The top 1,000 vocabulary words have been carefully chosen to represent difficult but common words that appear in everyday academic and business writing. These words are also the most likely to appear on the SAT, ACT, GRE, and ToEFL.
To create this list, we started with the words that give our users the most trouble and then ranked them by how frequently they appear in our corpus of billions of words from edited sources. If you only have time to study one list of words, this is the list.
consider, minute, accord, evident, practice, intend, concern, commit, issue, approach, establish, utter, conduct, engage, obtain, scarce, policy, straight, stock, apparent, property, fancy, concept, court, appoint, passage, vain, instance, coast, project, commission, constant, circumstances, constitute, level, affect, institute, render, appeal, generate, theory, range, campaign, league, labor, confer, grant, dwell, entertain, contract, earnest, yield, wander, insist, knight, convince, inspire, convention, skill, harry, financial, reflect, novel, furnish, compel, venture, territory, temper, bent, intimate, undertake, majority, assert, crew, chamber, humble, scheme, keen, liberal, despair, tide, attitude, justify, flag, merit, manifest, notion, scale, formal, resource, persist, contempt, tour, plead, weigh, mode, distinction, inclined, attribute, exert
deem to be
Example Sentence: At the moment, artemisinin-based therapies are considered the best treatment, but cost about $10 per dose - far too much for impoverished communities.
— Seattle Times (Feb 16, 2012)
infinitely or immeasurably small
Example Sentence: The minute stain on the document was not visible to the naked eye.
concurrence of opinion
Example Sentence: The committee worked in accord on the bill, and it eventually passed.
clearly revealed to the mind or the senses or judgment
Example Sentence: That confidence was certainly evident in the way Smith handled the winning play with 14 seconds left on the clock .
—Reuters (Jan 15, 2012)
a customary way of operation or behavior
Example Sentence: He directed and acted in plays every season and became known for exploring Elizabethan theatre practices.
—BBC (Feb 16, 2012)
have in mind as a purpose
Example Sentence: “Lipstick, as a product intended for topical use with limited absorption, is ingested only in very small quantities,” the agency said on its website.
—BusinessWeek (Feb 15, 2012)
something that interests you because it is important or affects you
Example Sentence: The scandal broke out in October after former chief executive Michael Woodford claimed he was fired for raising concerns about the company's accounting practices.
—BBC (Feb 15, 2012)
perform an act, usually with a negative connotation
Example Sentence: In an unprecedented front page article in 2003 The Times reported that Mr. Blair, a young reporter on its staff, had committed journalistic fraud.
—New York Times (Feb 15, 2012)
some situation or event that is thought about
Example Sentence: As a result, the privacy issues surrounding mobile computing are becoming ever-more complex.
—Time (Feb 16, 2012)
move towards
Example Sentence: Spain’s jobless rate for people ages 16 to 24 is approaching 50 percent.
—New York Times (Feb 15, 2012)
set up or found
Example Sentence: A small French colony, Port Louis, was established on East Falkland in 1764 and handed to the Spanish three years later.
—BBC (Feb 16, 2012)
without qualification; used informally as (often pejorative) intensifiers
Example Sentence: No one can blame an honest mechanic for holding a wealthy snob in utter contempt.
—Ingersoll, Robert Green
direct the course of; manage or control
Example Sentence: Scientists have been conducting studies of individual genes for years.
—BusinessWeek (Feb 15, 2012)
consume all of one's attention or time
Example Sentence: We had nearly two hundred passengers, who were seated about on the sofas, reading, or playing games, or engaged in conversation.
—Field, Henry M. (Henry Martyn)
come into possession of
Example Sentence: He delayed making the unclassified report public while awaiting an Army review, but Rolling Stone magazine obtained the report and posted it Friday night.
—New York Times (Feb 11, 2012)
deficient in quantity or number compared with the demand
Example Sentence: Meanwhile, heating oil could grow more scarce in the Northeast this winter, the Energy Department warned last month.
—New York Times (Jan 21, 2012)
a plan of action adopted by an individual or social group
Example Sentence: Inflation has lagged behind the central bank's 2 percent target, giving policy makers extra scope to cut rates.
—BusinessWeek (Feb 15, 2012)
successive (without a break)
Example Sentence: After three straight losing seasons, Hoosiers fans were just hoping for a winning record.
—Seattle Times (Feb 15, 2012)
the capital raised by a corporation through the issue of shares entitling holders to an ownership interest (equity)
Example Sentence: In other words, Apple’s stock is cheap, and you should buy it.
—Forbes (Feb 16, 2012)
clearly revealed to the mind or the senses or judgment
Example Sentence: But the elderly creak is beginning to become apparent in McCartney’s voice.
