This ALCPT vocabulary list gives you 300 advanced words.
The words are grouped by topic. Each word has a simple meaning and one short example sentence.
Study tip: Do not memorize all 300 words at once. Study one topic first. Read the word, check the meaning, and say the example sentence aloud.
1. Science, Environment & Earth (40 words)
Words about nature, science, the earth, and the environment.
Meaning: To make dirty or impure and unsafe to use.
Example: Chemicals can pollute the river water.
Meaning: Poisonous.
Example: Be careful because these waste materials are toxic.
Meaning: To expose to possible injury or harm.
Example: Pollution will endanger many animals.
Meaning: Relating to energy from atoms.
Example: They are building a new nuclear power plant.
Meaning: The imaginary line the earth spins around.
Example: The earth rotates on its axis once a day.
Meaning: The imaginary line around the middle of the earth.
Example: It is very hot near the equator.
Meaning: The study of the earth’s surface features.
Example: We learned about mountains in geography class.
Meaning: To move in a circle around a center point.
Example: The moon revolves around the earth.
Meaning: A liquid chemical that can burn or cause corrosion.
Example: Acid can damage the surface of the metal.
Meaning: An object that attracts other metals.
Example: I used a magnet to pick up the paper clips.
Meaning: The movement of energy waves in different directions.
Example: The sun sends out radiation to the earth.
Meaning: A manufactured object used to orbit the earth.
Example: The satellite sends weather data to the ground.
Meaning: The air surrounding the earth.
Example: The atmosphere protects us from the sun.
Meaning: The smallest possible piece of a simple substance.
Example: Everything in the world is made of atoms.
Meaning: Gas that people exhale.
Example: Plants need carbon dioxide to grow.
Meaning: A substance that consists of only one kind of atom.
Example: Gold is a basic chemical element.
Meaning: To convert from liquid to vapor.
Example: The sun will evaporate the water on the road.
Meaning: To be.
Example: Do you believe that aliens exist in space?
Meaning: The lightest of all gases.
Example: Rockets often use hydrogen for fuel.
Meaning: To change from solid to liquid.
Example: The ice will melt if you leave it in the sun.
Meaning: A small particle made of at least two atoms.
Example: A water molecule has two hydrogen atoms.
Meaning: A chemical element which makes up over 75 percent of the atmosphere.
Example: Nitrogen is important for all living things.
Meaning: A gaseous element necessary to life on earth.
Example: We need oxygen to breathe and live.
Meaning: Something which is neither a liquid nor a gas.
Example: Ice is the solid form of water.
Meaning: Water vapor produced by heat.
Example: Steam is coming out of the hot kettle.
Meaning: Space that is completely empty of matter.
Example: There is a vacuum in outer space.
Meaning: A gas-like substance made of small drops of liquid.
Example: You can see your breath as vapor when it is cold.
Meaning: To use up completely.
Example: We should not exhaust our natural resources.
Meaning: Relating to the entire world.
Example: Global warming is a serious problem.
Meaning: Rock from which metal is obtained.
Example: Iron is taken out of the ore found in mines.
Meaning: Wealth or assets.
Example: Oil is a very important natural resource.
Meaning: To pollute.
Example: Bacteria can contaminate the food.
Meaning: Gas or other substance sent out into the air.
Example: The government wants to reduce car emissions.
Meaning: Containing radiation.
Example: Nuclear waste is radioactive and dangerous.
Meaning: To breathe out.
Example: We exhale carbon dioxide when we breathe.
Meaning: To breathe in.
Example: You should inhale deeply during exercise.
Meaning: A chemical substance formed naturally in the earth.
Example: Vitamins and minerals are good for your body.
Meaning: Smoke or gas that smells bad.
Example: The garage was full of engine fumes.
Meaning: Height above sea level.
Example: The plane is flying at a high altitude.
Meaning: Rain, snow, sleet, etc..
Example: There will be a lot of precipitation this winter.
2. Technology, Tools & Engineering (40 words)
Words about machines, tools, electricity, computers, and repair work.
Meaning: Use of science to solve problems or create things.
Example: Computers are a big part of technology.
Meaning: To make a product using machines.
Example: This factory will manufacture car parts.
Meaning: Something built by putting parts together.
