.
example - the Mothers" Unionsynonyms - association, alliance, league, guild
A number of parishes consolidated for the purposes of administering the Poor Laws.
example - In addition, the new Act created a commission to supervise the establishment of unions of parishes in England and Wales.
A political unit consisting of a number of states or provinces with the same central government.
The set that comprises all the elements (and no others) contained in any of two or more given sets.
example - In what follows, we will apply results about centroids of domains to unions of curves or line segments.
A joint or coupling for pipes.
example - The vertical gas line comes to a T joint below the union toward the bottom side of the water heater and is connected to the top vertical opening of the T joint.synonyms - join, joint, intersection, link, bond, weld, seam, coupling, connection, union, juncture
(in South Asia) a local administrative unit comprising several rural villages.
A part of a flag with an emblem symbolizing national union, typically occupying the upper corner next to the staff.
A fabric made of two or more different yarns, typically cotton and linen or silk.
/juːˈniːk/
adjective
Being the only one of its kind; unlike anything else.
example - the situation was unique in British politicssynonyms - distinctive, individual, special, especial, idiosyncratic, quirky, eccentric, isolated
noun
A unique person or thing.
example - some of Lamb"s writings were so memorably beautiful as to be uniques in their class
/ˈjuːnɪt/
noun
An individual thing or person regarded as single and complete but which can also form an individual component of a larger or more complex whole.
example - large areas of land made up of smaller unitssynonyms - component, part, section, element, constituent, subdivision, portion, segment, module, item, member, ingredient, factor, feature, piece, fragment
A device that has a specified function, especially one forming part of a complex mechanism.
example - the gearbox and transmission unit
A quantity chosen as a standard in terms of which other quantities may be expressed.
example - a unit of measurementsynonyms - quantity, measure, measurement, denomination, value
The number one.
/juːˈnʌɪtɪd/
adjective
Joined together politically, for a common purpose, or by common feelings.
example - women acting together in a united waysynonyms - unified, integrated, consolidated, amalgamated, joined, merged, banded together
/ˈjuːnɪvəːs/
noun
All existing matter and space considered as a whole; the cosmos. The universe is believed to be at least 10 billion light years in diameter and contains a vast number of galaxies; it has been expanding since its creation in the Big Bang about 13 billion years ago.
example - Among the many mysteries in the universe is the dark matter in galaxies and clusters.synonyms - cosmos, macrocosm, totality, whole world, Creation, space, outer space, the heavens, the firmament
A particular sphere of activity or experience.
example - the front parlour was the hub of her universesynonyms - province, world, sphere, preserve, domain, circle, milieu, territory, quarter
another term for universal set
example - This arrangement, however, has the unusual feature that, for every grammatical subject of such a universally quantified sentence, there will be a different universe of discourse.
/juːnɪˈvəːsɪti/
noun
A high-level educational institution in which students study for degrees and academic research is done.
example - I went to university at the Sorbonnesynonyms - college, academy, educational establishment, educational institution, institute, varsity
/ʌnˈnəʊn/
adjective
Not known or familiar.
example - exploration into unknown territorysynonyms - undisclosed, unrevealed, undivulged, untold, unspecified, secret, mysterious, dark, hidden, concealed
noun
An unknown person or thing.
example - she is a relative unknown
/ʌnˈlɛs/
conjunction
Except if (used to introduce the case in which a statement being made is not true or valid)
example - unless you have a photographic memory, repetition is vital
/ʌnˈlʌɪk/
preposition
Different from; not similar to.
example - a large house not unlike Mr Shah"ssynonyms - different from, unalike, dissimilar to, not like, not similar to, not resembling, far from, far apart from, distant from
adjective
Dissimilar or different from each other.
example - they seemed utterly unlike, despite being twinssynonyms - dissimilar, unalike, disparate, contrastive, contrasting, contrasted, contrary, antithetical, different, distinct, non-identical, diverse, heterogeneous, divergent, distinguishable, incompatible, inconsistent, opposed, at variance, varying, variant, at odds, clashing, conflicting, discrepant, ill-matched, incongruous
/ʌnˈlʌɪkli/
adjective
Not likely to happen, be done, or be true; improbable.
example - an unlikely explanationsynonyms - improbable, not likely, doubtful, dubious, unexpected, beyond belief, implausible
/ʌnˈnɛsəs(ə)ri/
adjective
Not needed.
example - some people feel that holiday insurance is unnecessarysynonyms - unnecessary, not necessary, not essential, non-essential, not needed, not required, unwanted, uncalled-for, needless, redundant, superfluous, excessive, excess, surplus, dispensable, expendable, optional, ornamental, cosmetic
plural noun
Unnecessary things.
example - Flora never wasted cash on unnecessaries
/ʌnˈplɛz(ə)nt/
adjective
Causing discomfort, unhappiness, or revulsion; disagreeable.