—Time (Feb 16, 2012)
a basic or essential attribute shared by all members of a class
Example Sentence: Owing to these magic properties, it was often planted near dwellings to keep away evil spirits.
—Parsons, Mary Elizabeth
imagine; conceive of; see in one's mind
Example Sentence: For a time, indeed, he had fancied that things were changed.
—Weyman, Stanley J.
an abstract or general idea inferred or derived from specific instances
Example Sentence: As a psychologist, I have always found the concept of speed dating fascinating.
—Scientific American (Feb 13, 2012)
an assembly (including one or more judges) to conduct judicial business
Example Sentence: When Brown pleaded not guilty to assaulting Rihanna, their violent past came out in court.
—Slate (Feb 16, 2012)
assign a duty, responsibility or obligation to
Example Sentence: In 1863 he was appointed by the general assembly professor of oriental languages at New College.
—Various
a section of text; particularly a section of medium length
Example Sentence: His interpretation of many obscure scriptural passages by means of native manners and customs and traditions is particularly helpful and informing.
—Sheets, Emily Churchill Thompson
unproductive of success
Example Sentence: An attempt was made to ignore this brilliant and irregular book, but in vain; it was read all over Europe.
—Various
an occurrence of something
Example Sentence: In many instances large districts or towns would have fewer representatives than smaller ones, or perhaps none at all.
—Clarke, Helen Archibald
the shore of a sea or ocean
Example Sentence: Martello towers must be built within short distances all round the coast.
—Wingfield, Lewis
a planned undertaking
Example Sentence: The funds are aimed at helping build public projects including mass transit, electricity networks, water utility and ports, it said.
—BusinessWeek (Feb 17, 2012)
a special group delegated to consider some matter
Example Sentence: The developers are now seeking approval from the landmarks commission.
—New York Times (Feb 16, 2012)
a quantity that does not vary
Example Sentence: In 1929, Hubble independently put forward and confirmed the same idea, and the parameter later became known as the Hubble constant.
—Nature (Nov 15, 2011)
your overall circumstances or condition in life (including everything that happens to you)
Example Sentence: The circumstances leading up to the shootings was not immediately available.
—Chicago Tribune (Feb 19, 2012)
to compose or represent:"This wall forms the background of the stage setting"
Example Sentence: Oil and natural gas constituted almost 50 percent of Russian government revenue last year.
—BusinessWeek (Feb 19, 2012)
a relative position or degree of value in a graded group
Example Sentence: Only last month did the men’s and women’s unemployment rates reach the same level.
—New York Times (Feb 19, 2012)
have an effect upon
Example Sentence: The central bank will start distributing low-interest loans in early March to individuals and small and medium-sized companies affected by the flooding.
—BusinessWeek (Feb 19, 2012)
set up or lay the groundwork for
Example Sentence: Corporations have to be more and more focused on instituting higher labor standards.
—Washington Post (Feb 7, 2012)
give an interpretation or rendition of
Example Sentence: But authorities had rendered the weapon and the explosive device inoperable, officials said.
—Chicago Tribune (Feb 17, 2012)
be attractive to
Example Sentence: To get traditional women’s accessories to appeal to men, some designers are giving them manly names and styles.
—New York Times (Feb 19, 2012)
bring into existence
Example Sentence: Qualities such as these are not generated under bad working practices of any sort.
—Hungerford, Edward
a well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world; an organized system of accepted knowledge that applies in a variety of circumstances to explain a specific set of phenomena
Example Sentence: Testing that theory begins Saturday night, as the Capitals take on Tampa Bay in another important contest.
—Washington Post (Feb 18, 2012)
a variety of different things or activities
Example Sentence: Like American community colleges, admission at an open university is not competitive, but the schools offer a range of programs, including doctoral degrees.
—Time (Feb 19, 2012)
a race between candidates for elective office
Example Sentence: At the same point in 2004 — as an incumbent facing re-election — Mr. Bush had taken in about $145.6 million for his campaign.
—New York Times (Feb 18, 2012)
an association of sports teams that organizes matches for its members
Example Sentence: "When I broke into the big leagues until a month ago, Gary kept in touch," Mets third baseman David Wright said.
—Seattle Times (Feb 17, 2012)
any piece of work that is undertaken or attempted
Example Sentence: More labor is entailed, more time is required, greater delay is occasioned in cleaning up, and the amount of water used is much greater.
—Hoskin, Arthur J.
have a conference in order to talk something over
Example Sentence: Ms. Stewart said Mrs. Bachmann conferred with her family and a few aides after her disappointing showing on Tuesday evening.
—New York Times (Jan 4, 2012)
allow to have
Example Sentence: He had been granted entry into the White House only for the daily briefing, later that afternoon.
—New York Times (Feb 17, 2012)
think moodily or anxiously about something
Example Sentence: But it is hardly necessary to dwell on so normal an event.
