Less Common Words in IELTS: Vocabulary, Idioms, Tips and PDF

The IELTS test is conducted to check the candidate’s proficiency in the English language. The IELTS Vocabulary often contains words and phrases where candidates have to provide their meanings and uses in sentences. This test requires you to have an understanding of a wide range of words, their meaning and their appropriate use in sentences. You need to improve your vocabulary skills to get a better score on the test.

A lot of times, the IELTS Vocabulary tests your knowledge of words and their synonyms and antonyms. Here, you need to be very cautious while using words with similar meanings, as this might affect the meaning of your responses, resulting in fewer scores on the test. In this article, we are going to tell you about some of the less common words in IELTS.

What is Less Common Lexis in IELTS

Less common lexis in IELTS means using stronger and more exact words that make your ideas clear and show good language skills. These words are not used often in everyday talk but are useful in formal writing and speaking. Using them the right way can help you get a higher band score.

For example: 

Common Words	Less Common Lexis
Very big	Huge / Enormous
Bad	Harmful / Poor
Good	Effective / Useful
A lot of	A large number of / Many
People	Individuals / The public

Types of Less Common Lexis: Words, Phrases, and Collocations

Less common lexis in IELTS comes in different forms, such as single words, useful phrases, and natural word combinations called collocations. Learning these types of less common lexis helps you express ideas clearly and sound more fluent in writing and speaking tasks.

Words

Words are single, clear, and meaningful choices that replace simple or basic words. In IELTS, using stronger words helps you explain your ideas more clearly and makes your language sound more formal and accurate. Using clear and meaningful lexis words shows the examiner that you have a good vocabulary range, which can help improve your score.

Phrases

Phrases for IELTS are small groups of words that help you express ideas clearly and smoothly. Using useful phrases for IELTS allows you to share opinions, give reasons, and connect ideas in a more organised way. They make both your writing and speaking sound more natural, structured, and easier for the examiner to follow.

Collocations

Collocations are pairs or groups of words that naturally go together in English. Using the right collocations in the right way makes your speaking and writing sound more fluent and natural. In IELTS, collocations show that you understand real English usage and help you avoid awkward or unnatural sentences.

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Examples of Less Common Lexis by IELTS Topic

Learning less common lexis by topic helps you use the right words in the right context. It improves the quality of your IELTS writing and speaking and shows the examiner that you have a good range of vocabulary. Below are some common IELTS topics with examples of better word choices:

Advertising

Advertising Techniques	Audience & Impact	Media & Marketing Tools
Branding	Consumerism	Commercial
Endorsement	Demographics	Flyer
Persuasion	Viewer perception	Banner
Sponsorship	Buyer psychology	Billboard
Testimonials	Purchase intent	Brochure
Positioning	Audience retention	Infomercial
Promotion	Market segmentation	Online platform
Visual Appeal	Emotional influence	Sponsored content
Slogan	Attention span	Email marketing
Logo Design	Consumer response	Mobile advertising
Catchphrase	Purchase motivation	Television slot
Storytelling	Social identity	Podcast ad
Creative Brief	Buying pattern	YouTube promotion
Call-to-action	Impulse purchase	Radio commercial
Direct Marketing	Brand recognition	Magazine spread
Campaign Strategy	Word-of-mouth effect	Influencer collaboration
Unique Selling Point	Public opinion	Outdoor signage
Comparative Selling	Psychological appeal	Search engine optimisation
Product Demonstration	Behavioural targeting	Landing page
Advertising Copy	Viewer loyalty	Affiliate marketing
A/B Testing	Peer pressure	Interactive display
Jingle	Societal values	Pop-up advertisement
Brand Ambassador	Personal connection	Geo-targeted ads
Creative Direction	Cultural relevance	Digital footprint
Market Analysis	Attention capture	Algorithm-based targeting
Strategic Messaging	Ethical concerns	Augmented reality ads

Art

Art Forms & Styles	Art Elements & Techniques	People & Impact
Visual arts	Brushwork	Art critic
Performing arts	Composition	Curator
Abstract art	Palette	Collector
Contemporary art	Perspective	Museum-goer
Modernism	Shading	Patron
Realism	Texture	Historian
Impressionism	Contrast	Audience
Minimalism	Chiaroscuro	Exhibitor
Sculpture	Sketching	Viewer
Mural	Layering	Art enthusiast
Installation	Mixed media	Visitor
Graffiti	Visual balance	Cultural ambassador
Conceptual Art	Symmetry	Supporter
Fine art	Technique	Art community
Surrealism	Artistic expression	Public appreciation
Expressionism	Colour blending	Local outreach
Landscape painting	Visual harmony	Generational influence
Still life	Detail orientation	International recognition
Calligraphy	Line variation	Educational value
Pottery	Medium manipulation	Social awareness
Textile art	Artistic interpretation	Emotional response
Digital art	Handcrafted detail	Community engagement
Watercolour	Realism technique	Audience interaction
Acrylic painting	Layered texture	Cultural preservation
Oil painting	Tonal value	Personal reflection
Mosaic	Figurative style	Identity representation
Collage	Artistic freedom	Artistic development

