A–Z Vocabulary
Useful IELTS words starting with Y — yield, yardstick, yearn and more — with definitions, examples and memory tricks.
10 / 10 words
verb / noun
Definition
(v.) To produce or give up; (n.) the amount produced.
Example sentence
“Improved farming techniques can dramatically yield higher crop outputs without expanding land use.”
Memory trick
Yield sign on a road — both 'give way' and 'produce'.
Common collocations
noun
Definition
A standard used for comparison or judgement.
Example sentence
“GDP alone is an inadequate yardstick for measuring the wellbeing of a society.”
Memory trick
A literal yardstick for measuring — yardstick = standard of measure.
Common collocations
verb
Definition
To have an intense feeling of longing for something.
Example sentence
“Many city dwellers yearn for the perceived simplicity of rural life, especially after the pandemic.”
Memory trick
Sounds like 'earn' — yearning to earn what you don't have.
Common collocations
verb / noun
Definition
(v.) To join or link together; (n.) a heavy burden or restraint.
Example sentence
“Free-trade agreements often yoke smaller economies more tightly to dominant trading partners.”
Memory trick
A yoke joined two oxen at the neck — yoke = join, link, burden.
Common collocations
adjective
Definition
Young or seeming young; characteristic of young people.
Example sentence
“Many emerging economies enjoy a demographic advantage thanks to their youthful populations.”
Memory trick
Like 'youth' + '-ful' — full of youth.
Common collocations
adjective
Definition
Giving way under force or pressure; not hard or rigid.
Example sentence
“Yielding to public pressure, the company reversed its decision to close the local factory.”
Memory trick
Adjective form of yield — yielding = giving way.
Common collocations
adjective
Definition
Existing, available, or active throughout the year.
Example sentence
“Year-round tourism strategies help coastal economies reduce their dependence on a single summer season.”
Memory trick
Around the year — every season.
Common collocations
noun
Definition
Last year or the recent past, especially as nostalgically recalled.
Example sentence
“The high streets of yesteryear have been transformed by the rise of online shopping.”
Memory trick
Yesterday + year — the years gone by.
Common collocations
noun
Definition
A person who performs great and loyal service; historically, an independent farmer.
Example sentence
“Local nurses have done yeoman work in maintaining public health during repeated crises.”
Memory trick
Historic image of a hardworking, loyal farmer — yeoman = dependable worker.
Common collocations
noun
Definition
The period between childhood and adulthood; young people collectively.
Example sentence
“Investment in youth employment is one of the most cost-effective ways to drive economic growth.”
Memory trick
Short and familiar — the time of being young.
Common collocations