U
ugly /ˈʌg.li/
ADJECTIVE
SITUATION
An ugly situation is very unpleasant, usually because it involves violence.
Dictionary example:
There were ugly scenes outside the stadium.
Learner example:
Just think about the ugly situation of being in a fully-booked hotel and then the staff goes on
strike.
ultimately /ˈʌl.tɪ.mət.li/
Word family:
Adjectives: ultimate
Adverbs: ultimately
ADVERB
EMPHASIS
used to emphasize the most important fact in a situation
Dictionary example:
Ultimately, he'll have to decide.
Learner example:
Ultimately, that is why we are influenced by other people's personalities.
unaffected /ˌʌn.əˈfek.tɪd/
Word family:
Verbs: affect
Adjectives: unaffected
ADJECTIVE
not changed by something
994
Dictionary example:
Smaller colleges will be unaffected by the new regulations.
Learner example:
Only a genius could stay unaffected by such idolatry.
unanimous /juːˈnæn.ɪ.məs/
Word family:
Adjectives: unanimous
Adverbs: unanimously
ADJECTIVE
agreed by everyone
Dictionary example:
The jury was unanimous in finding him guilty.
Learner example:
Having spoken to neighbours, we reached a unanimous decision that the route of the aircraft
should be changed im[m]ediately so that they no longer disrupt our lives.
unanimously /juːˈnæn.ɪ.məs.li/
Word family:
Adjectives: unanimous
Adverbs: unanimously
ADVERB
with agreement from everyone
Dictionary example:
We agreed unanimously that he was the best candidate.
Learner example:
While it is true that there are quite a few opposing theories about losing weight, doctors
unanimously agree that a hedonistic approach to eating can lead to unpleasant health issues like
obesity.
unattainable /ˌʌn.əˈteɪ.nə.bl
̩/
Word family:
Verbs: attain
Adjectives: attainable, unattainable
995
ADJECTIVE
not able to be achieved
Dictionary examples:
an unattainable ideal
Some economists think that full employment in Europe is an unattainable goal.
Learner example:
The ability to permanently record thought opened new dimensions to fields like philosophy,
poetry and literature, enabling them to reach a degree of complexity, creativity and longevity
unattainable by previous technologies.
unavoidably /ˌʌn.əˈvɔɪ.də.bli/
Word family:
Verbs: avoid
Adjectives: unavoidable
Adverbs: unavoidably
ADVERB
in a way that could not be avoided or prevented
Dictionary example:
She was unavoidably delayed.
Learner example:
Even if you go abroad on your own, you unavoidably meet people [from] your country or speaking
your native language.
unbalanced /ʌnˈbæl.ənst/
Word family:
Nouns: balance
Verbs: balance
Adjectives: balanced, unbalanced
ADJECTIVE
MENTALLY ILL
slightly mentally ill
Dictionary example:
After his death, she became slightly unbalanced.
Learner example:
Many homeless people are mentally unbalanced, some are addicted to chemical substances.
996
NOT FAIR
false and not fair
Dictionary example:
He gave an unbalanced view of the situation.
Learner example:
I think that if a school measures a child solely by his or her academic success, it will be an
unbalanced and narrow-minded method to measure a child and his or her ability as a whole
person.
unbiased /ʌnˈbaɪəst/
Word family:
Nouns: bias
Adjectives: biased, unbiased
ADJECTIVE
able to judge fairly because you are not influenced by your own opinions
Dictionary example:
He was able to give me some unbiased advice.
Learner example:
If you take into consideration only certain subjects, you are likely to end up despising other fields
of knowledge, whereas the main point of education is to give an unbiased view of our own and
foreign cultures.
uncertain /ʌnˈsɜː.tən/
Word family:
Nouns: certainty, uncertainty
Adjectives: certain, uncertain
Adverbs: certainly
ADJECTIVE
in no uncertain terms
in a direct and often angry way
Dictionary example:
I told him to go away in no uncertain terms.
