B220 words · Upper-intermediate

Size & Speed vocabulary — B2

Vocabulary for size, amount and degree with more precision — substantial, scarce, swift and overdue — grading quantity from minimal to immense, and pace from sluggish to brisk.

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Words in this set

substantial
/səbˈstænʃəl/
The formal word for large, used about a sum of money or a rise in something.
Example: The company reported a substantial increase in profits.
scarce
/skɛrs/
The opposite of plentiful — not easily available.
Example: Fresh water is scarce in this region.
excessive
/ɪkˈsɛsɪv/
Another word for too much — more than is reasonable, often said to criticize something.
Example: Critics said the movie's violence was excessive.
trivial
/ˈtrɪviəl/
The opposite of important — too small to matter.
Example: It's just a trivial mistake, nothing to worry about.
ample
/ˈæmpəl/
Another word for enough — plenty, with time or space to spare.
Example: We arrived with ample time to spare before the flight.
sparse
/spɑrs/
The opposite of dense — spread thinly, with very little in a large area.
Example: The forest became sparse as we climbed higher.
minimal
/ˈmɪnəməl/
The opposite of substantial — extremely small in size or amount.
Example: The changes to the plan were minimal.
adequate
/ˈædəkwət/
Another word for satisfactory — just enough for a particular purpose.
Example: The hotel room was small but adequate.
immense
/ˌɪˈmɛns/
Another word for huge — used in more formal or literary writing.
Example: The project required an immense amount of planning.
insufficient
/ˌɪnsəˈfɪʃənt/
The opposite of adequate — not enough for what is needed.
Example: The evidence was insufficient to prove his guilt.
punctual
/ˈpʌŋktʃuəl/
The formal word for on time, used about a person who never keeps others waiting.
Example: My manager is always punctual and expects the same from us.
swift
/swɪft/
The formal word for fast, used about a response or reaction.
Example: The government's response to the crisis was swift.
sluggish
/ˈslʌɡɪʃ/
The opposite of energetic — moving or working slowly.
Example: The traffic was sluggish during rush hour.
prompt
/prɑmpt/
Another word for quick — a reply or action that comes without any delay.
Example: She sent a prompt reply to every email.
overdue
/ˈoʊvərˈdu/
The opposite of punctual — happening later than it should.
Example: This report is three weeks overdue.
prolonged
/prəˈlɔŋd/
The formal word for long-lasting, used about pain, delays or arguments.
Example: The dispute caused a prolonged delay at the airport.
fleeting
/ˈflitɪŋ/
The opposite of lasting — present for only a very short time.
Example: He caught a fleeting glimpse of her in the crowd.
brisk
/brɪsk/
Another word for swift — a quick, energetic pace, especially walking.
Example: We went for a brisk walk before breakfast.
lengthy
/ˈlɛŋθi/
Another word for prolonged — used about a process or discussion that takes longer than expected.
Example: After a lengthy discussion, they finally agreed.
periodic
/ˌpɪriˈɑdɪk/
Another word for occasional — used in formal writing about something that happens at regular intervals.
Example: The machine needs periodic maintenance to keep running well.