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DET Vocabulary #8: Health & Wellness — 100 Essential Words for a 120+ Score
Hi everyone, Teacher Sam here. 😊
If you've been prepping for the DET for a while, you've probably noticed something: health topics show up everywhere. Speaking Sample, Writing Sample, even Interactive Writing — the test keeps circling back to the same territory. And most test-takers answer it with the same ten words they learned in high school.
That's usually where the score stalls.
Here are the kinds of prompts you can expect on this topic:
Which is more important for staying healthy: exercise or diet?
Why do mental health issues seem to be increasing among young people today?
Should governments invest more in preventive care or in treating illness after it happens?
Can public healthcare systems ever fully replace personal responsibility for one's own health?
What often separates a 120 from a 110 is vocabulary precision, not just grammar. You can have a grammatically perfect answer and still sound like a 100. The difference shows up in word choice — using regimen instead of routine, or exacerbate instead of make worse.
This post gives you 100 words across three tiers, from foundational vocabulary to expert-level terms that most test-takers never touch.
📚 This post is part of a series
- ✅ Done 1. Science & Nature
- ✅ Done 2. Arts & Creativity
- ✅ Done 3. Daily Life & Routines
- ✅ Done 4. Relationships & Community
- ✅ Done 5. Work & Career
- ✅ Done 6. Travel & Culture
- ✅ Done 7. Environment & Climate
- ▶ Here 8. Health & Wellness
- 🔜 9. Technology
- 🔜 10. Education
Part 1 · Foundation Level
Core Vocabulary
Target: 105–115
These are the words you should already recognize. The goal here isn't learning — it's making sure you can produce them instantly, under time pressure, without hesitation.
📌 Nouns
Symptomnoun#1
A physical or mental sign that indicates the presence of an illness or condition.
Top Collocations
early symptomcommon symptomsymptom of illnessDET Practice Sentence
Doctors often ask patients to describe their symptoms in as much detail as possible.
Illnessnoun#2
A general state of poor health, whether physical or mental, often used less clinically than disease.
Top Collocations
prolonged illnessrecover from illnessserious illnessDET Practice Sentence
A prolonged illness can affect a person's ability to keep up with work and daily responsibilities.
Medicationnoun#3
A drug or substance used to treat, prevent, or manage a medical condition.
Top Collocations
take medicationprescribe medicationover-the-counter medicationDET Practice Sentence
Following the exact dosage instructions for medication reduces the risk of unwanted side effects.
Appetitenoun#4
A natural desire to eat food, often used as an indicator of physical or emotional state.
Top Collocations
loss of appetitehealthy appetitesuppress appetiteDET Practice Sentence
A sudden loss of appetite can sometimes signal an underlying health issue.
Insomnianoun#5
A persistent difficulty falling or staying asleep, often linked to stress or poor habits.
Top Collocations
chronic insomniasuffer from insomniatreat insomniaDET Practice Sentence
Chronic insomnia tends to reduce concentration and weaken the body's immune response over time.
Checkupnoun#6
A routine medical examination performed to assess general health, even without specific symptoms.
Top Collocations
regular checkupschedule a checkupannual checkupDET Practice Sentence
Scheduling a regular checkup, even when feeling fine, helps catch potential problems early.
Therapynoun#7
Treatment intended to relieve or heal a condition, often used specifically for mental health support.
Top Collocations
attend therapytherapy sessionseek therapyDET Practice Sentence
Many people managing anxiety find that regular therapy sessions help them handle their emotions more effectively.
📌 Adjectives
Unwelladjective#8
Feeling sick or not in good health, often used as a milder alternative to ill.
Top Collocations
feel unwelllook unwellcall in unwellDET Practice Sentence
Employees who feel unwell should be encouraged to rest rather than push through their symptoms.
Fatiguedadjective#9
Extremely tired, often as a result of physical or mental exertion over time.
Top Collocations
chronically fatiguedphysically fatiguedfeel fatiguedDET Practice Sentence
Workers who are chronically fatigued are far more likely to make mistakes on the job.
Dizzyadjective#10
Having a spinning sensation or feeling unsteady, often linked to blood pressure or dehydration.
Top Collocations
feel dizzydizzy spellsuddenly dizzyDET Practice Sentence
Feeling dizzy after standing up quickly can indicate low blood pressure or mild dehydration.
Soreadjective#11
Painful or tender, especially referring to a body part affected by strain or infection.
