Vocabulary Builder by Magoosh Reviews

by The Reluctant Critic

This is, at best, a rudimentary starter lesson in advanced vocabulary. There are thousands of difficult words in the English language, and here we are presented with only 1200 of them. It is also limiting in that there is rarely more than one definition given, and, as others have noted, there is no context provided for any given word. “Betray” is but one example. Most of us use it to mean something entirely different than “reveal.” But in this program the word is given short shrift.

A great many words are arcane or archaic, or might be found fourth on the list of definitions in any dictionary. If you’re into literary classics of old, you will benefit to some extent.

The pronunciation icon rarely works on the first attempt. You will get not able to connect messages until your fourth or fifth attempt. The Merriam Webster app has no problem with this at all.

I think this program is best for high school aged individuals aiming to lift their standardized test scores, and even then it won’t cover everything one needs to know. The best vocabulary builders remain only in printed volumes.

This program is sloppily coded and hasn’t been updated in nearly a year. Doesn’t seem like the developer is keen on further improvements.

by Pouyabh

I love Magoosh, it’s a great team with a lot of amazing material and best exam preparation sources. It has great content and I really enjoy its website . However, it has the worst Flashcards apps I have ever used. Both toefl and gre vocabulary Flashcards apps are disasters. Here are some reasons:

1. No back button: sometimes you tap ‘I knew this word’ or ‘I didn’t know this word’ unintentionally and since there is no return button you have to wait until you see that word again (if you tap ‘I knew this word’ by mistake you have to wait a a lot because that goes to the end of the list.
2. No word list: the best way to learn vocabulary is of course using Flashcards and not wordlists. However there are times when you need to have an overall view of all the words you have mastered, for example before an exam, to see if you have forgotten any of them. So a feature of wordlist is essential.
3. Stupid random words: the words don’t have a proper algorithm to be shown. When you don’t know a word and you tap on ‘I didn’t know this word’ after 1 additional Flashcards VocabularyBuilder shows you the same word and then 1 additional word and then the same word until that word gets green. If you learn a word just now it must be some delay until VocabularyBuilder shows you the word again. But the current algorithm causes the word to be green very soon and you don’t see the word again until you master all the words of the deck so that you can review green words.

by App-optosis

Many of the words only provide one at most two synonyms. I understand that for the most part is sufficient. I think I would like to see more synonyms and maybe even parts of speech and antonyms. I get how that could be information overload, but I personally remember things a little better when I have many different ways to access the information in my memory. I agree with another user that a lot of the definitions have a left leaning political bias. It’s not outrageous enough to make me not want to use VocabularyBuilder but it isn’t very subtle.

Overall the frequency with which you are shown cards seems adequate. I really enjoy playing the game but I wish there was a solo player option as I would much rather be able to play without having to wait for someone else to take their turn. It’s challenging enough just racing the clock.

by Nana.17.94.

I really like using VocabularyBuilder in my spare time. It’s fun to compete with my husband over who picked the right definition, and we both learn new definitions and words as we go. It’s surprisingly simple, easy to use, and doesn’t have annoying pop-up adds, which is awesome considering that it’s free.
However, there are a couple things that would make it better.
I would like to see some sort of pronunciation aid before you pick your definition, especially for new and unfamiliar words, as well as identifying how the word is being used (e.g. noun or verb). Both would be helpful in identifying the correct answer before choosing. Also, if you could add some sort of footnote that points out when a word has multiple meanings, we wouldn’t be as confused or self-doubting when presented with a new definition for an already familiar word.
Otherwise, I really enjoy VocabularyBuilder and would recommend it to others. Thanks!

by Aleiax

VocabularyBuilder has been really great in terms of vocab building (as the name suggests). The only thing I would work on is the options presented. Some words that are shown have multiple meanings based on their contexts, so it can be a little difficult to understand which one VocabularyBuilder wants until after you select an option and see the example. I think it would be helpful if there was a little disclaimer at the bottom of every word this applied to, indicating that this is only one of multiple meanings (just like in the Magoosh flashcards app). This would prevent people from believing that their original definition is incorrect, and instead just allow them to build upon it.
Also, really appreciate that these apps are free. Most of the resources that are actually helpful have to be bought somehow, so it’s relieving to be able to find such informative guides at no additional cost! Thank you!

