IELTS Guide Phil

In the IELTS exam, especially in Writing and Speaking, using natural and precise adjective collocations can significantly boost your Lexical Resource score. Instead of relying on basic or overused adjective-noun combinations like “good idea” or “big problem,” mastering more sophisticated collocations like “viable solution” or “pressing concern” shows advanced vocabulary knowledge. Below is a curated list of 100 high-level adjective collocations that will help you impress the examiner and elevate your IELTS band score.

100 High-Level Adjective Collocations (with Definitions & Examples)

1. Viable alternative – a workable option
   A viable alternative to fossil fuels is solar energy.
2. Pressing issue – urgent problem
   Climate change is a pressing issue that requires global cooperation.
3. Crucial role – very important part
   Education plays a crucial role in national development.
4. Stark contrast – clear and obvious difference
   There is a stark contrast between urban and rural healthcare.
5. Overwhelming majority – very large proportion
   An overwhelming majority of respondents agreed with the proposal.
6. Prevalent trend – common or widespread pattern
   Remote work has become a prevalent trend post-pandemic.
7. Growing concern – increasing worry
   Obesity in children is a growing concern worldwide.
8. Significant impact – important or notable effect
   Pollution has a significant impact on biodiversity.
9. Considerable amount – large quantity
   He invested a considerable amount of time in the project.
10. Controversial topic – subject of disagreement
    Abortion remains a controversial topic in many societies.
11. Severe consequences – serious outcomes
    Deforestation has severe consequences for the ecosystem.
12. Vast difference – large gap
    There is a vast difference in salaries across regions.
13. Inherent risk – natural or unavoidable danger
    There is an inherent risk in investing in volatile markets.
14. Rapid development – quick progress
    China has seen rapid development over the past decades.
15. Heavy reliance – strong dependence
    Some countries have a heavy reliance on imported goods.
16. Detailed analysis – thorough examination
    A detailed analysis of the data revealed several trends.
17. Evident improvement – noticeable progress
    There was an evident improvement in her speaking fluency.
18. Robust economy – strong and healthy economy
    Germany is known for its robust economy.
19. Widespread belief – commonly held opinion
    There is a widespread belief that exercise improves mental health.
20. Common misconception – popular but incorrect belief
    It is a common misconception that bats are blind.
21. Prominent figure – well-known person
    She is a prominent figure in environmental activism.
22. Substantial benefit – large advantage
    The new policy provides substantial benefits to the elderly.
23. Dubious claim – doubtful statement
    The article made a dubious claim about the vaccine.
24. Sustainable solution – environmentally friendly answer
    Solar power is a sustainable solution to energy problems.
25. Unintended consequence – unexpected result
    The new law had several unintended consequences.
26. Marginal improvement – small or slight progress
    There was only marginal improvement in his test scores.
27. Potential risk – possible danger
    Smoking poses a potential risk to heart health.
28. Fierce competition – very strong rivalry
    There is fierce competition for university scholarships.
29. Valuable resource – useful asset
    Water is a valuable resource in arid countries.
30. Reliable source – trustworthy origin of information
    Always use a reliable source for academic writing.
31. Essential skill – necessary ability
    Time management is an essential skill for students.
32. Logical conclusion – sensible result
    Based on the evidence, this is the logical conclusion.
33. Mutual agreement – shared decision
    The contract ended by mutual agreement.
34. Hostile environment – unfriendly or dangerous situation
    The desert is a hostile environment for most animals.
35. Dramatic change – noticeable transformation
    The city underwent a dramatic change in infrastructure.
36. Consistent results – steady or reliable outcomes
    The experiment produced consistent results each time.
37. Chronic illness – long-lasting disease
    Diabetes is a chronic illness requiring lifelong care.
38. Profound impact – deep and meaningful effect
    Her speech had a profound impact on the audience.
39. Sheer volume – large amount
    The sheer volume of plastic waste is alarming.
40. Limited access – restricted availability
    Many rural areas have limited access to clean water.
41. Acute shortage – severe lack
    There is an acute shortage of affordable housing.
42. Inevitable outcome – unavoidable result
    Given the weak policy, failure was an inevitable outcome.
43. Excessive demand – too much need
    There is excessive demand for smartphones during the holidays.
44. Notable achievement – important success
    Graduating with honors was a notable achievement.
45. Vivid memory – clear and strong recollection
    She has a vivid memory of her childhood trips.
46. Narrow margin – small difference
    The team won by a narrow margin.
47. Equal opportunity – fair chance
    Equal opportunity should be a fundamental right.
48. Harsh criticism – strong disapproval
    The movie received harsh criticism from reviewers.
