English Reference

Word

death

US/ˈdɛθ/

UK/dˈɛθ/

Definitions

01end of life

A2 · Elementary Uncountable noun

n. the end of life for a living thing.

n. the permanent cessation of all biological functions that sustain a living organism.

“The family was very sad after the death of their old dog.”

“The sudden death of the prime minister plunged the nation into a period of official mourning and political uncertainty.”

Pitfall

He was death in a car accident.

He died in a car accident.

Use the verb 'die' for the action; 'death' is the noun for the event or state.

Synonyms

passingdemisedecease

Antonyms

02the end of something

B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun

n. the complete end or failure of something, like a plan or a dream.

n. the destruction, termination, or cessation of a non-biological entity or concept.

“The new law meant the death of many small family businesses.”

“Critics argued that the rise of digital streaming services would signal the death of traditional cinema-going culture.”

Antonyms

03the Grim Reaper

B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun Literary

n. a character in stories, often shown as a skeleton in a black cloak, who represents the end of life.

n. the personification of the end of life, typically depicted as a cloaked skeleton carrying a scythe.

“In the old story, Death comes to the door wearing a long black hood.”

“The artist chose to depict Death not as a terrifying monster, but as a weary traveller seeking rest.”

Synonyms

Grim Reaper

04spiritual lifelessness

C2 · Proficiency Uncountable noun Religion Formal · Literary

n. a feeling of having no hope, energy, or meaning in life.

n. a state of spiritual or emotional void; a lack of vitality or purpose.

“He felt a kind of inner death after losing his lifelong passion.”

“The poet explores the theme of spiritual death in a society obsessed with material wealth.”

Synonyms

Collocations

Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “death” in context.

01. death toll 02. death penalty 03. deaths of two 04. death at the age 05. death cap 06. death of a former 07. death of a man 08. death of any child

Word family

NOUN

death(A2)

ADJECTIVE

Related words

Idioms

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
Frequency
Very common
Level
A2 · ElementaryOxford
Updated

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English Reference