by Kabdksjavdlaoa

The only thing that really bothers me is I have dyslexia, and some times a challenge is nice.. Most people retain information more efficiently when they have a full understanding. It would be awesome if you could either put an option for us to hear the word , or at least put how to pronounce it. So many times I’ve gotten answers wrong solely because I couldn’t read the word. Also I think it would be beneficial to constantly give different options for the synonyms apposed to the same selection every time. For the most part I really enjoy VocabularyBuilder so far. It’s easy to super easy to use. For no cost, I think they offer a fair amount. I personally would like more options and levels for myself , and because it’s no secret that grammar and vocabulary isn’t being taught or used properly anymore..

by Eurytopic

I've looked at all of the free test prep vocab builders I could find and this one is the only one that works well (few glitches) and offers a large bank of words. It also tracks your progress and repeats words until you get them correct a number of times. My vocabulary has improved over time with intermittent use. VocabularyBuilder has helped me track my progress and identify words that consistently trip me up.

There are a few drawbacks. First, VocabularyBuilder only offers a single kind of definition learning activity. There aren't any antonym or synonym games.

Probably more problematic is that some of the definitions are a bit off, as one of the other reviewers mentioned. You can't rely on VocabularyBuilder exclusively.

I also absolutely agree that VocabularyBuilder has a liberal political bias and I'm extremely liberal.

Nonetheless, it's the best app I've found for free vocab test prep, so I continue to use it. I augment usage with other activities in books and online so that I get a better sense of the broad range of definitions for each word and for antonym and synonym practice, which I have found to be useful for test prep.

Overall: great free app to use in conjunction with other test prep material.

by Ferganni

I love the simplicity of VocabularyBuilder as well as the fact that you are given a example of how to use it in a sentence in the intended context. The fact that you are given ample revision before being allowed to move on is extremely helpful. The issues I’ve encountered are the fact that you have to guess at the context for some words in order to get it right, but that really also adds to your vocabulary expansion as you are then selecting the best of the given options. The other issue is that the corresponding audio for pronunciation purposes is not available for all words, but I’m not sure if that is particular to my phone (iPhone 6), or a system glitch.

by Barb52barb

As an educator, I appreciate the variety/level choice of words and the repeating trials on missed words. The brain and memory benefit from this essential repetition. Also, a great feature is the NOT SURE option which provides you with a definition AND a contextualized example of the word in a sentence, perfect! This is an effective format to optimize the cognitive processes involved in learning and memory.

Note: Most words are at a moderate-to-high frequency, which means they are the same words you likely encounter daily in your reading, listening and interactions. There are some at the advanced level ‘I’ve never heard of’ which sometimes is disappointing to practice an obscure word that I rarely would see or use.

by Emu Su3

I am getting words I a familiar with incorrect. It’s a bit weird. There isn’t a consistent degree of relation between the vocabulary and the chosen answer. It would be one thing if these words were placed in a sentence, but to put a word with more than one meaning, and two very reasonable answers is rather discouraging.

Example:
Q: Disinterested-bored or unbiased
A:unbiased

I would never answer “unbiased” over “bored”. You can be “unbiased” but still interested in the ultimate result. The questions may provide dictionary answers, but lack a more practical understanding.

Example:
Q:antic-childish or grotesque
A:grotesque

“Grotesque” is listed by merriam webster as an archaic meaning. “Cheerful and whimsical” being a modern one.

I can only believe these questions were formed by using programs to randomly select related words and random thesaurus terms. I don’t mind learning archaic definitions, but this is hardly ideal. When offering more than one reasonably correct definition for a word you must provide context, such as a sentence. It is an admirable effort, but your app needs more than programmers and a thesaurus.

by Ashdale97

I love VocabularyBuilder and I find that it really helps me with augmenting my lexicon with many esoteric and many useful words. The only issue I have is that a good number of the definitions are just plain wrong or they are altered into a form that only vaguely captures their definitions. I have gotten words wrong and have gone to my hard copy of the Oxford English Dictionary only to find out that the words are just wrong or misrepresented in VocabularyBuilder . It is one thing to make the words approachable but another thing to oversimplify to the point that the word and definition only vaguely match. Fix your definitions. Do better at balancing simplifying the definition and staying true to its actual definition.

by Mitzi7296

I stumbled across VocabularyBuilder and I so happy that I did. I have always loved learning new words from the time advanced vocabulary was taught in school. I can’t remember what grade that was, but it was over four decades ago. While others took the GRE for graduate school, I chose to take the Miller’s Analogy test and passed with flying colors twice as I have a double masters. Those degrees and $7.00 will buy me a cup of coffee at Starbucks, so don’t think I’m bragging. The Miller’s Analogy test is no longer an option for entry into graduate school. Too bad. I still have a love for learning new words, and VocabularyBuilder can keep me entertained for stretches at a time.

by Rammy Boi

Really improved my practice GRE verbal scores. Straightforward to go through the vocabulary. It prompts you with a word. The answer choices are usually 1-2 words. It gives you the bigger, correct definition after you answer, letting you know if you were right or wrong. The examples mostly give pretty good contexts for the definition of the word, you can create a mental picture to associate with the word. Makes the learning process pretty efficacious.