Business

Business Terms	Financial & Economic Concepts	Professionals & Stakeholders
Entrepreneur	Amortization	Stakeholder
Franchise	Liquidity	Shareholder
Oligopoly	Commodity	Auditor
Synergy	Derivative	Proprietor
Acquisition	Inflationary	Broker
Merger	Fiscal	Investor
Conglomerate	Asset	Economist
Benchmarking	Liabilities	Analyst
Outsourcing	Subsidy	Consultant
Joint Venture	Tariff	Executive
Monopoly	GDP (Gross Domestic Product)	Director
Innovation	Recession	CEO (Chief Executive Officer)
Start-up	Bailout	CFO (Chief Financial Officer)
Scalability	Equity	Recruiter
Branding	Depreciation	Manufacturer
Consultancy	Capitalism	Supplier

Education

Institutions & Structures	Learning & Assessment	People & Outcomes
Educational System	Curriculum	Student engagement
Academic Institution	Syllabus	Lifelong learning
Higher Education	Assessment method	Graduate employability
Primary Schooling	Learning environment	Academic achievement
Secondary Education	Distance learning	Knowledge retention
Vocational Training	Self-directed study	Critical thinking
Formal Education	Peer learning	Skill development
Informal Education	Practical skills	Independent learner
Homeschooling	Experiential learning	Intellectual growth
Boarding School	Knowledge transfer	Career progression
State School	Study materials	Educational background
Private Institution	Revision techniques	Learning outcome
Public University	Collaborative learning	Personal development
Community College	Online modules	Student motivation
Technical Institute	Study strategy	Emotional intelligence
Education Authority	Academic performance	Communication skills
Multidisciplinary Approach	Continuous assessment	Research skills
School Infrastructure	Project-based learning	Time management
Classroom Setting	Critical analysis	Problem-solving ability
Co-educational System	Feedback system	Adaptability
Blended Learning	Learning style	Interpersonal skills
Special Education	Literacy rate	Self-confidence
Inclusive Education	Numeracy skills	Professional growth
E-learning Platform	Coursework	Student-teacher relationship
Education Policy	Group discussion	Holistic development
Academic Calendar	Knowledge acquisition	Social awareness
Teaching Methodology	Study load	Global opportunities

Culture

Cultural Terms	Artistic & Social Concepts	Cultural Figures
Heritage	Assimilation	Curator
Folklore	Dialect	Anthropologist
Ethos	Taboo	Linguist
Mores	Ritual	Archivist
Bilingualism	Cultural hegemony	Historian
Norms	Iconography	Ethnographer
Tradition	Symbolism	Archaeologist
Indigenous	Multiculturalism	Cultural Critic
Legacy	Aestheticism	Sociologist
Kinship	Subculture	Mythologist

Energy

Types of Energy	Energy Use & Production	Issues & Impact
Renewable Energy	Power generation	Carbon emissions
Non-Renewable Energy	Electricity supply	Global warming
Solar Power	Energy efficiency	Environmental degradation
Wind Energy	Fuel consumption	Climate change
Hydroelectric Power	Power plants	Greenhouse gases
Geothermal Energy	Energy demand	Air pollution
Tidal Energy	Energy output	Water pollution
Biomass Energy	Fossil fuel dependency	Resource depletion
Nuclear Power	Power distribution	Habitat loss
Clean Energy	Energy storage	Health risks
Sustainable Energy	Grid system	Noise pollution
Green Energy	Smart meters	Soil contamination
Alternative Energy	Peak usage	Public concern
Hydrogen Fuel	Transmission lines	Political conflict
Biofuel	Industrial usage	Safety regulation
Thermal Energy	Energy-saving methods	Nuclear waste
Electric Power	Infrastructure cost	Economic burden
Solar Panels	Household consumption	Policy challenge
Wind Turbines	Energy-saving appliances	Ethical debate
Energy Mix	Renewable investment	Technological limitation
Photovoltaic System	Energy import	Environmental responsibility
Grid Integration	Fuel reserves	Long-term sustainability
Off-Grid System	National energy policy	International agreement
Energy Sector	Energy subsidy	Social acceptance
Low-Carbon Source	Power outage	Climate policy
Carbon-Neutral Technology	Electricity grid	Future security
Sustainable Grid	Utility company	Ecological impact

Environment

Environmental Issues	Conservation & Protection	Natural Elements & Processes
Climate change	Wildlife preservation	Ecosystem
Deforestation	Habitat restoration	Biodiversity
Pollution	Environmental regulation	Carbon footprint
Global warming	Conservation efforts	Renewable resources
Soil erosion	Sustainable development	Greenhouse effect
Acid rain	Environmental awareness	Natural habitat
Ozone depletion	Recycling initiatives	Water cycle
Waste management	Eco-friendly practices	Air quality
Overfishing	Carbon offsetting	Soil fertility
Desertification	Green technology	Ocean currents
Urban sprawl	Environmental policy	Photosynthesis
Fossil fuel consumption	Pollution control	Climate patterns
Toxic waste	Habitat loss	Weather systems
Erosion	Biodiversity protection	Natural disaster
Noise pollution	Carbon sequestration	Land degradation
Environmental degradation	Habitat conservation	Geothermal activity
Marine pollution	Soil contamination	Forest management
Environmental impact assessment	Wildlife corridors	Glacial melting
Chemical runoff	Ocean acidification	Environmental sustainability
Carbon emissions	Toxic substances	Atmospheric conditions
Environmental education	Natural reserves	Weather phenomena
Ecological footprint	Green infrastructure	Seasonal changes
Resource management	Environmental sustainability
Climate adaptation	Sustainable agriculture
Energy conservation	Renewable energy sources
	Ecosystem management

