A–Z Vocabulary
Strong IELTS words starting with L — lucrative, legitimate, leverage and more — with definitions, examples and memory tricks.
10 / 10 words
adjective
Definition
Producing a great deal of profit.
Example sentence
“Renewable energy has become one of the most lucrative sectors of the global economy.”
Memory trick
'LUCRE' = money — lucrative means money-making.
Common collocations
adjective
Definition
Conforming to the law or to accepted standards; valid or reasonable.
Example sentence
“Concerns about data privacy in the age of AI are entirely legitimate.”
Memory trick
Same root as 'legal' — legitimate means lawful or valid.
Common collocations
verb / noun
Definition
(v.) To use something to maximum advantage; (n.) the power to influence.
Example sentence
“Companies are increasingly leveraging artificial intelligence to streamline customer service.”
Memory trick
Like a lever — leverage multiplies the force you apply.
Common collocations
adjective
Definition
Having existed or continued for a long time.
Example sentence
“Longstanding tensions over water rights continue to shape regional politics in Central Asia.”
Memory trick
Standing for a long time — longstanding = enduring.
Common collocations
noun
Definition
Something handed down from the past; a long-lasting impact.
Example sentence
“The colonial legacy continues to shape political and economic structures across the developing world.”
Memory trick
Like 'leg-' that you leave behind — a legacy is what you leave behind.
Common collocations
adjective
Definition
Expressed clearly; easy to understand.
Example sentence
“The author offers a remarkably lucid account of complex monetary policy for general readers.”
Memory trick
Like 'lucid dream' — clear and vivid; from Latin 'lux' = light.
Common collocations
adjective
Definition
Existing but not yet developed or manifest; hidden or concealed.
Example sentence
“Education programmes aim to unlock the latent potential in every child regardless of background.”
Memory trick
Sounds like 'lately' — has been there all along, only revealed lately.
Common collocations
adjective
Definition
So foolish, unreasonable, or out of place as to be amusing.
Example sentence
“The suggestion that economic growth alone can solve the climate crisis is increasingly seen as ludicrous.”
Memory trick
Sounds like 'ludo' — a children's game; ludicrous = laughably silly.
Common collocations
noun / verb
Definition
(n.) A temporary period of quiet or inactivity; (v.) to calm someone falsely into a sense of security.
Example sentence
“Investors should not be lulled into a false sense of security by a temporary lull in inflation.”
Memory trick
Sounds like a lullaby — putting things to sleep, quieting them.
Common collocations
adjective
Definition
Arranged in or extending along a straight or nearly straight line; proceeding in a simple sequence.
Example sentence
“Modern career paths are rarely linear; most workers will change industries multiple times.”
Memory trick
Like a line — linear means straight, sequential.
Common collocations