How to Pronounce “deleterious”

American (US)

/ˌdɛ.ləˈtɪɹ.i.əs/

British (UK)

/ˌdɛl.ɪˈtɪə̯.ɹi.əs/

adjective — Harmful, often in a subtle or unexpected way.

Example: deleterious effects.

Where the stress falls. “deleterious” has 5 syllables, and the transcription /ˌdɛ.ləˈtɪɹ.i.əs/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the third one — so the third syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.

An unstressed vowel reduces to schwa. /ˌdɛ.ləˈtɪɹ.i.əs/ contains a schwa /ə/ — the short, neutral “uh” that English unstressed syllables collapse into. Saying /ə/ there, instead of the vowel the spelling suggests, is most of what makes the word sound native.

What does "deleterious" mean?

deleterious (adjective): Harmful, often in a subtle or unexpected way. For example — deleterious effects.

How do you pronounce "deleterious" in American vs British English?

American English: /ˌdɛ.ləˈtɪɹ.i.əs/. British English: /ˌdɛl.ɪˈtɪə̯.ɹi.əs/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.

What is the IPA transcription of "deleterious"?

/ˌdɛ.ləˈtɪɹ.i.əs/ in American English, /ˌdɛl.ɪˈtɪə̯.ɹi.əs/ in British English.

Which syllable is stressed in "deleterious"?

“deleterious” has 5 syllables, and the transcription /ˌdɛ.ləˈtɪɹ.i.əs/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the third one — so the third syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.