Example: The bridge is a very large structure.
Meaning: A set of moving parts that performs a function.
Example: The mechanism of the clock is old.
Meaning: A system of measurement for electrical force.
Example: Be careful because the voltage is high here.
Meaning: To increase the strength of a signal.
Example: Use this device to amplify the sound.
Meaning: A sudden increase.
Example: A power surge can damage your computer.
Meaning: A unit for measuring the power of engines.
Example: The car has a lot of horsepower.
Meaning: Able to be carried easily.
Example: I have a small portable radio for camping.
Meaning: To put items on top of one another.
Example: Please stack the boxes in the corner.
Meaning: A mathematical rule using symbols.
Example: Do you know the formula for the area of a square?
Meaning: Having to do with machines.
Example: The car had a mechanical problem.
Meaning: Household equipment operated by electricity.
Example: A toaster is a kitchen appliance.
Meaning: The circular path of an electric current.
Example: Electricity travels through the circuit.
Meaning: A substance that conducts electricity or heat.
Example: Copper is a good conductor.
Meaning: To cover or wrap to prevent escape of electricity.
Example: We must insulate the wires.
Meaning: To produce.
Example: This machine will generate electricity.
Meaning: A machine that produces electricity.
Example: We use a generator when the power goes out.
Meaning: Done with machines.
Example: The factory has an automated assembly line.
Meaning: An arm-like device used for turning things.
Example: Turn the crank to start the engine.
Meaning: A mechanical apparatus.
Example: This device helps you measure distance.
Meaning: A tool for boring holes.
Example: Use the drill to make a hole in the wall.
Meaning: Protective eye covering.
Example: Wear goggles when you use the saw.
Meaning: A tool for driving or striking nails.
Example: I used a hammer to fix the fence.
Meaning: A tool for gripping.
Example: Use the pliers to hold the wire tightly.
Meaning: Residue of oxidation on metal.
Example: The old gate is covered in rust.
Meaning: A twin-bladed tool for cutting.
Example: I need scissors to cut this string.
Meaning: A room where things are made with tools.
Example: He works in his workshop on weekends.
Meaning: To organize activities to work together effectively.
Example: We need to coordinate our schedules.
Meaning: The act of putting equipment in place.
Example: The installation of the software took an hour.
Meaning: Maintaining or keeping in good condition.
Example: Regular maintenance is important for cars.
Meaning: Failure to function as it should.
Example: The computer malfunction caused us to lose data.
Meaning: A device for checking performance.
Example: You can see the information on the monitor.
Meaning: A major repair job.
Example: The truck needs a complete engine overhaul.
Meaning: A metal tube.
Example: The oil travels through a long pipe.
Meaning: To pass power or signals from one part to another.
Example: The antenna will transmit the radio waves.
Meaning: To put to use.
Example: We should utilize all the available tools.
Meaning: To adjust tools for accurate measurements.
Example: The scale needs to be calibrated.
Meaning: The physical pieces of a computer system.
Example: The hard drive is computer hardware.
Meaning: The programs used to operate a computer.
Example: I need to install new software.
3. Military, Marine & Logistics (40 words)
Words about military English, ships, aircraft, supplies, and operations.
Meaning: On or within a vehicle.
Example: All passengers are now aboard the plane.
Meaning: Things carried by ship, plane, or truck.
Example: The ship is carrying a cargo of oil.
Meaning: A group of vehicles or ships.
Example: The company has a fleet of delivery trucks.
Meaning: To send or shoot something out.
Example: They will launch the new ship tomorrow.
Meaning: A detection device that uses radio waves.
Example: The pilot used radar to see the plane.
Meaning: A boat that travels under water.
Example: The submarine can stay under water.
Meaning: A large boat or ship.
Example: A large vessel arrived at the port.
Meaning: To make something more difficult to see.
Example: The soldiers used green camouflage.
Meaning: The natural features of a type of land.
Example: The rocky terrain made walking hard.
Meaning: Planning and organizing complex activities.
Example: Logistics is important for moving supplies.
Meaning: Arms, ammunition, and equipment in general.
Example: The base needs more materiel.
Meaning: A plan or method used to achieve a goal.
Example: The team used a new tactic to win.