Pretty much all of the words on the GRE verbal sections were from the ones that VocabularyBuilder subsumes :)

by Smartie With Big Boy Words

I’m currently enrolled in college classes during my high school year, and the essay standards get higher and higher every year for college classes and even high school classes. VocabularyBuilder without a doubt has helped me achieve a new foundation of vocabulary that makes my essays stand out from my classmates. I already went into VocabularyBuilder thinking I had an outstanding vocabulary, but when I started the medium/easy vocabulary introduction I was amazed, for I had never seen around seventy percent of the words provided in the application. This application deserves 5 stars, the process in which you learn the vocabulary is the same premises as the quizlet learning program. Very effective.

by Anikudlu

Vocabulary builder is well-designed for learning the meanings of words through a multiple choice answer format and exemplar quotations that help you visualize meaning through context. For example, to learn a word that I had never heard before meaning “showing little emotion,” the quotation described elephants who seem to show little emotion but who actually have rich and complex emotional lives. To retrieve the definition, I just think of elephants. This is a great way to learn. Thankfully I no longer have to take SATs, GREs, or any other academic exams, but I still enjoy and benefit from this amazing app.

by 0.Casey.1

I've only had several problems with VocabularyBuilder not functioning correctly. A couple levels within a section that used to load will no longer work. I've tried deleting and reinstalling VocabularyBuilder , but it still doesn't work (I.e. Level 2 of the second section).

Even with the small annoyances of not fully functioning, VocabularyBuilder has been incredibly helpful to practice vocab. I'm able to study for the verbal section whenever I have several quick minutes (waiting at the pharmacy, in the checkout line, etc.). I also use VocabularyBuilder every night before bed to review all of the completed sections.

by Eileenadelle

VocabularyBuilder is great! Last year in 7th grade I never got that good of test results on my vocabulary quizzes. This year, on my first quiz, I only got one wrong! At my school if you score 27% out of 30 or higher then you take the next quiz early. I didn’t do that well on the next quiz because I didn’t recognize many words because like I said before I was taking the quiz before we got to study them. I did better than I thought BECAUSE a lot of words on VocabularyBuilder happened to be my vocabulary words! It’s easy for me to learn these words because of the way VocabularyBuilder is. THANK YOU APP MAKING PEOPLE for helping me get my best score on vocabulary quiz EVER!!!

by Lsmpd

This is an excellent app for reviewing,strengthening, and improving your vocabulary. The feature I especially like is the ability to hear the pronunciation. Another helpful feature is the inclusion of a sentence using the word in an up to date,relatable, and understandable way.
I enjoy the pace of exercise as you can pick it up and put it down as time allows and it picks up where you last left off.
Thank you for making VocabularyBuilder free and available to so many that would not be able to access this amazing mind experience otherwise.

by Zesmeg

VocabularyBuilder has been one of THE MOST productive and useful tools I’ve found to date. I especially appreciate how it recycles words throughout the exercise to ensure familiarity. Moreover, the examples are clever, sometimes humorous and often a reflection of our current social and political climate (one reviewer of VocabularyBuilder has called the examples “liberal.” I call them accurate). Lastly, the option to revisit former exercises is, again, helpful with increasing retention of the the words and their definitions. Although I’m not sure how supportive VocabularyBuilder is for testing purposes, I believe it’s an overall great tool to build a robust vocabulary or revisit words that aren’t frequently used in our daily life.

by Claywrite

This is a great vocabulary builder! I have learned a lot of new words and it is a great help for those preparing for college exams. It has different levels of difficulty depending on your needs and skill. However, it would be nice if the full definition of the word and a label for part of speech were given for each word in the answer (such as noun, verb, adjective, etc). Some of the synonyms used for answers can be slightly tricky and a full definition of the word would help understand the word better, especially for words with more than one meaning. I like how VocabularyBuilder revisits words that you answer incorrectly and makes learning vocabulary a game. Great app!