Learner example:
Intellectuals are used to saying in no uncertain terms that money represents the bad side of the
sport.
997
unconditional /ˌʌn.kənˈdɪʃ.ən.əl/
Word family:
Nouns: condition
Verbs: condition
Adjectives: unconditional
ADJECTIVE
done or given without any limits and without asking for anything for yourself
Dictionary example:
unconditional love
Learner example:
But I am of [the] firm conviction that you cannot love [a child] too much, and this unconditional
love does not include any rod, in both [the] literal and figurative sense of the word.
unconscious /ʌnˈkɒn.tʃəs/
Word family:
Nouns: consciousness
Adjectives: conscious, unconscious, self-conscious
Adverbs: subconsciously, unconsciously
ADJECTIVE
NOT AWARE
An unconscious thought or feeling is one that you do not know you have.
Dictionary example:
an unconscious fear
Learner example:
Maybe it was her strict upbringing that had left her with an unconscious need to rebel, and that in
turn caused her to be drawn to this rowdy young man.
unconsciously /ʌnˈkɒn.ʃəs.li/
Word family:
Nouns: consciousness
Adjectives: conscious, unconscious, self-conscious
Adverbs: subconsciously, unconsciously
ADVERB
If you do something unconsciously, you do it without knowing that you are doing
it.
998
Dictionary example:
She was nodding her head, unconsciously urging him on.
Learner example:
We do this, for instance, when we buy a larger - and more expensive - car than we need for
commuting to work, because we unconsciously want to be like the actors that drive them in films.
undeniably /ˌʌn.dɪˈnaɪ.ə.bli/
Word family:
Nouns: denial
Verbs: deny
Adjectives: undeniable
Adverbs: undeniably
ADVERB
in a way that is almost certainly true
Dictionary example:
He is undeniably the best student we have ever had.
Learner example:
Sport has undeniably become part of contemporary popular culture.
under /ˈʌn.dər/
PREPOSITION
under your breath
If you say something under your breath, you say it very quietly so that other
people cannot hear it.
Dictionary example:
He was muttering curses under his breath.
Learner example:
"We must have taken a wrong turn somewhere..." he kept muttering under his breath.
down under
Australia, or in Australia
Dictionary example:
She was born in Scotland, but she's been living down under for 22 years.
Learner example:
Last year a good friend of mine and I went to Australia. After a couple of days of doing some
sightseeing and sunbathing on bea[u]tiful sandy beaches, we decided that we need[ed] to get
something more out of our stay down under.
999
under your nose
If something bad happens under your nose, it happens close to you but you do not
notice it.
Dictionary example:
They were stealing money from under my nose.
Learner example:
You will be surprised that there was something right under your nose that you could not live
without.
be under way
to be already happening
Dictionary example:
Building work is already under way.
Learner example:
Sociologists are well-aware of the fact and experiments are under way to counterbalance these
disadvantages.
be/feel under the weather
to feel ill
Dictionary example:
I'm feeling a bit under the weather this morning.
Learner example:
Ann was a bit under the weather, [and] she felt quite lonely in her big flat.
underdeveloped /ˌʌn.də.dɪˈvel.əpt/
Word family:
Nouns: development, developer, redevelopment
Verbs: develop, redevelop
Adjectives: developed, developing, underdeveloped, undeveloped
ADJECTIVE
not developed enough
Dictionary example:
They are working in underdeveloped parts of the city.
Learner example:
A shift of focus in underdeveloped and developing states' economic and social policies is vital to
overcoming the problems which cause homelessness.
1000
underlying /ˌʌn.dəˈlaɪ.ɪŋ/
ADJECTIVE [ALWAYS BEFORE NOUN]
An underlying reason or problem is the real reason or problem, although it is not
obvious.
Dictionary example:
We need to look at the underlying reasons for ill health.
