SSC CGL English Most Expected Vocabulary: List of 100+ Words with Meanings

Vocabulary can make or break your score in the SSC CGL English section. Many aspirants lose easy marks simply because they don't recognise commonly used words in reading comprehension passages, cloze tests, error-spotting questions, and synonym-antonym sets, even when the rest of their preparation is strong.

This video brings together the most expected SSC CGL vocabulary words, each explained with a clear, simple meaning and an easy memory trick to help it stick. Practising these words regularly, along with the bonus words included alongside them, will help you build lasting recall and walk into the exam hall with far more confidence.

Also Read: SSC CGL Syllabus

SSC CGL English Vocabulary

Mastering vocabulary is crucial for excelling in the English section of competitive exams like SSC CGL. This comprehensive guide focuses on frequently encountered words, offering precise definitions and effective memory aids. Understanding these words and their applications will significantly boost your performance and confidence in verbal ability sections.

Most Expected Vocabulary List

• Bypass — To circumvent or avoid something. Memory Tip: Bypass roads are built outside cities to avoid traffic.

• Easing — To make something easier or provide assistance. Memory Tip: Support from loved ones makes every difficulty easy.

• Unpredictability — Capriciousness; the quality of being unpredictable. Memory Tip: Something completely unpredictable often troubles us; it's linked to impulsiveness or a whim. Bonus word: Benevolence means philanthropy or kindness.

• Procure — To obtain or acquire something, especially profit or advantage from a business. Memory Tip: Investing money while hoping for good returns means procuring profit.

• Unfettered — Liberated or freed. Memory Tip: Imagine chains on one's hands that are now broken, leading to freedom. Bonus word: Devastated means ruined or damaged.

• Heralded — Announced or signalled as a sign of something to come; often used to mean acclaimed. Memory Tip: Wondering whether one will be selected implies anticipating an announcement.

• Contraction — Compression, or the act of becoming smaller. Bonus word: Fluctuation means change or inconstancy, also referred to as fickle.

• Drastic — Harsh, forceful, or severe. Memory Tip: Think of a drastic change, like a dry area becoming a lush green field. Bonus word: Comical means humorous.

• Preliminary — Preparatory, or coming before the main event. Memory Tip: It refers to an exam that comes before the main examination. Bonus word: Pestering means annoying or irritating.

• Shelling — Bombarding with artillery. Memory Tip: Imagine bombardment in a specific area during wartime to cause damage.

• Dissipated — Scattered or dispersed. Memory Tip: To be so scattered that one breaks into pieces, like being shattered by a memory.

• Solidarity — Unity and mutual support among a group of people. Memory Tip: Old friends meeting and expressing strong camaraderie. Bonus word: Kindle means to ignite or flare up.

• Incriminate — To show evidence that someone is guilty of a crime, or to accuse them of wrongdoing. Memory Tip: Fingerprints found at a crime scene can incriminate a suspect. Bonus word: Patriotic refers to love for one's country.

• Gauge — To calculate or measure. Memory Tip: A meter's function is to measure intensity, also called scaling. Bonus word: Catering means serving food or meeting a need.

• Handout — Something given free, especially help or a printed information sheet. Memory Tip: Giving money or returning a lost wallet signifies providing help. Bonus word: Flawless means without error, perfect, or ideal.

• Assessing — To evaluate or estimate. Memory Tip: To assess who has more weight involves an evaluation. Bonus word: Arranging means to organize.

• Outlook — A perspective or viewpoint. Memory Tip: "The eyes are one, but perspectives are different" highlights that an outlook is a perception. Bonus word: Phenomenal means extraordinary or splendid.

• Optimistic — Hopeful about the future. Memory Tip: To achieve good career growth, one must always stay optimistic.

• Transition — Transformation or change from one state to another. Memory Tip: Moving from one page to another involves a change; adapting is essential for success. Bonus word: Tampering refers to interfering with something.

• Abutting — Adjoining or next to. Memory Tip: A road running adjacent to a property means it is abutting it. Think of "but" joining things.

• Restrained — Controlled or held back. Memory Tip: Tying someone up who is not cooperating is a way to control them. Bonus word: Caricature means a humorous drawing or cartoon.

