ALCPT Vocabulary List: Upper-Intermediate 300 Words
This ALCPT vocabulary list gives you 300 useful upper-intermediate words.
The words are grouped by topic. Each word has a short meaning and one simple example sentence.
Use this list to study for higher ALCPT scores. It can help you with reading, listening, and military English.
Study tip: Do not try to learn all 300 words in one day. 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 air, water, or land dirty and unsafe.
Example: Chemicals can pollute the river water.
Meaning: Poisonous; not safe for people or animals.
Example: Be careful because these waste materials are toxic.
Meaning: To put someone or something in danger.
Example: Pollution will endanger many animals.
Meaning: Related to energy from atoms.
Example: They are building a new nuclear power plant.
Meaning: A line that the earth turns around.
Example: The earth rotates on its axis once a day.
Meaning: The line around the middle of the earth.
Example: It is very hot near the equator.
Meaning: The study of places on the earth.
Example: We learned about mountains in geography class.
Meaning: To move around something in a circle.
Example: The moon revolves around the earth.
Meaning: A chemical that can burn or damage things.
Example: Acid can damage the surface of the metal.
Meaning: A thing that pulls some metals to it.
Example: I used a magnet to pick up the paper clips.
Meaning: Energy that moves as waves or small parts.
Example: The sun sends out radiation to the earth.
Meaning: A machine or moon that moves around a planet.
Example: The satellite sends weather data to the ground.
Meaning: The air around the earth.
Example: The atmosphere protects us from the sun.
Meaning: A very small part of a thing.
Example: Everything in the world is made of atoms.
Meaning: A gas that people breathe out.
Example: Plants need carbon dioxide to grow.
Meaning: A basic kind of material.
Example: Gold is a basic chemical element.
Meaning: To change from water into gas.
Example: The sun will evaporate the water on the road.
Meaning: To be real or present.
Example: Do you believe that aliens exist in space?
Meaning: A very light gas.
Example: Rockets often use hydrogen for fuel.
Meaning: To change from hard to liquid.
Example: The ice will melt if you leave it in the sun.
Meaning: A very small part made from atoms.
Example: A water molecule has two hydrogen atoms.
Meaning: A gas in the air.
Example: Nitrogen is important for all living things.
Meaning: A gas that people need to live.
Example: We need oxygen to breathe and live.
Meaning: A thing that is not liquid or gas.
Example: Ice is the solid form of water.
Meaning: Hot water gas.
Example: Steam is coming out of the hot kettle.
Meaning: A place with no air.
Example: There is a vacuum in outer space.
Meaning: Gas from a liquid.
Example: You can see your breath as vapor when it is cold.
Meaning: To use all of something.
Example: We should not exhaust our natural resources.
Meaning: About the whole world.
Example: Global warming is a serious problem.
Meaning: Rock that has metal in it.
Example: Iron is taken out of the ore found in mines.
Meaning: Something useful that people can use.
Example: Oil is a very important natural resource.
Meaning: To make something dirty or unsafe.
Example: Bacteria can contaminate the food.
Meaning: Gas or smoke sent into the air.
Example: The government wants to reduce car emissions.
Meaning: Giving off dangerous energy.
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 natural material from the earth.
Example: Vitamins and minerals are good for your body.
Meaning: Bad-smelling smoke or gas.
Example: The garage was full of engine fumes.
Meaning: Height above the sea.
Example: The plane is flying at a high altitude.
Meaning: Rain, snow, or other falling water.
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: The use of science to make or do things.
Example: Computers are a big part of technology.
Meaning: To make products in a factory.
Example: This factory will manufacture car parts.
Meaning: Something that is built.
Example: The bridge is a very large structure.
Meaning: Parts that work together in a machine.
Example: The mechanism of the clock is old.
Meaning: The strength of electricity.
Example: Be careful because the voltage is high here.
Meaning: To make sound or a signal stronger.
Example: Use this device to amplify the sound.
Meaning: A sudden increase.
Example: A power surge can damage your computer.
Meaning: Power of an engine.
Example: The car has a lot of horsepower.
Meaning: Easy to carry.
Example: I have a small portable radio for camping.
Meaning: To put things one on another.
Example: Please stack the boxes in the corner.
Meaning: A rule with numbers or letters.
Example: Do you know the formula for the area of a square?
Meaning: Related to machines.
Example: The car had a mechanical problem.
Meaning: A home machine that uses electricity.
Example: A toaster is a kitchen appliance.
Meaning: A path for electricity.
Example: Electricity travels through the circuit.