Fashion

Fashion Terms	Design & Materials	Industry Roles
Haute couture	Silhouette	Designer
Avant-garde	Textile	Tailor
Vintage	Embellishment	Stylist
Androgynous	Seam	Buyer
Sustainable fashion	Draping	Model
Capsule wardrobe	Tulle	Fashion forecaster
Streetwear	Brocade	Merchandiser
Minimalist fashion	Appliqué	Runway coordinator
Fast fashion	Chiffon	Couturier
Bespoke	Denim	Fashion editor
Retro	Organza	Costume designer
Grunge style	Lining	Wardrobe consultant
Eclectic style	Mesh	Visual merchandiser
Monochrome outfit	Satin	Boutique owner
Preppy look	Velvet	Fashion blogger
Bohemian style	Knitwear	Garment technologist
Power dressing	Plaid	Pattern maker
Athleisure	Faux fur	Textile analyst
Resort wear	Leather	Product developer
Gender-neutral fashion	Lace	Model scout

Food and Health

Food & Nutrition	Health & Well-Being	Medical & Lifestyle Terms
Nutrients	Physical Fitness	Preventive Care
Balanced Diet	Mental Health	Chronic Illness
Organic Produce	Stress Management	Health Screening
Calorie Intake	Immune System	Vaccination
Dietary Fiber	Well-Being	Health Care Services
Processed Foods	Emotional Well-Being	Medical Treatment
Superfoods	Health Awareness	Lifestyle Choices
Food Additives	Sleep Hygiene	Disease Prevention
Nutritional Value	Sedentary Lifestyle	Health Education
Food Intolerance	Cardiovascular Health	Medical Research
Food Allergies	Public Health	Health Policy
Macronutrients	Body Mass Index (BMI)	Rehabilitation
Micronutrients	Physical Therapy	Patient Care
Veganism	Preventive Measures	Medical Consultation
Gluten-Free Diet	Mental Resilience	Nutritional Deficiency
Antioxidants	Wellness Programs	Healthcare Infrastructure
Hydration	Addiction Recovery	Health Insurance
Foodborne Illnesses	Lifestyle Modification	Medical Technology
Food Preservation	Health Promotion	Chronic Disease Management
Probiotics	Health Monitoring	Medical Diagnosis
Sustainable Farming	Health Disparities	Medical Ethics
Organic Farming	Patient Compliance	Telemedicine
Dietary Supplements	Fitness Regimen	Clinical Trials
Food Security	Nutrition Education	Emergency Care
Food Sourcing	Preventive Screening	Medical Treatment Plan

Genetic Engineering

Genetic Concepts	Techniques & Processes	Ethical & Social Issues
DNA Modification	Gene Editing	Bioethics
Genetic Manipulation	Cloning	Moral Dilemma
Genome Sequencing	CRISPR Technology	Genetic Privacy
Gene Therapy	Recombinant DNA Technology	Genetic Discrimination
Genetic Mutation	Transgenic Organisms	Ethical Concerns
Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)	Gene Splicing	Social Implications
Genetic Engineering	DNA Sequencing	Public Opinion
Genetic Code	Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)	Regulatory Frameworks
Genotype	Genetic Modification	Biosafety
Phenotype	Gene Expression	Intellectual Property Rights
Genetic Traits	Mutation Analysis	Informed Consent
Hereditary Information	Genetic Screening	Risk Assessment
Genetic Counseling	DNA Replication	Environmental Impact
Molecular Biology	Genetic Mapping	Human Rights
Biotechnology	Cloning Techniques	Ethical Debate
Synthetic Biology	Genome Editing Tools	Social Acceptance
Gene Pool	Genetic Variation	Animal Welfare
Genetic Diversity	DNA Fingerprinting	Legal Issues
Gene Regulation	Epigenetics	Medical Ethics
Molecular Genetics	Genome Engineering	Genetic Engineering Ethics
Genetic Testing	DNA Repair	Cultural Perspectives
Genetic Enhancement	DNA Synthesis	Public Health Concerns

Health

Health Conditions & Diseases	Healthcare & Treatment	Wellness & Lifestyle
Cardiovascular Disease	Preventive Care	Physical Fitness
Respiratory Illness	Medical Intervention	Mental Well-Being
Infectious Disease	Health Screening	Balanced Lifestyle
Chronic Illness	Rehabilitation	Stress Management
Autoimmune Disorder	Patient Compliance	Nutritional Habits
Genetic Disorder	Diagnostic Tests	Sleep Hygiene
Neurological Condition	Medical Research	Mindfulness
Allergies	Health Promotion	Work-Life Balance
Cancer	Emergency Care	Emotional Resilience
Diabetes	Primary Care	Wellness Programs
Obesity	Specialist Consultation	Healthy Diet
Hypertension	Clinical Trials	Exercise Routine
Mental Disorder	Medication Management	Smoking Cessation
Infectious Outbreak	Preventive Measures	Alcohol Moderation
Communicable Disease	Telemedicine	Health Awareness
Immune Deficiency	Patient Education	Fitness Regimen
Tuberculosis	Health Insurance	Positive Mindset
Cardiomyopathy	Health Policy	Social Support
Stroke	Medical Ethics	Lifestyle Changes
Arthritis	Health Infrastructure

