Set 106 · Study 1 / 5

Exit

poverty

noun/ˈpɑːvərti/

definition

the state of being extremely poor or lacking basic necessities

example

Many families struggle with chronic poverty, making it difficult for them to access basic healthcare and education.

synonyms
impoverishmentdestitutionindigence
word origin — Middle English: from Old French 'povreté', based on Latin 'paupertas', from 'pauper' meaning 'poor'

IELTS Vocabulary — Set 106

Set 106 of IELTS Vocabulary covers 5 words: poverty, allowance, subtleness, obstacle, prevalence. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.

  1. poverty · noun/ˈpɑːvərti/

    the state of being extremely poor or lacking basic necessities

    Many families struggle with chronic poverty, making it difficult for them to access basic healthcare and education.

    Synonyms: impoverishment, destitution, indigence

    Origin: Middle English: from Old French 'povreté', based on Latin 'paupertas', from 'pauper' meaning 'poor'

  2. allowance · noun/əˈlaʊəns/

    a sum of money given regularly to a person for their expenses

    Every month, my parents give me a small allowance to cover my lunch expenses at school.

    Synonyms: stipend, grant, pocket money

    Origin: Middle English, from the verb 'allowen', meaning to admit or acknowledge, deriving from Old French 'alouer', based on Latin 'ad' (to) + 'latare' (to place)

  3. subtleness · noun/ˈsʌtnəs/

    the quality of being delicate, understated, or not immediately obvious

    The subtleness of her artistic style is what makes her work so captivating, as each detail reveals itself slowly to the observer.

    Synonyms: nuance, delicacy, understatedness

    Origin: Middle English from Old French 'subtilnes' derived from Latin 'subtilitas', meaning 'fineness, delicacy'.

  4. obstacle · noun/ˈɑbstəkəl/

    something that prevents or hinders progress or achievement

    Lack of funding can be a significant obstacle to starting a new business.

    Synonyms: hindrance, impediment, barrier

    Origin: from Latin 'obstaculum', which means 'a blocking or hindrance', from 'ob' (against) + 'stare' (to stand)

  5. prevalence · noun/ˈprɛv.ə.ləns/

    the fact or condition of being widespread or commonly occurring

    The prevalence of obesity in children has become a major public health concern in many countries.

    Synonyms: frequency, predominance, prevalence

    Origin: The word 'prevalence' comes from the Latin 'praevalentia', from 'praevalere' meaning 'to be stronger or more widespread'.