8 Best English Vocabulary Books to Read for 2026

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Master the words that matter—from everyday English to advanced fluency.

Whether you’re starting from scratch or refining your advanced fluency, the right vocabulary book can make all the difference. We’ve rounded up the best English vocabulary books for 2026—perfect for self-study, exam prep, and confident communication. They are selected for beginners, intermediate, and advanced English learners (including teachers).

After reading the books, the number of English words you know will increase easily, so you can write more effectively and speak like an educated person. 

Note: Prices given for each book may change with ongoing deals. The links are affiliate links — using them won’t increase the price you pay.

Table of Contents

The Best English Vocabulary Books for 2026

Best Vocabulary Books for Beginners (A1-A2 level)

1. English for Everyone: Vocabulary Builder

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  • Publisher: DK (Dorling Kindersley)

  • Page Count: 360 pages

  • Why Read: Rich in illustrations and ideal for visual learners. Teaches over 3,000 words with themed layouts, pronunciation help, and exercises. Great for beginners and A1–A2 learners.

  • Price:  

Amazon review for English for Everyone
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2. Oxford Word Skills – Elementary

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  • Authors:  Michael McCarthy & Felicity O’Dell

  • Publisher: Oxford University Press

  • Page Count: 256 pages

  • Why Read: Building a strong foundation of everyday English vocabulary with clear, practical examples. It’s designed for self-study or classroom use, making learning simple, engaging, and easy to apply in real life.

  • Price: ₹751

Best Vocabulary Books for Intermediate Learners (B1-B2 level)

3. The Vocabulary Builder Workbook

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  • Author: Chris Lele (Magoosh)

  • Publisher: Zephyros Press

  • Page Count: 234 pages

  • Why Read: Great for exam prep and self-paced learning. Covers 1,400+ useful words with examples, context sentences, and engaging quizzes. Especially useful for GRE, SAT, and general reading fluency.

  • Price:

Review of Vocabulary Builder Workbook
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4. English Vocabulary Made Easy

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  • Author: Prof. Shrikant Prasoon

  • Publisher: V&S Publishers

  • Page Count: 184 pages

  • Why Read: Organized by word categories (countable/uncountable nouns, singular/plural forms, commonly misspelt and mispronounced words, word formation, synonyms/antonyms, prefixes/suffixes, etc.). Aimed at enhancing and enriching English vocabulary for written and oral use, it includes exercises and a grammar section to reinforce correct usage. Well-suited for exam preparation (TOEFL, civil services, banking) and self-study.

  • Price:

5. Oxford Word Skills – Intermediate

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  • Authors: Ruth Gairns, Stuart Redman

  • Publisher: Oxford University Press

  • Page Count: ~254 pages

  • Why Read: One of the most practical books for learners who want to speak and write more naturally. Offers realistic examples and themed units with self-checking exercises.

  • Price: ₹1,025.60

Review of Oxford Word Skills
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6. 1100 Words You Need to Know

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  • Authors: Murray Bromberg, Melvin Gordon

  • Publisher: Barron’s Educational Series

  • Page Count: 348 pages

  • Why Read: A smart daily planner of essential vocabulary. Broken into weekly sections with quizzes and reviews. A go-to for competitive exam takers and dedicated learners.

  • Price: ₹1,616

Best Vocabulary Books for Advanced Learners (C1-C2 level)

7. Word Power Made Easy

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  • Author: Norman Lewis
  • Publisher: Goyal Publishers

  • Page Count: 514 pages

  • Why Read: A timeless vocabulary-building system that teaches root-based learning, includes progress tests, and builds real-world word mastery. Perfect for learners preparing for exams, interviews, or overall fluency.

  • Price: ₹160

8. English Vocabulary in Use – Advanced

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  • Authors: Michael McCarthy, Felicity O’Dell

  • Publisher: Cambridge University Press

  • Page Count: 320 pages

  • Why Read: Designed by experts and loved worldwide, this advanced-level guide features clear vocabulary explanations, example sentences, and structured exercises. Ideal for C1–C2 learners or IELTS/TOEFL aspirants.

  • Amazon India Price: ₹595

Review of Vocabulary in Use
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Quick buying tips

  • For beginners: English for Everyone: English Vocabulary Builder (DK).
  • For intermediate: Oxford Word Skills (Intermediate) or The Vocabulary Builder Workbook (for active practice).
  • For advanced: English Vocabulary in Use: Advanced or Word Power Made Easy.

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Final Word

Whether you’re prepping for an exam or simply aiming to speak and write better English, these vocabulary books will help you expand your English vocabulary and improve usage. Choose your level, commit to regular practice, and make 2026 the year your word power grows.

20 Chapters to Learn English Fasters

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