Word
vigilance
Phoneticsvig·i·lance, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈvɪdʒəɫəns/
UK/vˈɪdʒɪləns/
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. the act of staying very careful and alert to find possible danger or trouble. You use this when someone needs to keep a close watch on a situation.
n. the state or quality of keeping careful watch for possible danger or difficulties. Often associated with security, health monitoring, or civic duty.
Examples
“The security guard maintained constant vigilance throughout the night.”
“Public health officials urged continued vigilance as the flu season approached to prevent a major outbreak.”
“The price of liberty is eternal vigilance, requiring citizens to remain active and informed about the shifting policies of their governing bodies.”
Examples
simple
“The security guard maintained constant vigilance throughout the night.”
contextual
“Public health officials urged continued vigilance as the flu season approached to prevent a major outbreak.”
complex
“The price of liberty is eternal vigilance, requiring citizens to remain active and informed about the shifting policies of their governing bodies.”
Usage
Uncountable in its abstract sense; frequently paired with the verbs 'maintain', 'exercise', or 'require'.
Real-World Examples
“Letters have been sent to all airport workers to raise awareness about symptoms and urge vigilance.” “The cost of missing a real threat was death, while the cost of overreacting was a few minutes of wasted vigilance.” Etymology
Borrowed from Middle French vigilance, from Latin vigilantia.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- 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.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL 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: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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