Difficult Words in English for Kids

Last Updated At: 30 Jul 2025
16 min read
Difficult Words in English for Kids

Does your child struggle with difficult words in the English language? Whether they’re trying to write an essay, read a book, or speak confidently in class, having a strong vocabulary makes all the difference. Just learning 5–10 new words a week can make your child more expressive, confident, and creative.

A rich vocabulary isn’t just for adults or language lovers. It's essential for school kids, especially when they begin building their communication and public speaking skills. 
 

At PlanetSpark, we help children master vocabulary through storytelling, games, and one-on-one guidance from expert trainers. But even before joining a course, you can help your child get a head start with this A to Z list of difficult English words made simple and fun.

Let’s dive in!

A–Z Difficult Words in English for Kids (With Meanings and Examples)

Let’s explore an alphabetical list of hard English words that are often confusing for kids, along with meanings and usage in simple sentences.

Difficult Words in English Starting with A

WordMeaningExample Sentence
AbandonTo leave behind or give upThe captain had to abandon the sinking ship.
AbruptSudden or unexpectedHis abrupt answer surprised everyone.
AbsurdSilly or unreasonableThe idea of cats flying planes is absurd.
AbundantA large quantity of somethingWe have an abundant supply of fresh water.
AdoreTo love deeply and respectI adore my grandparents.
AmbitionA strong desire to achieveHer ambition is to become a scientist.
ApologizeTo say sorryHe had to apologize for breaking the window.

Difficult Words in English Starting with B

WordMeaningExample Sentence
BanishTo send someone awayThe king decided to banish the traitor.
BewilderTo confuse someoneThe tricky puzzle can bewilder young kids.
BlunderA big mistakeHe made a blunder by forgetting his homework.
BoastTo talk proudly about yourselfShe boasted about winning the race.
BriskQuick and energeticThey took a brisk walk in the evening.
BrittleHard but easy to breakThe candy was sweet but very brittle.
BurdenA heavy load or responsibilityTaking care of the sick pet felt like a burden.

Difficult Words in English Starting with C

WordMeaningExample Sentence
CandidHonest and openShe gave a candid answer about her mistakes.
CeaseTo stop somethingThe rain ceased after a few hours.
ChaosComplete confusion and disorderThere was chaos in the class when the teacher left.
CautiousVery carefulBe cautious when crossing the road.
ClarityBeing clearHis explanation lacked clarity.
CollapseTo fall down suddenlyThe old bridge might collapse any day.
ConfessTo admit something wrongHe confessed to eating the last cookie.
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Difficult Words in English Starting with D

WordMeaningExample Sentence
DaringBrave and fearlessThe daring boy climbed the tall tree.
DeceiveTo trick someoneDon't deceive your friends.
DilemmaA hard choice to makeShe faced a dilemma about which game to buy.
DiminishTo become smaller or lessHis fear began to diminish after a while.
DisguiseTo hide the real identityHe wore a disguise to the party.
DrenchedCompletely wetI got drenched in the rain without an umbrella.
DurableLong-lasting and strongThis bag is mad

Difficult Words in English Starting with E

WordMeaningExample Sentence
ElaborateTo explain in detailShe asked him to elaborate on his idea.
EmergeTo come out or appearA butterfly emerged from the cocoon.
EndureTo suffer patientlyHe had to endure the long wait.
EnviousFeeling jealousShe felt envious of her friend's new dress.
ErrandA short trip to do a taskI went on an errand to buy groceries.
EvaluateTo judge or assessThe teacher will evaluate our project work.
ExhaustedVery tiredAfter running, I felt completely exhausted.

Difficult Words in English Starting with F

WordMeaningExample Sentence
FascinateTo attract stronglyDinosaurs fascinate many kids.
FeebleWeak or lacking strengthHis voice was too feeble to hear.
FictionMade-up storyShe loves reading fiction books.
FlawlessPerfect, without errorHer handwriting is flawless.
ForbidTo not allowThey forbid using phones in class.
FractureA broken boneHe got a fracture in his arm.
FuriousVery angryShe was furious when she saw the mess.

Difficult Words in English Starting with G

WordMeaningExample Sentence
GenerousWilling to give and shareHe is generous with his time and money.
GenuineReal or trueThis is a genuine diamond.
GlimpseA quick lookI got a glimpse of the shooting star.
GloomySad or darkThe weather was gloomy and cold.
GrumbleTo complain in a low voiceHe began to grumble about the homework.
GuardianA person who protects or watchesHer uncle is her legal guardian.
GustyWindyIt was a gusty day with strong winds.