Top Collocations
sore throatsore musclesfeel soreDET Practice Sentence
A sore throat combined with fever usually calls for a visit to a medical professional.
Contagiousadjective#12
Capable of being transmitted from one person to another through contact or proximity.
Top Collocations
highly contagiouscontagious diseaseremain contagiousDET Practice Sentence
Highly contagious illnesses spread quickly in crowded settings such as schools and offices.
Drowsyadjective#13
Feeling sleepy or lacking alertness, often as a side effect of medication.
Top Collocations
feel drowsydrowsy side effectdrowsy afterDET Practice Sentence
Certain medications can make people feel drowsy, so operating machinery should be avoided.
📌 Verbs
Restverb#14
To stop physical activity in order to relax or recover from illness or exertion.
Top Collocations
rest completelyneed to restrest and recoverDET Practice Sentence
Doctors often advise patients to rest completely during the first few days of an infection.
Breatheverb#15
To take air into and expel it from the lungs, often emphasized in stress-reduction contexts.
Top Collocations
breathe deeplybreathe slowlylearn to breatheDET Practice Sentence
Learning to breathe slowly and deeply can noticeably reduce feelings of anxiety.
Digestverb#16
To break down food in the stomach and intestines so the body can absorb nutrients.
Top Collocations
digest foodhard to digestdigest properlyDET Practice Sentence
Eating too quickly makes it harder for the body to digest food properly.
Hydrateverb#17
To supply the body with adequate fluids, especially water, to maintain normal function.
Top Collocations
stay hydratedhydrate regularlyhydrate before exerciseDET Practice Sentence
Athletes are advised to hydrate consistently before, during, and after intense physical activity.
Copeverb#18
To deal effectively with something difficult, especially stress or a demanding situation.
Top Collocations
cope with stresslearn to copecope effectivelyDET Practice Sentence
Developing healthy strategies to cope with stress is essential for long-term mental well-being.
Sneezeverb#19
To expel air suddenly and involuntarily through the nose, often due to irritation or illness.
Top Collocations
sneeze frequentlycover a sneezesneeze uncontrollablyDET Practice Sentence
Covering your mouth when you sneeze significantly lowers the chances of spreading germs.
Coughverb#20
To expel air from the lungs abruptly, often as a symptom of respiratory illness.
Top Collocations
persistent coughcough frequentlycough upDET Practice Sentence
A person who continues to cough for several weeks should consult a doctor promptly.
Teacher Sam's Quick Note
If you only remember five words from this section, make it symptom, cope, rest, fatigued, and contagious. These show up constantly in personal-experience prompts, and they're easy to drop into a Speaking answer without overthinking it.
Part 2 · High-Scoring Essentials
Intermediate–Advanced Vocabulary
Target: 115–120
These words separate a good DET response from a great one. Using even a handful of these naturally in your Writing Sample or Speaking Sample signals a level of vocabulary control that the scoring engine consistently rewards.
DET Speaking Prompt Practice
Should governments invest more in preventive healthcare or in treating illness after it occurs?
Try building a 60-second response using at least 5 words from PART 2 before reading on.
📌 Nouns
Epidemicnoun#21
A widespread outbreak of an infectious disease affecting a large number of people at the same time.
Top Collocations
growing epidemicrespond to an epidemicepidemic of obesity🔥 Speaking · ✍️ WritingDET Practice Sentence
Governments must respond swiftly to a growing epidemic to prevent overwhelming the healthcare system.
Diagnosisnoun#22
The identification of a disease or condition based on symptoms, tests, and medical history.
Top Collocations
accurate diagnosisearly diagnosisreceive a diagnosis✍️ WritingDET Practice Sentence
An accurate diagnosis at an early stage dramatically improves a patient's chances of full recovery.
Prognosisnoun#23
A medical forecast of the likely course and outcome of a disease or condition.
Top Collocations
positive prognosispoor prognosisdepend on the prognosis📖 ReadingDET Practice Sentence
A patient's prognosis depends heavily on how early the condition was detected and treated.
Remedynoun#24
A treatment or substance used to cure or relieve a health problem, often used loosely for natural or informal treatments.
Top Collocations
natural remedyhome remedyseek a remedy🔥 Speaking · ✍️ WritingDET Practice Sentence
While many people turn to natural remedies first, experts still recommend evidence-based treatment for serious conditions.
Regimennoun#25
A structured plan of diet, exercise, or treatment followed to achieve a specific health outcome.
