A–Z Vocabulary
Essential IELTS words starting with S — scrutinise, sustainable, sophisticated and more — with definitions, examples and memory tricks.
10 / 10 words
verb
Definition
To examine closely and thoroughly.
Example sentence
“Independent regulators must scrutinise tech giants' acquisition strategies to prevent monopoly formation.”
Memory trick
'Scrut-' sounds like 'scrub' — scrubbing closely to inspect.
Common collocations
adjective
Definition
Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level over a long period without depleting resources.
Example sentence
“Building a sustainable food system requires changes in production, distribution, and consumption.”
Memory trick
Can 'sustain' itself — sustainable means it can keep going.
Common collocations
adjective
Definition
Highly developed and complex; refined in knowledge or taste.
Example sentence
“Cyberattacks have become increasingly sophisticated, requiring equally advanced defensive measures.”
Memory trick
From 'sophos' (wisdom) — sophisticated means refined, knowledgeable.
Common collocations
verb
Definition
To cease developing; to become inactive or dull.
Example sentence
“Real wages have stagnated for much of the middle class despite decades of productivity growth.”
Memory trick
Like a 'stagnant' pond — no movement, no progress.
Common collocations
verb
Definition
To make a system, business, or process more efficient by simplifying it.
Example sentence
“Digital services have streamlined the visa application process in many countries.”
Memory trick
Like the smooth lines of a stream — streamlined means smooth and efficient.
Common collocations
adjective
Definition
Of considerable importance, size, or worth.
Example sentence
“Closing the gender pay gap would require substantial reforms to childcare policy.”
Memory trick
Has 'substance' — substantial means having a lot of substance.
Common collocations
adjective
Definition
Likely or liable to be influenced or harmed by something.
Example sentence
“Coastal cities are particularly susceptible to the rising sea levels caused by climate change.”
Memory trick
'Su-' (under) + 'capere' (take) — easily taken under the influence.
Common collocations
adjective
Definition
Not easily convinced; having doubts or reservations.
Example sentence
“Many economists remain sceptical of the assumption that GDP growth alone signals national prosperity.”
Memory trick
Sounds like 'sceptre' — questioning rulers and accepted ideas.
Common collocations
adjective
Definition
Insufficient for the demand; rare.
Example sentence
“Fresh water is becoming an increasingly scarce resource in many parts of the world.”
Memory trick
Sounds like 'scared' — fearfully limited; not enough.
Common collocations
adjective
Definition
Sufficiently great or important to be worthy of attention; meaningful.
Example sentence
“Recent reforms have produced significant improvements in primary school literacy rates.”
Memory trick
Worth making a 'sign' about — significant = noteworthy.
Common collocations