Obnoxious – Word of the Day for IELTS Speaking & Writing

Using precise and expressive adjectives in IELTS Speaking and Writing can enhance your Lexical Resource score and make your descriptions more vivid. The adjective “obnoxious” is particularly useful when describing people, behavior, or situations that are highly unpleasant or offensive. This blog explains its meaning, origin, examples, and tips for natural usage in IELTS.

Meaning of “Obnoxious”

Definition:
Odiously or disgustingly objectionable; highly offensive.

Example Explanation:
When you describe someone as obnoxious, you mean they are very unpleasant or irritating to be around. It’s commonly used to comment on people’s behavior, attitudes, or certain situations in a formal or conversational context.

Origin / History

The word obnoxious comes from the Latin obnoxiosus, meaning harmful or injurious. Over time, its meaning evolved to refer to someone or something that is offensive, hateful, or highly objectionable. Today, it is widely used in English to describe people, actions, or personalities that are unpleasant or irritating.

Examples of “Obnoxious”

• Some of his colleagues say that he’s loud and obnoxious.
• When she’s in a bad mood, she’s obnoxious to everyone.
• One of the parents was an obnoxious character; no one liked him.
• The people at my table were so obnoxious I simply had to change my seat.
• The two men she worked for were brothers, both loud and obnoxious.

Usage of “Obnoxious” in IELTS Speaking

Here are some natural ways to use “obnoxious” in your IELTS Speaking responses:

• “I once worked with a team member who was really obnoxious, constantly interrupting everyone during meetings.”
• “Some tourists can be obnoxious, ignoring local rules and disturbing the environment.”
• “I find it hard to tolerate obnoxious behavior, especially when people are rude for no reason.”

Pro Tip: Use “obnoxious” in IELTS Speaking Part 2 or Part 3 when describing people, situations, or behaviors that are frustrating, unpleasant, or offensive. It demonstrates a strong lexical range.

Sample IELTS Speaking Answer Using “Obnoxious”

Cue Card: Describe a person you find irritating.
“One person I often find irritating is a colleague in my office. He tends to be obnoxious, constantly bragging about his achievements and interrupting others during discussions. At first, it was very frustrating, but I learned to focus on my own work and avoid getting annoyed. This experience taught me patience and professionalism.”

Tips to Use “Obnoxious” Effectively

• Pair it with adjectives or adverbs: loud and obnoxious, extremely obnoxious.
• Use it to describe people, behaviors, or even environments.
• Avoid overusing; apply it to specific situations for impact.

Exercise: Choose the Correct Meaning

Select the correct meaning of obnoxious in each sentence:

1. His obnoxious behavior annoyed everyone at the meeting.
   a) Pleasant
   b) Highly offensive
   c) Neutral
2. I find some of the students in my class obnoxious when they constantly interrupt the teacher.
   a) Friendly
   b) Unpleasant or irritating
   c) Shy
3. That obnoxious sound from the construction site kept me awake all night.
   a) Irritating or unpleasant
   b) Soothing
   c) Barely noticeable

Answer Key: 1 – b, 2 – b, 3 – a

Mastering descriptive adjectives like obnoxious can significantly enhance your Lexical Resource score in IELTS Speaking and Writing. Using this word correctly helps you convey strong opinions about people, behaviors, or situations clearly and naturally. Regular practice with examples and exercises ensures confident usage in the exam.

Useful Links:

• Intractable: Word Meaning, Examples, Origin & Usage in IELTS
• Woes - Word Of The Day For IELTS Speaking And Writing
• Obsolete - Word of the Day for IELTS Speaking and Writing
• Debase - Word of the Day for IELTS Speaking & Writing