• Indigenous — Native, or originating from a particular place (देशज). Memory Tip: Something made or originating from its place of belonging. Bonus word: Nationalist refers to someone who advocates for their nation.

• Bumped — Collided or knocked into something. Memory Tip: Like two cars colliding.

• Rejoice — To feel great delight or happiness. Memory Tip: Think of the happiness and laughter experienced in childhood. Bonus word: Fulfilled means complete or satisfied.

• Despair — A complete loss of hope. Memory Tip: After much happiness, a time of sadness can follow. Bonus word: Differ means to be distinct or separate.

• Call For — To demand. Memory Tip: A slogan like "Fulfill our demands" is a call for action.

• Resurgence — A revival or renewed increase. Memory Tip: Feeling refreshed and rejuvenated, though it requires current hard work. Bonus word: Rescue means to save someone or something.

• Readiness — The state of being prepared. Memory Tip: As soon as an order is received, everyone is ready to work, showing prompt preparation (तत्परता). Bonus word: Protection means safety or security.

• Wreaked — Inflicted or imposed, usually something harmful. Memory Tip: A penalty being imposed, for example due to an exam leak. Bonus word: Demonstrated means displayed or described.

• Woe — Distress or suffering. Memory Tip: The sorrow of life that seems unending, causing pain. Bonus word: Verdict means a judgment or decision.

• Unwarranted — Unreasonable or unjustified. Memory Tip: When investment keeps incurring losses without clear reason, continuing to invest is unreasonable. Bonus word: Unavailable means not present or accessible.

• Vulnerabilities — Weaknesses or areas of sensitivity. Memory Tip: Systems can be vulnerable to hackers; two-step password protection helps avoid such weaknesses. Bonus word: Betterment means improvement.

• Panicked — Overcome by sudden, overwhelming fear or anxiety. Memory Tip: Many people panic when facing a difficult question in an exam; remaining calm is crucial. Bonus word: Perception means धारणा.

• Havoc — Widespread destruction. Memory Tip: Like a JCB demolishing a building. Bonus word: Devotion means complete surrender.

• Subsequent — Next or ensuing. Memory Tip: Something that follows or comes after. Bonus word: Pleasant means agreeable or enjoyable.

• Fall Short — To fail to reach a required standard or amount. Memory Tip: A student who fails to meet the passing marks has fallen short of the requirement.

• Cognizant — Conscious or aware of something. Memory Tip: Reflecting on a lack of motivation for studying implies a state of awareness. Bonus word: Conduct can mean to carry on, or refer to one's behaviour.

• Migrants — People who move from one place to another, often for work or safety. Memory Tip: This scene was common during the Covid pandemic, referring to the movement of civilians.

• Grievances — Complaints, especially about unfair treatment. Memory Tip: Taking a complaint to a government office often results in it being passed around, highlighting the difficulty in resolving grievances. Bonus word: Differences mean disagreements or separate segments.

• Instance — An example. Memory Tip: Virat Kohli is a perfect example (instance) of a role model. Bonus word: Intervention means interference.

• Bifurcate — To split into two parts. Memory Tip: The prefix "bi" means two, indicating a split into two pieces. Bonus word: Spread means to extend or scatter.

• Notified — Informed or told officially. Memory Tip: To inform someone. Bonus word: Dominated means to assert power over or oppress.

• Tactical — Relating to a plan or strategy to achieve a specific goal. Memory Tip: Linked to prudence, which involves using wisdom in planning. Bonus word: Depressed implies sadness.

• Domicile — One's legal or permanent place of residence (मूल निवासी). Memory Tip: When filling out forms, one is often asked for their domicile. Bonus word: Deduction means a reduction or decrease.

• Lad — A young boy. Bonus word: Envy means jealousy.

• Squad — A team or group of people. Memory Tip: Referring to one's group of friends as a "squad." Note: it does not mean winners.

• Longevity — A long duration of life or existence. Memory Tip: It indicates how long something or someone has lived, like the increasing age of elderly people. Note: it does not mean progress.

• Rankled — Caused persistent annoyance, infuriated, or angered. Memory Tip: From 3 Idiots — it hurts when a friend fails, but it hurts most when a friend tops; that lingering annoyance is being rankled. Bonus word: Divided means separated.

