100+ Difficult Words in English with Meaning and Sentences

English has many difficult words. It’s important to note that the difficulty of a word depends on a person’s level of familiarity with the language. However, some words can be considered difficult for their complex spelling, pronunciation, or meanings.In this article we will be discussing 100+ Difficult Words in English with Meaning and Sentences.

Difficult words in English are words that are challenging to read, write, pronounce, or understand. The difficulty of a word can depend on factors such as its length, complexity, or unfamiliarity. For example, some English words may have complex meanings that are not understood by someone who is unfamiliar with them. Other words may have irregular spelling or be pronounced differently than they are spelled, making them difficult to read/write.

Furthermore, some words may be considered difficult because they are technical terms or specific to a certain field or profession. For example, medical or scientific terms may be difficult for someone who is not familiar with the terminology. Similarly, legal terms or jargon used in the field of finance may be difficult for someone who doesn’t work in those areas.

Words can be considered difficult in English for several reasons. Here are some common factors that contribute to the difficulty of a word:

Words with irregular spelling or many silent letters can be difficult to spell correctly. For example, “colonel” is pronounced “kernel.”

English has many words that are pronounced differently than they are spelled, which can make them difficult to pronounce. For example, “schedule” can be pronounced “shed-yool” or “sked-yool.”

Some words have complex or abstract meanings that are difficult to understand. For example, “existential” refers to questions about the nature of existence and the human condition.

Words that are not commonly used or are specific to a certain field or profession can be difficult for people who are not familiar with them. For example, “herpetology” is the study of reptiles and amphibians.

Longer words can be difficult to read or write quickly, especially if they are not broken down into smaller parts. For example, “antidisestablishmentarianism” is 28 letters long and refers to a political movement.

Learning difficult words can expand your vocabulary and help you better understand complex texts. This can enhance your reading and make it easier for you to communicate effectively in both written and oral contexts.

Learning difficult words requires concentration and memory. This can help to improve cognitive function and increase mental agility.

Being able to understand and use difficult words can give you confidence in your communication skills. It also helps you in expressing yourself more effectively in a variety of contexts.

Learning difficult words can improve your performance in academic settings. Like in exams or written assignments, where a strong vocabulary can be an asset.

Certain fields and professions require a high level of vocabulary and communication skills.Learning difficult words can help you to stand out in these areas and increase your career prospects.

Here are 100+ of the most difficult words in English, along with their meanings and example sentences:

