Essential English Vocabulary for Leadership and Society

Describing People in Positions of Power

• Charismatic: Someone who has a magnetic character that makes people want to follow.
• Nondescript: Someone who is not recognizable or interesting.
• Inspirational: Someone who inspires others.
• Dignified: Someone who is well-respected for being calm and serious.
• Lacks gravitas: Someone who is respected for his or her intellectual seriousness has gravitas.
• Aloof: Not friendly; cold and distant.
• Approachable: Someone who is easy to talk to and friendly.
• Idealistic: Believes people should live according to high moral standards and principles.
• Down-to-earth: Someone who is practical and direct in a sensible, honest way.
• Tireless: Someone who never stops working because he or she has lots of energy.
• Lacking in drive and energy: Someone who is energetic and determined has drive.
• Trustworthy: Can be trusted completely.
• Corrupt: Someone who accepts money illegally for favors.
• Resolute: Someone who is determined and won’t change his or her mind.
• Waver in the face of problems: Someone who is unable to make a decision often wavers.

Common English Idioms

• Have your hands full: Have a lot of difficult tasks to do.
• Be an old hand (at something): Very experienced at doing something.
• Land on your feet: Get into a good situation because you’re lucky.
• Be rushed off your feet: Be extremely busy.
• It all comes to a head: Reached such a bad situation that something has to be done.
• Have a good head for business: Be naturally good at commercial matters.
• Have someone’s interest at heart: To want what is best for someone or something.
• Your heart sinks: Suddenly feel very disappointed.
• Face the music: Take responsibility for something bad.
• Save face: Avoid losing the respect of other people.

Nature, Animals, and Natural Disasters

• Natural disaster
• Carried to safety
• Animal instincts
• Rescue team
• Save lives
• Invisible to the human eye
• Mammal and reptile
• Fur trade
• Carnivore
• Tame (domestic)
• Stalk (acechar)
• Natural habitat
• Animal rights
• Breed (raza)
• Hibernate
• Sanctuary
• Nature reserve
• Endangered
• Animal testing
• Rare and exotic
• Cage and nest
• Predator
• Lay eggs
• Over-hunting and over-fishing

Vocabulary for Buying and Selling

• It’s in excellent condition: It’s as good as new.
• It’s the latest model: It’s state of the art.
• It’s second hand: It’s used.
• It’s available now: It’s on the market.
• It’s hand-crafted: It’s made by hand.
• It’s brand new: It’s still in its packaging.
• It has some wear and tear: It’s not in perfect condition.
• It features...: It includes...
• It’s unique: It’s one of a kind.
• It comes in a wide range of colors: You can choose from a selection of colors.

Global Issues and Modern Society

• Biotechnology
• Censorship (censura)
• Poverty
• Democracy
• Globalisation
• Global warming
• Immigration
• Identity theft
• Space exploration
• Multiculturalism
• Unemployment
• Depletion of the ozone layer
• Cloning
• The right to vote
• Freedom of speech
• Giant corporations
• Cost and safety issues
• Pollution
• ID Card