Meaning: A planned action which involves many parts.
Example: The rescue operation was successful.
Meaning: To stop resisting and give up.
Example: The enemy decided to surrender.
Meaning: Combat attack vehicles or hard covering.
Example: The tank has very thick armor.
Meaning: An explosion.
Example: We heard a loud blast from the quarry.
Meaning: A helicopter.
Example: The chopper landed on the hospital roof.
Meaning: To hide an object or person.
Example: He tried to conceal the map.
Meaning: To meet someone or something unexpectedly.
Example: We might encounter problems.
Meaning: To lift up using a device.
Example: They used a crane to hoist the heavy engine.
Meaning: A skillful movement.
Example: The pilot performed a difficult maneuver.
Meaning: An object that is shot as a weapon.
Example: The military tested a new missile.
Meaning: One who plans or guides the route of a vehicle.
Example: The navigator checked the map.
Meaning: To push forward.
Example: The engine will propel the boat.
Meaning: Projectiles used in a weapon.
Example: The soldiers needed more ammunition.
Meaning: The tube-like part of a weapon.
Example: He cleaned the barrel of the gun.
Meaning: A projectile fired from a gun.
Example: The bullet hit the center of the target.
Meaning: A case containing explosive powder and a bullet.
Example: He put a cartridge into the gun.
Meaning: To burst violently.
Example: The bomb will explode if you drop it.
Meaning: A gun which can be carried.
Example: Be careful when you handle a firearm.
Meaning: A compartment in a gun to hold cartridges.
Example: Check the magazine for bullets.
Meaning: A lever used to fire a gun.
Example: Don’t touch the trigger until you are ready.
Meaning: The act of fighting a war.
Example: Modern warfare uses technology.
Meaning: A combat ship.
Example: The warship is equipped with radar.
Meaning: Items on hand for sale or use.
Example: We need to take an inventory.
Meaning: To move by force from a regular location.
Example: The storm will displace many families.
Meaning: To take by force or surprise.
Example: The army tried to capture the base.
Meaning: To explode or cause to explode.
Example: They will detonate the explosives at noon.
Meaning: To guard from attack or protect.
Example: Soldiers are ready to defend their country.
Meaning: A person or country joined with another.
Example: France was an important ally in the war.
4. Finance, Economy & Work (40 words)
Words about money, jobs, business, trade, and work.
Meaning: A government department.
Example: The space agency is planning a new mission.
Meaning: A plan used to decide how to spend money.
Example: We have a strict budget for the trip.
Meaning: Money earned or received.
Example: His monthly income increased.
Meaning: Something that needs to be paid for.
Example: Rent is our biggest monthly expense.
Meaning: To borrow money to pay for something over time.
Example: He decided to finance the car.
Meaning: A fixed amount of money paid regularly for work.
Example: She receives her salary every month.
Meaning: Money in use in a nation.
Example: What is the local currency here?
Meaning: The system of resources and money in a nation.
Example: The economy is growing very fast.
Meaning: To sell items to another nation.
Example: Japan exports many cars.
Meaning: To bring items into a country to be sold.
Example: The country imports a lot of oil.
Meaning: Giving something and getting something else in return.
Example: International trade is important.
Meaning: Things for sale.
Example: This store sells high-quality merchandise.
Meaning: To leave a job or position.
Example: The manager decided to resign.
Meaning: A job or career.
Example: Please write your occupation on this form.
Meaning: Advancement to a higher rank or position.
Example: He got a promotion after hard work.
Meaning: Something bought at a lower price than usual.
Example: I found a great bargain today.
Meaning: A reduction in price.
Example: There is a 20 percent discount on shoes.
Meaning: A written statement that money was received.
Example: Please keep your receipt for the return.
Meaning: Money paid to the government.
Example: The sales tax is included in the price.
Meaning: To buy.
Example: You can purchase tickets online.
Meaning: Something owed to someone.
Example: He worked hard to pay off his debt.
Meaning: Work or a job.
Example: It is hard to find employment in this city.
Meaning: A person who pays people to work.
Example: My employer is very fair.
Meaning: A person who is employed.
Example: Every employee must wear a name tag.
Meaning: Not having a job.
Example: Many people are currently unemployed.
