Most of the words I learned disappeared from memory within days. These 10 stuck around because they’re practical, memorable – and surprisingly easy to use in everyday life
Like many people, I’d fallen into the habit of using the same few hundred words over and over again. My emails, texts and conversations weren’t exactly lacking in clarity, but they weren’t particularly colourful either.
So, I set myself a challenge: learn one new word every day for a month.
Some were instantly forgettable. Others felt so obscure I’d never realistically use them. But a handful stuck because they filled a genuine gap in my vocabulary. They helped me describe things more precisely – or simply sounded better than the obvious alternatives.
These are the 10 words I’ve actually kept using.
1. Egregious
Meaning: Outstandingly bad; shockingly wrong.
In a sentence: “The company’s response to the complaint was so egregious that I cancelled my subscription.”
Most things are merely bad. Some are terrible. But every now and then something is so spectacularly awful that only egregious will do.
2. Malaise
Meaning: A vague feeling of discomfort, unhappiness or lack of energy.
In a sentence: “I’ve been in a bit of a malaise since getting back from holiday.”
This is one of those words that describes a feeling many of us have experienced but struggled to name. You’re not ill, exactly. You’re just not quite yourself.
3. Ubiquitous
Meaning: Present everywhere; extremely common.
In a sentence: “Smartphones have become ubiquitous in modern life.”
Once you start using this word, you’ll notice how often it’s useful. It’s a more elegant way of saying something is absolutely everywhere.
4. Ameliorate
Meaning: To make something better or improve a situation.
In a sentence: “Regular exercise can help ameliorate the effects of stress.”
I initially thought this sounded too formal, but it’s surprisingly handy when discussing solutions to problems.
5. Anathema
Meaning: Something that is strongly disliked or rejected.
In a sentence: “For my dad, wasting food is anathema.”
This one sounds dramatic because it is. It’s perfect when something goes against a person’s deeply held values.
6. Gratuitous
Meaning: Unnecessary or excessive.
In a sentence: “The film’s violence felt gratuitous rather than essential to the story.”
Useful whenever something feels over the top, whether that’s a movie scene, a comment in a meeting or a social media argument.
7. Gregarious
Meaning: Sociable and outgoing.
In a sentence: “She’s naturally gregarious and can strike up a conversation with anyone.”
A much more precise description than simply calling someone friendly.
8. Capricious
Meaning: Unpredictable and prone to sudden changes.
In a sentence: “The British weather can be remarkably capricious.”
This is one of those words that sounds exactly like what it means. It’s ideal for describing people, circumstances or weather that seem impossible to predict.
9. Pernicious
Meaning: Gradually causing serious harm.
In a sentence: “Misinformation can have a pernicious effect on public debate.”
I like this word because it captures the idea of damage happening slowly and subtly rather than all at once.
10. Petrichor
Meaning: The distinctive smell that follows rain on dry ground.
In a sentence: “The petrichor after the summer storm was unmistakable.”
My favourite word from the entire challenge. Most people recognise the smell instantly, but few realise it has a name.
The surprising thing about learning new words
Before this challenge, I assumed expanding my vocabulary meant memorising obscure terms I’d never use. The reality was much simpler.
The words that stuck weren’t necessarily the most impressive. They were the ones that helped me express an idea more clearly than the alternatives.
That’s probably the secret to building a better vocabulary. Don’t learn words to sound clever. Learn words because they’re useful.
And once you discover a word that perfectly captures a feeling, situation or experience, you’ll often wonder how you managed without it.