Overpopulation

Population Growth & Trends	Challenges & Problems	Solutions & Management
Population Density	Resource Depletion	Family Planning
Urban Congestion	Housing Shortage	Sustainable Development
Birth Rate	Overcrowding	Population Control
Demographic Shift	Traffic Congestion	Birth Control
Migration Patterns	Pollution	Government Policy
Population Explosion	Unemployment	Education Programs
Population Surge	Strain on Infrastructure	Awareness Campaigns
Population Boom	Public Health Crisis	Urban Planning
Population Growth Rate	Food Scarcity	Environmental Regulation
Population Distribution	Water Shortage	Social Welfare Programs
Fertility Rate	Waste Management	Resource Management
Aging Population	Energy Demand	Healthcare Improvement
Youth Bulge	Crime Rate	Technological Innovation
Migration Influx	Sanitation Issues	International Cooperation
Overurbanisation	Noise Pollution	Sustainable Housing
Overcrowded Cities	Air Pollution	Economic Incentives
Population Pressure	Deforestation	Infrastructure Development
Urban Sprawl	Climate Change	Family Education
Population Imbalance	Housing Crisis	Population Monitoring
Migration Trends	Social Inequality	Policy Enforcement
Carrying Capacity	Public Services Strain	Community Engagement
Overconsumption	Healthcare Strain	Population Sustainability
Birth Control Methods	Poverty	Population Redistribution
Population Control Measures	Demographic Planning	Sustainable Resource Use
Social Unrest	Overpopulation Consequences

Personality

Personality Traits	Psychological Concepts	Influencers
Charismatic	Introspection	Psychologist
Resilient	Empathy	Mentor
Pragmatic	Neuroticism	Life coach
Eccentric	Altruism	Motivational speaker
Tenacious	Cognitive dissonance	Therapist
Gregarious	Conditioning	Counselor
Meticulous	Self-efficacy	Social worker
Humble	Learned helplessness	Behavioural therapist
Assertive	Maslow’s hierarchy	Academic advisor
Compassionate	Mindfulness	Youth mentor
Optimistic	Self-concept	Career coach
Introverted	Projection	Peer counselor
Impulsive	Identity crisis	Wellness coach
Diligent	Defense mechanisms	Psychiatrist
Witty	Emotional intelligence	Communication expert
Perfectionist	Operant conditioning	Psychometrician
Sociable	Personality disorders	Cognitive specialist
Adaptable	Behavioural inhibition	Mental health advocate
Creative	Selective attention	Emotional coach
Curious	Motivation theory	NLP practitioner

Space Exploration

Space Missions & Technology	Astronomical Objects & Phenomena	Research & Impact
Spacecraft	Celestial Bodies	Scientific Discovery
Satellite	Asteroids	Space Research
Space Probe	Comets	Technological Advancement
Rocket Propulsion	Meteorites	Exploration Missions
Space Station	Nebulae	Space Programme
Spacewalk	Black Holes	International Cooperation
Astronaut	Supernova	Data Analysis
Cosmonaut	Galaxy	Space Exploration
Space Shuttle	Solar System	Research Funding
Orbital Mechanics	Exoplanets	Environmental Monitoring
Launch Vehicle	Cosmic Radiation	Scientific Breakthrough
Space Technology	Dark Matter	Innovation
Space Missions Planning	Gravitational Waves	Space Policy
Interstellar Travel	Magnetosphere	Space Missions Planning
Lunar Module	Aurora Borealis	Technological Impact
Mars Rover	Radiation Belts	Knowledge Expansion
Space Colonization	Star Clusters	Public Engagement
Space Debris	Cosmic Microwave Background	Ethical Considerations
Zero Gravity	Event Horizon	Resource Management
Space Tourism	Light Years

Sports

Types of Sports & Activities	Skills & Training	Competition & Impact
Athletics	Endurance	Championship
Team Sports	Agility	Tournament
Individual Sports	Coordination	Rivalry
Extreme Sports	Strength	Sportsmanship
Combat Sports	Flexibility	Medal
Water Sports	Balance	Spectators
Winter Sports	Technique	Fan Base
Outdoor Sports	Speed	Sponsorship
Indoor Sports	Stamina	Prize Money
Recreational Sports	Mental Toughness	Qualifiers
Competitive Sports	Reaction Time	Record-Breaking
Paralympic Sports	Skill Development	World Rankings
Endurance Sports	Strategy	Qualification Rounds
Contact Sports	Training Regimen	Sports Federation
Non-Contact Sports	Coaching	Broadcasting Rights
Teamwork	Performance Analysis	Anti-Doping
Fair Play	Goal Setting	Sportsmanship Awards
Physical Fitness	Injury Prevention	Sponsorship Deals
Sports Psychology	Recovery Techniques	Athlete Endorsements
Fan Engagement	Tactical Planning	Event Management