49. Misleading information – incorrect or confusing data
    Social media spreads a lot of misleading information.
50. Basic necessity – essential requirement
    Food and shelter are basic necessities for all humans.
51. Imminent threat – immediate danger
    The volcano poses an imminent threat to nearby towns.
52. Ongoing debate – continuing argument
    There is an ongoing debate about AI and ethics.
53. Frequent occurrence – something that happens often
    Traffic accidents are a frequent occurrence in this area.
54. Thorough investigation – detailed examination
    A thorough investigation revealed major flaws.
55. Emotional response – strong feeling
    The film evoked an emotional response from the audience.
56. Sudden increase – sharp rise
    There was a sudden increase in oil prices.
57. Unjust treatment – unfair action
    The workers protested against unjust treatment.
58. Partial success – limited achievement
    The project was only a partial success.
59. Widespread support – broad approval
    The policy received widespread support from the public.
60. Leading cause – primary reason
    Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer.
61. Improper behavior – inappropriate actions
    The teacher reported the student’s improper behavior.
62. Constant pressure – ongoing stress
    Students are under constant pressure to perform well.
63. Inadequate supply – insufficient quantity
    There is an inadequate supply of medicines.
64. Pivotal moment – crucial time
    Graduation was a pivotal moment in his life.
65. Authentic experience – genuine encounter
    Traveling to local markets offers an authentic experience.
66. Qualified candidate – suitable applicant
    She was the most qualified candidate for the position.
67. Temporary solution – short-term fix
    Renting is only a temporary solution to housing needs.
68. Unfair advantage – undeserved edge
    Cheating gives students an unfair advantage.
69. Timely intervention – well-timed action
    Timely intervention prevented a disaster.
70. Proactive approach – taking initiative
    A proactive approach to health can prevent disease.
71. Extensive research – thorough study
    He conducted extensive research for his thesis.
72. Active participation – regular involvement
    Active participation improves learning outcomes.
73. Rising demand – increasing need
    There is a rising demand for electric vehicles.
74. Liberal attitude – open-mindedness
    He has a liberal attitude towards social issues.
75. Outstanding performance – excellent result
    The student gave an outstanding performance in the exam.
76. Reasonable assumption – logical guess
    It is a reasonable assumption that the test was difficult.
77. Tangible result – real, measurable outcome
    The project delivered tangible results within weeks.
78. Basic understanding – general knowledge
    A basic understanding of grammar is required.
79. Favorable outcome – positive result
    The surgery had a favorable outcome.
80. Constant reminder – regular alert
    The news serves as a constant reminder of the issue.
81. Subtle difference – small but important distinction
    There’s a subtle difference between sympathy and empathy.
82. Deliberate attempt – intentional effort
    It was a deliberate attempt to mislead the audience.
83. Transparent process – open and honest method
    Hiring should be a transparent process.
84. Convenient location – easy-to-reach place
    The office is in a convenient location near the station.
85. Reliable data – trustworthy statistics
    Reliable data is critical for decision-making.
86. Fragile economy – weak or unstable economy
    The fragile economy was hit hard by inflation.
87. Evident bias – clear prejudice
    There was evident bias in the judge’s ruling.
88. Lifelong commitment – lasting dedication
    Marriage is a lifelong commitment.
89. Informed choice – well-thought-out decision
    Consumers should make informed choices.
90. Broad spectrum – wide range
    The course covers a broad spectrum of topics.
91. Moral obligation – ethical duty
    We have a moral obligation to help the poor.
92. Exceptional talent – rare skill
    She showed exceptional talent in music.
93. Qualified professional – trained expert
    Only a qualified professional should handle this equipment.
94. Widespread misconception – commonly held but incorrect belief
    It’s a widespread misconception that bulls hate red.
95. Strategic location – well-positioned place
    The city’s strategic location boosts trade.
96. Clear distinction – obvious difference
    There is a clear distinction between fact and opinion.
97. Endless opportunities – unlimited chances
    Studying abroad offers endless opportunities.
98. Harsh reality – unpleasant truth
    The film portrays the harsh reality of poverty.
99. Irreversible damage – permanent harm
    Deforestation causes irreversible damage to ecosystems.
100. Official statement – public declaration
     The company issued an official statement about the merger.

Final Thoughts

Using less common adjective collocations adds polish and precision to your IELTS responses. These collocations show that you understand not only advanced vocabulary, but how words naturally go together. Regular practice and exposure to these phrases in context will strengthen your fluency, coherence, and lexical range in both Writing and Speaking.

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