Top Collocations
strict regimendietary regimenfollow a regimen✍️ WritingDET Practice Sentence
Sticking to a strict dietary regimen requires discipline but often yields significant health benefits.
Immunizationnoun#26
The process of making a person resistant to a disease, typically through vaccination.
Top Collocations
widespread immunizationimmunization programchildhood immunization📖 ReadingDET Practice Sentence
Widespread immunization programs have eradicated diseases that once claimed millions of lives.
Malnutritionnoun#27
A condition resulting from an improper or insufficient diet, causing serious health problems.
Top Collocations
childhood malnutritionsuffer from malnutritioncombat malnutrition🔥 Speaking · ✍️ WritingDET Practice Sentence
Malnutrition among children remains a persistent global issue despite advances in food production.
Dosagenoun#28
The prescribed amount of a medication to be taken, and how frequently it should be administered.
Top Collocations
recommended dosageexceed the dosageadjust the dosage📖 ReadingDET Practice Sentence
Exceeding the recommended dosage of any medication can lead to serious and unintended side effects.
Relapsenoun#29
The return of symptoms or illness after a period of improvement or recovery.
Top Collocations
risk of relapseprevent relapseexperience a relapse🔥 Speaking · ✍️ WritingDET Practice Sentence
Without continued support, patients recovering from addiction face a substantial risk of relapse.
Endurancenoun#30
The physical or mental capacity to sustain prolonged effort or hardship.
Top Collocations
build endurancephysical enduranceendurance training🔥 Speaking · ✍️ WritingDET Practice Sentence
Building physical endurance gradually reduces the risk of injury during intense training.
Staminanoun#31
The physical or mental strength to sustain effort over an extended period.
Top Collocations
maintain staminaboost staminalack stamina✍️ WritingDET Practice Sentence
Adequate sleep and nutrition are essential for maintaining stamina throughout a demanding workday.
Physiquenoun#32
The form, size, and muscular development of a person's body.
Top Collocations
idealized physiqueathletic physiquephysique image📖 ReadingDET Practice Sentence
Media portrayals of an idealized physique can negatively influence body image among young people.
Well-beingnoun#33
A state of being comfortable, healthy, and content in physical, mental, and social terms.
Top Collocations
emotional well-beinginvest in well-beingsense of well-being🔥 Speaking · ✍️ WritingDET Practice Sentence
Employers who invest in employee well-being often see measurable gains in productivity and retention.
Vitalitynoun#34
The state of being strong, energetic, and full of life.
Top Collocations
sustain vitalityoverall vitalitysense of vitality✍️ WritingDET Practice Sentence
A diet rich in whole foods contributes significantly to sustained energy and overall vitality.
Rehabilitationnoun#35
The process of restoring a person's physical abilities after illness, injury, or surgery.
Top Collocations
physical rehabilitationundergo rehabilitationrehabilitation program📖 ReadingDET Practice Sentence
After knee surgery, patients typically undergo months of physical rehabilitation to regain full mobility.
📌 Adjectives
Infectiousadjective#36
Capable of being transmitted between people, typically through microorganisms.
Top Collocations
infectious diseasehighly infectiousinfectious outbreak🔥 Speaking · ✍️ WritingDET Practice Sentence
Public health authorities closely monitor infectious diseases to prevent outbreaks from spreading across borders.
Endemicadjective#37
Regularly found in a particular region or population, rather than occurring in sudden outbreaks.
Top Collocations
endemic to a regionremain endemicendemic disease✍️ WritingDET Practice Sentence
Certain diseases remain endemic to specific regions due to unique environmental and social conditions.
Therapeuticadjective#38
Having a healing or beneficial effect on the mind or body.
Top Collocations
therapeutic effecttherapeutic benefitsgenuinely therapeutic🔥 Speaking · ✍️ WritingDET Practice Sentence
Many people find that regular walks in nature have a genuinely therapeutic effect on their mood.
Preventiveadjective#39
Intended to stop something undesirable, such as illness, from happening.
Top Collocations
preventive healthcarepreventive measurespreventive screening✍️ WritingDET Practice Sentence
Preventive healthcare measures are generally far more cost-effective than treating advanced-stage illness.
Nutritiousadjective#40
Containing substances necessary for growth, health, and good physical condition.
Top Collocations
nutritious mealnutritious dietnutritious food📖 ReadingDET Practice Sentence
Providing nutritious meals in schools has a measurable impact on children's concentration and behavior.