Meaning: To employ someone for pay.
Example: They want to hire ten new workers.
Meaning: To dismiss from a job.
Example: The boss had to fire the lazy worker.
Meaning: A formal agreement.
Example: They signed a two-year contract.
Meaning: Money given to someone regularly.
Example: My parents gave me a weekly allowance.
Meaning: Something which remains or is left over.
Example: I will pay the balance next week.
Meaning: Money used for a special purpose.
Example: We are raising a fund for the park.
Meaning: Used in the buying and selling of products.
Example: This is a large commercial building.
Meaning: The buying and selling of products or services.
Example: The city is a center for commerce.
Meaning: Having worth.
Example: She has a collection of valuable coins.
Meaning: Equal to a certain amount of money.
Example: How much is this ring worth?
Meaning: A quantity or sum.
Example: I have a small amount of cash.
Meaning: Price or amount paid.
Example: The cost of the meal was very high.
Meaning: Matters relating to money.
Example: She is studying international finances.
Meaning: Businesses that supply products or services.
Example: The car industry is very important.
Meaning: Having to do with money.
Example: He asked for financial advice.
5. Medical, Health & Human Body (40 words)
Words about hospitals, medicine, health, and the human body.
Meaning: To take an object out of its original location.
Example: The dentist will extract the tooth.
Meaning: To lessen or reduce effects like pain.
Example: This medicine will relieve your headache.
Meaning: A drug used to prevent or reduce pain.
Example: The doctor gave him an anesthetic.
Meaning: A building or area used for a specific purpose.
Example: The hospital is a modern facility.
Meaning: Identification of a sickness or disease.
Example: The doctor gave him a diagnosis.
Meaning: The system of bones that supports the body.
Example: We saw a dinosaur skeleton.
Meaning: The center or most important part.
Example: Exercise helps strengthen your core.
Meaning: A polite way to say ‘to die’.
Example: His grandfather passed away last night.
Meaning: A ceremony held for a person who has died.
Example: Many friends attended the funeral.
Meaning: Terrible, serious, or very sad.
Example: The sudden death was a tragic event.
Meaning: Part of the system that allows the body to feel.
Example: He hit a nerve in his tooth.
Meaning: Unable to feel anything in the body.
Example: My toes were numb because of the cold.
Meaning: A hole in a tooth caused by decay.
Example: I have a cavity in my back tooth.
Meaning: The natural process of matter breaking down.
Example: Sugar can cause tooth decay.
Meaning: Concerning teeth.
Example: You should have a dental checkup.
Meaning: A substance used to fill a hole in a tooth.
Example: The filling in my tooth came out.
Meaning: A physical sensitivity to food or pollen.
Example: He has a severe allergy to nuts.
Meaning: A type of medicine used to reduce pain.
Example: I took an aspirin for my fever.
Meaning: The force with which blood travels.
Example: The nurse checked his blood pressure.
Meaning: A center for specialized medical treatment.
Example: She went to the dental clinic.
Meaning: Medicine.
Example: Don’t take any drug without a doctor’s advice.
Meaning: To look at something closely to find facts.
Example: The doctor will examine your leg.
Meaning: Sick.
Example: He felt ill after eating the spoiled food.
Meaning: A wound or broken bone.
Example: He suffered a serious knee injury.
Meaning: A drug.
Example: Are you currently taking any medication?
Meaning: Surgery.
Example: The operation lasted for three hours.
Meaning: A small tablet of medicine.
Example: You must take this pill after meals.
Meaning: To advise as a medicine or treatment.
Example: The doctor will prescribe some rest.
Meaning: Regular beating in arteries from the heart.
Example: The nurse measured his pulse.
Meaning: Medical care.
Example: The clinic provides excellent treatment.
Meaning: A return to health after being ill.
Example: We wish you a very speedy recovery.
Meaning: A doctor who operates on patients.
Example: The surgeon is very experienced.
Meaning: Medical operation.
Example: She is recovering after her surgery.
Meaning: Sight or being able to see.
Example: He wears glasses for poor vision.
Meaning: A photo that shows bones inside the body.
Example: The x-ray showed his arm was fine.
Meaning: The process of becoming ill by disease.
Example: Keep the wound clean to avoid infection.
