Vocabulary
25 free practice questions with explanations
PassNova has 25 free Functional Skills English L2 practice questions on Vocabulary, each with a clear explanation. Practise them in the browser with instant feedback — 100% free, no sign-up, on any device. Updated for 2026.
Vocabulary: example questions & answers
25 worked examples with answers and explanations below. Practise them in the browser with instant feedback on every answer.
Which word means 'to increase in size or scope'?
- AExpand✓
- BDiminish
- CCompress
- DContract
Answer: 'Expand' means to become or make larger. 'Contract' is the opposite.
What does 'procrastinate' mean?
- ATo delay or postpone unnecessarily✓
- BTo organise tasks into a set running order
- CTo plan each stage of a task carefully
- DTo work quickly
Answer: 'Procrastinate' means to delay doing something, often unnecessarily.
Which word is a synonym for 'diligent'?
- ACareful and hardworking✓
- BLazy and unwilling to make an effort
- CImpatient, easily frustrated by delays
- DCareless and often unreliable
Answer: 'Diligent' means showing careful and persistent effort in work.
What does 'ambiguous' mean?
- AClear and definite in its meaning
- BCertainly true and well established
- CVery obvious
- DOpen to multiple interpretations✓
Answer: 'Ambiguous' means unclear or open to more than one interpretation.
Which word means 'to disapprove of something'?
- ACondone
- BEndorse
- CCondemn✓
- DApprove
Answer: 'Condemn' means to disapprove of or express strong disapproval.
What is the meaning of 'meticulous'?
- AObvious, easy to quickly understand
- BCareless and rushed in approach
- CVery careful and precise✓
- DQuick, efficient, but not thorough
Answer: 'Meticulous' means very careful, precise, and thorough.
Which word is the opposite of 'abundant'?
- ACommon
- BScarce✓
- CPlentiful
- DAvailable
Answer: 'Abundant' means existing in large quantities. 'Scarce' is the opposite.
What does 'implement' mean?
- ATo think about something for a while
- BTo draw up a plan without acting
- CTo put a plan into action✓
- DTo avoid doing something
Answer: 'Implement' means to carry out or put a plan, system, or idea into effect.
Which word means 'to reduce gradually'?
- AAccelerate
- BDiminish✓
- CIncrease
- DEscalate
Answer: 'Diminish' means to become or make smaller or less.
What does 'concise' mean?
- ABrief and clear✓
- BConfusing
- CLong and detailed
- DComplicated
Answer: 'Concise' means expressing something briefly and clearly without unnecessary words.
Which word means 'something that is not exact'?
- AAccurate
- BApproximate✓
- CPrecise
- DExact
Answer: 'Approximate' means estimated or roughly accurate, not exact.
What is a synonym for 'persistent'?
- ADetermined and continuing despite difficulty✓
- BQuick to give up when things get hard
- CEasily discouraged by small setbacks
- DBrief, temporary and short-lived
Answer: 'Persistent' means continuing firmly or stubbornly in a course of action.
Which word means 'to set something apart officially for a particular purpose'?
- ADistribute
- BDelegate
- CDesignate✓
- DPostpone
Answer: To designate something is to set it apart officially for a particular purpose or role, as in a designated fire exit or a designated driver. To distribute is to hand things out among several people, to delegate is to pass a task to someone else, and to postpone is to move something to a later time. Only one of those carries the sense of an official setting-apart.
What does 'facilitate' mean?
- ATo make something easier✓
- BTo delay something
- CTo prevent something
- DTo make something harder
Answer: 'Facilitate' means to make something easier or simpler.
Which word is the opposite of 'beneficial'?
- APositive
- BUseful
- CHelpful
- DHarmful✓
Answer: 'Beneficial' means helpful or advantageous. 'Harmful' is the opposite.
What does 'compensate' mean?
- ATo praise someone, usually in front of others
- BTo pay someone for loss or work✓
- CTo promote or transfer someone
- DTo punish or dismiss someone
Answer: 'Compensate' means to pay someone money for loss, damage, or work.
Which word means 'too much'?
- AModerate
- BAdequate
- CMinimal
- DExcessive✓
Answer: 'Excessive' means more than is necessary or reasonable.
What is the meaning of 'obsolete'?
- ANo longer in use or needed✓
- BRecently invented, now in wide daily use
- CUp to the minute
- DAlways in current use
Answer: 'Obsolete' means no longer in use or no longer useful.
Which word means 'willing and eager'?
- AUncertain
- BKeen✓
- CReluctant
- DHesitant
Answer: 'Keen' means eager or enthusiastic about doing something.
What does 'collaborate' mean?
- ATo work together✓
- BTo work against someone
- CTo avoid others
- DTo compete with someone
Answer: 'Collaborate' means to work together with others towards a common goal.
Which word means 'to influence or persuade'?
- AResist
- BOppose
- CMaintain
- DSway✓
Answer: 'Sway' means to influence or persuade someone to change their opinion.
What is the meaning of 'prudent'?
- AWise and careful in decision-making✓
- BImpulsive and quick to act without thinking
- CFoolish, unwilling to listen to advice
- DCareless with money, time, effort and materials
Answer: 'Prudent' means showing good judgement and being careful in decision-making.
Which word means 'to make something valid or official'?
- AValidate✓
- BDecline
- CInvalidate
- DReject
Answer: 'Validate' means to confirm the validity of something or make it official.
What does 'cohesive' mean?
- ASplit, tense and uneasy
- BUnited and working together✓
- CFragmented
- DDivided and scattered
Answer: 'Cohesive' means acting as a unified whole or sticking together.
Which word means 'to officially ban'?
- AProhibit✓
- BAllow
- CPermit
- DApprove
Answer: 'Prohibit' means to forbid or ban something officially.