Sl.NoDifficult WordMeaningSentence1.Anathemasomething or someone that is intensely disliked or cursedThe dictator was anathema to the citizens, who protested his oppressive regime.2.Abstemiousrefraining from indulgence, especially in food or drinkThe marathon runner had an abstemious diet to maintain his physical fitness.3.Abstrusedifficult to understand or comprehendThe philosophy professor’s lecture was so abstruse that few of the students were able to follow it..4.Acerbicsharp, biting, or sour in tone or tasteThe critic’s acerbic review of the movie left the director feeling insulted5.Auspiciousshowing signs of success or good fortuneThe couple’s wedding day was an auspicious occasion, with beautiful weather and many happy guests.6.Belligerenthostile or aggressiveThe belligerent behavior of the soccer fans led to a violent altercation.7Bellicoseinclined to fight or engage in warThe general’s bellicose attitude was a cause for concern among his subordinates.8Byzantinecomplex or intricate, usually relating to political or bureaucratic systemsThe Byzantine nature of the government’s tax code made it difficult for many people to file their taxes accurately.9Bombasticusing inflated language or pompous speech to impress othersThe politician’s bombastic speech failed to resonate with many voters, who found it insincere.10.Brobdingnagiangigantic or enormous in sizeThe new skyscraper was a brobdingnagian structure that dwarfed the surrounding buildings.11.Circumlocutionthe use of many words to express an idea, often in a roundabout or indirect wayThe politician’s circumlocution in answering the reporter’s question was frustrating to many viewers.12.Capriciousprone to sudden and unpredictable changes in behavior or moodThe boss’s capricious decision-making made it difficult for employees to anticipate his reactions.13.Cacophonya harsh, discordant mixture of soundsThe construction site was filled with the cacophony of jackhammers, drills, and heavy machinery.14.Cogentclear, logical, and convincingThe lawyer’s cogent arguments swayed the jury in favor of his client.15.Conflagrationa large, destructive fireThe city was devastated by a conflagration that burned down several historic buildings.16.Diaphanouslight, delicate, and translucentThe bride’s dress was made of diaphanous fabric that shimmered in the sunlight.17.Discombobulateto confuse or disorientThe unexpected news discombobulated the entire team, making it difficult for them to focus on their work.18.Demagoguea leader who appeals to people’s emotions and prejudices in order to gain powerThe charismatic demagogue rose to power by exploiting people’s fears and resentments.19.Diffidentlacking in confidence or self-assuranceThe shy student was diffident in class and rarely spoke up during discussions.20.Defenestrationthe act of throwing someone or something out of a windowThe story of the defenestration of Prague, in which several government officials were thrown out of a window during a riot, has become a legendary event in Czech history.21.Epistemologythe branch of philosophy concerned with the theory of knowledgeThe professor’s lecture on epistemology was challenging, but also fascinating.22.Ephemerallasting for a very short timeThe beauty of cherry blossoms is ephemeral, as they only bloom for a few weeks each year.23.Esotericintended for or likely to be understood by only a small number of people with a specialized knowledge or interestThe book’s esoteric subject matter made it difficult for most readers to understand.24.Exacerbateto make a problem, bad situation, or negative feeling worseThe manager’s harsh criticism only served to exacerbate the employee’s frustration.25.Euphemisma mild or indirect word or expression used in place of one considered to be too harsh or blunt“Pass away” is a euphemism for “die” that is often used to soften the impact of the word.26.Fiduciaryrelating to the responsibility of one person or organization to act in the best interests of anotherThe financial advisor had a fiduciary duty to manage his clients’ investments responsibly.27.Furtiveattempting to avoid notice or attention, typically because of guilt or a belief that discovery would lead to troubleThe furtive glances of the suspect made the police officer suspicious.28.Facetioustreating serious issues with inappropriate humor or levityThe CEO’s facetious response to concerns about the company’s finances did not inspire confidence among investors.29.Fatuoussilly or pointless, especially in a smug or self-satisfied wayThe celebrity’s fatuous comments on social media were widely criticized for their lack of substance.30.f*cklesslacking in efficiency or effectiveness; incompetent or lazyThe f*ckless manager failed to address the problems within his team, leading to low morale and poor performance.31.Gargantuanextremely large or massiveThe gargantuan skyscraper dwarfed all the other buildings in the city.32.Gregariousfond of company; sociableThe gregarious host made sure that all of his guests felt welcome and included.33.Grandiloquentusing fancy, pompous words or language to impress othersThe politician’s grandiloquent speech was criticized for its lack of substance.34.Gauchelacking social grace or tact; awkwardThe new employee’s gauche behavior at the company party made many of his coworkers uncomfortable.35.Gossamera fine, filmy substance consisting of cobwebs spun by small spiders, or a delicate, light fabricThe ballerina’s tutu was made of gossamer fabric that floated gracefully as she danced.36.Hierarchya system or organization in which people or groups are ranked one above the other according to status or authorityThe military operates on a strict hierarchy, with officers giving orders to those of lower rank.37.Hyperboleexaggerated statements or claims not meant to be taken literallyThe comedian’s use of hyperbole was part of his signature style, often making the audience laugh out loud.38.Histrionicoverly theatrical or melodramatic in character or styleThe actor’s histrionic performance drew mixed reviews from the critics.39.Hegemonyleadership or dominance, especially by one country or social group over othersThe United States’ cultural hegemony has had a significant impact on popular culture around the world.40.Haplessunlucky or unfortunateThe hapless traveler missed his flight due to a series of unexpected delays and cancellations.41.Iconoclasta person who attacks cherished beliefs or institutionsThe artist was an iconoclast who challenged traditional notions of beauty in her work.42.Ineffabletoo great or extreme to be expressed or described in wordsThe beauty