I
ignominious
(especially of events or behaviour) embarrassing because of being a complete failure
illustrious
Famous, well respected, and admired
She comes from an illustrious political family that includes two former Cabinet ministers.
imbibe
To drink, especially alcohol
Have you been imbibing again?
imbroglio
An unwanted, difficult, and confusing situation, full of trouble and problems
impart
To communicate information to someone
to impart the bad news
impecunious
Having very little money
I first knew him as an impecunious student living in a tiny apartment
imperturbable
Always staying calm and controlled, even in difficult situations that would cause other people to worry
impetuous
Likely to do something suddenly, without considering the results of your actions
impetus
Something that encourages a particular activity or makes that activity more energetic or effective:
implacable
Used to describe (someone who has) strong opinions or feelings that are impossible to change
implement
To start using a plan or system
The changes to the national health system will be implemented next year.
impudent
Rude and not showing respect, especially towards someone who is older or in a more important position
inaugurate
To put someone into an official position with a ceremony
American presidents are always inaugurated on 20 January .
incantation
(the performance of) words that are believed to have a magical effect when spoken or sung:
inception
The beginning of an organisation or official activity
Since its inception in 1968, the company has been at the forefront of computer development.
incipient
Just beginning
signs of incipient public frustration
inclement
(of weather) unpleasant, esp. cold or stormy
The concert in the park was postponed because of the inclement weather.
incommode
Full of anger, arguments, and bad feeling
Their marriage ended eight years ago in an acrimonious divorce.
incredulous
Not wanting or not able to believe something, and usually showing this
inculcate
To fix beliefs or ideas in someone's mind, especially by repeating them often
incumbent
Officially having the named position
The incumbent president faces problems which began many years before he took office.
indigenous
Naturally existing in a place or country rather than arriving from another place
Are there any species of frog indigenous to the area?
indigent
Very poor
indisposed
Ill, especially in a way that makes you unable to do something
Sheila Jones is indisposed, so the part of the Countess will be sung tonight by Della Drake.
indolent
Showing no real interest or effort
an indolent wave of the hand
infinitesimal
Extremely small
The amounts of radioactivity present were infinitesimal.
infuse
To fill someone or something with an emotion or quality
The pulling down of the Berlin Wall infused the world with optimism.
inimitable
very unusual or of very high quality and therefore impossible to copy
iniquitous
Very wrong and unfair
It is an iniquitous system that allows a person to die because they have no money to pay for medicine.
injunction
An official order given by a law court, usually to stop someone from doing something
innocuous
Completely harmless (= causing no harm)
Some mushrooms look innocuous but are in fact poisonous.
inordinate
Much more than usual or expected
Margot has always spent an inordinate amount of time on her appearance.
insolvent
(especially of a company) not having enough money to pay debts, buy goods, etc.
integrate
To mix with and join society or a group of people, often changing to suit their way of life, habits, and customs:
interloper
Someone who becomes involved in an activity or a social group without being asked, or enters a place without permission:
intimation
Having, or being likely to cause, a very close friendship or personal or sexual relationship:
intractable
Very difficult or impossible to control, manage, or solve
We are facing an intractable problem.
intrepid
Extremely brave and showing no fear of dangerous situations:
a team of intrepid explorers
intrinsic
Being an extremely important and basic characteristic of a person or thing:
Maths is an intrinsic part of the school curriculum.
invective
Criticism that is very forceful, unkind, and often rude
A stream of invective from some sectors of the press continues to assail the government.
inviolate
(that must be) not harmed or damaged
For centuries the tomb lay inviolate until, by chance, it was discovered by two miners.
itinerate
At their apogee, the novels of Spillane claimed worldwide sales of over $180 million.
