The Ten Essential ielts vocabulary

economic prospects = the future possibilities for a national economy


The economic prospects for very small countries are quite positive these days.


social mobility = the ability of people to progress in terms of salary, lifestyle and social status The greatest aid to social mobility is good education and training.
the private sector = private businesses, as opposed to ‘the public sector’ meaning state- owned or controlled services


I definitely want to work in the private sector after I graduate. It is a more stimulating environment than the public sector.


demographics = the changes in society in terms of age, income, numbers, origins and location in a country


Demographic changes in Scandinavia have been dramatic, with substantial immigration and an ageing indigenous population.


longevity = the tendency to have a long life expectancy


Japanese people have perhaps the highest longevity in the world.


to migrate = to move permanently between countries


Migration within the Eurozone is a highly controversial issue at present.


‘brain drain’ = the tendency for intelligent or successful workers to migrate out of a country (usually expressed in quotes ‘’)


Southern Europe is experiencing a high ‘brain drain’ these days, because of the lack of economic prospects.


existential threats = a threat to existence or life


The economy of my country faces an existential threat from collapsing oil revenues.


an outbreak = the start of a widespread problem such as disease or conflict The outbreak of Ebola is a great concern for doctors globally.
civil war = war between people inside a country
It will take many years for our nation to recover from the civil war of the 1990s.


livelihood = the way a person makes a living


Many villagers sell handicrafts, as this is the only livelihood they can find.