Meaning: Organ used for breathing.
Example: Smoking is very bad for your lungs.
Meaning: A vessel taking blood from the heart.
Example: An artery carries blood with oxygen.
Meaning: A vessel taking blood to the heart.
Example: You can see the veins on your hand.
Meaning: To take air in or out.
Example: It was hard to breathe in the smoke.
6. Communication, Society & Gov (40 words)
Words about news, society, government, laws, and communication.
Meaning: A person who writes books.
Example: He is the author of many novels.
Meaning: An article in a newspaper published regularly.
Example: I read his sports column every week.
Meaning: To print for the public.
Example: They will publish his book next month.
Meaning: Any expression of beauty, truth, or ideas.
Example: We went to see the modern art exhibit.
Meaning: Information reported in a newspaper or broadcast.
Example: I heard the news on the radio.
Meaning: A device used to increase volume.
Example: Please speak into the microphone.
Meaning: A formal talk given to the public.
Example: The president gave a short speech.
Meaning: A government by the people.
Example: Freedom of speech is vital in a democracy.
Meaning: The basic laws of a nation.
Example: The constitution protects our rights.
Meaning: A change made to an agreement or law.
Example: There was an amendment to the tax law.
Meaning: An organized belief system.
Example: There are many different religions in the world.
Meaning: An idea or thought.
Example: It is a difficult concept to understand.
Meaning: To take for one’s own.
Example: The school decided to adopt a new method.
Meaning: An elected official of a city or town.
Example: The mayor announced a new plan.
Meaning: An elected official in the government.
Example: The senator gave a long talk.
Meaning: Someone who legally belongs to a country.
Example: Every citizen has the right to vote.
Meaning: A system used for secret messages.
Example: They sent the message in a secret code.
Meaning: A location on the Internet with information.
Example: Visit our website for more details.
Meaning: The global network of computers.
Example: I use the Internet to research topics.
Meaning: Electronic messages sent over the Internet.
Example: Send me an e-mail with your answer.
Meaning: Beliefs and customs shared by a society.
Example: We learned about different cultures.
Meaning: A long-standing way of doing things.
Example: It is a tradition to eat turkey.
Meaning: A group of people living in the same area.
Example: Our local community is very active.
Meaning: A community of people with a government.
Example: The nation celebrated its holiday.
Meaning: Accessible to everyone.
Example: This is a public park.
Meaning: Not accessible to everyone.
Example: This is a private road.
Meaning: Relating to a position of authority.
Example: He received an official government letter.
Meaning: A lawmaking group.
Example: The legislature is voting on the bill.
Meaning: The political head of a state.
Example: The governor visited the town.
Meaning: A government department or division.
Example: The bureau is investigating the case.
Meaning: A plan of action.
Example: The company has a strict travel policy.
Meaning: A regulation or custom.
Example: You must follow the safety rules.
Meaning: Rules made by the government.
Example: It is against the law to speed.
Meaning: An investigation to get facts.
Example: Scientists are doing research on a cure.
Meaning: A statement that informs people.
Example: We heard an announcement at the station.
Meaning: Head supervisor of a newspaper.
Example: The editor checked the story for errors.
Meaning: An article giving the opinion of an editor.
Example: I read an editorial about the city.
Meaning: A notice of something for sale.
Example: I saw an advertisement for a new car.
Meaning: To order and pay for a newspaper or magazine.
Example: I want to subscribe to this journal.
Meaning: Spoken or written information.
Example: Please leave a message for her.
7. Human Behavior, Emotions & Actions (30 words)
Words about people, feelings, manners, and actions.
Meaning: To fill with sudden surprise or wonder.
Example: The magic trick will amaze the children.
Meaning: To know someone from a previous time.
Example: I didn’t recognize him with his glasses.
Meaning: To suppose something is true.
Example: I assume he is coming because he is late.
Meaning: To officially support something.
Example: Many people endorse the new plan.
Meaning: To think of someone with respect.
Example: I admire her for her hard work.
Meaning: To give hope or confidence.
Example: My teacher encouraged me to study.
Meaning: Capable of being trusted.
Example: He is a very trustworthy person.
Meaning: An expression of admiration.
Example: He gave her a nice compliment.