Meaning: A material that lets electricity or heat pass.
Example: Copper is a good conductor.
Meaning: To cover something to stop heat or electricity.
Example: We must insulate the wires.
Meaning: To make or produce.
Example: This machine will generate electricity.
Meaning: A machine that makes electricity.
Example: We use a generator when the power goes out.
Meaning: Done by machines.
Example: The factory has an automated assembly line.
Meaning: A handle used to turn something.
Example: Turn the crank to start the engine.
Meaning: A tool or machine made for a job.
Example: This device helps you measure distance.
Meaning: A tool that makes holes.
Example: Use the drill to make a hole in the wall.
Meaning: Glasses that protect your eyes.
Example: Wear goggles when you use the saw.
Meaning: A tool used to hit nails.
Example: I used a hammer to fix the fence.
Meaning: A tool used to hold or pull things.
Example: Use the pliers to hold the wire tightly.
Meaning: Red-brown material on old metal.
Example: The old gate is covered in rust.
Meaning: A tool used to cut paper or cloth.
Example: I need scissors to cut this string.
Meaning: A room where people make or fix things.
Example: He works in his workshop on weekends.
Meaning: To organize people or things together.
Example: We need to coordinate our schedules.
Meaning: Putting equipment in place.
Example: The installation of the software took an hour.
Meaning: Work that keeps something in good condition.
Example: Regular maintenance is important for cars.
Meaning: A problem when a machine does not work.
Example: The computer malfunction caused us to lose data.
Meaning: A screen or tool used to check something.
Example: You can see the information on the monitor.
Meaning: A large repair job.
Example: The truck needs a complete engine overhaul.
Meaning: A tube for water, gas, or oil.
Example: The oil travels through a long pipe.
Meaning: To send a signal, message, or power.
Example: The antenna will transmit the radio waves.
Meaning: To use.
Example: We should utilize all the available tools.
Meaning: To adjust a tool so it is correct.
Example: The scale needs to be calibrated.
Meaning: The physical parts of a computer.
Example: The hard drive is computer hardware.
Meaning: Programs for 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 in a ship, plane, or vehicle.
Example: All passengers are now aboard the plane.
Meaning: Goods carried by ship, plane, or truck.
Example: The ship is carrying a cargo of oil.
Meaning: A group of ships, planes, or vehicles.
Example: The company has a fleet of delivery trucks.
Meaning: To send something into the air or water.
Example: They will launch the new ship tomorrow.
Meaning: A tool that finds objects with radio waves.
Example: The pilot used radar to see the plane.
Meaning: A ship that goes under water.
Example: The submarine can stay under water.
Meaning: A large ship or boat.
Example: A large vessel arrived at the port.
Meaning: Color or clothing that makes things hard to see.
Example: The soldiers used green camouflage.
Meaning: The land in an area.
Example: The rocky terrain made walking hard.
Meaning: Planning how to move people and supplies.
Example: Logistics is important for moving supplies.
Meaning: Military equipment and supplies.
Example: The base needs more materiel.
Meaning: A plan used to reach a goal.
Example: The team used a new tactic to win.
Meaning: A planned action or job.
Example: The rescue operation was successful.
Meaning: To stop fighting and give up.
Example: The enemy decided to surrender.
Meaning: Hard covering for protection.
Example: The tank has very thick armor.
Meaning: A strong explosion.
Example: We heard a loud blast from the quarry.
Meaning: A helicopter.
Example: The chopper landed on the hospital roof.
Meaning: To hide something.
Example: He tried to conceal the map.
Meaning: To meet or find something by chance.
Example: We might encounter problems.
Meaning: To lift something with a machine or rope.
Example: They used a crane to hoist the heavy engine.
Meaning: A careful or skillful move.
Example: The pilot performed a difficult maneuver.
Meaning: A weapon that flies to a target.
Example: The military tested a new missile.
Meaning: A person who plans a route.
Example: The navigator checked the map.
Meaning: To push something forward.
Example: The engine will propel the boat.
Meaning: Bullets and other things used in weapons.
Example: The soldiers needed more ammunition.
Meaning: The tube part of a gun.
Example: He cleaned the barrel of the gun.
Meaning: A small metal object fired from a gun.
Example: The bullet hit the center of the target.
Meaning: A case with a bullet and powder.
Example: He put a cartridge into the gun.
Meaning: To burst with force.
Example: The bomb will explode if you drop it.
Meaning: A gun that one person can carry.
Example: Be careful when you handle a firearm.
Meaning: The part of a gun that holds bullets.
Example: Check the magazine for bullets.