Hygienicadjective#41
Clean and free from disease-causing organisms; conducive to maintaining health.
Top Collocations
hygienic conditionshygienic environmentmaintain hygienic standards📖 ReadingDET Practice Sentence
Maintaining hygienic conditions in hospitals is critical for preventing the spread of infections.
Immuneadjective#42
Having resistance to a particular infection or disease, typically due to the body's defense system.
Top Collocations
immune systemweakened immune responseimmune to infectionDET Practice Sentence
A weakened immune system leaves the body more vulnerable to opportunistic infections.
Psychosomaticadjective#43
Relating to a physical illness or symptom caused or aggravated by psychological factors.
Top Collocations
psychosomatic symptompsychosomatic componentpsychosomatic pain✍️ WritingDET Practice Sentence
Some chronic pain conditions are believed to have a significant psychosomatic component.
Cardiovascularadjective#44
Relating to the heart and blood vessels.
Top Collocations
cardiovascular diseasecardiovascular healthcardiovascular risk🔥 Speaking · ✍️ WritingDET Practice Sentence
Regular aerobic exercise substantially lowers the risk of developing cardiovascular disease later in life.
Congenitaladjective#45
Present from birth, typically referring to a medical condition.
Top Collocations
congenital conditiondetect congenital defectscongenital disorder📖 ReadingDET Practice Sentence
Advances in prenatal screening have made it possible to detect certain congenital conditions early.
Resilientadjective#46
Able to recover quickly from difficulty, illness, or hardship.
Top Collocations
remain resilientresilient in the face ofbuild resilience🔥 Speaking · ✍️ WritingDET Practice Sentence
Individuals who maintain strong social connections tend to be more resilient in the face of health setbacks.
Chronicadjective#47
Persisting for a long time or constantly recurring, typically referring to an illness.
Top Collocations
chronic conditionmanage a chronic illnesschronic pain🔥 Speaking · ✍️ WritingDET Practice Sentence
Managing a chronic condition effectively often requires lifelong changes to diet, exercise, and routine.
Holisticadjective#48
Considering the whole person — physical, emotional, and social — rather than treating symptoms in isolation.
Top Collocations
holistic approachholistic healthcareholistic view of health✍️ WritingDET Practice Sentence
A holistic approach to healthcare considers emotional and social factors alongside physical symptoms.
Sedentaryadjective#49
Involving little or no physical activity, especially spending long periods sitting.
Top Collocations
sedentary lifestylesedentary jobsedentary habits🔥 Speaking · ✍️ WritingDET Practice Sentence
A sedentary lifestyle, increasingly common in office-based jobs, is strongly linked to numerous chronic illnesses.
Vulnerableadjective#50
At greater risk of harm, especially due to age, health status, or circumstance.
Top Collocations
particularly vulnerablevulnerable populationsvulnerable to infection🔥 Speaking · ✍️ WritingDET Practice Sentence
Elderly populations are particularly vulnerable during seasonal outbreaks of respiratory illness.
📌 Verbs
Diagnoseverb#51
To identify a disease or condition through examination and testing.
Top Collocations
diagnose accuratelydiagnose a conditiondiagnose complex cases✍️ WritingDET Practice Sentence
Doctors rely on a combination of tests and patient history to diagnose complex conditions accurately.
Prescribeverb#52
To recommend or authorize the use of a medication or treatment.
Top Collocations
prescribe antibioticsprescribe medicationprescribe treatment🔥 Speaking · ✍️ WritingDET Practice Sentence
Physicians should prescribe antibiotics only when there is clear evidence of a bacterial infection.
Recuperateverb#53
To recover strength or health, typically after illness or surgery.
Top Collocations
fully recuperatetime to recuperaterecuperate at home✍️ WritingDET Practice Sentence
Patients recovering from major surgery typically need several weeks to fully recuperate.
Sanitizeverb#54
To make something free from germs by cleaning it thoroughly.
Top Collocations
sanitize equipmentsanitize surfacesthoroughly sanitize📖 ReadingDET Practice Sentence
Hospitals must sanitize all surgical equipment thoroughly to prevent post-operative infections.
Detoxifyverb#55
To remove harmful or toxic substances from the body.
Top Collocations
detoxify the bodydetoxify harmful substanceshelp detoxify📖 ReadingDET Practice Sentence
The liver works continuously to detoxify harmful substances that enter the bloodstream.