Technology

Technology Concepts & Tools	Applications & Innovations	Impact & Issues
Artificial Intelligence	Automation	Data Privacy
Blockchain	Cloud Computing	Cybersecurity
Augmented Reality	Machine Learning	Digital Divide
Virtual Reality	Internet of Things (IoT)	Ethical Concerns
Quantum Computing	5G Technology	Technological Disruption
Robotics	Smart Devices	Information Overload
Nanotechnology	Big Data Analytics	Environmental Impact
Biotechnology	Wearable Technology	Job Displacement
Cybernetics	Digital Transformation	Privacy Invasion
Neural Networks	Autonomous Vehicles	Social Isolation
Data Mining	E-Commerce	Cybercrime
Cloud Storage	Telemedicine	Fake News
3D Printing	Smart Homes	Digital Addiction
Internet Security	Blockchain Applications	Online Harassment
Software Development	Mobile Applications	Intellectual Property
Hardware Engineering	Remote Working	Surveillance
User Interface	Smart Cities	Technological Dependency
Encryption	Virtual Assistants	Digital Literacy
Information Technology	Cloud Infrastructure	Data Breaches
Ethical Hacking	Computer Vision	Social Impact of Technology
Digital Currencies	AI-Driven Tools	Algorithm Bias

Travel

Travel Terms	Tourism & Geography	Travel Roles
Sovereignty	Ecotourism	Nomad
Expedition	Jet lag	Backpacker
Pilgrimage	Archipelago	Tour operator
Visa waiver	UNESCO site	Immigration officer
Staycation	Biodiversity hotspot	Expatriate
Border crossing	Cultural heritage site	Travel agent
Transit visa	Climate zone	Tour guide
Customs declaration	Geopolitical region	Travel consultant
Travel itinerary	Urban sprawl	Cruise director
Passport validity	Heritage trail	Airline steward
Long-haul flight	Continental drift	Visa consultant
Domestic travel	Ecological footprint	Concierge
Cultural exchange	Voluntourism	Travel blogger
Jetsetter	Offbeat destination	Trip planner
Red-eye flight	Eco-lodge	Embassy officer
Wanderlust	National park	Cultural liaison
Round-the-world ticket	Time zone	Homestay coordinator
Immigration checkpoint	Mountain pass	Backpacking coordinator
Adventure tourism	Island nation	Safari guide
Gap year	Travel bubble	Intercultural trainer

Urbanisation

Urban Development & Growth	Challenges & Issues	Solutions & Planning
Urban Expansion	Overcrowding	Sustainable Development
Metropolitan Area	Traffic Congestion	Urban Planning
Suburban Growth	Pollution	Green Spaces
Population Density	Housing Shortage	Infrastructure Improvement
Cityscape	Public Transportation Gaps	Smart City Technology
Urban Sprawl	Waste Management	Affordable Housing
Gentrification	Noise Pollution	Zoning Regulations
Mixed-Use Development	Social Inequality	Public Amenities
Industrial Zone	Unemployment	Urban Renewal
Residential Area	Crime Rate	Environmental Conservation
Commercial District	Slum Development	Community Engagement
Public Services	Access to Healthcare	Policy Implementation
Infrastructure	Water Shortage	Traffic Management
Housing Development	Energy Consumption	Renewable Energy Integration
Land Use	Infrastructure Strain	Smart Infrastructure
Urban Poverty	Environmental Degradation	City Planning
Informal Settlements	Health Risks	Affordable Public Transport
Urban Migration	Resource Depletion	Urban Regeneration
Transport Network	Disaster Vulnerability	Mixed-Income Housing
Urban Design	Lack of Green Areas	Economic Growth

Less Common Idioms and Phrases in IELTS

Using idioms and phrases can add colour and natural flow to your IELTS speaking and writing. Less common idioms show that you have a good command of English and can use language creatively. However, it is important to use them correctly and in the right context to avoid sounding unnatural.

