Listening skill in English language learning is an important skill to master, especially for foreign language learners (EFL). This skill requires not only a general understanding of the message but also accurate and fast word recognition. This study aims to determine students’ word recognition ability before and after using the shadowing technique and to determine the effectiveness of the shadowing technique in enhancing word recognition ability in EFL students' listening skills. This study used a one-group pre-experimental design with pre- and post-tests, involving vocational high school students in Semarang. The shadowing technique was implemented in listening sessions. Normality tests showed that pre-test data were normal (p = 0.20), while post-test data were not (p < 0.001). Therefore, statistical analysis was conducted using the Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test. The findings revealed that students' initial word recognition ability in listening was still low, as indicated by the average pre-test score of 55.5. After the implementation of the shadowing technique, the average post-test score increased to 75. The analysis results showed that the shadowing technique significantly improved students' word recognition scores (p < 0.001), indicating it is an effective strategy to help students recognize words more accurately and quickly. Therefore, the application of this technique is recommended to strengthen EFL students' word recognition in listening skills.