• Outlay — Expense or cost. Memory Tip: "A lot of expense incurred in a wedding" describes an outlay.

• Fiercely — Extremely or intensely. Memory Tip: There are moments when one gets very angry and expresses things fiercely. Bonus word: Flawlessly means without error.

• Triumph — Victory or a great success. Memory Tip: Everyone desires to be a winner in their field.

• Summit — The highest point of something; also a conference or gathering of leaders. Memory Tip: Related words include pinnacle, apex, top, and culmination.

• Contingent — Dependent on something uncertain; can also mean a group representing a place or organisation. Memory Tip: Whether the picnic happens is contingent on the weather — it depends on an uncertain condition.

• Heightens — Enhances or improves. Memory Tip: Those who work hard will see their progress graph increase. Bonus word: Derives means to conclude from something.

• Fueled — Pushed or motivated. Memory Tip: Parents' words of encouragement can provide immense energy and motivation, offering support in failure and joy in success.

• Unjust — Unfair. Memory Tip: Refers to injustice. Bonus word: Affable means pleasant or friendly.

• Stampede — A sudden, uncontrolled rush of a crowd or animals. Memory Tip: Think of a sudden rush of a large crowd. Bonus word: Soothing means calming.

• Ecstasy — Extreme happiness or joy. Memory Tip: Similar to "rejoice," but even more intense. Bonus word: Elimination means removal.

• Hallowed — Holy or sacred. Bonus word: Delicate means fragile.

• Ruckus — A noisy commotion (उठल-पुथल). Memory Tip: Picture a noisy, chaotic environment. Related word: upheaval. Bonus word: Boisterous means noisy and energetic; deadly means fatal.

• Census — An official count or tally, especially of a population. Memory Tip: Often confused with "consensus," which means agreement.

• Evolve — To develop or change gradually over time. Bonus word: Penetrate means to pierce or enter.

• Trade-off — A balance achieved by giving up one thing in exchange for another. Memory Tip: "Give shoes, take money" represents a trade-off.

• Perennial — Everlasting or long-lasting. Memory Tip: Something long-lasting and continuing, like the sign of infinity. Can also mean chronic. Bonus word: Again means once more.

• Unequivocally — Clearly or explicitly, without any doubt. Memory Tip: If everyone speaks unclearly (equivocally), the meaning becomes unclear. Adding "un" makes it clear again. Bonus word: Quality means a characteristic or feature.

• Stipulated — Stated or specified as a condition. Memory Tip: Something that has been clearly established or set as a requirement.

• Transmit — To communicate or transfer. Memory Tip: Instant money transactions or information transfer. Bonus word: Maintaining means to keep something in existence.

• Subdued — Brought under control, or quiet and restrained. Memory Tip: To suppress someone, forcing them to do what is commanded. Bonus word: Picked means chosen.

• Slashing — Cutting sharply, or drastically reducing. Memory Tip: Like cutting a salad into pieces. Bonus word: Organizing means arranging.

• Relegated — Assigned or demoted to a lower rank or position. Memory Tip: A team relegated to a lower division has been moved down in rank. Note: it does not mean "delivered."

• Wanton — Deliberate and unprovoked (often cruel); can also mean obscene. Memory Tip: A king eliminating someone without reason suggests cruelty; it also relates to vulgarity.

• Unpopular — Not liked or favoured by many people. Memory Tip: Unlike a flamboyant, well-liked figure, an unpopular person or decision is disliked by most.

• Impunity — Exemption or protection from punishment. Memory Tip: Being given immunity to act without consequence. Bonus word: Penetration means piercing or entering.

• Delay — To postpone or make something happen later than planned. Memory Tip: All trains are delayed, so one might as well relax.

• Isolate — To separate or set apart from others. Memory Tip: Someone left alone, feeling isolated, like an empty sheet of paper.

• Vengeance — Revenge. Memory Tip: Taking revenge for one's ancestors. Bonus word: Devastation means damage or destruction.

• Persecution — Hostility and ill-treatment, especially due to race, religion, or beliefs. Memory Tip: Hands tied, indicating complete persecution or harassment.