List of Idioms for IELTS Vocabulary

List of Idioms for IELTS Vocabulary	Meaning
A blessing in disguise	Something that seems bad but turns out good
A breath of fresh air	Something new and refreshing
A double-edged sword	Something with both positive and negative effects
A drop in the ocean	A very small amount compared to what’s needed
A level playing field	Fair and equal conditions for everyone
A necessary evil	Something unpleasant but essential
A penny for your thoughts	What are you thinking about?
A picture is worth a thousand words	Visual images convey meaning better than words
A stepping stone	Something that helps you progress to the next level
A wake-up call	An event that makes you realize something important
Against all odds	Despite very low chances of success
All in the same boat	In the same difficult situation
Back to square one	Starting over from the beginning
Behind the scenes	What happens privately, not in public
Better late than never	It’s better to do something late than not at all
Break the ice	To start a conversation or make people feel comfortable
Burn the midnight oil	To work late into the night
Call it a day	To stop working and go home
Can’t judge a book by its cover	You can’t judge based on appearance alone
Cross that bridge when you come to it	Deal with problems when they arise
Cut to the chase	Get to the main point quickly
Don’t count your chickens before they hatch	Don’t assume success before it happens
Don’t put all your eggs in one basket	Don’t risk everything on one option
Every cloud has a silver lining	There’s something positive in every bad situation
First things first	Deal with the most important matters first
Get the ball rolling	To start something
Go the extra mile	To make additional effort beyond what’s expected
Hit the books	To study hard
Hit the ground running	To start something energetically and successfully
Hit the nail on the head	To be exactly correct
In hot water	In trouble
In the nick of time	Just in time; at the last moment
It’s not rocket science	It’s not difficult to understand
Keep your chin up	Stay positive and optimistic
Kill two birds with one stone	Accomplish two things with one action
Let the cat out of the bag	To reveal a secret accidentally
Make a long story short	To summarize briefly
Make ends meet	To have enough money to pay for basic needs
Miss the boat	To miss an opportunity
On cloud nine	Extremely happy
On the same page	Having the same understanding or opinion
Once in a blue moon	Very rarely
Practice makes perfect	Doing something repeatedly improves your skill
Pull your socks up	To make more effort; to improve
Put all your cards on the table	To be completely honest and open
Rome wasn’t built in a day	Great things take time to achieve
See eye to eye	To agree completely
Speak of the devil	Said when someone arrives just as you’re talking about them
The ball is in your court	It’s your turn to make a decision or take action
The best of both worlds	A situation that combines the advantages of two different things
The elephant in the room	An obvious problem that everyone ignores
The last straw	The final problem that makes you lose patience
The tip of the iceberg	A small visible part of a much larger problem
Think outside the box	To think creatively
Time flies	Time passes quickly
Turn over a new leaf	To start behaving better; to change for the better
Under the weather	Feeling slightly ill
When it rains, it pours	Problems often come all at once
You can’t have your cake and eat it too	You can’t have everything you want
A fish out of water	Someone who feels uncomfortable in a new situation
Bite off more than you can chew	To take on more than you can handle
Burn your bridges	To destroy relationships or opportunities
Catch someone red-handed	To catch someone in the act of doing something wrong
Cost an arm and a leg	To be very expensive
Cry over spilled milk	To be upset about something that can’t be changed
Don’t bite the hand that feeds you	Don’t harm someone who helps you
Don’t rock the boat	Don’t cause trouble or upset the status quo
Face the music	To accept responsibility and consequences
Get cold feet	To become nervous and change your mind
Get your act together	To organize yourself and behave responsibly
Go with the flow	To accept things as they happen
Have your head in the clouds	To be unrealistic or not paying attention
Hit the sack	To go to bed
Hold your horses	Wait; slow down
Jump on the bandwagon	To join a popular trend or activity
Keep your eyes peeled	To watch carefully
Let sleeping dogs lie	Don’t disturb a situation that might cause trouble
Make a mountain out of a molehill	To exaggerate a small problem
No pain, no gain	You must work hard to achieve something worthwhile
Pull someone’s leg	To joke with someone; to tease
Put your foot in your mouth	To say something embarrassing or inappropriate
Rain on someone’s parade	To spoil someone’s plans or happiness
Sit on the fence	To avoid taking sides in a dispute
Spill the beans	To reveal a secret
Take it with a grain of salt	To be skeptical about information
Take the bull by the horns	To face a difficult situation with determination
Throw in the towel	To give up; to surrender
Twist someone’s arm	To persuade someone to do something
Wear your heart on your sleeve	To show your emotions openly
When pigs fly	Never; something impossible
A penny saved is a penny earned	Saving money is as valuable as earning money
Actions speak louder than words	What you do is more important than what you say
Curiosity killed the cat	Being too curious can get you into trouble
Don’t cry over spilled milk	Don’t waste time worrying about past mistakes
Honesty is the best policy	It’s always better to tell the truth
If you can’t beat them, join them	If you can’t defeat opponents, cooperate with them
Money doesn’t grow on trees	Money is not easily obtained
The early bird catches the worm	Success comes to those who start early
Where there’s a will, there’s a way	If you’re determined, you’ll find a solution
You reap what you sow	Your actions determine your results

