A–Z Vocabulary
Key IELTS words starting with I — imperative, indispensable, inevitable and more — with definitions, examples and memory tricks.
10 / 10 words
adjective / noun
Definition
Of vital importance; absolutely necessary.
Example sentence
“It is imperative that governments invest in early-warning systems for natural disasters.”
Memory trick
Like an 'imperial' command — when something is imperative, it commands action.
Common collocations
verb
Definition
To delay or block the progress of something.
Example sentence
“Poor infrastructure continues to impede economic development across much of sub-Saharan Africa.”
Memory trick
'Im-PED-e' — pedis = foot in Latin; to impede is to put something in front of your feet.
Common collocations
verb
Definition
To put a decision, plan, or agreement into effect.
Example sentence
“Successfully implementing climate policy requires coordination between national and local government.”
Memory trick
An 'implement' is a tool — to implement is to use tools to get something done.
Common collocations
noun
Definition
The conclusion that can be drawn from something, although not explicitly stated; a consequence.
Example sentence
“The implications of widespread automation extend well beyond the labour market.”
Memory trick
From 'imply' — implications are what is implied.
Common collocations
noun
Definition
Something that motivates or encourages someone to do something.
Example sentence
“Tax incentives for electric vehicles have accelerated the transition away from petrol cars.”
Memory trick
Like 'in-' + 'centive' (chant) — chanting to motivate.
Common collocations
adjective
Definition
Not excluding any section of society or any party; embracing diversity.
Example sentence
“Inclusive growth ensures that the benefits of economic development reach all parts of society.”
Memory trick
'Include' + '-sive' — includes everyone.
Common collocations
adjective
Definition
Absolutely necessary; impossible to do without.
Example sentence
“Digital connectivity is now indispensable for participation in modern economic and civic life.”
Memory trick
'In-' (not) + 'dispense' — cannot be dispensed with.
Common collocations
adjective
Definition
Certain to happen; unavoidable.
Example sentence
“Some level of climate adaptation is now inevitable regardless of future emissions reductions.”
Memory trick
'In-' (not) + 'evitable' (avoidable) — cannot be avoided.
Common collocations
noun
Definition
The basic physical and organisational structures needed for the operation of a society.
Example sentence
“Investment in transport infrastructure typically generates significant long-term economic returns.”
Memory trick
'Infra-' (below) + 'structure' — the structure that lies beneath everything.
Common collocations
adjective
Definition
Belonging naturally; essential; existing within.
Example sentence
“Intrinsic motivation tends to produce more durable learning outcomes than external rewards alone.”
Memory trick
'In-' (inside) — intrinsic qualities are inside the thing itself.
Common collocations