Learner example:
The underlying reason is of course a lurking threat of death and decay, which keeps sc[ie]ntists
investigating new methods to postpone the age of death.
undermine /ˌʌn.dəˈmaɪn/
VERB [T]
to make someone less confident or make something weaker
Dictionary example:
A series of scandals have undermined people's confidence in the government.
Learner example:
All this doesn't undermine the importance of charity workers and entertainers in our work for the
greater good.
understanding /ˌʌn.dəˈstæn.dɪŋ/
Word family:
Nouns: misunderstanding, understanding
Verbs: misunderstand, understand
Adjectives: understandable, understanding
Adverbs: understandably
NOUN
AGREEMENT
[C] an informal agreement between two people
Dictionary example:
We have an understanding that we don't discuss the subject in front of his mother.
1001
undertake /ˌʌn.dəˈteɪk/ (undertook, undertaken)
Word family:
Nouns: undertaking
Verbs: take, undertake
VERB [T]
undertake to do sth
to promise to do something
Dictionary example:
She undertook to organize the meeting.
undertaking /ˌʌndəˈteɪ.kɪŋ/
Word family:
Nouns: undertaking
Verbs: take, undertake
NOUN [C]
a difficult or important piece of work, especially one that takes a long time
Dictionary example:
Building your own house is a major undertaking.
Learner example:
While such an undertaking is most advisable, I should like to point out that there may be
drawbacks.
underway /ˌʌn.dəˈweɪ/
ADJECTIVE
HAPPENING
If something is underway, it is happening.
Dictionary example:
Economic recovery is already underway.
Learner example:
The weather was beautif[u]l and the sun sh[one] but as soon as I was underway, the weather
turned on us and grew worse with every step.
get underway
to begin
1002
Dictionary example:
The film festival gets underway on 11th July.
undesirable /ˌʌn.dɪˈzaɪə.rə.bl
̩/
Word family:
Nouns: desire
Verbs: desire
Adjectives: desirable, desired, undesirable
ADJECTIVE FORMAL
Something that is undesirable is not wanted because it is bad or unpleasant.
Dictionary example:
an undesirable influence
Learner example:
In this day and age, man is inextricably interwoven with the undesirable environmental damage,
and the problems as far as the environment is concerned have generated a great deal of heated
debate.
undeveloped /ˌʌn.dɪˈvel.əpt/
Word family:
Nouns: development, developer, redevelopment
Verbs: develop, redevelop
Adjectives: developed, developing, underdeveloped, undeveloped
ADJECTIVE
Undeveloped land has no buildings on it and is not used for anything.
Dictionary example:
The site is still undeveloped.
Learner example:
The Town Council decided to take measures in order to benefit our area, which has remained
undeveloped for the last five years.
undoubted /ʌnˈdaʊt.ɪd/
Word family:
Nouns: doubt
Verbs: doubt
Adjectives: doubtful, undoubted
Adverbs: undoubtedly
1003
ADJECTIVE [ALWAYS BEFORE NOUN]
used to emphasize that something is true
Dictionary examples:
The project was an undoubted success.
her undoubted ability/talent
Learner example:
Yet, in spite of the undoubted improvements to life progress has brought about, there are still
those who condemn it.
undue /ʌnˈdjuː/
ADJECTIVE [ALWAYS BEFORE NOUN] FORMAL
more than is necessary
Dictionary example:
I don't want to cause undue alarm.
Learner example:
On the other hand a badly [organised] holiday can put undue stress on the traveller.
unethical /ʌnˈeθ.ɪ.kəl/
Word family:
Nouns: ethic
Adjectives: ethical, unethical
ADJECTIVE
morally bad
Dictionary example:
unethical business methods
Learner example:
Then, if you would like to perform an experiment, you cannot, because that would be unethical.
uneven /ʌnˈiː.vən/
ADJECTIVE
not level, smooth, or in equal amounts
Dictionary example:
an uneven floor
1004
Learner example:
At the same time we must solve the financial problems incurred by the uneven age distribution.
uneventful /ˌʌn.ɪˈvent.fəl/
Word family:
Nouns: event
Adjectives: eventful, uneventful
ADJECTIVE
without problems and without anything exciting happening
Dictionary example:
The journey itself was fairly uneventful.