—Vinogradoff, Paul
provide entertainment for
Example Sentence: The first Super Bowl in 1967 featured college marching bands entertaining the crowds at halftime.
—Reuters (Feb 6, 2012)
a binding agreement between two or more persons that is enforceable by law
Example Sentence: Contracts with utilities will be signed starting next month, he said.
—BusinessWeek (Feb 16, 2012)
characterized by a firm and humorless belief in the validity of your opinions
Example Sentence: Too much praise cannot be given to the earnest and efficient missionaries who founded and have maintained this mission.
—Miller, George A.
give or supply
Example Sentence: It is a very important honey plant, as it yields an exceptionally pure nectar and remains in bloom a long time.
—Parsons, Mary Elizabeth
to move or cause to move in a sinuous, spiral, or circular course
Example Sentence: While each animal wandered through the maze, its brain was working furiously.
—New York Times (Feb 16, 2012)
be emphatic or resolute and refuse to budge
Example Sentence: Interior Department officials insisted that they had conducted an extensive scientific inquiry before moving ahead with the spill response plan.
—New York Times (Feb 17, 2012)
originally a person of noble birth trained to arms and chivalry; today in Great Britain a person honored by the sovereign for personal merit
Example Sentence: The knight was gallant not only in war, but in love also.
—Crothers, Samuel McChord
make (someone) agree, understand, or realize the truth or validity of something
Example Sentence: But though he listened he was not convinced.
—Reade, Charles
serve as the inciting cause of
Example Sentence: His surprising performance inspired an outpouring of fan adoration that has been dubbed "Linsanity."
—Chicago Tribune (Feb 19, 2012)
a large formal assembly
Example Sentence: Last year, the industry’s main trade convention, the Inside Self-Storage World Expo, organized workshops in Las Vegas focusing on lien laws and auction sales.
—New York Times (Feb 17, 2012)
an ability that has been acquired by training
Example Sentence: He says many new drivers are terrified of motorway driving because they do not have the skills or confidence needed.
—BBC (Feb 20, 2012)
annoy continually or chronically
Example Sentence: There’s something uplifting about hearing a string instrument when I’m feeling ragged or harried.
—New York Times (Feb 9, 2012)
involving financial matters
Example Sentence: Meanwhile, universities have raised tuition every year, putting many students in a financial bind.
—New York Times (Feb 20, 2012)
show an image of
Example Sentence: Teens ranting over chores and whatnot can often reflect deeper feelings of alienation or perceived uncaring on the part of parents.
—Time (Feb 17, 2012)
an extended fictional work in prose; usually in the form of a story
Example Sentence: Before Robert Barr publishes a novel he spends years in thinking the thing out.
—Anonymous
provide or equip with furniture
Example Sentence: Instead, according to court documents, the money went toward furnishing mansions, flying in private jets, and retaining a $120,000-a-year personal hairstylist.
—BusinessWeek (Feb 1, 2012)
force somebody to do something
Example Sentence: But the flames grew too large, compelling firefighters to call off the rescue.
—New York Times (Feb 18, 2012)
proceed somewhere despite the risk of possible dangers
Example Sentence: Clearly he would not venture to descend while his enemy moved.
—Strang, Herbert
the geographical area under the jurisdiction of a sovereign state
Example Sentence: On Friday, West Africa regional group Ecowas condemned the rebels, urging them to end hostilities and surrender all occupied territory.
—BBC (Feb 18, 2012)
a characteristic (habitual or relatively temporary) state of feeling
Example Sentence: Oscar Wilde, to do him justice, bore this sort of rebuff with astonishing good temper and sweetness.
—Anonymous
fixed in your purpose
Example Sentence: The business-oriented constituency of the Republican Party, Jacobs said, has been weakened by a faction bent on lowering taxes and cutting spending.
—BusinessWeek (Feb 17, 2012)
marked by close acquaintance, association, or familiarity
Example Sentence: The female spider can choose when to cut off intimate relations by eating her partner, or kicking him out.
—Scientific American (Jan 31, 2012)
enter upon an activity or enterprise
Example Sentence: An autopsy has reportedly been undertaken but the results are not expected for several weeks.
—The Guardian (Feb 13, 2012)
(elections) more than half of the votes
Example Sentence: Republicans need just four seats in the Senate to take control as the majority party.
—Reuters (Feb 7, 2012)
to declare or affirm solemnly and formally as true
Example Sentence: In your talk you asserted the pill's risks of blood clotting, lung artery blockage, heart attack and stroke are minimal.
—Science Magazine (Feb 18, 2012)
the men and women who man a vehicle (ship, aircraft, etc.)
Example Sentence: Several pilots and crew members would have to escape at once, while safety divers watched, ready to rescue anyone who became stuck .
