IELTS Vocabulary: Urbanization
Vocabulary for urban development, city planning, and migration to cities.
15 words — Band 6 to Band 8+
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Band 6Band 6 Vocabulary
infrastructure
Basic physical structures needed for society
“Investment in infrastructure is essential for economic growth.”
congestion
Overcrowding, especially on roads
“Traffic congestion costs businesses billions annually.”
commuter
A person who travels to work regularly
“Commuter rail services reduce road traffic.”
Band 7Band 7 Vocabulary
metropolitan
Relating to a large city
“Metropolitan areas face unique transportation challenges.”
suburbanization
The spread of people from cities to suburbs
“Suburbanization has led to increased car dependency.”
gentrification
Renovation displacing lower-income residents
“Gentrification raises property values but displaces communities.”
slum
An overcrowded urban area with poor housing
“Slum clearance programs aim to improve living conditions.”
zoning
Dividing land into areas for different uses
“Strict zoning laws separate residential and commercial areas.”
megacity
A very large city with over 10 million people
“The number of megacities has doubled in two decades.”
sustainable city
A city designed to minimize environmental impact
“Sustainable city planning incorporates green spaces.”
urban sprawl
Uncontrolled expansion of urban areas
“Urban sprawl contributes to habitat destruction.”
Band 8+Band 8+ Vocabulary
regeneration
Renewal and improvement of an area
“Urban regeneration projects revitalized the city centre.”
densification
Increasing population density in urban areas
“Densification reduces the need for car travel.”
brownfield
Previously developed land available for reuse
“Building on brownfield sites protects green spaces.”
conurbation
An extended urban area formed by merging cities
“The conurbation stretches across three counties.”
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