Learner example:
This rather quiet and uneventful life changed when we moved to the city.
unfavourable /ʌnˈfeɪ.vər.ə.bl
̩/
Word family:
Nouns: favour, favourite
Verbs: favour
Adjectives: favourable, favourite, unfavourable
ADJECTIVE
CRITICIZING
negative and showing that you do not like something
Dictionary example:
unfavourable publicity
Learner example:
[The] majority of people react positively and are able to change their previous opinions, if these
were very unfavourable.
NOT GOOD
not good and likely to cause problems
Dictionary example:
unfavourable weather conditions
Learner example:
Despite these unfavourable conditions I managed to get through the concert without any major
problems.
1005
unfold /ʌnˈfəʊld/
VERB
DEVELOP
[I] If a situation or story unfolds, it develops or becomes known.
Dictionary example:
The nation watched on TV as the tragic events unfolded.
Learner example:
The plot unfolds in an exciting way and the film is fraught with lies, surprises and insinuations.
unimaginable /ˌʌn.ɪˈmædʒ.ɪ.nə.bl
̩/
ADJECTIVE
Something that is unimaginable is difficult to imagine because it is so bad, good,
big, etc.
Dictionary example:
unimaginable pain/wealth
Learner example:
Later, at the age of 60, after he had suffered from a stroke that was a side effect of the open heart
surgery he underwent, he was left speech-impaired, which can be considered an unimaginable
handicap for an actor.
uninhabited /ˌʌn.ɪnˈhæb.ɪ.tɪd/
Word family:
Nouns: inhabitant
Verbs: inhabit
Adjectives: uninhabited
ADJECTIVE
If a place is uninhabited, no one lives there.
Dictionary example:
an uninhabited island
Learner example:
Me and my best mate, Kelly, had read in an ancient history book we found in our school library
about the legendary Golden Caves which are made of gold, found [o]n the tropical uninhabited
island of Tropai.
1006
unknown /ʌnˈnəʊn/
Word family:
Nouns: knowledge, unknown
Verbs: know
Adjectives: known, unknown, knowledgeable
Adverbs: knowingly
ADJECTIVE
an unknown quantity
someone or something that you do not know and so you cannot be certain about
Dictionary example:
The road conditions in that area are a bit of an unknown quantity.
Learner example:
As mentioned above, [the] laser [beam] was an unknown quantity even to its inventor and those
who contributed to its enhancement.
unlike /ʌnˈlaɪk/
PREPOSITION
NOT TYPICAL
not typical of someone or something
Dictionary example:
It's unlike her to be quiet - was there something wrong?
Learner example:
Over the weeks he was getting more and more exhausted and started reducing [his] hours of
work. That was so unlike him.
unlikely /ʌnˈlaɪ.kli/
Word family:
Nouns: likelihood
Adjectives: likely, unlikely
ADJECTIVE
NOT TRUE
difficult to believe and probably not true
Dictionary example:
an unlikely explanation/story
1007
Learner example:
Reflections on an unlikely tale - "It started with a kiss and ended with a twist", one would remark
on Ann Patchett's 'Bel Canto'.
unload /ʌnˈləʊd/
Word family:
Nouns: load, overload
Verbs: load, unload
VERB
REMOVE
[I or T] to remove things from a vehicle
Dictionary example:
Can you help me unload the car?
Learner example:
We began to unload the car and showed the children around the house.
unprecedented /ʌnˈpres.ɪ.dən.tɪd/
Word family:
Nouns: precedent
Verbs: precede
Adjectives: unprecedented
ADJECTIVE
never having happened before
Dictionary example:
The Internet has given people unprecedented access to information.
