[IELTS Vocabulary] Technology

This vocabulary list is for reference only. Your Lexical Resource scores are calculated based on the overall level of vocabulary used in your writing and speaking answers. To improve your Lexical Resource scores, it is necessary that you improve your overall level of vocabulary.

However, skillfully incorporating these words in your writing and speaking answers together with a good vocabulary level will increase the chance of enhanced Lexical Recourse scores.

Vocabulary list

1. The Impact of Technology on Daily Life

Word/Phrase	Type	Meaning	Example
Automation	Noun	The use of technology to perform tasks	Automation has increased productivity in many industries.
Digitalization	Noun	Conversion of data into digital format	Digitalization has transformed the way we access information.
Dependency	Noun	Relying on technology for daily activities	Our dependency on smartphones is undeniable.
Connectivity	Noun	The state of being connected	The internet has provided unparalleled connectivity.
Convenience	Noun	Ease of use or access	Online shopping offers unparalleled convenience.
Screen time	Noun phrase	Time spent in front of electronic screens	Children today spend too much time on screen time.
Adapt	Verb	To adjust to new circumstances or conditions	We need to adapt to the rapid pace of technological change.
Integrate	Verb	To combine or blend into a unified whole	Smart home devices integrate seamlessly with our lives.
Streamline	Verb	To simplify or make more efficient	Technology helps streamline many administrative tasks.
Revolutionize	Verb	To completely change the way things are done	Mobile phones have revolutionized communication.
Digital divide	Noun phrase	The gap between those who have access to technology and those who do not	Bridging the digital divide is crucial for social equity.

2. Internet and Social Media

Word/Phrase	Type	Meaning	Example
Cybersecurity	Noun	Protection against unauthorized access	Cybersecurity is essential to safeguard personal data.
Privacy settings	Noun phrase	Controls to manage access to personal information	Adjust your privacy settings to protect your data.
Viral content	Noun phrase	Online material that spreads rapidly	The video went viral on social media platforms.
Online Community	Noun phrase	Group of people connected via the internet	She found support in an online community of writers.
Influencer	Noun	Person with the ability to influence others	Many brands collaborate with social media influencers.
Trending	Adjective	Popular or widely discussed	The hashtag was trending on Twitter all day.
Engage	Verb	To participate or interact	Brands aim to engage with their customers on social media.
Share	Verb	To distribute or exchange	Users can share content with friends and followers.
Filter bubble	Noun phrase	State of being isolated from diverse perspectives	Beware of living in a filter bubble on social media.
Digital footprint	Noun phrase	Traces of online activity left behind	Your digital footprint can impact your online reputation.

3. Technological Advancements and Their Effects on Work

Word/Phrase	Type	Meaning	Example
Remote work	Noun phrase	Working from a location other than the office	Many companies offer remote work options to employees.
Collaboration tools	Noun phrase	Software facilitating group work	Zoom and Slack are popular collaboration tools.
Gig economy	Noun phrase	Workforce characterized by short-term contracts and freelance work	Many freelancers thrive in the gig economy.
Artificial intelligence	Noun phrase	Simulation of human intelligence processes	Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing various industries.
Telecommuting	Noun	A workforce characterized by short-term contracts and freelance work	Telecommuting reduces the need for physical office space.
Skillset	Noun	Combination of skills possessed by an individual	Developing a diverse skillset is essential for the future of work.
Work-life balance	Noun phrase	Equilibrium between work and personal life	Achieving work-life balance is important for well-being.
Digital nomad	Noun phrase	Person who works remotely while traveling	Many digital nomads explore the world while working remotely.
Automation	Noun	The use of technology to perform tasks	Automation has transformed many aspects of the workplace.
Flexibility	Noun	Ability to adapt to changing circumstances	Remote work offers flexibility in scheduling and location.

Idioms for Speaking

Idiom	Definition	Example
A byte out of the cherry	To achieve a small success or gain a bit of knowledge from an experience.	“Attending that tech workshop was like getting a byte out of the cherry; I learned a useful coding technique.”
A glitch in the system	A minor malfunction or error in a system or process.	“There was a glitch in the system, so I couldn’t access my files temporarily.”
A whole new ball game	A completely new and different situation or set of circumstances.	“With the latest software update, it’s a whole new ball game in terms of functionality.”
Crash and burn	To fail spectacularly or experience a sudden and complete failure.	“The new software release had so many bugs that it caused the system to crash and burn.”
Cutting-edge technology	The most advanced or innovative technology available.	“Their company is known for using cutting-edge technology in their products.”
Digital footprint	The traces or records of a person’s online activities and presence.	“Be mindful of your digital footprint; employers often check social media profiles.”
Down to the wire	To be extremely close to a deadline or endpoint.	“We’re down to the wire with the project deadline; we need to finish it by tomorrow.”
Get into the groove	To become familiar with and comfortable using a new technology or system.	“It took a while, but I finally got into the groove with the new software interface.”
Hit the reset button	To start over or reset a situation or process.	“After the technical issues, we decided to hit the reset button and try a different approach.”
In the loop	To be informed and kept up-to-date about a particular situation or topic.	“I need to be in the loop about the upcoming software updates.”
In the pipeline	Currently being developed or prepared for future release.	“There are some exciting projects in the pipeline for the next quarter.”
Iron out the kinks	To resolve or fix problems or difficulties in a system or process.	“The development team is working hard to iron out the kinks in the new application.”
Jump on the bandwagon	To adopt or support a popular trend or activity.	“Many companies are jumping on the bandwagon of using artificial intelligence in their operations.”
Off the grid	Not connected to the internet or other computer networks.	“While camping, I enjoy being off the grid and disconnecting from technology.”
At the cutting edge	At the forefront of technological innovation; very modern.	“Their research facility is at the cutting edge of robotics technology.”
Plug and play	Referring to a device or system that is easy to set up and use.	“The new printer is plug and play; you can start using it right out of the box.”
Silicon Valley mindset	A mindset that embraces innovation, risk-taking, and entrepreneurial spirit.	“In the tech industry, having a Silicon Valley mindset can lead to groundbreaking ideas.”
Tech-savvy	Knowledgeable and proficient in the use of technology.	“Employers often seek tech-savvy individuals who can adapt to new tools and software.”
The elephant in the room	A large and obvious problem or issue that everyone is ignoring.	“The security breach was the elephant in the room during the IT department meeting.”