ssat.vn – The GMAT is an academic international certificate for students or employees seeking admission to graduate business programs (Business, Accounting, and Finance) worldwide. Therefore, the knowledge that needs to be acquired is not easy, especially the vocabulary part. Let’s take a look at the 200 most difficult words in the GMAT test through the article below!

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Is GMAT hard?

Similar to other international academic certification exams, the GMAT is only difficult for candidates who do not know what the GMAT exam structure tests or how to complete the questions within the limited time. Because the GMAT is a Computer Adaptive Test (CAT), candidates will not be able to skip, return or change their answers to questions because the computer uses your response to each question to select the next one. If you answer the first question correctly, the computer will usually give you a harder question. If you answer the first question incorrectly, the computer will usually give you an easier question. This process continues until you complete the section. In that sense, the GMAT can be daunting if you are used to answering the easy questions first and then the difficult ones. Your goal is to be able to correctly answer moderately to difficult GMAT questions within one to two minutes – the faster you can answer difficult questions, the more likely you are to score High GMAT!

For more: What makes A-level Math difficult?

In addition, the GMAT is not a test that you can get the score you want if you cram in knowledge. One of the difficulties for most non-native candidates is learning vocabulary. Although the GMAT test does not require candidates to have an advanced vocabulary, if you do not invest in improving the vocabulary commonly found in the GMAT test, you can end up struggling and wasting a lot of time doing the test because you do not understand the meaning of the topic or the words that appear in the passages. In the process of learning vocabulary, surely you can find words that are difficult to understand and remember. ssat.vn has listed the 200 most difficult words in the GMAT test that you may encounter in the upcoming GMAT test!

For more: Where to study Math in English?