Meaning: The part of a gun that you press to fire.
Example: Don’t touch the trigger until you are ready.
Meaning: Fighting in a war.
Example: Modern warfare uses technology.
Meaning: A military ship.
Example: The warship is equipped with radar.
Meaning: A list or amount of things in stock.
Example: We need to take an inventory.
Meaning: To force people or things to move.
Example: The storm will displace many families.
Meaning: To take by force.
Example: The army tried to capture the base.
Meaning: To make something explode.
Example: They will detonate the explosives at noon.
Meaning: To protect from attack.
Example: Soldiers are ready to defend their country.
Meaning: A friend country or group.
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 office or group.
Example: The space agency is planning a new mission.
Meaning: A plan for how to spend money.
Example: We have a strict budget for the trip.
Meaning: Money you get from work or business.
Example: His monthly income increased.
Meaning: Money you must pay.
Example: Rent is our biggest monthly expense.
Meaning: To pay for something over time.
Example: He decided to finance the car.
Meaning: Money paid regularly for work.
Example: She receives her salary every month.
Meaning: Money used in a country.
Example: What is the local currency here?
Meaning: How money and business work in a country.
Example: The economy is growing very fast.
Meaning: To sell goods to another country.
Example: Japan exports many cars.
Meaning: To bring goods from another country.
Example: The country imports a lot of oil.
Meaning: Buying and selling between people or countries.
Example: International trade is important.
Meaning: Goods for sale.
Example: This store sells high-quality merchandise.
Meaning: To leave a job officially.
Example: The manager decided to resign.
Meaning: A job.
Example: Please write your occupation on this form.
Meaning: A move to a higher job or rank.
Example: He got a promotion after hard work.
Meaning: A thing bought at a low price.
Example: I found a great bargain today.
Meaning: Money taken off a price.
Example: There is a 20 percent discount on shoes.
Meaning: Paper that shows you paid.
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: Money that you owe.
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 or company that gives jobs.
Example: My employer is very fair.
Meaning: A person who works for pay.
Example: Every employee must wear a name tag.
Meaning: Without a job.
Example: Many people are currently unemployed.
Meaning: To give someone a job.
Example: They want to hire ten new workers.
Meaning: To make someone leave a job.
Example: The boss had to fire the lazy worker.
Meaning: A written agreement.
Example: They signed a two-year contract.
Meaning: Money given regularly.
Example: My parents gave me a weekly allowance.
Meaning: Money or amount still left.
Example: I will pay the balance next week.
Meaning: Money for a special purpose.
Example: We are raising a fund for the park.
Meaning: Related to buying and selling.
Example: This is a large commercial building.
Meaning: Buying and selling goods or services.
Example: The city is a center for commerce.
Meaning: Worth a lot of money or very useful.
Example: She has a collection of valuable coins.
Meaning: Having a value or price.
Example: How much is this ring worth?
Meaning: How much there is.
Example: I have a small amount of cash.
Meaning: The price of something.
Example: The cost of the meal was very high.
Meaning: Money matters.
Example: She is studying international finances.
Meaning: Businesses that make or sell things.
Example: The car industry is very important.
Meaning: Related to 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 something out.
Example: The dentist will extract the tooth.
Meaning: To make pain or trouble less.
Example: This medicine will relieve your headache.
Meaning: A medicine that stops pain.
Example: The doctor gave him an anesthetic.
Meaning: A place or building for a special use.
Example: The hospital is a modern facility.
Meaning: A doctor’s decision about an illness.
Example: The doctor gave him a diagnosis.
Meaning: All the bones in a body.
Example: We saw a dinosaur skeleton.
Meaning: The center or main part.
Example: Exercise helps strengthen your core.
Meaning: To die; a polite phrase.
Example: His grandfather passed away last night.
Meaning: A ceremony after someone dies.
Example: Many friends attended the funeral.
Meaning: Very sad or terrible.
Example: The sudden death was a tragic event.
Meaning: A body part that sends feeling.
Example: He hit a nerve in his tooth.
Meaning: Not able to feel something.
Example: My toes were numb because of the cold.
Meaning: A hole in a tooth.
Example: I have a cavity in my back tooth.
Meaning: To become bad or broken down over time.
Example: Sugar can cause tooth decay.
Meaning: Related to teeth.
Example: You should have a dental checkup.
Meaning: Material put in a tooth hole.
Example: The filling in my tooth came out.
Meaning: A bad body reaction to food, dust, or plants.
Example: He has a severe allergy to nuts.
Meaning: A medicine for pain or fever.