Learner example:
Last but not least, accidents in nuclear factories and nuclear waste are likely to cause
unprecedented environmental damage.
unrest /ʌnˈrest/
NOUN [U]
when a lot of people are angry about something and are likely to become violent
Dictionary example:
political/social unrest
1008
Learner example:
Unemployment is inherently a source of social unrest since it concerns the citizens of a given
nation very directly.
unscrupulous /ʌnˈskruː.pjə.ləs/
ADJECTIVE
behaving in a way that is dishonest or unfair in order to get what you want
Dictionary example:
an unscrupulous financial adviser
Learner example:
We are loyal readers of your newspaper and we ask you to raise your voice in defence of our
community against the unscrupulous sharks of big business.
unsure /ʌnˈʃɔːr/
Word family:
Verbs: ensure
Adjectives: sure, unsure
Adverbs: surely
ADJECTIVE
unsure of yourself
without confidence
Dictionary example:
She had only been in the job for a week and was still a bit unsure of herself.
Learner example:
On the other hand, Kingshaw, normally weaker than Cooper, very sensitive, unsure of himself, has
his ups, too, and comes, though very seldom, to feel determined and superior; when he climbs
the rocks he is definitely head and shoulders above Cooper who hasn't a head for heights.
unsustainable /ˌʌn.səˈsteɪ.nə.bl
̩/
Word family:
Nouns: sustainability
Verbs: sustain
Adjectives: sustainable, unsustainable
1009
ADJECTIVE
HARMFUL TO THE ENVIRONMENT
causing damage to the environment by using more of something than can be
replaced naturally
Dictionary example:
unsustainable fishing methods
Learner example:
Moreover, the unsustainable use of the earth's resources will deprive future generations of the
means of their survival.
NOT ABLE TO CONTINUE
Something that is unsustainable cannot continue at the same rate.
Dictionary example:
The level of spending on pensions is unsustainable.
unusually /ʌnˈjuː.ʒu.əl.i/
Word family:
Adjectives: unusual, usual
Adverbs: unusually, usually
ADVERB
unusually for sb
in a way that is not usual for someone
Dictionary examples:
Unusually for me, I actually couldn't finish my meal.
Gareth seemed unusually quiet.
unwind /ʌnˈwaɪnd/
Word family:
Verbs: wind, unwind
Adjectives: winding
VERB (unwound)
MAKE STRAIGHT
[I or T] If you unwind something, or if something unwinds, it stops being curled
round or twisted round something else and is made straight.
1010
Dictionary example:
He unwound the bandage.
Learner example:
Slowly, the doctor unwound the bandages revealing the two cotton patches covering her eyes.
unwise /ʌnˈwaɪz/
Word family:
Nouns: wisdom
Adjectives: wise, unwise
Adverbs: wisely
ADJECTIVE
stupid and likely to cause problems
Dictionary example:
an unwise decision
Learner example:
But we don't want to put too much pressure on them because this is unwise and the worst thing
parents could do to their children.
up /ʌp/
ADVERB
not be up to much
to be of bad quality
Dictionary example:
Her latest novel isn't up to much.
Learner example:
But above all, she had this extraordinary dining table, w[h]ich didn't look up to much when you
first walked in the room, but as you lifted the three layers of tablecloths protecting a huge piece
of glass, you discovered an amazing display of objects from Alabama.
uphill /ʌpˈhɪl/
ADJECTIVE
an uphill battle/struggle/task
something that is difficult to do and needs a lot of effort
1011
Dictionary example:
I can lose weight but it's a real uphill struggle.
Learner example:
When this is the case, the families caring for them are faced with an uphill struggle, as it is
difficult to reconcile the need for earning a living with the care of their relatives.
ADVERB
TOP OF HILL
towards the top of a hill
Dictionary example:
We'd walked half a mile uphill.
Learner example:
She had not seen the lorry that made [its] way uphill and when she realized that she would crash
right into it, it had been to[o] late to do something.
uphold /ʌpˈhəʊld/
VERB [T] (upheld)
AGREE
to agree with a decision, especially a legal one, and say it was correct
Dictionary example:
The court upheld the ruling.
