The SAT is a critical milestone for many students, and mastering its vocabulary is one of the most challenging aspects of the exam.
To identify the toughest words, WordDB.com analyzed 257 SAT vocabulary terms from recent practice tests, tracking how often each was searched on Google across different states.
They pinpointed the most difficult words for American students by considering search volume relative to state populations. Understanding these tricky words could be the key to boosting your score as the SAT approaches. This list highlights the top words that students nationwide find the hardest to define, giving you a crucial edge in your preparation.
Nuanced
/ˈnjuːɑnst/
Adjective
It means having many layers of detail, like a painting with subtle shades and hidden meanings. It’s more than just being complicated. Use it to describe things that are complex or have hidden meanings. The study found that “nuanced” is the most difficult SAT word for Americans nationwide, with 134,483 monthly searches for its definition over the past year. California, New York, and Maryland struggle with it the most.
Manifest
/ˈmænɪˌfɛst/
Verb or Noun
“Manifest” is the second most challenging SAT word for Americans, with 117,350 monthly searches for its definition. This word can function as an adjective, verb, or noun, making it versatile but challenging to grasp. As an adjective, “manifest” means something evident to the senses, especially to sight; it’s something perceived or apparent. When used as a verb, “to manifest” means to show or demonstrate something. Despite its seemingly straightforward meanings, people in states like Hawaii, California, and New York find this word particularly challenging, frequently searching for its definition online.
Antecedent
/ˌænˈtɪsɪdənt/
Noun
Antecedent is the third hardest SAT word to understand in the US, following. It can be tricky because it sounds similar to another word, “precedent.” But there’s a fundamental difference! A “precedent” is an example from the past that sets a rule. An “antecedent” happened before without any connection to setting a rule. According to a study, people in the US search for “antecedent” about 83,837 times each month.
Tentative
/ˈtɛntəˌtɪv/
Adjective
Many Americans find the SAT word “tentative” difficult. It means something that still needs to be finalized or specific. For example, you might have a tentative meeting time but await confirmation. Americans might struggle with this word because it has a subtle meaning and is often used in formal contexts. With 78,773 monthly searches, it’s clear that this word poses a challenge for many, particularly in states like Hawaii, California, and New York.
Perceive
/pərˈsiːv/
Verb
Many Americans find the word “perceive” complex. It means to notice something using your senses, like seeing, hearing, smelling, tasting, or touching. Many search this word online, especially in California, Hawaii, and Georgia. This word is often used in formal or academic contexts, making it challenging to understand. With 70,159 monthly searches, it’s clear that “perceive” is a stumbling block for many.
Resilient
/rɪˈzɪljənt/
Adjective
Many Americans find the word “resilient” difficult to understand. It means being able to bounce back from difficult situations.
Many online searches exist for this word, especially in Hawaii, California, and Nevada. This word is often used in formal or academic contexts, making it challenging to understand. With 68,857 monthly searches, it’s clear that “resilient” is a stumbling block for many.
Ensured
/ɪnˈʃʊərd/
Verb
It means to make something certain or guaranteed. Many look up this word online, especially in Hawaii, New York, and California. This word is often used in formal or academic settings, making it hard to understand. With 67,673 monthly searches, it’s clear that “ensure” is a challenge for many.
Imminent
/ˈɪmɪnənt/
Adjective
The monthly searches for “imminent” have significantly increased, reaching around 66,851 monthly. This suggests that people are increasingly concerned about events that are likely to happen soon. States like Hawaii, New York, and California have been particularly affected by this trend, possibly due to their vulnerability to natural disasters and other pressing issues.
Persistent
/pərˈsɪstənt/
Adjective
People are searching for the word ‘perseverance’ more and more, reaching 65,637 searches per month. This word means to keep trying even when things are hard. States like Hawaii, Georgia, and Nevada are among the states that find it difficult to define SAT words.
Dynamic
daɪˈnæmɪk/
Adjective
To be full of energy, activity, and change. It’s like a person always moving forward, trying new things, and making things happen. For example, a dynamic leader inspires and motivates their team to achieve great things. The search term “dynamic” has significantly increased, reaching 64,002 monthly searches. States like Hawaii, California, and New York are some states struggling with the word.
Cordially
/ˈkɔːrdʒəli/
Adverb
Cordial means friendly or polite. It’s like greeting someone warmly. It’s often used to describe a friendly and courteous manner, such as a cordial invitation or conversation. States like Hawaii, New York, and California are struggling with the word “cordially” on the SAT, leading to an average of 48,000 to 64,000 Google searches related to the term per month.
Ambivalence
/æmˈbɪvələns/
Noun
It means having mixed feelings or contradictory ideas about something. It’s like positive and negative emotions about a situation or decision. It is also a word that SAT students struggle with, leading to an average of 48,000 to 64,000 monthly searches. Hawaii, New York, and California are some states that struggle with the word.
Exploited
/ɪkˈsplɔɪtɪd/
Verb
To take advantage of a situation or person for one’s gain, often unfairly. It’s like using someone or something for personal benefit without considering their well-being. For example, a company might exploit its workers by paying them low wages or forcing them to work long hours. States struggling with this word include Hawaii, New York, and California.