of the sunset was ineffable, leaving the onlookers speechless.43.Inexorableimpossible to stop or preventThe inexorable march of time waits for no one, reminding us that life is fleeting.44.Inscrutableimpossible to understand or interpretThe politician’s motives were inscrutable, leaving many people wondering what she was really up to45.Intrepidfearless, adventurous, or boldThe intrepid explorer ventured into the unknown, discovering new lands and encountering new cultures along the way.46.Juxtapositionthe fact of two things being seen or placed close together with contrasting effectThe juxtaposition of the old and new buildings in the city skyline was striking.47.Jaundicedaffected by bitterness, resentment, or envyThe jaundiced journalist wrote a scathing review of the new movie, focusing only on its flaws.48.Jocundcheerful and lightheartedThe jocund atmosphere of the party lifted everyone’s spirits.49.Juggernauta huge, powerful, and overwhelming force or institutionThe tech company had become a juggernaut, dominating the market and acquiring its competitors.50.Jingoisticextreme patriotism, often marked by aggressive or warlike foreign policyThe politician’s jingoistic rhetoric drew criticism from those who believed in a more diplomatic approach to foreign affairs.51.Kineticrelating to or resulting from motionThe kinetic energy of the moving car was converted into heat when it hit the brakes.52.Kowtowto act in an excessively subservient or obedient mannerThe intern was constantly kowtowing to the boss, hoping to earn a promotion.53.Kismetdestiny or fateThey met by chance, but it seemed like kismet that they were meant to be together.54.Kafkaesquerelating to the nightmarish world depicted in the works of Franz Kafka, marked by surreal or illogical elementsThe bureaucracy of the government agency was so convoluted and confusing that it felt like a Kafkaesque nightmare.55.Kinesiologythe study of human movement and the mechanics of body parts during motionThe kinesiology class examined the way that muscles and bones work together to produce movement in the body.56.Labyrinthinecomplicated and difficult to navigate; resembling a labyrinthThe labyrinthine structure of the old building made it easy to get lost.57.Laconicusing few words; terseThe laconic speaker delivered his message in just a few brief sentences.58.Languidlacking energy or vitality; slow and relaxedThe hot summer day made everyone feel languid and lethargic.59.Legerdemainskillful use of one’s hands when performing tricks or illusions; sleight of handThe magician’s legerdemain left the audience in awe.60.Lexiconthe vocabulary of a language or a particular subject; a dictionaryThe author’s use of obscure words from the medical lexicon made the book difficult to read.61.Magnanimousgenerous and forgiving; having a noble and courageous spiritEven though he had been wronged, he was magnanimous and forgave his enemy.62.Mellifluouspleasant to hear; smooth and musicalThe singer’s mellifluous voice captivated the audience.63.Metamorphosisa transformation or change in form or natureThe caterpillar’s metamorphosis into a butterfly is a classic example of nature’s beauty.64.Misanthropea person who dislikes humankind and avoids human societyThe writer’s works often portrayed him as a misanthrope who despised society and its customs.65.Mnemonicaiding or designed to aid memoryThe teacher used a mnemonic device to help her students remember the order of the planets.66.Nebulousvague or hazy; unclear or ill-definedThe concept was too nebulous for most people to understand.67.Nonplussedsurprised and confused to the point of being unsure how to react; bewilderedShe was nonplussed by the unexpected turn of events.68.Nostalgiaa sentimental longing for the past; a bittersweet yearning for something that is goneThe sight of her childhood home filled her with nostalgia.69.Notwithstandingin spite of; despiteNotwithstanding his lack of experience, he was hired for the job based on his potential.70.Nihilisticrejecting all religious and moral principles in the belief that life is meaningless; pessimisticThe character’s nihilistic outlook on life was a recurring theme in the novel.71.Obfuscateto make something unclear or difficult to understandThe lawyer tried to obfuscate the facts of the case to confuse the jury.72.Onerousinvolving a lot of effort or difficulty; burdensomeThe onerous task of completing a 500-page report was daunting.73.Ontologythe branch of metaphysics concerned with the nature of existenceThe philosopher’s ontology delved into the question of what it means to exist.74.Ostentatiousshowy and flashy in an attempt to impress othersThe millionaire’s ostentatious lifestyle was the envy of many, but the subject of criticism by others.75.Ostracizeto exclude someone from a group or society; to shunAfter the scandal, the politician was ostracized by his colleagues and constituents alike.76.Panaceaa solution or remedy for all problems or difficultiesThere is no panacea for poverty, but education and economic opportunities can make a significant difference.77.Paragona person or thing regarded as a perfect example of a particular qualityShe was a paragon of beauty and grace, admired by all who met her.78.Perfidiousdeceitful and untrustworthy; disloyalThe traitor’s perfidious actions caused great harm to his country and people.79.Perspicacioushaving a keen insight or understanding; mentally sharpThe detective’s perspicacious observations and analysis helped solve the case.80.Plethoraan excessive amount or abundance of somethingThe buffet had a plethora of food options, leaving the guests spoilt for choice.81.Quixoticexceedingly idealistic; unrealistic and impracticalHis quixotic quest for a world without poverty is admirable but ultimately futile.82.Quagmirea difficult or complex situation; a marsh or bogThe country was mired in a quagmire of political instability.83.Quibbleto argue or raise objections about a trivial matterHe always finds something to quibble about, no matter how small the issue.84.Quellto put an end to; suppressThe police were able to quell the riot before it got out of hand.85.Quandarya state of uncertainty or perplexity; a difficult situationI’m in a quandary about which job offer to accept.86.Reticentnot revealing one’s thoughts or feelings readily; reservedShe was reticent about her past and refused to answer any personal questions.87.Remonstrateto argue or plead with someone against something; to protestThe workers remonstrated with their boss over the unfair working conditions.88.Repudiateto reject, disown, or deny the validity of somethingHe