List of Phrases for IELTS Vocabulary

List of Phrases for IELTS Vocabulary	Meaning
Against the backdrop of	In the context of
All things considered	Taking everything into account
As a general rule	Usually; typically
As a matter of fact	Actually; in reality
As far as I’m concerned	In my opinion
At face value	Based on appearance; superficially
At regular intervals	Happening at consistent periods
At the expense of	Causing harm or loss to
At the mercy of	Completely dependent on
At the outset	At the beginning
Be that as it may	Nevertheless; even so
Beyond question	Undoubtedly; certainly
By and large	Generally speaking; for the most part
By no means	Not at all; definitely not
By the same token	Similarly; for the same reason
For that matter	Similarly; as far as that is concerned
For the time being	Temporarily; for now
From my perspective	In my view
Having said that	However; despite what was just said
I can’t help but think	I strongly believe
In a nutshell	In summary; briefly
In light of	Considering; because of
In other words	To explain more clearly
In the face of	Despite; when confronted with
In the foreseeable future	In the near future
In the grand scheme of things	Considering the bigger picture
In the long run	Eventually; over a long period
In the midst of	During; in the middle of
In the wake of	Following; as a result of
It goes without saying	It is obvious or clear
It stands to reason	It is logical; it makes sense
It strikes me that	It seems to me that
More often than not	Usually; frequently
Nine times out of ten	Almost always; usually
Not to mention	In addition to; as well as
On no account	Never; absolutely not
On the brink of	Very close to; about to
On the flip side	On the other hand; conversely
On the whole	Generally; considering everything
On top of that	Additionally; furthermore
Once in a blue moon	Very rarely; almost never
There’s no denying	It cannot be disputed
Time and time again	Repeatedly; frequently
To add insult to injury	To make a bad situation even worse
To be ahead of one’s time	To be innovative or progressive
To be well off	To be wealthy or comfortable financially
To bear in mind	To remember; to consider
To bend over backwards	To make great effort to help
To boil down to	To be essentially about
To break new ground	To do something innovative
To bring to light	To reveal or discover
To change one’s tune	To change one’s opinion
To come to terms with	To accept or deal with
To cut a long story short	To summarize; to get to the point
To cut corners	To do something cheaply or quickly
To get straight to the point	To speak directly about the main issue
To get to grips with	To understand or master something
To get value for money	To receive good quality for the price
To give rise to	To cause or result in
To give something a shot	To try something
To go against the grain	To do something unconventional
To go the extra mile	To make additional effort
To have second thoughts	To reconsider; to doubt
To hit the nail on the head	To be exactly right
To jump to conclusions	To decide too quickly without evidence
To keep an open mind	To remain receptive to new ideas
To keep pace with	To progress at the same rate as
To lag behind	To fall behind; to be slower
To leave no stone unturned	To try every possible method
To live from hand to mouth	To have very little money
To make an educated guess	To estimate based on knowledge
To make ends meet	To have just enough money to survive
To make matters worse	To worsen the situation
To miss the point	To misunderstand the main idea
To move with the times	To adapt to changes
To my way of thinking	In my opinion
To pave the way for	To prepare for; to make possible
To play devil’s advocate	To argue the opposite viewpoint
To pull out all the stops	To make maximum effort
To put it another way	To express the same idea differently
To put things into perspective	To consider the relative importance
To see both sides of the coin	To understand different perspectives
To see eye to eye	To agree completely
To shed light on	To explain or clarify something
To splash out on	To spend money generously on
To stand the test of time	To remain valuable over time
To stem from	To originate from; to be caused by
To strike a balance	To find a compromise
To take into account	To consider; to think about
To take with a grain of salt	To be skeptical about
To think outside the box	To think creatively
To tighten one’s belt	To spend less money
To turn a blind eye to	To ignore deliberately
To weigh up the pros and cons	To consider advantages and disadvantages
To a certain extent	Partially; to some degree
To a great extent	Largely; mostly
To some degree	Partially; to a certain extent
Under no circumstances	Never; not in any situation
What’s more	Additionally; furthermore
Without a doubt	Certainly; definitely

Uncommon Words in IELTS

Apart from less common words, some uncommon words in IELTS are as follows:

Word	Meaning & IELTS Context
Abundant	Plentiful; often used when discussing resources, nature
Alleviate	To reduce or ease problems, pain, or difficulties
Ambiguous	Unclear or having more than one meaning, useful in arguments
Beneficial	Helpful or good effect, used for positive impacts
Coherent	Logical and easy to understand, important for essay clarity
Consensus	General agreement, useful in discussing opinions
Controversial	Causing disagreement or debate, common in discussion topics
Credible	Believable or trustworthy, good for evidence or sources
Detrimental	Harmful or damaging, often used in environmental or health topics
Discrepancy	A difference or inconsistency, useful in data analysis
Disseminate	To spread information widely, important in education and media
Eloquent	Fluent and persuasive, useful to describe speech or writing
Empirical	Based on observation or experiment, helpful in science topics
Endorse	To support or approve, useful in policy discussions
Feasible	Possible and practical, common in problem-solving essays
Fluctuate	To change irregularly, useful in economics or environment
Impartial	Fair and unbiased, important in arguments or reports
Incentive	A motivation or encouragement, common in social topics
Indispensable	Absolutely necessary, often used to describe resources or skills
Inevitable	Certain to happen, used to discuss future consequences
Innovative	Introducing new ideas, common in technology and business
Integrity	Honesty and moral principles, useful in ethical discussions
Lucrative	Producing profit, helpful in economic or business essays
Mundane	Ordinary or dull, useful to contrast with exciting topics
Objective	Not influenced by emotions, important in academic writing
Optimistic	Hopeful about the future, common in opinion essays
Paradox	A seemingly contradictory statement, useful in complex arguments
Paramount	Most important, good for emphasizing key points
Plausible	Believable or reasonable, important when discussing theories
Pragmatic	Practical and realistic, useful in problem-solving essays
Prevalent	Commonly occurring, good for describing trends
Profound	Deep or intense, used in emotional or intellectual contexts
Prolific	Producing a lot, often related to productivity or creativity
Prominent	Important or well-known, good for describing figures or issues
Redundant	Unnecessary repetition, helpful in discussing efficiency
Reluctant	Unwilling or hesitant, useful in personal opinion essays
Resilient	Able to recover quickly, common in environment or health
Sporadic	Occurring irregularly, good for describing events or phenomena
Substantial	Large or significant, often used in data or effects
Subsequent	Coming after something else, useful in sequencing ideas
Superficial	Shallow or not thorough, good for critical evaluation
Tangible	Real and touchable, used to describe evidence or benefits
Tenacious	Persistent and determined, common in character descriptions
Tentative	Not certain or fixed, useful in discussing plans or ideas
Transient	Temporary or short-lived, good for environmental or social topics
Ubiquitous	Found everywhere, helpful in technology or social media contexts
Unprecedented	Never done before, common in discussing new trends
Viable	Possible and workable, useful in solution-focused essays
Vulnerable	Open to harm, often in health or social contexts
Wholesome	Healthy or morally good, good for food and lifestyle topics