Nourishverb#56
To provide the sustenance necessary for health and growth.
Top Collocations
nourish the bodynourish the mindproperly nourish🔥 Speaking · ✍️ WritingDET Practice Sentence
A balanced diet that nourishes both the body and the mind supports long-term resilience.
Monitorverb#57
To observe and track something, such as a health condition, over time.
Top Collocations
monitor symptomsmonitor patientscontinuously monitor✍️ WritingDET Practice Sentence
Wearable devices now allow individuals to monitor their heart rate and sleep patterns continuously.
Vaccinateverb#58
To administer a vaccine to protect against a disease.
Top Collocations
vaccinate childrenencourage vaccinationvaccinate against🔥 Speaking · ✍️ WritingDET Practice Sentence
Public health officials strongly encourage parents to vaccinate their children according to the recommended schedule.
Quarantineverb#59
To isolate someone or something to prevent the spread of disease.
Top Collocations
require to quarantinequarantine for a periodself-quarantine📖 ReadingDET Practice Sentence
Health authorities may require individuals exposed to a contagious disease to quarantine for a set period.
Infectverb#60
To transmit a disease-causing organism to a person, animal, or plant.
Top Collocations
infect othersbecome infectedunknowingly infectDET Practice Sentence
A single infected individual can unknowingly infect dozens of others in a crowded setting.
Inflameverb#61
To cause a part of the body to become red, swollen, and painful.
Top Collocations
inflame the digestive systeminflame tissueeasily inflamed📖 ReadingDET Practice Sentence
Certain foods can inflame the digestive system, worsening symptoms for people with sensitive stomachs.
Dehydrateverb#62
To cause the body to lose an excessive amount of water.
Top Collocations
dehydrate the bodybecome dehydratedseverely dehydrateDET Practice Sentence
Excessive alcohol consumption can dehydrate the body and intensify feelings of fatigue the next day.
Malfunctionverb#63
To fail to work or function normally.
Top Collocations
systems malfunctionbegin to malfunctionmalfunction due to stress📖 ReadingDET Practice Sentence
Prolonged stress can cause various body systems to malfunction, from digestion to immune response.
Acheverb#64
To experience a continuous dull pain.
Top Collocations
muscles acheache persistentlyache after exerciseDET Practice Sentence
Muscles that ache persistently after exercise may indicate inadequate recovery time between sessions.
Convalesceverb#65
To gradually recover health and strength after illness.
Top Collocations
convalesce at homeconvalesce peacefullytime to convalesce📖 ReadingDET Practice Sentence
Patients who convalesce in a calm, supportive environment tend to recover more quickly.
Incapacitateverb#66
To deprive someone of the ability to function normally, often due to injury or illness.
Top Collocations
incapacitate an individualtemporarily incapacitateseverely incapacitate✍️ WritingDET Practice Sentence
A severe injury can incapacitate an otherwise healthy individual for an extended period.
Screenverb#67
To test a person or population for early signs of a disease.
Top Collocations
screen for diseasescreen populationsroutinely screen✍️ WritingDET Practice Sentence
Public health programs that screen populations for early signs of disease can save countless lives.
Palliateverb#68
To relieve the symptoms of a condition without addressing its underlying cause.
Top Collocations
palliate sufferingpalliate symptomsshift to palliate📖 ReadingDET Practice Sentence
When a cure is not possible, medical care shifts toward measures that palliate suffering.
Alleviateverb#69
To make suffering, pain, or a problem less severe.
Top Collocations
alleviate anxietyalleviate symptomsalleviate the burden🔥 Speaking · ✍️ WritingDET Practice Sentence
Simple breathing exercises can alleviate acute anxiety within just a few minutes.
Exacerbateverb#70
To make an existing problem or condition worse.
Top Collocations
exacerbate symptomsexacerbate a conditionexacerbate metabolic issues🔥 Speaking · ✍️ WritingDET Practice Sentence
Skipping meals irregularly can exacerbate underlying metabolic conditions such as diabetes.
Teacher Sam's Quick Note
The 🔥 words in PART 2 — particularly well-being, cardiovascular, resilient, chronic, sedentary, vulnerable, prescribe, vaccinate, alleviate, and exacerbate — appear most frequently in high-scoring DET responses on health topics. If you can use even three of these naturally in a single response, your vocabulary score will reflect it.
Part 3 · Expert & Sophisticated
Advanced Vocabulary
Target: 120–135+
This is where your score starts to separate from the crowd.