example - an unpleasant smellsynonyms - disagreeable, irksome, troublesome, annoying, irritating, vexatious, displeasing, uncomfortable, distressing, nasty, horrible, appalling, terrible, awful, dreadful, hateful, detestable, miserable, abominable, execrable, odious, invidious, objectionable, offensive, obnoxious, repugnant, repulsive, repellent, revolting, disgusting, distasteful, nauseating, unsavoury, unpalatable, ugly
/ənˈtɪl/
preposition
Up to (the point in time or the event mentioned)
example - the kidnappers have given us until October 11th to deliver the documentssynonyms - till, up to, up till, up until, as late as, up to the time of, up to the time that, until such time as, pending
conjunction
Up to the point in time or the event mentioned.
synonyms - till, up till, up until, up to the time of, up to the time that, until such time as
/ʌnˈjuːʒʊəl/
adjective
Not habitually or commonly occurring or done.
example - the government has taken the unusual step of calling home its ambassadorsynonyms - uncommon, abnormal, atypical, unexpected, surprising, unfamiliar, unwonted, different
/ʌp/
adverb
Towards a higher place or position.
example - he jumped upsynonyms - up, upward, uphill, towards a higher level, to the top
At or to a higher level of intensity, volume, or activity.
example - she turned the volume up
To the place where someone is.
example - Dot didn"t hear Mrs Parvis come creeping up behind her
Towards or in the capital or a major city.
example - give me a ring when you"re up in London
Into the desired or a proper condition.
example - the government agreed to set up a committee of inquiry
Into a happy mood.
example - I don"t think anything"s going to cheer me up
Out of bed.
example - Miranda hardly ever got up for breakfast
Displayed on a noticeboard or other publicly visible site.
example - sticking up posters to advertise concerts
(of sailing) against the current or the wind.
example - the bow of the boat was brought slowly up into the wind and held there
At bat.
example - every time up, he had a different stance
preposition
From a lower to a higher point of (something)
example - she climbed up a flight of steps
Along or further along (a street or road)
example - he lived up the road
At or to (a place)
adjective
Directed or moving towards a higher place or position.
example - the up escalator
At an end.
example - his contract was up in three weeks
(of a road) being repaired.
(of a computer system) functioning properly.
example - the system is now up
In a cheerful mood; ebullient.
example - the mood here is resolutely up
(of a jockey) in the saddle.
Denoting a flavour (variety) of stable quark having relatively low mass and an electric charge of +2/3. In the Standard Model protons and neutrons are composed of up and down quarks.
noun
A period of good fortune or positive mood.
verb
Do something unexpectedly.
synonyms - brighten, brighten up, lighten, become light, light up, break, clear up, become bright, become brighter, become lighter, become fine, become sunny
Increase (a level or amount)
example - capacity will be upped by 70 per cent next yearsynonyms - add to, make larger, make bigger, make greater, augment, supplement, build up, enlarge, expand, extend, raise, multiply, elevate, swell, inflate
Lift (something) up.
example - everybody was cheering and upping their glasses
/ʌpˈdeɪt/
/ˈʌpdeɪt/
verb
Make (something) more modern or up to date.
example - security measures are continually updated and improvedsynonyms - modernize, bring up to date, bring into the twenty-first century, renovate, refurbish, recondition, overhaul, re-equip, improve, better, upgrade, streamline, rationalize, reform, revise, correct, amend
noun
An act of updating something or someone or an updated version of something.
example - an update on recently published crime figures
/ˈʌpə/
adjective
Situated above another part.
Situated on higher ground.
example - One goal was to return fish to traditional spawning grounds in the upper reaches of the Clearwater tributaries, strengthening natural fish runs.synonyms - higher, further-up, loftier
Denoting a younger (and hence usually shallower) part of a stratigraphic division or archaeological deposit or the period in which it was formed or deposited.
noun
The part of a boot or shoe above the sole.
/ʌpˈsɛt/
/ˈʌpsɛt/
verb
Make (someone) unhappy, disappointed, or worried.
example - the accusation upset hersynonyms - distress, trouble, perturb, disturb, discompose, unsettle, disconcert, discountenance, dismay, disquiet, worry, bother, inconvenience, agitate, fluster, throw, ruffle, unnerve, shake, frighten, alarm, anger, annoy, irritate, vex, irk, fret, pester, harass, torment, plague, hurt, grieve
Knock (something) over.
example - he upset a tureen of soupsynonyms - knock over, overturn, upend, tip over, push over, topple, topple over, capsize, turn topsy-turvy
Cause disorder in; disrupt.
example - the dam will upset the ecological balancesynonyms - disrupt, interfere with, disturb, throw out, turn topsy-turvy, disorder, unsettle, confuse, throw into confusion, throw into chaos, throw into disorder, disorganize, disarrange, mix up, jumble, mess up, wreck, ruin
Shorten and thicken the end or edge of (a metal bar, wheel rim, or other object), especially by hammering or pressure when heated.
example - Pressure is then applied and the arcs are extinguished and upsetting occurs.
noun
An unexpected result or situation.
example - the greatest upset in boxing historysynonyms - unexpected result
The state of being unhappy, disappointed, or worried.
example - a legal dispute will cause worry and upsetsynonyms - distress, trouble, perturbation, disturbance, discomposure, dismay, disquiet, worry, bother, inconvenience, agitation, fluster, alarm, fright, anger, annoyance, irritation, vexation, harassment, torment, hurt, grief
A disturbance of a person"s digestive system.
