46,000-test study: native English speakers reach 21,600 words by age 60

Data from 46,140 vocabulary tests shows native English speakers know about 11,300 words at age 12 and 21,600 by 60, while C1-level learners average only 9,700.

2026-10-14 ~ 2026-10-14 · 2 related posts

• Native English speakers hit 21,600 words by 60; C1 learners stall at 9,700 — randal_olson · 2026-10-14
• Native Speakers Know 11,300 Words by Age 12; Advanced Learners Still Fall Short at 9,700 — randal_olson · 2026-10-14