Why Less Common Lexis Matters for a High IELTS Band

Using less common lexis matters for a high IELTS band because it helps you stand out and shows a strong command of English. In IELTS writing and speaking, especially at Band 7 and above, examiners expect you to use a wide range of useful vocabulary for IELTS accurately and naturally. This means going beyond everyday words to include more precise, varied, and topic-specific vocabulary.

Additionally, the IELTS lexical resource criterion specifically looks at your ability to use a broad range of vocabulary, including less common and academic words, without errors. Using less common lexis effectively shows you can express ideas clearly and flexibly, which plays an important role in Band 7+ writing and speaking. It also helps you avoid repeating simple words and makes your language more engaging and professional.

Also Read: Academic Words For IELTS

Best IELTS Preparation Books to Purchase in 2025

Individuals preparing for the IELTS Exam can refer to the following table to go through the list of the best IELTS  preparation books. 

Name of the Book	Author/Publisher
The Official Cambridge Guide To IELTS Student’s Book With Answers	Pauline Cullen
Barron’s IELTS Practice Exams	Lin Lougheed
IELTS Graphs from the past exam	Kiranpreet Kaur Makkar
Cambridge IELTS Academic 16 Student’s Book [paperback]	Cambridge Career Zone
Word Power Made Easy Including Latest Word List	Norman Lewis
IELTS WRITING ACADEMIC 2023	Karamveer Singh
Cambridge IELTS 18 academic with authentic papers	Cambridge Press

Common Mistakes with Advanced Lexis in IELTS

Use of advanced vocabulary can help improve your IELTS score, especially in writing and speaking tasks. However, to score well in the Lexical Resource criterion, the vocabulary must be used correctly. Many students make common mistakes when trying to use less common or advanced words. Below are some of the most common mistakes with advanced Lexis in IELTS.

1. Using Rare or Unnatural Words

Students often use extremely rare or old-fashioned words to sound advanced. However, this can make sentences sound awkward and unnatural to the examiner.

Correct: The government implemented new rules to improve public safety.

Incorrect: The government promulgated new rules to improve public safety.

2. Choosing the Wrong Word

Using an advanced word in the wrong context weakens your message. Even if the word is impressive, incorrect usage can confuse the meaning.

Correct: The new policy had a positive impact on education.

Incorrect: The new policy had a lucrative impact on education.

(Note: Lucrative means profitable, which doesn’t fit in this sentence.)

3. Overusing of Advanced Vocabulary

Trying to include too many advanced words in one sentence can make your writing sound unnatural and unclear. A good balance of simple and advanced vocabulary is more effective.

Correct: Urbanisation brings both benefits and challenges to modern cities.
Incorrect: Urbanisation engenders multifaceted ramifications for metropolitan landscapes.

4. Spelling and Word Form Errors

Many students spell difficult words incorrectly or use the wrong form (e.g., adjective instead of adverb), which reduces the score.

Correct: She explained her ideas clearly.
Incorrect: She explained her ideas clear.

5. Forcing Vocabulary into Sentences

Some learners use advanced words just to impress the examiner, even if the word doesn’t fit naturally in the sentence.

Correct: It is important to consider all sides before making a decision.
Incorrect: It is paramount to ponder multifarious perspectives prior to conclusion.

Top 5 Tips to Ace Your IELTS Score Using Less Common Lexis

Using less common lexis the right way can help you improve your IELTS band, especially in writing and speaking. Here are top 5 tips to ace your IELTS score using less common lexis.

• Make separate lists of useful words for common IELTS topics like education, environment, technology, and health. This helps you learn words that are directly useful in the test and makes it easier to remember them in context.
• Don’t just memorise word meanings. Always learn how the word is used in a sentence. This will help you use the word correctly and naturally in writing and speaking.
• Try changing simple sentences into more formal ones by replacing basic words with stronger or more precise ones. This builds your skill in expressing ideas clearly and helps in both Task 1 and Task 2 writing.
• During your speaking practice, make an effort to use some of the new vocabulary you’ve learned. Record yourself and check if the words sound natural and correct.
• Learning which words go well together is key to sounding natural. Practice popular phrases like rapid growth, play a vital role, or environmental concerns to improve fluency and score higher on lexical resource.
• Don’t overuse difficult words just to impress the examiner. Use them only when they fit naturally, and focus on accuracy, clarity, and variety. That’s what will boost your IELTS score.

List of Less Common Lexis PDF

Here is refined list of less common lexis PDF slightly advanced but useful words for IELTS, designed to help you score higher in the Lexical Resource criterion. These words are ideal for both Writing Task 2 and Speaking responses.

So that was all about the Less common words in IELTS. Hope the blog has answered your queries pertaining to the topic.

FAQs

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