Meaning: Thankful or appreciative.
Example: I am grateful for your kind help.
Meaning: Sadness for another person’s troubles.
Example: I have a lot of sympathy for them.
Meaning: Eagerness to be involved.
Example: The students showed great enthusiasm.
Meaning: Cooperative effort for a cause.
Example: The project succeeded because of teamwork.
Meaning: To express admiration or approval.
Example: The coach praised the team.
Meaning: To return actions or feelings.
Example: If someone is kind, you should reciprocate.
Meaning: Appreciation and thankfulness.
Example: He expressed his gratitude with a gift.
Meaning: Not having or showing fear.
Example: The brave man saved the cat.
Meaning: The quality of being willing to do something hard.
Example: It takes courage to speak up.
Meaning: The quality of being honest or honorable.
Example: He is a man of great integrity.
Meaning: Enthusiasm and loyalty in a group.
Example: The team’s morale is very high.
Meaning: Ability to endure or wait.
Example: You need patience to learn a language.
Meaning: Truthful and principled.
Example: Please give me an honest answer.
Meaning: Faithful and supporting.
Example: He is a very loyal friend.
Meaning: Having good manners.
Example: It is important to be polite to guests.
Meaning: Concerned only with oneself.
Example: Don’t be selfish and share your toys.
Meaning: Willing to give or share.
Example: She is very generous with her money.
Meaning: To fail to satisfy hopes.
Example: I don’t want to disappoint my parents.
Meaning: To bother someone.
Example: The loud music began to annoy me.
Meaning: Deep sadness caused by death.
Example: He felt great grief after losing his dog.
Meaning: Admiration or honor.
Example: You should show respect to your teachers.
Meaning: To earn something by actions.
Example: You worked hard, so you deserve a rest.
8. General Concepts, Logic & Procedures (30 words)
Words about goals, plans, logic, order, and procedures.
Meaning: A goal or purpose.
Example: Our objective is to finish the work.
Meaning: Continuous or unchanging.
Example: The constant noise was annoying.
Meaning: Most basic.
Example: Reading is a fundamental skill.
Meaning: Most useful for a situation.
Example: A small car is practical in the city.
Meaning: Capable of being done.
Example: It is not feasible to finish today.
Meaning: Something very important to do first.
Example: Safety is our first priority.
Meaning: The greatest amount allowed.
Example: There is a speed limit on this road.
Meaning: Not very often.
Example: It rarely rains in the desert.
Meaning: To make sure something is true.
Example: Please call to confirm your seat.
Meaning: To confirm or prove truth.
Example: The bank needs to verify your identity.
Meaning: To enable to live or withstand.
Example: We have enough food to sustain us.
Meaning: Not clear in meaning.
Example: His instructions were very ambiguous.
Meaning: Being fair and not choosing sides.
Example: A judge must be objective.
Meaning: A share or percentage of a whole.
Example: A large proportion of students passed.
Meaning: Comparing the size of two things.
Example: The ratio of girls to boys is 1:1.
Meaning: A plan used to achieve a goal.
Example: They used a clever tactic to win.
Meaning: A specific action or job.
Example: My first task is to check my mail.
Meaning: To give the appearance of.
Example: This machine can simulate a flight.
Meaning: Enough or adequate.
Example: Do we have sufficient time to finish?
Meaning: Producing a desired result.
Example: This medicine is very effective.
Meaning: Producing results with little waste.
Example: The new engine is more efficient.
Meaning: Clear and easy to see.
Example: It was evident that he was tired.
Meaning: A repeated series of actions.
Example: The seasons follow a similar pattern.
Meaning: An orderly series.
Example: Follow the correct sequence of steps.
Meaning: A stage in a cycle.
Example: We are in the final phase of the work.
Meaning: Measurement of length or width.
Example: What are the dimensions of the box?
Meaning: Period of time between events.
Example: There was a short interval.
Meaning: To happen.
Example: The accident occurred at 10 o’clock.
Meaning: Done not long ago.
Example: I read a recent article about space.
Meaning: Happening as a final result.
Example: If you try, you will eventually succeed.
Summary: These 300 words are useful for advanced ALCPT study. Review them by topic, and practice the example sentences many times.