TOEFL Vocabulary
Test of English as a Foreign Language
Complete list of 100 high-frequency TOEFL vocabulary words. Academic vocabulary for reading, listening, speaking, and writing sections.
Start LearningAbout Test of English as a Foreign Language
TOEFL is a standardized test to measure English language ability of non-native speakers wishing to enroll in English-speaking universities. It is widely accepted by universities in the United States and other English-speaking countries.
Exam Sections
Reading
Listening
Speaking
Writing
Why Vocabulary Matters
Academic vocabulary is crucial for TOEFL success. The test uses university-level texts and lectures, requiring understanding of sophisticated academic language. Strong vocabulary helps with reading comprehension, listening understanding, and expressing complex ideas in speaking and writing.
Essential Vocabulary Words
Master these 100 high-frequency words to excel in your TOEFL exam
abstract
adjectiveExisting in thought but not physical
Example: Love is an abstract concept.
academic
adjectiveRelating to education
Example: She has an academic background.
access
nounThe means to approach or enter
Example: Students have library access.
accurate
adjectiveCorrect in all details
Example: The data is accurate.
achieve
verbTo successfully reach a goal
Example: She achieved success.
acquire
verbTo buy or obtain
Example: They acquired new skills.
adapt
verbTo adjust to new conditions
Example: Animals adapt to their environment.
adequate
adjectiveSatisfactory or sufficient
Example: The resources are adequate.
adjacent
adjectiveNext to or adjoining
Example: The adjacent room is empty.
adjust
verbTo alter slightly
Example: Adjust the temperature.
administrate
verbTo manage or organize
Example: She administrates the program.
adult
nounA fully grown person
Example: Adults must supervise children.
affect
verbTo have an influence on
Example: Weather affects mood.
aggregate
nounA whole formed by combining
Example: The aggregate score is 100.
aid
nounHelp or support
Example: Financial aid is available.
albeit
conjunctionAlthough
Example: It was difficult, albeit rewarding.
allocate
verbTo distribute for a purpose
Example: Allocate resources wisely.
alter
verbTo change
Example: Alter the design.
alternative
nounAnother possibility
Example: Consider alternatives.
amend
verbTo make minor changes
Example: Amend the document.
analogous
adjectiveComparable
Example: The cases are analogous.
analyze
verbTo examine in detail
Example: Analyze the results.
annual
adjectiveOccurring once a year
Example: The annual meeting.
anticipate
verbTo expect
Example: We anticipate problems.
apparent
adjectiveClearly visible
Example: The solution is apparent.
append
verbTo add to the end
Example: Append the notes.
appreciate
verbTo recognize value
Example: I appreciate your help.
approach
nounA way of dealing with something
Example: Try a different approach.
appropriate
adjectiveSuitable
Example: Use appropriate language.
approximate
adjectiveClose to actual
Example: An approximate value.
area
nounA region or part
Example: The research area.
aspect
nounA particular part
Example: Consider all aspects.
assemble
verbTo fit together
Example: Assemble the parts.
assess
verbTo evaluate
Example: Assess the damage.
assign
verbTo allocate
Example: Assign tasks to team members.
assist
verbTo help
Example: Can you assist me?
assume
verbTo suppose
Example: I assume you know.
assure
verbTo tell confidently
Example: I assure you.
attach
verbTo fasten
Example: Attach the file.
attain
verbTo achieve
Example: Attain your goals.
attitude
nounA way of thinking
Example: A positive attitude.
attribute
nounA quality or feature
Example: Key attributes.
author
nounA writer
Example: The author of the book.
authority
nounThe power to give orders
Example: Government authority.
automate
verbTo make automatic
Example: Automate the process.
available
adjectiveAble to be used
Example: Resources are available.
aware
adjectiveHaving knowledge
Example: Be aware of risks.
behalf
nounIn the interests of
Example: On behalf of the team.
benefit
nounAn advantage
Example: Health benefits.
bias
nounPrejudice
Example: Avoid bias in research.
bond
nounA connection
Example: A strong bond.
brief
adjectiveShort in duration
Example: A brief meeting.
bulk
nounThe mass or size
Example: The bulk of the work.
capable
adjectiveHaving ability
Example: She is capable.
capacity
nounThe maximum amount
Example: Full capacity.
category
nounA class or division
Example: Different categories.
cease
verbTo stop
Example: Cease operations.
challenge
nounA difficult task
Example: Face the challenge.
channel
nounA means of communication
Example: Communication channels.
chapter
nounA section of a book
Example: Read chapter three.
chart
nounA diagram showing information
Example: The chart shows trends.
chemical
adjectiveRelating to chemistry
Example: Chemical reactions.
circumstance
nounA fact or condition
Example: Under the circumstances.
cite
verbTo quote as evidence
Example: Cite your sources.
civil
adjectiveRelating to citizens
Example: Civil rights.
clarify
verbTo make clear
Example: Clarify the instructions.
classic
adjectiveJudged over time to be of high quality
Example: A classic novel.
clause
nounA unit of grammatical organization
Example: A dependent clause.
code
nounA system of rules
Example: The building code.
coincide
verbTo occur at the same time
Example: The events coincide.
collapse
verbTo fall down
Example: The structure collapsed.
colleague
nounA coworker
Example: My colleague helped.
commence
verbTo begin
Example: Commence the project.
comment
nounA remark
Example: Leave a comment.
commission
nounAn instruction to do something
Example: A government commission.
commit
verbTo carry out
Example: Commit to the plan.
commodity
nounA raw material or product
Example: Oil is a commodity.
communicate
verbTo share information
Example: Communicate clearly.
community
nounA group of people
Example: The local community.
compatible
adjectiveAble to exist together
Example: Compatible systems.
compensate
verbTo make up for
Example: Compensate for losses.
compile
verbTo collect and assemble
Example: Compile the data.
complement
nounSomething that completes
Example: A perfect complement.
complex
adjectiveConsisting of many parts
Example: A complex system.
component
nounA part
Example: Key components.
compound
adjectiveMade up of several parts
Example: A compound word.
comprehensive
adjectiveComplete
Example: A comprehensive study.
comprise
verbTo consist of
Example: The team comprises experts.
compute
verbTo calculate
Example: Compute the total.
conceive
verbTo form an idea
Example: Conceive a plan.
concentrate
verbTo focus
Example: Concentrate on work.
concept
nounAn abstract idea
Example: The concept is simple.
conclude
verbTo bring to an end
Example: Conclude the discussion.
concurrent
adjectiveExisting at the same time
Example: Concurrent events.
conduct
verbTo organize and carry out
Example: Conduct research.
confer
verbTo grant or bestow
Example: The degree was conferred.
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Start Learning FreeQuick Facts
Exam Type
standardizedDifficulty Level
intermediateTotal Words
100 essential words
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~72,000