You do not need to use all of these. Use one naturally. That is enough.
DET Speaking Prompt Practice
Is society doing enough to address the root causes of chronic disease, or only treating its symptoms?
Write a 60-second response first. Then come back and see which PART 3 words you could have used.
📌 Advanced Nouns
Epidemiologynoun#71
The branch of medicine studying how diseases spread through and affect populations.
Top Collocations
field of epidemiologyepidemiology relies onstatistical epidemiology📖 ReadingDET Practice Sentence
Epidemiology as a field relies heavily on statistical modeling to predict how diseases spread through populations.
Morbiditynoun#72
The rate at which a disease or condition occurs within a population.
Top Collocations
rates of morbidityassociated with morbidityreduce morbidity📖 ReadingDET Practice Sentence
Rising rates of morbidity associated with obesity have prompted governments to reconsider public health priorities.
Mortalitynoun#73
The rate of death within a population, often within a specific timeframe or group.
Top Collocations
infant mortalityreduce mortality ratesmortality statistics🔥 Speaking · ✍️ WritingDET Practice Sentence
Improved access to clean water has dramatically reduced infant mortality rates in developing regions.
Comorbiditynoun#74
The presence of one or more additional conditions co-occurring alongside a primary condition.
Top Collocations
multiple comorbiditiesmanage comorbiditiescomorbidity risk📖 ReadingDET Practice Sentence
Treating patients with multiple comorbidities requires careful coordination among several medical specialists.
Pathologynoun#75
The study of the causes and effects of disease, or the disease process itself.
Top Collocations
underlying pathologystudy pathologyunderstand the pathology📖 ReadingDET Practice Sentence
Understanding the underlying pathology of a disease is essential for developing an effective treatment plan.
Etiologynoun#76
The cause or origin of a disease or condition.
Top Collocations
precise etiologyunknown etiologyetiology of a disorder📖 ReadingDET Practice Sentence
The precise etiology of many autoimmune disorders remains only partially understood by researchers.
Incidencenoun#77
The rate of occurrence of new cases of a disease within a given population and time period.
Top Collocations
rising incidenceincidence of diseasereduce the incidence✍️ WritingDET Practice Sentence
The rising incidence of type 2 diabetes among younger populations reflects broader lifestyle changes.
Prevalencenoun#78
The proportion of a population found to have a condition at a given time.
Top Collocations
prevalence of a conditionincreased prevalencehigh prevalence✍️ WritingDET Practice Sentence
The prevalence of anxiety disorders has increased significantly since the rise of constant digital connectivity.
Longevitynoun#79
Long duration of life; the length of time a person or thing lives.
Top Collocations
greater longevitycontribute to longevityhuman longevity🔥 Speaking · ✍️ WritingDET Practice Sentence
Researchers have linked strong social ties and a sense of purpose to greater longevity.
Gerontologynoun#80
The scientific study of aging and the problems associated with older people.
Top Collocations
field of gerontologygerontology researchacademic attention to gerontology📖 ReadingDET Practice Sentence
Gerontology has gained increasing academic attention as populations across the world continue to age.
📌 Advanced Adjectives
Asymptomaticadjective#81
Showing no symptoms of a disease despite being infected or affected.
Top Collocations
remain asymptomaticasymptomatic carrierasymptomatic infection🔥 Speaking · ✍️ WritingDET Practice Sentence
Many carriers of infectious diseases remain asymptomatic, which makes containment considerably more difficult.
Degenerativeadjective#82
Relating to a condition that gradually worsens over time, often damaging tissue or function.
Top Collocations
degenerative conditiondegenerative diseasedegenerative changes✍️ WritingDET Practice Sentence
Degenerative conditions such as arthritis tend to worsen gradually over the course of many years.
Iatrogenicadjective#83
Relating to illness or complications caused inadvertently by medical treatment.
Top Collocations
iatrogenic complicationsiatrogenic harmiatrogenic effects📖 ReadingDET Practice Sentence
Iatrogenic complications, though relatively rare, remain an important consideration in modern medical ethics.
Idiopathicadjective#84
Relating to a disease or condition arising spontaneously with no identifiable cause.
Top Collocations
idiopathic conditionclassified as idiopathicidiopathic disorder📖 ReadingDET Practice Sentence
When a condition is classified as idiopathic, doctors have been unable to identify its underlying cause.
Terminaladjective#85
Relating to a disease that is expected to lead to death, typically in the final stage.