200 most difficult words in the GMAT test

  1. Aberration (n): a departure from what is normal, usual, or expected
  2. Abreast (adj): Up to date with the latest news, ideas, or information
  3. Abstain (v):  Restrain oneself from doing or enjoying something
  4. Abyss (n): a deep or seemingly bottomless chasm
  5. Adept (adj): Very skilled or proficient at something
  6. Agog (adj): Very eager or curious to hear or see something
  7. Allure (n): the quality of being powerfully and mysteriously attractive or fascinating
  8. Altruism (n): the belief in or practice of selfless concern for the well-being of others
  9. Ambivalent (adj): having mixed feelings or contradictory ideas about something or someone
  10. Annul (v): Declare invalid
  11. Apathy (n): Lack of interest, enthusiasm, or concern
  12. Arbitrary (adj): Based on random choice or personal whim, rather than any reason or system
  13. Arbiter (n): a person who settles a dispute or has ultimate authority in a matter
  14. Artless (adj): without guile or deception
  15. Audacious (adj): showing a willingness to take surprisingly bold risks
  16. Austere (adj): Having an extremely plain and simple style or appearance
  17. Blight (n): a thing that spoils or damages something
  18. Blithe (adj): showing a casual and cheerful indifference considered to be callous or improper
  19. Blowhard (n): a person who blusters and boasts in an unpleasant way
  20. Bolster (v):  Support or strengthen
  21. Bombastic (adj): High-sounding but with little meaning; inflated 
  22. Boycott (n): a punitive ban that forbids relations with certain groups
  23. Burlesque (n): a variety show
  24. Cacophony (n): a harsh, discordant mixture of sounds
  25. Chronic (adj): (Of a problem) long-lasting and difficult to eradicate
  26. Coda (n): a concluding event, remark, or section
  27. Confound (v): Prove (a theory, expectation, or prediction) wrong
  28. Deign (v): Do something that one considers to be beneath one’s dignity
  29. Disingenuous (adj): not candid or sincere
  30. Docile (adj): Ready to accept control or instruction; submissive
  31. Doff (v): Remove (an item of clothing)
  32. Dote (v): be extremely and uncritically fond of
  33. Endow (v): Provide with a quality, ability, or asset
  34. Ephemeral (adj): Lasting for a very short time
  35. Ethos (n): the characteristic spirit of a culture, era, or community
  36. Facetious (adj): Treating serious issues with deliberately inappropriate humor
  37. Faction (n): a small, organized, dissenting group within a larger one, especially in politics
  38. Fallow (adj): Inactive
  39. Falter (v): move unsteadily or in a way that shows a lack of confidence
  40. Flail (v): Flounder; struggle uselessly
  41. Fluke (n): Unlikely chance occurrence, especially a surprising piece of luck
  42. Forage (v): (of a person or animal) search widely for food or provisions
  43. Fortuitous (adj): Happening by a lucky chance
  44. Fringe (n): the unconventional, extreme, or marginal wing of a group or sphere of activity
  45. Garner (v): Gather or collect (something, especially information or approval)
  46. Gist (n): the substance or essence of a speech or text
  47. Gossamer (adj): Used to refer to something very light, thin, and insubstantial or delicate
  48. Grovel (v): Act in an obsequious manner in order to obtain someone’s forgiveness or favor
  49. Harangue (n): a lengthy and aggressive speech
  50. Impetuous (adj): Acting or done quickly and without thought or care
  51. Indictment (n): a formal charge or accusation of a serious crime
  52. Inert (adj): Lacking vigor
  53. Ingrate (n): an ungrateful person
  54. Insipid (adj): Lacking vigor or interest
  55. Lax (adj): Not sufficiently strict, severe, or careful
  56. Listless (adj): (Of a person or their manner) lacking energy or enthusiasm
  57. Livid (adj): furiously angry
  58. Loll (v): Sit, lie, or stand in a lazy, relaxed way
  59. Lurid (adj): Presented in vividly shocking or sensational terms
  60. Mar (v): Impair the quality or appearance of
  61. Mince (v): Use polite or moderate expressions to indicate disapproval
  62. Minion (n): a follower or underling of a powerful person
  63. Mirth (n): Amusement, especially as expressed in laughter
  64. Modest (adj): not excessively large, elaborate, or expensive
  65. Morose (adj): Sullen and ill-tempered
  66. Muse (n): a person or personified force who is the source of inspiration for a creative artist
  67. Oblique (adj): Not explicit or direct in addressing a point
  68. Opaque (adj): Not able to be seen through; not transparent
  69. Overwrought (adj): (of a piece of writing or a work of art) too elaborate or complicated in design or construction
  70. Pertain (v): be appropriate, related, or applicable
  71. Pine (v): Miss and long for the return of
  72. Placate (v): Make (someone) less angry or hostile
  73. Platitude (n): A remark or statement, especially one with a moral content, that has been used too often to be interesting or thoughtful
  74. Plethora (n): a large or excessive amount
  75. Posit (v): Put forward as fact or as a basis for argument
  76. Prodigal (n): a person who leaves home and behaves recklessly, but later makes a repentant return
  77. Prophetic (adj): Accurately describing or predicting what will happen in the future
  78. Purist (n): a person who insists on absolute adherence to traditional rules or structures
  79. Pyre (n): a heap of combustible material, especially one for burning a corpse as part of a funeral ceremony
  80. Quack (n): a person who dishonestly claims to have special knowledge in some field
  81. Reticence (n): the quality of not revealing one’s thoughts or feelings readily
  82. Rue (v): Bitterly regret (something one has done or allowed to happen)
  83. Ruminate (v): Think deeply about something
  84. Stigma (n): a mark of disgrace associated with a particular circumstance, quality, or person
  85. Strut (v): Walk with a stiff, erect, and apparently arrogant or conceited gait
  86. Sublime (adj): of very great excellence or beauty
  87. Surly (adj): Bad-tempered and unfriendly
  88. Syncopation (n): A displacement of the beat or accents in (music or a rhythm) so that strong beats become weak and vice versa
  89. Taunt (n): A remark made in order to anger, wound, or provoke someone
  90. Tawdry (adj): Showy but cheap and of poor quality
  91. Temperate (adj): Relating to or denoting a region or climate characterized by mild temperatures
  92. Terse (adj): Sparing in the use of words
  93. Tome (n): a book, especially a large, heavy, scholarly one
  94. Torrid (adj): Full of difficulty or tribulation
  95. Transgression (n): an act that goes against a law, rule, or code of conduct
  96. Treacherous (adj): Guilty of or involving betrayal or deception
  97. Vapid (adj): offering nothing that is stimulating or challenging; bland
  98. Vestige (n): a trace of something that is disappearing or no longer exists
  99. Vilify (v): Speak or write about in an abusively disparaging manner
