FASTRACK IELTS | SYNONYMS FOR COMMON ADJECTIVES

Common
Synonym Definition Example
adjective
World-class as good as the best in the world world-class museum

using the most modern or advanced

The system was state of the art (a state-of-the-
1 Excellent State of the art techniques or methods; as good as it
art system)
can be at the present time

Outstanding extremely good; excellent an outstanding achievement/success

so interesting or exciting that it holds

Compelling Her latest book makes compelling reading
your attention
2 Interesting
extremely interesting or attractive The exhibition tells the fascinating story of the
Fascinating
steam age.

1) of the present time or recent times. Stress is a major problem of modern life.
Modern 2) using the latest technology,
designs, materials, etc. A modern computer system.

3 New modern; having or including the most Up-to-date equipment. We are keeping up to
Up-to-date
recent information date with the latest developments.

new or different in a way that adds to

Fresh I think it's time we tried a fresh approach.
or replaces something

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no longer useful because of being

Outdated It is an outdated and inefficient system.
old-fashioned
4 Old
old-fashioned
Old-fashioned not modern; no longer fashionable
clothes/styles/methods/equipment

easy to do or to understand; not

Straightforward a straightforward process
complicated
5 Easy, simple
simple; without any difficulty or
Uncomplicated Why can't I have an uncomplicated life?
confusion

difficult in an interesting way that tests

Challenging challenging work/questions/problems
6 your ability
Difficult
Tough having or causing problems It was a tough decision to make.

The advantages of this system are too numerous

7 Many Numerous existing in large numbers to mention.

Numerous studies have shown this to be true.

causing damage or injury to

The harmful effects of alcohol are well
Harmful somebody/something, especially to a
established.
person’s health or to the environment

8 Bad The policy will be detrimental to the peace

Detrimental (formal) harmful
process.

not suitable or appropriate in a The existing practice is totally inappropriate to

Inappropriate
particular situation the needs of modern society.

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There are substantial differences between the

Substantial large in amount, value or importance
two groups.
9 Big
Income from tourism accounts for a sizeable
Sizable fairly large
proportion of the area’s total income.

rapid change/expansion/growth; a rapid

10 Fast Rapid happening in a short period of time
rise/decline in sale

right or appropriate for a particular

Suitable This programme is not suitable for children.
purpose or occasion

that somebody agrees is of a good We want a political solution that is acceptable

11 Good Acceptable
enough standard or allowed to all parties.

a satisfactory
Satisfactory good enough for a particular purpose
explanation/answer/solution/conclusion

that is needed for a purpose or a

Necessary Changes can easily be made where necessary.
reason

necessary or essential in order for

Vital The police play a vital role in our society.
something to succeed or exist

12 Important a crucial factor/issue/decision; topics of crucial

extremely important, because it will importance
Crucial
affect other things
It is crucial that we get this right.

completely necessary; extremely

Essential Money is not essential to happiness.
important in a particular situation

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 FASTRACK IELTS | SYNONYMS FOR COMMON ADJECTIVES

Incorrect not accurate or true incorrect information/spelling

13 Wrong
Inaccurate not exact or accurate; with mistakes These figures are somewhat inaccurate.

equal in value, amount, meaning, The new regulation was seen as equivalent to
14 Same Equivalent
importance, etc. censorship.

including or dealing with a wide Extensive research has been done into this
Extensive
range of information disease.
15 Long
very long, and often too long, in time lengthy delays; the lengthy process of obtaining
Lengthy
or size a visa

happening or coming after something

16 Next Subsequent Subsequent events confirmed our doubts.
else

unusual or surprising in a way that What is even more remarkable about the whole
Remarkable
causes people to take notice story is…

17 Great It is noteworthy that only 15% of senior

deserving to be noticed or to receive
managers are women.
Noteworthy attention because it is unusual,
important or interesting The bridge is noteworthy for its sheer size.

involving risk or danger, especially to

Hazardous environmentally hazardous substances
somebody’s health or safety
Risky,
18 likely to change, especially in a
dangerous Uncertain an uncertain future
negative or unpleasant way

Perilous very dangerous a perilous adventure/journey/situation

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 FASTRACK IELTS | SYNONYMS FOR COMMON ADJECTIVES

a renowned author
Renowned famous and respected It is renowned as one of the region's best
restaurants.
19 Famous very successful and admired by other
Distinguished a distinguished career in medicine
people

It is a well-known fact that caffeine is a

Well-known known about by a lot of people
stimulant.

There is a pressing need for more specialist

Pressing needing to be dealt with immediately
nurses.

The rainforest is disappearing at an alarming

Alarming causing worry and fear
20 Serious rate.

a problem that requires urgent attention.

that needs to be dealt with or happen
Urgent
immediately The law is in urgent need of reform.
All definitions and examples are taken from Oxford Learner’s dictionaries

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