Example: I took an aspirin for my fever.
Meaning: The force of blood in the body.
Example: The nurse checked his blood pressure.
Meaning: A place where people get medical care.
Example: She went to the dental clinic.
Meaning: Medicine.
Example: Don’t take any drug without a doctor’s advice.
Meaning: To look at closely.
Example: The doctor will examine your leg.
Meaning: Sick.
Example: He felt ill after eating the spoiled food.
Meaning: Damage to the body.
Example: He suffered a serious knee injury.
Meaning: Medicine.
Example: Are you currently taking any medication?
Meaning: A medical operation.
Example: The operation lasted for three hours.
Meaning: A small piece of medicine.
Example: You must take this pill after meals.
Meaning: To tell someone to take medicine or rest.
Example: The doctor will prescribe some rest.
Meaning: The beat of the heart that you can feel.
Example: The nurse measured his pulse.
Meaning: Medical care.
Example: The clinic provides excellent treatment.
Meaning: Getting well again.
Example: We wish you a very speedy recovery.
Meaning: A doctor who does operations.
Example: The surgeon is very experienced.
Meaning: A medical operation.
Example: She is recovering after her surgery.
Meaning: The ability to see.
Example: He wears glasses for poor vision.
Meaning: A picture of bones inside the body.
Example: The x-ray showed his arm was fine.
Meaning: Illness from germs.
Example: Keep the wound clean to avoid infection.
Meaning: A body part used for breathing.
Example: Smoking is very bad for your lungs.
Meaning: A tube that carries blood from the heart.
Example: An artery carries blood with oxygen.
Meaning: A tube that carries blood to the heart.
Example: You can see the veins on your hand.
Meaning: To take air in and out.
Example: It was hard to breathe in the smoke.
6. Communication, Society & Government (40 words)
Words about news, society, government, laws, and communication.
Meaning: A person who writes a book.
Example: He is the author of many novels.
Meaning: A regular article in a newspaper or website.
Example: I read his sports column every week.
Meaning: To make writing available to people.
Example: They will publish his book next month.
Meaning: Pictures, music, or other creative work.
Example: We went to see the modern art exhibit.
Meaning: New information about events.
Example: I heard the news on the radio.
Meaning: A tool that makes your voice louder.
Example: Please speak into the microphone.
Meaning: A formal talk to people.
Example: The president gave a short speech.
Meaning: A government where people can choose leaders.
Example: Freedom of speech is vital in a democracy.
Meaning: The basic laws of a country.
Example: The constitution protects our rights.
Meaning: A change to a law or agreement.
Example: There was an amendment to the tax law.
Meaning: Beliefs about God or gods.
Example: There are many different religions in the world.
Meaning: An idea.
Example: It is a difficult concept to understand.
Meaning: To choose and start to use.
Example: The school decided to adopt a new method.
Meaning: The leader of a city or town.
Example: The mayor announced a new plan.
Meaning: A person who makes laws in government.
Example: The senator gave a long talk.
Meaning: A legal member of a country.
Example: Every citizen has the right to vote.
Meaning: A system of words, numbers, or signs.
Example: They sent the message in a secret code.
Meaning: A place on the Internet.
Example: Visit our website for more details.
Meaning: A world network of computers.
Example: I use the Internet to research topics.
Meaning: A message sent by computer or phone.
Example: Send me an e-mail with your answer.
Meaning: The way of life of a group of people.
Example: We learned about different cultures.
Meaning: Something people do for a long time.
Example: It is a tradition to eat turkey.
Meaning: People who live in the same area.
Example: Our local community is very active.
Meaning: A country and its people.
Example: The nation celebrated its holiday.
Meaning: For everyone.
Example: This is a public park.
Meaning: Not for everyone.
Example: This is a private road.
Meaning: From a person or group with power.
Example: He received an official government letter.
Meaning: A group that makes laws.
Example: The legislature is voting on the bill.
Meaning: The leader of a state.
Example: The governor visited the town.
Meaning: A government office.
Example: The bureau is investigating the case.
Meaning: A rule or plan for action.
Example: The company has a strict travel policy.
Meaning: Something people must follow.
Example: You must follow the safety rules.
Meaning: A rule made by the government.
Example: It is against the law to speed.
Meaning: Careful study to find facts.
Example: Scientists are doing research on a cure.
Meaning: A message given to many people.
Example: We heard an announcement at the station.
Meaning: A person who checks and prepares writing.
Example: The editor checked the story for errors.
Meaning: An article with an opinion.
Example: I read an editorial about the city.