Difficult Words in English Starting with J

WordMeaningExample Sentence
JeopardyDanger or riskHis life was in jeopardy.
JubilantFeeling or expressing great joyThe team was jubilant after the win.
JudiciousShowing good judgmentShe made a judicious choice.
JargonSpecial words used by a groupDoctors often use medical jargon.
JustifyTo prove something is rightCan you justify your actions?
JostleTo push or bump roughlyPeople jostled in the crowded market.
JadedTired or bored from too muchHe felt jaded after hours of studying.

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Difficult Words in English Starting with K

WordMeaningExample Sentence
KeenEager or enthusiasticShe has a keen interest in music.
KindleTo start or sparkThe teacher kindled our curiosity.
KnackA natural talent or skillHe has a knack for storytelling.
KnowledgeableWell-informed or educatedShe is knowledgeable about wildlife.
KneadTo press or mix with handsKnead the dough properly.
KudosPraise or recognitionKudos to you for finishing the project!

Difficult Words in English Starting with L

WordMeaningExample Sentence
LavishRich or luxuriousThey had a lavish wedding.
LethargicVery tired or slowI feel lethargic today.
LegitimateLawful or properThat’s a legitimate concern.
LucrativeMaking a lot of moneyIt’s a lucrative business.
LingerTo stay longer than neededThe smell lingered in the room.
LuminousGiving off lightThe moon looked luminous tonight.
LenientNot strictThe teacher was lenient with late homework.

Difficult Words in English Starting with M

WordMeaningExample Sentence
MaliciousIntending to harmThat was a malicious rumour.
MeanderTo wander aimlesslyWe meandered through the garden.
MeticulousVery careful and detailedShe is meticulous about her homework.
MundaneOrdinary or dullHis job felt mundane.
MystifyTo confuse or puzzleThe trick mystified everyone.
MagnanimousGenerous and forgivingHe was magnanimous in victory.
MournfulVery sadShe had a mournful expression.

Difficult Words in English Starting with N

WordMeaningExample Sentence
NaiveLacking experience or wisdomDon’t be so naive.
NostalgicFeeling fondly about the pastShe felt nostalgic about her childhood.
NegligentCareless, not paying attentionThe fire was caused by a negligent worker.
NotoriousFamous for something badHe’s notorious for breaking rules.
NurtureTo care for and help growParents nurture their children.
NudgeTo gently pushShe gave him a nudge to wake up.
NiftyClever or usefulThat’s a nifty gadget!

Difficult Words in English Starting with O

WordMeaningExample Sentence
ObliviousNot aware of somethingHe was oblivious to the noise.
ObscureUnclear or hard to understandThe book had an obscure meaning.
OminousThreatening or scaryThe clouds looked ominous.
OutlandishStrange or unusualHe wore an outlandish costume.
OverwhelmTo overpower emotionallyShe was overwhelmed with joy.
OptimisticHopeful and confidentI’m optimistic about the results.
OstentatiousShowy or flashyTheir house was too ostentatious.

Difficult Words in English Starting with P

WordMeaningExample Sentence
PeculiarStrange or oddThat’s a peculiar sound.
PerplexTo confuse deeplyThe riddle perplexed us.
PristinePerfect and unspoiledThe beach was pristine and quiet.
PessimistSomeone who sees the bad sideA pessimist always expects the worst.
ProfoundDeep or meaningfulHer words had a profound impact.
PunctualAlways on timeHe is always punctual.
ProcrastinateTo delay doing somethingDon’t procrastinate your homework.

Difficult Words in English Starting with Q

WordMeaningExample Sentence
QuenchTo satisfy thirstWater quenched his thirst.
QuaintOld-fashioned in a nice wayThey stayed in a quaint little cottage.
QuiverTo shake slightlyHer hands quivered from fear.
QueryA questionHe had a query about the lesson.
QuellTo calm or stopThe teacher quelled the noise quickly.
QuotaA fixed share or amountWe met our sales quota this month.
QuarantineIsolation to prevent spreading illnessHe was in quarantine for 7 days.

