# vigilant

/ˈvɪdʒəɫənt/ (US) · /vˈɪdʒɪlənt/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/vigilant
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. watchful for danger

adjective · CEFR C1 · Formal

staying very careful and alert to notice any signs of danger or trouble.

For teachers: maintaining careful watch for possible danger or difficulties; alert and circumspect.

- The security guards remained vigilant throughout the night to keep the building safe.
- Public health officials urged the population to remain vigilant for symptoms as the new strain of the virus began to spread across the region.

Usage: Often used in contexts involving security, health monitoring, or public safety.

Teaching tip: While the metadata suggests this word is archaic, it is actually very common in modern formal English, especially in news reports about safety or security.

## Examples

- The security guard remains vigilant throughout the night.
- Health officials urged the public to remain vigilant for symptoms as the new virus began to spread through the community.
- In an era of sophisticated digital threats, users must be increasingly vigilant about the links they click and the personal information they share on social media platforms.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.