Top Collocations
terminal illnessterminal diagnosisterminal patients🔥 Speaking · ✍️ WritingDET Practice Sentence
Patients diagnosed with a terminal illness often prioritize quality of life over aggressive treatment.
Autoimmuneadjective#86
Relating to a disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own cells.
Top Collocations
autoimmune disorderautoimmune diseasetrigger an autoimmune response✍️ WritingDET Practice Sentence
Autoimmune disorders occur when the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own healthy cells.
Debilitatingadjective#87
Causing severe weakness or impairment, often over an extended period.
Top Collocations
debilitating fatiguedebilitating symptomsdebilitating illness🔥 Speaking · ✍️ WritingDET Practice Sentence
Debilitating fatigue is one of the most commonly reported symptoms among patients with chronic illness.
Multifactorialadjective#88
Caused by a combination of several interacting factors rather than a single cause.
Top Collocations
multifactorial conditionmultifactorial diseaseshaped by multifactorial causes📖 ReadingDET Practice Sentence
Obesity is widely recognized as a multifactorial condition shaped by genetics, environment, and behavior.
Systemicadjective#89
Affecting the entire body rather than a specific part or organ.
Top Collocations
systemic infectionsystemic effectssystemic illness✍️ WritingDET Practice Sentence
A systemic infection, unlike a localized one, affects the entire body rather than a single area.
Refractoryadjective#90
Not responding to standard treatment; resistant to typical medical intervention.
Top Collocations
refractory casesrefractory to treatmentrefractory condition📖 ReadingDET Practice Sentence
Refractory cases that fail to respond to standard treatment often require more experimental interventions.
📌 Advanced Verbs
Predisposeverb#91
To make a person more susceptible to a particular condition or outcome.
Top Collocations
predispose individualsgenetically predisposepredispose to illness✍️ WritingDET Practice Sentence
A family history of heart disease can predispose individuals to similar cardiovascular problems.
Potentiateverb#92
To increase the effect or potency of something, such as a drug or treatment.
Top Collocations
potentiate side effectspotentiate the effectdrugs that potentiate📖 ReadingDET Practice Sentence
Certain drug combinations can potentiate side effects, which is why doctors carefully review prescriptions.
Manifestverb#93
To become apparent or visible, especially in the form of physical symptoms.
Top Collocations
manifest physicallymanifest as symptomssymptoms manifest📖 ReadingDET Practice Sentence
Anxiety can manifest physically through symptoms such as a racing heart or shortness of breath.
Desensitizeverb#94
To reduce a person's sensitivity or emotional response to something over time.
Top Collocations
desensitize patientsgradually desensitizedesensitize to a trigger✍️ WritingDET Practice Sentence
Gradual exposure therapy is designed to desensitize patients to the source of their specific phobia.
Hyperventilateverb#95
To breathe abnormally fast and deeply, often as a result of anxiety or panic.
Top Collocations
begin to hyperventilatehyperventilate during panichyperventilate uncontrollably🔥 SpeakingDET Practice Sentence
People experiencing a panic attack may begin to hyperventilate, which can further intensify their distress.
Resuscitateverb#96
To revive someone from unconsciousness or apparent death, typically through emergency medical intervention.
Top Collocations
resuscitate a patienttrained to resuscitatesuccessfully resuscitate🔥 Speaking · ✍️ WritingDET Practice Sentence
Bystanders trained in CPR can resuscitate a person whose heart has suddenly stopped.
Precipitateverb#97
To cause a crisis or serious event to happen suddenly or sooner than expected.
Top Collocations
precipitate a crisisprecipitate a declineprecipitate a relapse✍️ WritingDET Practice Sentence
A sudden traumatic event can precipitate a mental health crisis even in otherwise resilient individuals.
Atrophyverb#98
To waste away or decrease in size, especially due to disuse.
Top Collocations
muscles atrophybegin to atrophyatrophy over time✍️ WritingDET Practice Sentence
Muscles that remain unused for extended periods, such as during bed rest, begin to atrophy.
Debilitateverb#99
To make someone weak or infirm, especially over a prolonged period.
Top Collocations
debilitate the bodyprolonged battle can debilitatedebilitate the spirit📖 ReadingDET Practice Sentence
A prolonged battle with chronic illness can debilitate both the body and the spirit over time.
Sensitizeverb#100
To make someone more aware of or responsive to a particular issue or stimulus.
