A–Z Vocabulary
Useful IELTS words starting with J — jeopardise, judicious, justify and more — with definitions, examples and memory tricks.
10 / 10 words
verb
Definition
To put something at risk of harm, loss, or failure.
Example sentence
“Failing to act on climate change will jeopardise the wellbeing of future generations.”
Memory trick
Sounds like 'JEOPARDY' (the game show) — putting something at risk.
Common collocations
adjective
Definition
Having or showing reason and good judgement.
Example sentence
“Judicious use of antibiotics is essential to prevent the spread of resistant bacteria.”
Memory trick
From 'judge' — a judicious person judges wisely.
Common collocations
verb
Definition
To place close together for contrasting effect.
Example sentence
“Photojournalism often juxtaposes images of wealth and poverty to highlight social inequality.”
Memory trick
'Juxta-' (next to) + 'pose' — to pose next to.
Common collocations
noun
Definition
The official power to make legal decisions, or the area where this power applies.
Example sentence
“Cybercrime often crosses national jurisdictions, complicating prosecution and enforcement.”
Memory trick
'Juris-' (law) + 'diction' (speaking) — speaking the law.
Common collocations
verb
Definition
To show or prove to be right or reasonable.
Example sentence
“Critics argue that the long-term costs of nuclear power cannot be justified by short-term savings.”
Memory trick
From 'just' (fair) — to justify is to show something is just.
Common collocations
noun
Definition
Specialised technical language used by a particular group, often hard for outsiders to understand.
Example sentence
“Effective science communication strips away jargon to make findings accessible to the public.”
Memory trick
Sounds garbled — jargon sounds like meaningless noise to outsiders.
Common collocations
noun
Definition
A particular point in events or time, especially an important one.
Example sentence
“At this critical juncture, decisions made by today's leaders will shape the next century.”
Memory trick
From 'junction' — a meeting point of routes or moments.
Common collocations
adjective
Definition
Feeling or expressing great happiness, especially because of success.
Example sentence
“The team was jubilant after winning the championship for the first time in three decades.”
Memory trick
Like a 'jubilee' celebration — jubilant means joyful.
Common collocations
noun
Definition
Danger of loss, harm, or failure.
Example sentence
“Continued deforestation places indigenous communities and biodiversity in serious jeopardy.”
Memory trick
Same root as 'jeopardise' — the noun form of the danger.
Common collocations
adjective
Definition
Tired, bored, or lacking enthusiasm, typically from overexposure to something.
Example sentence
“Voters are increasingly jaded by political promises that fail to translate into tangible change.”
Memory trick
Faded + tired = jaded; once-bright enthusiasm has faded.
Common collocations