Difficult Words in English Starting with R

WordMeaningExample Sentence
RambunctiousWild and noisyThe children were rambunctious at the party.
RadiantBright and glowingShe had a radiant smile.
ReluctantUnwilling or hesitantHe was reluctant to speak in public.
ResilientAble to recover quicklyShe is a resilient student.
ReprimandTo scold or correctThe teacher reprimanded the class.
RuthlessCruel or without pityThe villain was ruthless.
ReclusiveAvoiding other peopleThe author lived a reclusive life.

 

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Difficult Words in English Starting with S

WordMeaningExample Sentence
SereneCalm and peacefulThe lake looked serene in the morning.
SkepticalDoubting or questioningHe was skeptical of the story.
SubtleNot obviousThere was a subtle change in her tone.
SulkTo be silently angryShe began to sulk when scolded.
SympatheticShowing care or understandingThe nurse was very sympathetic.
SurpassTo do better thanShe surpassed everyone’s expectations.
SpontaneousDone without planningThey took a spontaneous trip.

Difficult Words in English Starting with T

WordMeaningExample Sentence
TactfulCareful not to offendHe gave tactful advice.
TenaciousNot giving up easilyShe is tenacious in her goals.
TurmoilGreat confusion or disorderThe country was in turmoil.
TediousBoring and longThe task was tedious.
TranquilPeaceful and quietThe forest was tranquil.
ThriveTo grow or succeedThe plants thrive in sunlight.
TreacherousDangerous or deceptiveThe road was treacherous during rain.

Difficult Words in English Starting with U

WordMeaningExample Sentence
UncannyStrange in an unsettling wayHe had an uncanny ability to guess.
UnravelTo untangle or solveWe need to unravel the mystery.
UpbeatCheerful and positiveShe always stays upbeat.
UbiquitousFound everywhereMobile phones are ubiquitous now.
UndermineTo weaken secretlyHe tried to undermine my confidence.
UnkemptMessy or not neatHis hair looked unkempt.
UrgencyNeeding quick actionThe situation requires urgency.

Difficult Words in English Starting with V

WordMeaningExample Sentence
ValiantBrave and courageousThe valiant firefighter saved the kitten.
VentureA risky or daring journeyWe went on a venture into the jungle.
VividBright, clear, and detailedShe painted a vivid picture of the sunset.
VerdictA decision in a court of lawThe jury reached a verdict after two days.
VanishTo disappear suddenlyThe magician made the rabbit vanish.

Difficult Words in English Starting with W

WordMeaningExample Sentence
WanderTo move around without a clear purposeI love to wander through the forest.
WhimsicalPlayful or amusingThe whimsical story made the kids laugh.
WithstandTo resist or endureThe house can withstand strong winds.
WretchedVery bad or miserableHe felt wretched after losing his toy.
WaryCautious or carefulBe wary of strangers offering candy.

Difficult Words in English Starting with X

WordMeaningExample Sentence
XenialFriendly to guestsThe host was very xenial and kind.
XenophobiaFear or dislike of people from other countriesWe should fight xenophobia with kindness.
XerophyteA plant that survives in dry areasThe cactus is a common xerophyte.
XylographyArt of engraving on woodXylography was used to print books in old times.
XylophoneA musical instrument with wooden barsShe played a song on the xylophone.

Difficult Words in English Starting with Y

WordMeaningExample Sentence
YearnTo want something stronglyI yearn to visit the mountains.
YonderOver there (at a distance)Look at the castle yonder on the hill.
YellTo shout loudlyThe coach began to yell instructions.
YieldTo give in or produce somethingApple trees yield fruit in summer.
YouthfulYoung or having qualities of youthHer energy was very youthful.

Difficult Words in English Starting with Z

WordMeaningExample Sentence
ZealGreat enthusiasmShe worked with zeal to win the prize.
ZenithThe highest pointHe reached the zenith of his career.
ZanyAmusingly silly or foolishThe clown had a zany sense of humor.
ZigzagA line with sharp turnsThe path went in a zigzag through the woods.
ZestExcitement or enjoymentHe tackled the project with great zest.

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Why Is It Important to Learn Difficult Words in English?

Learning difficult words in English is not just about improving vocabulary. It helps children become better communicators, builds confidence, and supports overall academic success. Here’s why every child should focus on growing their word bank:

Builds Strong Communication Skills
When children learn new words, they can express their thoughts more clearly. It helps them speak with confidence and explain their ideas better in class or during conversations.
 