Learner example:
Last but not least, governments around the world should pass and uphold stricter laws concerning
environmental issues.
SUPPORT
to support a decision, principle, or law
Dictionary example:
Police officers are expected to uphold the law.
Learner example:
Additionally, some uphold the view that people living in [the] countryside face greater problems
than those in towns.
1012
upkeep /ˈʌp.kiːp/
NOUN [U]
the process of keeping something in good condition, or of keeping a person or
animal healthy
Dictionary example:
The upkeep of a building like that must be so expensive.
Learner example:
This causes a big problem for pensioners, as they can not afford the daily upkeep of the houses.
upper /ˈʌp.ər/
ADJECTIVE [ALWAYS BEFORE NOUN]
the upper limit
the highest amount or level, or the longest time that something is allowed
Dictionary example:
£45,000 is the upper limit for salaries in this job.
Learner example:
I understand that it will be more expensive than the accom[m]odation I currently have, and I am
willing to stretch the upper limit of the rent I can afford to pay.
get/gain the upper hand
to get into a stronger position than someone else so that you are controlling a
situation
Dictionary example:
Government troops are gradually gaining the upper hand over the rebels.
Learner example:
He knew that Hooper had got the upper hand and that there was no escape.
upwards /ˈʌp.wədz/
ADVERB
upwards of sth
more than a particular amount
Dictionary example:
Double rooms cost upwards of £70 a night.
1013
Learner example:
Once home to upwards of 50,000 people, Gaza was occupied by anti-gover[n]ment forces for over
two years.
urge /ɜːdʒ/
VERB [T]
ADVISE
to strongly advise an action
Dictionary example:
Financial experts are urging caution.
NOUN [C]
a strong wish or need
Dictionary example:
I resisted the urge to slap him.
Learner example:
He suddenly felt the urge to go home.
use
Word family:
Nouns: use, user, misuse, usefulness
Verbs: use, misuse
Adjectives: useful, useless
VERB [T] /juːz/
PERSON
to treat someone badly in order to get what you want
Dictionary example:
He was just using me to make his girlfriend jealous.
Learner example:
What a horrible thing to do, just using people - especially him!
NOUN /juːs/
the use of sth
permission to use something, or the ability to use something
1014
Dictionary examples:
Martin has offered me the use of his car.
She lost the use of both legs in the accident.
Learner example:
One of my closest friend[s] who lost the use of her legs five years ago in a tragic car accident took
part [in] this trip.
useful /ˈjuːs.fəl/
Word family:
Nouns: use, user, misuse, usefulness
Verbs: use, misuse
Adjectives: useful, useless
ADJECTIVE
come in useful
to be useful and help someone do or achieve something, especially when there is
nothing else to help them
Dictionary example:
You should keep that paint - it might come in useful.
Learner example:
However, I take great ex[c]eption to the view that much of our school education is a waste of time
because everything we learn at school might come in useful later during our adulthood.
useless /ˈjuː.sləs/
Word family:
Nouns: use, user, misuse, usefulness
Verbs: use, misuse
Adjectives: useful, useless
ADJECTIVE
PERSON
INFORMAL having no skill in an activity
Dictionary example:
Dave's useless at football.
Learner example:
Every time I see her, she seems to be busy sewing, knitting etc. In this I really envy her, I'm quite
useless at making clothes, although I can certainly do adjustments on my clothes, make curtains
an[d] such things.
1015
utter /ˈʌt.ər/
Word family:
Adjectives: utter
Adverbs: utterly
ADJECTIVE [ALWAYS BEFORE NOUN]
used to emphasize something
Dictionary example:
She dismissed the article as utter nonsense.
Learner example:
To act otherwise would be, in my opinion, utter nonsense.
VERB [T] FORMAL
to say something
Dictionary example:
She left without uttering a word.
Learner example:
After I had told him about it, he was in such despair that he was not able to utter a single word.
1016