• Reconciliation — Restoration of friendly relations after a disagreement. Memory Tip: After a serious fight, two individuals accept each other again, signifying reconciliation.

• Brandishing — Waving something, especially a weapon, in a threatening way. Memory Tip: Waving a weapon to threaten or intimidate. Bonus word: Extending means to stretch out or enlarge.

• Ethnic — Relating to a race or group of people with a shared culture (जातीय). Memory Tip: Recall phrases like "ethnic violence" or "ethnic clothes." Bonus word: Tribute means homage or respect.

• Turnout — The number of people who attend or participate. Memory Tip: The number of people who arrive to vote is called voter turnout.

• Legitimate — Lawful, valid, or justifiable. Memory Tip: Something that is legal, valid, and verified. Bonus word: Diversified means divided or varied.

• Hark Back — To remember or refer back to something from the past. Memory Tip: To think about and recall old memories. Bonus word: Retribution is a form of punishment.

• Perched — Resting or sitting on the edge of something; also used for landing. Memory Tip: Think of a bird, or even a plane, landing. Bonus word: Revoked means cancelled.

• Patch — To repair or mend. Memory Tip: Filling a hole in a wall with cement to repair it, like fixing a car.

• Totem — A symbolic object, especially one representing a family, clan, or belief. Bonus word: Tenant means a renter.

• Unpack — To remove items from a bag or container; can also mean to evacuate. Memory Tip: Emptying luggage from a suitcase, or evacuating people from a bomb-threat area.

• Yearning — A deep longing or desire. Memory Tip: Everyone yearns to earn money and achieve their goals. Bonus word: Allowing means giving permission.

• Address — To handle, deal with, or resolve an issue. Memory Tip: While everyone talks about problems, few come forward to actually address and solve them.

• Transpired — Occurred or happened; became known. Memory Tip: "An error has transpired while processing a request" — a common excuse in offices. Bonus word: Tangential means merely touching on a subject.

• Vestibules — Small entrance halls or lobbies. Memory Tip: Lobbies found in hotels or mansions before reaching the rooms. Bonus word: Restoration (or renovation) means revival.

• Get Down — To descend or get off a vehicle. Memory Tip: Getting out of a car, often portrayed in movies. Bonus word: Gesture refers to a movement of the body.

• Mow Down — To kill a large number of people, often violently and rapidly. Memory Tip: Killing people on a large scale. Bonus word: Plunder means to loot.

• Defenestrate — To throw someone or something out of a window. Memory Tip: A word frequently used by Shashi Tharoor. Bonus word: Designate means to appoint or name.

• Vitiate — To spoil, corrupt, or make invalid (विषैला). Memory Tip: Things that have become poisoned or corrupted. Bonus word: Spend means expenditure.

• Evenly — Equally or uniformly. Memory Tip: To be equal or on par. Bonus word: Admiringly means with approval or respect.

• Shove — To push roughly. Bonus word: Deliberately means thoughtfully or on purpose.

• Robustly — Strongly or vigorously. Bonus word: Deliberately means thoughtfully.

• Curb — To restrain or control. Memory Tip: One must impose limitations on oneself; better to control oneself than be controlled by others.

• Whopping — Huge or massive. Memory Tip: Something that is huge in size. Bonus word: Expressing means conveying.

• Dwindle — To gradually reduce or decrease. Memory Tip: A decrease in income or savings over time. Bonus word: Illustration means explanation.

• Overhaul — To thoroughly examine, repair, or renovate. Bonus word: Introspection means self-examination.

• Plague — To torment or trouble persistently. Memory Tip: To be tormented or troubled repeatedly. Bonus word: Trimmed means shortened or cut.

• Staggering — Astonishing or overwhelming. Memory Tip: The expression of relatives when one gets selected for a job, signifying surprise. Bonus word: Willing means voluntary.

• Designated — Officially appointed or specified. Memory Tip: Nominating someone for a position, naming someone. Bonus word: Devastated means damaged.

• Imperative — Necessary, essential, or required. Memory Tip: Something very important, essential, and necessary, like food, clothing, and shelter. Bonus word: Dedicated means committed.