Top Collocations
sensitize communitiessensitize the publicaim to sensitize✍️ WritingDET Practice Sentence
Public awareness campaigns aim to sensitize communities to the early warning signs of mental illness.
Teacher Sam's Quick Note
The PART 3 words that appear most frequently in genuinely high-scoring DET responses: epidemiology, mortality, longevity, asymptomatic, terminal, debilitating, predispose, manifest, resuscitate, and precipitate. Pick two. Use them naturally. That is what moves the score.
🔍 Confusing Word Showdown
To score higher, avoid using near-synonyms interchangeably when their precise meanings differ in ways the DET scoring engine can detect.
① illness vs. disease
Illness
A subjective experience of feeling unwell, whether or not a specific medical cause has been identified.
She felt a general sense of illness after the long flight.
Disease
A specific medical condition identified through diagnosis, typically with a known cause and clinical criteria.
The disease was eventually traced back to a contaminated water source.
② symptom vs. syndrome
Symptom
A single observable sign of an underlying condition.
A persistent cough can be a symptom of several different respiratory conditions.
Syndrome
A cluster of symptoms that occur together and characterize a particular condition.
Chronic fatigue syndrome involves a cluster of symptoms that can last for months.
③ prevent vs. preventive
Prevent
A verb describing the direct action of stopping something from happening.
Regular handwashing helps prevent the spread of common infections.
Preventive
An adjective describing measures designed with the purpose of avoiding illness before it occurs.
Preventive screenings can catch potential health issues before symptoms even appear.
④ chronic vs. acute
Chronic
Describing a condition that persists over a long period, often developing gradually.
Chronic back pain often develops gradually over the course of many years.
Acute
Describing a condition that is sudden in onset and severe, typically short-term.
An acute allergic reaction can require emergency medical attention within minutes.
⑤ recover vs. recuperate
Recover
A broad term for returning to a normal state, used across many contexts including health, economics, and emotion.
The economy is expected to recover slowly over the next few quarters.
Recuperate
A more specific term used almost exclusively for regaining health or strength after illness or surgery.
She traveled to the countryside to recuperate after her surgery.
⑥ vulnerable vs. susceptible
Vulnerable
Describing a broad state of being exposed to harm, whether physical, social, or emotional.
Homeless individuals are particularly vulnerable during extreme weather events.
Susceptible
Describing a more specific, often medical, predisposition to a particular illness or influence.
People with weakened immune systems are more susceptible to seasonal infections.
⚡ 30-Second Challenge
Choose any three words from this post and answer the following prompt out loud or in writing — using all three naturally in your response.
Should schools be responsible for teaching students about mental health, or is that the role of families?
Try using words from this list:
well-being
resilient
holistic
asymptomatic
predispose
debilitating
Aim for 3–5 sentences. Focus on natural use — not perfect grammar. Vocabulary becomes usable only when you actively produce it.
🎯 DET Master Structures
Plug these into your Writing Sample or Speaking Sample and customize as needed.
🧩 Structure A — The Case for Preventive Care
Despite significant advances in medicine, achieving genuine well-being requires a holistic approach that addresses both physical and psychological health long before a diagnosis becomes necessary.
When to use: Any DET prompt comparing preventive healthcare with treatment-focused medicine, or discussing the value of lifestyle change over pharmaceutical intervention.
🧩 Structure B — Lifestyle and Risk
A sedentary lifestyle, combined with poor nutrition, can predispose individuals to a range of cardiovascular and metabolic conditions that often remain asymptomatic until they become debilitating.
When to use: Any DET prompt about lifestyle-related disease, the role of diet and exercise, or whether individuals or systems bear more responsibility for chronic illness.
🧩 Structure C — The Policy Argument
Governments should prioritize preventive healthcare policies to alleviate the long-term burden of chronic disease, rather than allocating the majority of public resources toward treating conditions only after they precipitate a full-blown health crisis.
When to use: Any DET prompt about public healthcare funding, government responsibility, or the tradeoff between short-term and long-term health investment.
Teacher Sam's Final Note
Select exactly 5 words from this list right now. Write one paragraph — responding to this prompt: "Should individuals or governments bear greater responsibility for maintaining public health?" — using those 5 words naturally. Vocabulary becomes usable only when you actively produce it.
High scores do not come from knowing more words. They come from using the right ones when it matters.
Want more DET practice?
Visit the DET Prep Navigation Hub — all resources, organized by skill area
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