  100. Viscous (adj): having a thick, sticky consistency between solid and liquid
  101. Volatile (adj): Liable to change rapidly and unpredictably, especially for the worse
  102. Waffle (n): Lengthy but trivial or useless talk or writing
  103. Waft (v): Pass or cause to pass easily or gently through or as if through the air
  104. Wanton (adj): (of a cruel or violent action) deliberate and unprovoked
  105. Whitewash (v): Deliberately attempt to conceal unpleasant facts about (a person or organization)
  106. Whittle (v): Reduce something in size, amount, or extent by a gradual series of steps
  107. Winsome (adj): Attractive or appealing in appearance or character
  108. Wizened (adj): Shriveled or wrinkled with age
  109. Wry (adj): Using or expressing dry, especially mocking, humor
  110. Zeal (n): Great energy or enthusiasm in pursuit of a cause or an objective
  111. Abasement (n): the action or fact of abasing or being abased; humiliation or degradation
  112. Abate (v): become less intense or widespread
  113. Accession (v): the action or process of formally joining an association or institution
  114. Acerbic (adj): (Especially of a comment or style of speaking) sharp and forthright
  115. Acolyte (n): a person assisting the celebrant in a religious service or procession
  116. Acumen (n): the ability to make good judgments and quick decisions, typically in a particular domain
  117. Apostle (n): a vigorous and pioneering advocate or supporter of a particular cause
  118. Barrage (n): A concentrated outpouring, as of questions or blows
  119. Bevy (n): a large group of people or things of a particular kind
  120. Boor (n): an unrefined, ill-mannered person
  121. Bucolic (adj): Relating to the pleasant aspects of the countryside and country life
  122. Capricious (adj): given to sudden and unaccountable changes of mood or behavior
  123. Canonical (adj): (Of an artist or work) belonging to the literary or artistic canon
  124. Chauvinism (n): Excessive or prejudiced loyalty or support for one’s own cause, group, or gender
  125. Contrite (adj): Feeling or expressing remorse or penitence
  126. Demur (v): Raise doubts or objections or show reluctance
  127. Deride (v): Express contempt for; ridicule
  128. Diatribe (n): a forceful and bitter verbal attack against someone or something
  129. Dictum (n): a short statement that expresses a general truth or principle
  130. Diffuse (v): Spread out over a large area
  131. Dilate (v): Make or become wider, larger, or more open
  132. Echelon (n): a level or rank in an organization, a profession, or society
  133. Eddy (v): (of water, air, or smoke) move in a circular way
  134. Effigy (n): a sculpture or model of a person
  135. Elucidate (v):  Make (something) clear
  136. Endemic (adj): (Of disease or condition) regularly found among particular people or in a certain area
  137. Epistemology (n): the theory of knowledge, especially with regard to its methods, validity, and scope
  138. Fetid (adj): smelling extremely unpleasant
  139. Florid (adj): using unusual words or complicated rhetorical constructions
  140. Factotum (n): An employee or official who has various different responsibilities to handle
  141. Nostrum (n): Patent medicine whose efficacy is questionable.
  142. Brook (n): A natural stream of water smaller than a river
  143. Liturgy (n): A form of public worship; ritual.
  144. Larceny (n): The act of taking something from someone unlawfully
  145. Quash (v): to put down or suppress completely; quell; subdue
  146. Skullduggery (n): an instance of dishonest or deceitful behavior; trick.
  147. Ludicrous (adv): Broadly or extravagantly humorous; resembling farce
  148. Lachrymose (n): Showing sorrow
  149. Admonish (v): Warn strongly; put on guard, to caution, advise, or counsel against something.
  150. Tirade (n): A speech of violent denunciation
  151. Labyrinthine (n): Resembling a labyrinth in form or complexity
  152. Alacrity (n): Liveliness and eagerness
  153. Vociferous (adj): Conspicuously and offensively loud; given to vehement outcry
  154. Utilitarian (adj): having regard to utility or usefulness rather than beauty, ornamentation, etc
  155. Vicissitude (n): a change or variation occurring in the course of something; interchange or alternation
  156. Upbraid (v): Express criticism towards
  157. Vilify (v): Spread negative information about
  158. Desiccate (v): Lacking vitality or spirit; lifeless; to dry thoroughly
  159. Smithereens (n): A collection of small fragments considered as a whole
  160. Whimper (v): to cry with low, plaintive, broken sounds
  161. Catastrophic (adj): of the nature of a catastrophe, or disastrous event
  162. Zenith (n): The culminating point of prosperity, influence, or greatness. 
  163. Zealot (n): One who espouses a cause or pursues an object in an immoderately partisan manner.
  164. Writhe (v): To twist the body, face, or limbs or as in pain or distress.
  165. Witticism (n): A witty, brilliant, or original saying or sentiment.
  166. Vincible (adj): Conquerable
  167. Usurp (v): To take possession of by force.
  168. Undulate (v): To move like a wave or in waves.
  169. Tyranny (n): Absolute power arbitrarily or unjustly administered.
  170. Trepidation (n): Nervous uncertainty of feeling.
  171. Transgress (v): To break a law
  172. Tranquilize (v): To soothe
  173. Sybarite (n): A luxurious person
  174. Swarthy (adj): Having a dark hue, especially a dark or sunburned complexion
  175. Surreptitious (adj): Clandestine
  176. Subterfuge (n): Evasion
  177. Subservience (n): The quality, character, or condition of being servilely following another’s behests
  178. Suave (adj): Smooth and pleasant in manner
  179. Stratagem (n): Any clever trick or device for obtaining an advantage.
  180. Stolid (adj): Expressing no power of feeling or perceiving.
  181. Somniferous (adj): Tending to produce sleep. 
  182. Sluggard (n): A person habitually lazy or idle
  183. Geniality (n): Warmth and kindness of disposition
  184. Gibe (v): To utter taunts or reproaches
  185. Glutinous (adj): Sticky
  186. Gourmand (n): A connoisseur in the delicacies of the table.
  187. Grotesque (adv): Incongruously composed or ill-proportioned
  188. Harangue (n): A tirade
  189. Fanatical (adj): motivated or characterized by an extreme
  190. Sumptuous (adj): entailing great expense
  191. Arrant (adj): Without qualification
  192. Assiduous (adj): Marked by care and persistent effort
  193. Impassive (adj): Having or revealing little emotion or sensibility
  194. Tractable (adj): Easily managed
  195. Precarious (adj): dependent on circumstances beyond one’s control
  196. Torpor (n): Inactivity resulting from lethargy and lack of vigor or energy
  197. Canard (n): A deliberately misleading fabrication
  198. Encomium (n): A formal expression of praise
  199. Erudite (v): Having or showing profound knowledge
  200. Filibuster (n): A legislator who gives long speeches in an effort to delay or obstruct legislation that he (or she) opposes
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