repudiated the accusations against him and maintained his innocence.89.Redolentstrongly reminiscent or suggestive of something; fragrant or smelling stronglyThe scent of freshly baked bread was redolent of childhood memories.90.Rancorouscharacterized by bitterness or resentment; maliciousThe divorce was rancorous, with both parties hurling insults and accusations at each other.91.Superfluousunnecessary, excessive, or surplus to requirementsThe document was filled with superfluous information that could have been left out.92.Salubrioushealth-giving, healthy, or pleasant.The mountain air was salubrious and invigorating, making me feel alive.93.Sycophanta person who flatters in order to gain an advantage; a yes-manThe boss was surrounded by sycophants who would agree with everything he said.94.Sophistrythe use of fallacious arguments, especially with the intention of deceivingHis argument was based on sophistry rather than logic, making it difficult to refute.95.Sanguineoptimistic or positive, especially in an apparently bad or difficult situationDespite the setbacks, she remained sanguine about the future and believed things would work out in the end.96.Taciturnreserved or uncommunicative in speech; saying littleHe was a taciturn man who preferred to keep his thoughts to himself.97.Transcendentbeyond or above the range of normal or physical human experience; surpassingThe beauty of the sunset was so transcendent that it left us speechless.98.Trepidationa feeling of fear or anxiety about something that may happenShe approached the interview with trepidation, afraid of saying the wrong thing.99.Tersebrief and to the point; conciseHis answers were always terse, giving only the information that was necessary.100.Truculentaggressively defiant or hostile; eager to argue or fightThe truculent customer refused to leave the store and started shouting at the staff.101.Ubiquitouspresent or found everywhereSmartphones have become ubiquitous in modern society.102.Unctuousexcessively flattering or ingratiating; oily or greasyThe politician’s unctuous manner made many people suspicious of his true intentions.103.Usurpto take or seize (power or authority) without the right to do soThe rebel leader attempted to usurp the government and establish his own regime.104.Utopiaan imagined place or state of things in which everything is perfectMany people dream of living in a utopia where there is no war, poverty, or suffering.105.Ululateto howl or wail loudly and mournfullyThe mourners ululated during the funeral procession, expressing their grief in a traditional manner.106.Vicissitudea change of circ*mstances or fortune, typically one that is unwelcome or unpleasantThe company had to weather the vicissitudes of the market in order to survive.107.Vexatiouscausing irritation, annoyance, or distress; harassingThe constant interruptions were vexatious and made it difficult for him to concentrate.108.Viscoushaving a thick, sticky consistency between solid and liquid; glueyThe syrup was so viscous that it took a long time to pour out of the bottle.109.Vituperativebitter and abusive; using harsh and angry languageThe critic’s review was vituperative and attacked the author personally.110.Valedictoryrelating to or bidding farewell; a speech or statement made at the end of a term or eventThe valedictory address by the graduating student was an emotional and inspiring moment for everyone.111.Weltera confused mass; a jumbleThe room was in a welter of disorganized clutter.112.Weltanschauunga particular philosophy or view of life; a worldviewThe artist’s weltanschauung was reflected in his paintings, which explored the mysteries of the universe.113.Wheedleto use flattery or coaxing in order to persuade someone to do somethingShe wheedled her way into getting a discount on the product.114.Wraitha ghost or ghostlike image of someone, especially one seen shortly before or after their deathThe wraith of the murdered victim haunted the old mansion.115.Welterweighta weight division in boxing and other combat sports, typically ranging from 140 to 147 poundsHe was a former welterweight champion who had retired undefeated.116.Xenophobiaa fear or hatred of foreigners or strangersHis xenophobia led him to refuse to hire anyone who wasn’t born in his country.117.Xerophytea plant that is adapted to survive in dry conditions, such as a cactusThe desert is home to many xerophytes that have evolved to conserve water.118.Xylographythe art of engraving on wood, especially for printingThe artist was skilled in xylography and created intricate prints using wood blocks.119.Xylophonicrelating to or produced by a xylophoneThe xylophonic music filled the concert hall with its bright, percussive sound.120.Xenografta tissue graft or organ transplant from a donor of a different species than the recipientThe patient received a xenograft from a pig to replace a damaged heart valve.121.Yearninga deep longing or desireShe felt a yearning to travel the world and see new places.122.Yesteryearthe recent past, especially a nostalgic or romanticized version of itThe museum’s exhibits offered a glimpse into the technology and culture of yesteryear.123.Yggdrasilin Norse mythology, the great tree that supports the nine worldsAccording to legend, the roots of Yggdrasil extend deep into the underworld and the branches reach up to the heavens.124.Yellow-belliedcowardly; lacking in courageThe soldiers accused their commander of being yellow-bellied when he ordered them to retreat.125.YuletideChristmas time or the Christmas seasonThe family gathered around the fireplace during the yuletide season to exchange gifts and share stories.126.Zeitgeistthe general spirit or mood of a particular period of time as reflected in the attitudes and beliefs of its societyThe zeitgeist of the 1960s was characterized by social and political upheaval.127.Zephyra gentle breeze; a soft, mild windThe zephyr rustled the leaves on the trees and carried the scent of blooming flowers.128.Zeniththe highest point or peak; the apexHer career had reached its zenith when she was appointed CEO of the company.129.Zeugmaa figure of speech in which a word applies to two others in different senses or to two others of which it semantically suits only oneIn the sentence “He lost his keys and his temper,” the verb “lost” is a zeugma, as it applies to both “keys” and “temper” in different senses.130.Ziggurata rectangular stepped tower, sometimes surmounted by a temple, common in ancient MesopotamiaThe ziggurat was an impressive feat of engineering and architecture, built to honor the gods of the ancient city.