example - a stomach upsetsynonyms - disorder, complaint, ailment, illness, sickness, disease, malady, affliction, indisposition, infirmity
adjective
Unhappy, disappointed, or worried.
example - she looked pale and upsetsynonyms - distressed, troubled, perturbed, disturbed, discomposed, unsettled, disconcerted, discountenanced, dismayed, disquieted, worried, bothered, inconvenienced, anxious, agitated, flustered, ruffled, unnerved, shaken, frightened, alarmed, angered, annoyed, irritated, vexed, irked, fretted, hurt, saddened, grieved
(of a person"s stomach) having disturbed digestion, especially because of something eaten.
example - Place 1 drop of Peppermint oil in 1/2 glass of water, sip slowly to aid digestion and relieve an upset stomach.synonyms - disordered, disturbed, unsettled, queasy, bad, poorly, ill, sick
/ʌpˈstɛːz/
/ˈʌpstɛːz/
adverb
On or to an upper floor of a building.
example - I tiptoed upstairs
adjective
Situated on an upper floor.
example - an upstairs bedroom
noun
An upper floor.
example - she was cleaning the upstairs
/ˈʌpwəd/
adverb
Towards a higher place, point, or level.
example - she peered upward at the skysynonyms - up, upwards, uphill, towards a higher level, to the top
adjective
Moving, pointing, or leading to a higher place, point, or level.
example - an upward trend in salessynonyms - rising, ascending, climbing, mounting
/ˈəːb(ə)n/
adjective
In, relating to, or characteristic of a town or city.
example - the urban populationsynonyms - built-up, town, city, inner-city, densely populated, townified, citified, metropolitan, suburban, non-rural
Denoting or relating to popular dance music associated with black performers.Denoting popular black culture in general.
example - hip-hop"s traditionally urban vibe
/ˈəːdʒ/
verb
Try earnestly or persistently to persuade (someone) to do something.
example - he urged her to come and stay with us
noun
A strong desire or impulse.
example - he felt the urge to gigglesynonyms - desire, wish, need, impulse, compulsion, longing, yearning, hankering, craving, appetite, hunger, thirst, lust, fancy
/ʌs/
pronoun
Used by a speaker to refer to himself or herself and one or more other people as the object of a verb or preposition.
Me.
/juːz/
/juːs/
verb
Take, hold, or deploy (something) as a means of accomplishing or achieving something; employ.
example - she used her key to open the front doorsynonyms - utilize, make use of, avail oneself of, employ, work, operate, wield, ply, apply, manoeuvre, manipulate, put to use, put into service, find a use for, resort to
Take or consume (an amount) from a limited supply.
example - we have used all the available fundssynonyms - consume, get through, go through, exhaust, deplete, expend, spend, waste, fritter away, squander, dissipate
Describing an action or situation that was done repeatedly or existed for a period in the past.
example - this road used to be a dirt tracksynonyms - exercise, employ, apply, exert, bring into play, practise, implement, draw on
Be or become familiar with (someone or something) through experience.
example - she was used to getting what she wanted
One would like or benefit from.
noun
The action of using something or the state of being used for a purpose.
example - modern trains are now in usesynonyms - utilization, application, usage, employment, operation, manipulation, manoeuvring
The value or advantage of something.
example - what"s the use of crying?synonyms - usefulness, advantage, benefit, service, utility, help, good, gain, avail, profit, value, worth, point, object, motive, aim, goal, purpose, sense, reason
The habitual consumption of a drug.
example - theft and dealing financed their heroin use
The characteristic ritual and liturgy of a Christian Church or diocese.
/juːzd/
adjective
Having already been used.
example - scrawling on the back of a used envelope
Second-hand.
example - a used carsynonyms - second-hand, old, nearly new, worn, pre-owned, handed-down, cast-off
/ˈjuːsfʊl/
adjective
Able to be used for a practical purpose or in several ways.
example - aspirins are useful for headachessynonyms - functional, practical, handy, neat, convenient, utilitarian, utility, helpful, applicable, serviceable, of use, of service
/ˈjuːzə/
noun
A person who uses or operates something.
example - the user should press return and a message will be displayed
The continued use or enjoyment of a right.
example - any oral permission given within the prescription period would negative user as of right
/ˈjuːʒʊəl/
adjective
Habitually or typically occurring or done; customary.
example - he carried out his usual evening routinesynonyms - habitual, customary, accustomed, wonted, normal, routine, regular, constant, standard, typical, established, recognized, set, fixed, settled, stock, conventional, traditional, orthodox, accepted, expected, predictable, familiar, average, general, ordinary, everyday, daily, quotidian
noun
The thing which is typically done or present.
example - the band was a bit sick of playing all the usuals
/ˈjuːʒʊəli/
adverb
Under normal conditions; generally.
example - he usually arrives home about one o"clocksynonyms - normally, generally, habitually, customarily, standardly, routinely, regularly, typically, ordinarily, commonly, conventionally, traditionally, historically