Meaning: A notice that tries to sell something.
Example: I saw an advertisement for a new car.
Meaning: To pay to get something regularly.
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 surprise someone very much.
Example: The magic trick will amaze the children.
Meaning: To know someone or something from before.
Example: I didn’t recognize him with his glasses.
Meaning: To think something is true without being sure.
Example: I assume he is coming because he is late.
Meaning: To support something officially.
Example: Many people endorse the new plan.
Meaning: To respect and like someone.
Example: I admire her for her hard work.
Meaning: To give someone hope or help.
Example: My teacher encouraged me to study.
Meaning: Able to be trusted.
Example: He is a very trustworthy person.
Meaning: Kind words of praise.
Example: He gave her a nice compliment.
Meaning: Thankful.
Example: I am grateful for your kind help.
Meaning: Kind feelings for someone in trouble.
Example: I have a lot of sympathy for them.
Meaning: Strong interest and energy.
Example: The students showed great enthusiasm.
Meaning: Work done well by a group.
Example: The project succeeded because of teamwork.
Meaning: To say good things about someone.
Example: The coach praised the team.
Meaning: To give back the same feeling or action.
Example: If someone is kind, you should reciprocate.
Meaning: A feeling of thanks.
Example: He expressed his gratitude with a gift.
Meaning: Not afraid to do something hard.
Example: The brave man saved the cat.
Meaning: The strength to do something hard.
Example: It takes courage to speak up.
Meaning: Honesty and strong good values.
Example: He is a man of great integrity.
Meaning: The spirit and hope of a group.
Example: The team’s morale is very high.
Meaning: The ability to wait calmly.
Example: You need patience to learn a language.
Meaning: Telling the truth.
Example: Please give me an honest answer.
Meaning: Always supporting someone or something.
Example: He is a very loyal friend.
Meaning: Having good manners.
Example: It is important to be polite to guests.
Meaning: Thinking only about yourself.
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 make someone unhappy because hopes are not met.
Example: I don’t want to disappoint my parents.
Meaning: To bother someone.
Example: The loud music began to annoy me.
Meaning: Deep sadness.
Example: He felt great grief after losing his dog.
Meaning: A good feeling for someone or something.
Example: You should show respect to your teachers.
Meaning: To be right to get something.
Example: You worked hard, so you deserve a rest.
8. General Concepts, Logic & Procedures (30 words)
Words about goals, plans, order, and steps.
Meaning: A goal or purpose.
Example: Our objective is to finish the work.
Meaning: Happening all the time.
Example: The constant noise was annoying.
Meaning: Very basic and important.
Example: Reading is a fundamental skill.
Meaning: Useful in real life.
Example: A small car is practical in the city.
Meaning: Possible to do.
Example: It is not feasible to finish today.
Meaning: Something 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 often.
Example: It rarely rains in the desert.
Meaning: To make sure something is true.
Example: Please call to confirm your seat.
Meaning: To check that something is true.
Example: The bank needs to verify your identity.
Meaning: To keep someone or something alive or going.
Example: We have enough food to sustain us.
Meaning: Not clear.
Example: His instructions were very ambiguous.
Meaning: Fair and not choosing sides.
Example: A judge must be objective.
Meaning: A part or share of a whole.
Example: A large proportion of students passed.
Meaning: A comparison of two numbers.
Example: The ratio of girls to boys is 1:1.
Meaning: A plan used to reach a goal.
Example: They used a clever tactic to win.
Meaning: A job or action to do.
Example: My first task is to check my mail.
Meaning: To make something seem real for practice.
Example: This machine can simulate a flight.
Meaning: Enough.
Example: Do we have sufficient time to finish?
Meaning: Working well.
Example: This medicine is very effective.
Meaning: Working well with little waste.
Example: The new engine is more efficient.
Meaning: Easy to see or understand.
Example: It was evident that he was tired.
Meaning: Something that happens again in the same way.
Example: The seasons follow a similar pattern.
Meaning: A set of things in order.
Example: Follow the correct sequence of steps.
Meaning: A stage or part of a process.
Example: We are in the final phase of the work.
Meaning: A measurement, such as length or width.
Example: What are the dimensions of the box?
Meaning: Time between two events.
Example: There was a short interval.
Meaning: To happen.
Example: The accident occurred at 10 o’clock.
Meaning: Not long ago.
Example: I read a recent article about space.
Meaning: In the end; after some time.
Example: If you try, you will eventually succeed.
Summary: These 300 words are useful for ALCPT study. Study them by topic. Read the example sentences many times. Try to use the words in your own sentences.