In conclusion, the English language is rich with words that are challenging to spell or pronounce, or that have complex meanings. Some of the most difficult words in English include those that are borrowed from other languages, those that have unusual or archaic meanings, and those that are simply rarely used in everyday conversation.

Ans. Some of the most difficult words in English include “abstemious,” “acrimonious,” “anathema,” “apotheosis,” “bombastic,” “capricious,” “cogent,” “desultory,” “diaphanous,” “discombobulate,” “dyspeptic,” “egregious,” “ephemeral,” “equanimity,” “esoteric,” “exacerbate,” “fastidious,” “frangible,” “gossamer,” “halcyon,” and “iconoclast,” among others.

Ans. Some English words are difficult to spell or pronounce because they are borrowed from other languages. And also, they have unique spelling or pronunciation rules. They have unusual or archaic meanings that are not commonly used in everyday conversation.

Ans.You can improve your English vocabulary by reading extensively. Practicing with flashcards or vocabulary quizzes, watching English-language TV shows or movies, and using English-language learning apps or websites. It is also helpful to try to use new words in context in your own speaking and writing.

Ans.Yes, there are many resources available to help you learn difficult English words. Online dictionaries and thesauruses can provide definitions, synonyms, and example sentences. Vocabulary-building apps and websites can also provide daily or weekly word lists and quizzes to help you practice. Additionally, reading extensively in English. Listening to English-language media can expose you to new words and help you improve your overall vocabulary.

Ans.Learning difficult English words can be important for improving your overall fluency and comprehension in the language. It can also help you to communicate more effectively in both written and spoken contexts. Leaning difficult words can enhance your ability to understand and engage with complex texts or discussions. It is also important to remember that mastery of basic vocabulary and grammar is essential for building a strong foundation.

100+ Difficult Words in English with Meaning and Sentences - Entri Blog (2024)