Improves Reading and Understanding
Difficult words often appear in storybooks, school lessons, and exams. Knowing what these words mean helps children read faster and understand the text without getting confused.
 

Makes Writing More Creative
With a rich vocabulary, children can write essays, stories, and poems that are more interesting. They can describe people, places, and emotions in a better way.
 

Helps in Exams and Competitions
Having a strong vocabulary gives students an advantage in school tests, English Olympiads, and spelling bees. They can answer more confidently and score better.
 

Supports Public Speaking
Whether it’s a speech, storytelling, or a class presentation, the right words help children speak smoothly and impress their listeners.
 

Encourages a Love for Learning
Learning new words makes children more curious. It encourages them to ask questions, read more books, and become lifelong learners.

What Makes a Word Difficult for Kids?

Not every difficult word in English is long or complicated. In fact, some short and simple-looking words can confuse children just as much as big, unfamiliar ones. What really makes a word difficult for kids is how tricky it is to spell, pronounce, or understand.

Here are the common reasons why certain words feel challenging:

1. Silent Letters

Some words include letters that are not pronounced at all. This can be confusing for children who are learning to sound out every letter.

Example: Knight – The “k” is silent, but it changes the way the word looks.

Other examples: Wrist, gnome, thumb

2. Spelling Doesn’t Match the Pronunciation

In English, many words are not spelled the way they sound. This makes it harder for kids to read or spell them correctly.

Example: Colonel – It is pronounced “kernel,” which sounds nothing like its spelling.

Other examples: Bologna, Wednesday, Debris

3. Words That Sound the Same but Mean Different Things

These are called homophones, and they often confuse young learners.

Example: Bare (without covering) vs. Bear (the animal)

Other examples: Right and Write, Two and Too, Sea and See

4. Rarely Used Words

Some words are difficult simply because kids don’t hear them often in daily life.

Example: Benevolent – A lovely word meaning “kind,” but rarely used in regular conversations.

Other examples: Intricate, Reluctant, Frantic

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Why It Matters

When children understand why a word feels difficult, it helps remove the fear around it. They become curious instead of frustrated. Rather than avoiding these words, they begin to explore them, ask questions, and even try to use them in their own sentences.

Helping kids decode difficult words gives them:

  • A sense of achievement
  • Better reading and writing skills
  • More confidence in expressing themselves
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How PlanetSpark Helps Kids Learn Difficult English Words

At PlanetSpark, children do not just memorise tough words. They learn to use them confidently in both speech and writing.

  • Spoken English classes help kids speak fluently using new words through role plays, everyday conversations, and instant trainer feedback.
  • Public speaking training builds confidence and teaches expressive vocabulary for speeches, debates, and storytelling.
  • Creative writing programs introduce advanced words through poems, short stories, and essays. Children then improve their drafts through guided feedback.
  • Grammar and vocabulary sessions teach children how to use difficult words correctly in sentences and conversations.

With personalised coaching, real-time practice, AI tools, and interactive peer learning, PlanetSpark makes vocabulary learning fun, useful, and long-lasting.

Conclusion

Learning difficult words in English is not just for improving vocabulary. It helps children speak, read, and write more effectively. With the right support, even tricky words become easy to understand and fun to use. Whether your child is preparing for a speech, a writing task, or a conversation, a strong vocabulary gives them the confidence to express themselves clearly.

Start small, keep practicing, and explore real-world usage of new words. Tools like PlanetSpark’s courses make this journey smoother by blending speaking, writing, and vocabulary in one engaging program.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are difficult words in English for kids?

Difficult words are those that children find hard to understand, pronounce, spell, or use in sentences. They may include words with silent letters, unusual spellings, or rarely used terms.

2. How can I help my child remember difficult words?

Use word games, flashcards, storytelling, and daily conversations. Encourage your child to read and use the words in real-life situations. Repetition and usage help with retention.

3. Should kids learn tough vocabulary at an early age?

Yes, but gradually. Introducing new words in a fun and meaningful way helps children build a strong foundation without feeling overwhelmed.

4. What if my child mispronounces or misuses difficult words?

That is part of the learning process. Offer gentle correction and ask them to use the word again in another sentence. Practice and patience go a long way.

5. Can PlanetSpark help with vocabulary building?

Yes. PlanetSpark’s programs are designed to teach vocabulary through speaking, writing, and grammar practice. Children learn how to use difficult words confidently in real contexts.

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