—New York Times (Feb 6, 2012)
a natural or artificial enclosed space
Example Sentence: "Today," said the old man, "you must push through with me into my most solitary chamber, that we may not be disturbed."
—Carlyle, Thomas
marked by meekness or modesty; not arrogant or prideful
Example Sentence: “Challenging yourself, playing up against stronger, tougher, and overall better competition will keep you humble.”
—Washington Post (Jan 17, 2012)
an elaborate and systematic plan of action
Example Sentence: Some companies in the Globe District of Arizona have started extensive underground schemes for mining large tonnages very cheaply by "caving" methods.
—Hoskin, Arthur J.
having or demonstrating ability to recognize or draw fine distinctions
Example Sentence: Not one of his movements escaped her keen observation; she drankin every shiver.
—Wingfield, Lewis
having political or social views favoring reform and progress
Example Sentence: Romney’s actually done well in open primaries where fiscally conservative yet socially liberal independents have backed him over his opponents.
—Time (Feb 14, 2012)
a state in which all hope is lost or absent
Example Sentence: There were wounded love, and wounded pride, and despair, and coming madness, all in that piteous cry.
—Reade, Charles
the periodic rise and fall of the sea level under the gravitational pull of the moon
Example Sentence: In the case of mobile connectivity, a rising tide does not lift all boats.
—Slate (Feb 9, 2012)
a complex mental state involving beliefs and feelings and values and dispositions to act in certain ways
Example Sentence: "Behaviours have changed and attitudes have changed," Mr Taylor said.
—BBC (Feb 16, 2012)
show to be reasonable or provide adequate ground for
Example Sentence: He felt sure that if the circumstances justified it, the necessary proceedings could be taken.”
—Anonymous
emblem usually consisting of a rectangular piece of cloth of distinctive design
Example Sentence: Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas declared three days of mourning and ordered flags flown at half staff.
—New York Times (Feb 16, 2012)
any admirable quality or attribute
Example Sentence: Thus far in our inquiry extraordinary merits have been offset by extraordinary defects.
—Ayres, Harry Morgan
reveal its presence or make an appearance
Example Sentence: A too rapid transformation of existing conditions might very easily lead to an economic crisis, symptoms of which are already beginning to manifest themselves.
—Vay, P?ter
a general inclusive concept
Example Sentence: Does that old notion that defense wins championships still hold up these days?
—Seattle Times (Jan 13, 2012)
relative magnitude
Example Sentence: And there might not be much money, so fashion shows are done on a much smaller scale.
—Seattle Times (Feb 17, 2012)
characteristic of or befitting a person in authority
Example Sentence: A formal decision to call off the search is likely on Wednesday, rescue officials said.
—New York Times (Jan 31, 2012)
available source of wealth; a new or reserve supply that can be drawn upon when needed
Example Sentence: “Economists assume that, under normal conditions, markets will allocate resources efficiently,” he added.
—BusinessWeek (Feb 17, 2012)
continue to exist
Example Sentence: Old ideas, long after the conditions under which they were produced have passed away, often persist in surviving.
—Ingersoll, Robert Green
lack of respect accompanied by a feeling of intense dislike
Example Sentence: And with his back handed contempt for all things ordinary, Blake is making some of the catchiest, most difficult music in recent memory.
—Time (Dec 20, 2011)
a journey or route all the way around a particular place or area
Example Sentence: He typed in “South Park” and took senior executives on a tour of Web sites offering pirated episodes.
—New York Times (Feb 8, 2012)
enter a plea, as in courts of law
Example Sentence: Aria pleaded not guilty, but he acknowledged that he had violated some laws.
—New York Times (Feb 18, 2012)
to be oppressive or burdensome
Example Sentence: So far, the political turmoil has not appeared to have discouraged visitors, but prolonged strife could weigh on tourism.
—New York Times (Feb 11, 2012)
how something is done or how it happens
Example Sentence: Speaking of science, he says, in language far in advance of his times: ‘There are two modes of knowing—by argument and by experiment.
—Adams, W. H. Davenport (William Henry Davenport)
a discrimination between things as different and distinct
Example Sentence: But such a distinction is quite external; at heart the men may be very much alike.
—Anonymous
at an angle to the horizontal or vertical position
Example Sentence: Such an inclined passage following a seam of coal is known as a slope.
—Hoskin, Arthur J.
an abstraction belonging to or characteristic of an entity
Example Sentence: The authors found that when the available prospects varied more in attributes such as age, height, occupation and educational background, people made fewer dating proposals.
—Scientific American (Feb 13, 2012)
make a great effort at a mental or physical task
Example Sentence: School boards may come to exert even greater influence over what students read.
—Forbes (Jan 23, 2012)