A–Z Vocabulary
Strong IELTS words starting with R — ramification, resilient, refute and more — with definitions, examples and memory tricks.
10 / 10 words
noun
Definition
A consequence of an action or event, especially when complex or unwelcome.
Example sentence
“The ramifications of widespread automation extend across education, social welfare, and urban planning.”
Memory trick
'Rami-' (branch in Latin) — branches spreading out from a decision.
Common collocations
adjective
Definition
Able to withstand or recover quickly from difficult conditions.
Example sentence
“Resilient public infrastructure is essential as extreme weather events become more frequent.”
Memory trick
Like a 'resilient' rubber band — bounces back from stress.
Common collocations
verb
Definition
To prove a statement or theory wrong; to disprove.
Example sentence
“Recent studies have refuted the long-held assumption that economic growth automatically reduces inequality.”
Memory trick
'Re-FUTE' — to push back ('refute' = re-fight) against a claim.
Common collocations
adjective
Definition
Strong and healthy; able to withstand difficult conditions.
Example sentence
“A robust regulatory framework is needed to govern rapidly evolving AI applications.”
Memory trick
Like 'ro-BUST' — bulky, strong, hard to break.
Common collocations
adjective
Definition
Spreading or developing unchecked; flourishing widely.
Example sentence
“Corruption remains rampant in many countries with weak judicial institutions.”
Memory trick
Like a rampaging animal — out of control and spreading.
Common collocations
adjective
Definition
Involving basic principles; limited in development.
Example sentence
“Many remote villages still lack even rudimentary access to clean drinking water.”
Memory trick
Like 'rude' (rough) beginnings — rudimentary = basic, undeveloped.
Common collocations
adjective
Definition
Unwilling and hesitant; disinclined.
Example sentence
“Many governments remain reluctant to impose meaningful restrictions on fossil fuel exports.”
Memory trick
'Re-' (back) + 'luct' (struggle) — struggling back from doing it.
Common collocations
verb
Definition
To respond to a gesture or action by making a corresponding one.
Example sentence
“Trade partners are expected to reciprocate when tariffs are reduced on a particular category of goods.”
Memory trick
'Re-' (back) + 'cipro-' (turn) — turning the same action back.
Common collocations
adjective
Definition
Not or no longer needed; superfluous; (UK) made unemployed.
Example sentence
“Advances in machine learning have made many traditional data-entry roles redundant.”
Memory trick
'Re-' (again) + 'dund' (overflowing) — overflowing, more than needed.
Common collocations
adjective
Definition
Worthy of attention; striking; extraordinary.
Example sentence
“South Korea's remarkable economic transformation has lifted millions out of poverty within two generations.”
Memory trick
Worth making a 'remark' about — remarkable.
Common collocations