100 Commonly Mispronounced Words (And Right Pronunciation)

English pronunciation can be a pain.

Take a look at the word “queue,” for example.

If you’ve never seen it before, you’d be forgiven for thinking that it’s pronounced something like: kwee-yoo.

In reality, it’s pronounced: keeyoo.

You see, not all of the words in the English language are phonetic, meaning words that follow specific sound rules. The rules of phonics apply to about 84% of words. But these rules are very simple to understand and remember, if you learn phonics the same way natives do.

Tricky words break these sound rules. So, I’ve compiled a list of the 100 most commonly mispronounced words in English, and show how to say them correctly, so you can start speaking English confidently!

Note: (CAPITAL LETTERS in the words below get more stress.)

1. Affidavit

Correct: ah-fuh-day-vit

Incorrect: ah-fee-day-vid

“I lost my driver’s license so I had to get an affidavit from the police station.”

An affidavit is a written, legal statement that can be used in court as evidence.

2. Acai

Correct: ah-sah-EE

Incorrect: uh-KAI

“Let’s go to the cafe and buy acai bowls! That sounds delicious.” 

Acai berries are purple in color and make a delicious and nutritious choice when paired with vanilla yogurt, granola, and banana slices.

3. Almond

Correct: AHL-muhnd

Incorrect: AL-mond

“I love to snack on crunchy almonds between breakfast and lunch.”

The mispronunciation of “almond” occurs when the emphasis is placed heavily on the “l” at the beginning of the word.

4. Aluminum

Correct: uh-LOO-mi-num

Incorrect: uh-LUM-i-num

(The above pronunciation is for American English. “Aluminium” is used in Great Britain.)

“We prefer aluminum in our construction because it is lightweight and durable.”

Aluminum is a type of widely used metal. Many people mispronounce this word because of the first “u,” creating an “uh” sound rather than the proper “ew” sound.

5. Anemone

Correct: uh-NE-muh-nee

Incorrect: uh-NEMON-ee

“The anemones in my garden are such bright and vibrant flowers.”

On land, the anemone is a type of perennial herb. In the sea, it appears as a brightly colored cluster of tentacles that resembles a flower. It is commonly mispronounced because of the complex combination of vowels and consonants.

6. Arkansas

Correct: AR-kuhn-saw

Incorrect: AR-kuhn-sas

“I’m traveling to Arkensas this weekend. There are stunning natural landscapes there–perfect for going on a hike!”

Arkansas is a state in the southern United States that borders the Mississippi River. The final syllable “-saw” is typically where mispronunciation occurs.

7. Ask

Correct: ahsk

Incorrect: aks

“I must ask you several questions about the accident you saw.”

Many people mispronounce this word by reversing the order of the “k” and “s.”

8. Asphalt

Correct: ASS-fawlt

Incorrect: AZ-fawlt

“The road crew is working tirelessly to lay down a new layer of asphalt on the road to make it smoother and safer.”

Asphalt refers to the thick, sticky black liquid used to pave roads. Even natives mispronounce this word regularly because they are uncertain about pronouncing the “ph” part of the word.

9. Asthma

Correct: AZ-muh

Incorrect: AS-thuh-muh

“I can’t go for a run today – my asthma has been acting up, which makes me short of breath.”

Asthma is a chronic (long-term) condition that can make it hard to breathe. Incorrect pronunciation typically happens when someone breaks it into three syllables, rather than two.

10. Athlete

Correct: ATH-leet

Incorrect: ATH-uh-leet

“Becoming an Olympic athlete requires years of training and commitment.”

Athlete refers to someone who plays sports or exercises. It is frequently mispronounced by adding an extra vowel sound (ATH-uh-leet) in the middle.

11. Athletics

Correct: ath-LET-iks

Incorrect: ath-uh-LET-iks

“I’m going to join the athletics club at my local college to play sports and stay in shape.”

Athletics refers to physical sports and games of any kind. Speakers incorrectly pronounce this word when they say it in four syllables, rather than three.

12. Banal

Correct: buh-NAL

Incorrect: BAY-nuhl

“I don’t really enjoy this author’s poetry, I find it very banal. It’s boring.”

Banal refers to something that lacks originality or freshness. Mispronunciation occurs when stress is placed on the first syllable (“BAY-”) rather than the second (“-NAL”).

13. Bouquet

Correct: boo-KAY

Incorrect: BOH-kwet

“That’s a beautiful bouquet of roses you have!”

The word bouquet comes from an old French term that means “clump of trees.” It now refers to a small bunch of arranged flowers. Because of its French roots, it often confuses native and non-native English speakers alike.

14. Caramel

Correct: KAR-uh-muhl (you’ll also hear CARE-muhl)

Incorrect: CAR-mel

“I would like a caramel drizzle on top of my ice cream sundae, please.”

The word “caramel” has three distinct syllables, but you’ll hear it pronounced many ways simply because of the differentiation of accents.

15. Catastrophe

Correct: kuh-TAS-truh-fee

Incorrect: kuh-TAS-troh-fee

“The fire in our hometown was a catastrophe. The town was devastated.”

This refers to a sudden or widespread disaster. Many people incorrectly pronounce the word “catastrophe” because of the misinterpretation of the “-trophe” part of the word.

16. Cavalry

Correct: KAV-ul-ree

Incorrect: KAH-vuhl-ree

“The cavalry charged into battle and led the army to victory!”

The familiarity of the word “cavalier” may mislead speakers when they pronounce “cavalry,” causing them to incorrectly pronounce it.

17. Chimera

Correct: ky-MEER-uh

Incorrect: chim-MEER-uh

“The novel’s plot was a chimera of genres – there was romance, mystery, and science fiction all blended into one storyline.”

“Chimera” is not a frequently used word for most people. Its unfamiliarity may be the reason many people incorrectly pronounce it.

18. Cliché

Correct: klee-SHAY

Incorrect: KLITCH

“That movie had such a cliché ending – we all saw it coming.”

Without understanding the French language, this word can leave you puzzled. It refers to an overused expression, idea, or phrase that has been repeated so many times that it has lost its originality.

19. Colonel

Correct: KUR-nuhl

Incorrect: KAH-luh-nuhl

“The colonel led his troops on a successful mission abroad.”

This word is one of the more commonly mispronounced words because it has an unusual spelling compared to its pronunciation. A colonel is a military rank of high authority.

20. Comfortable

Correct: KUHM-fuh-tuh-buhl (you’ll also hear KUHM-fer-tuh-buhl)

Incorrect: KUM-fer-tuh-buhl

“The chair I sat in at the library was so comfortable I could have napped there.”

“Comfortable“ can be hard to pronounce because of the sounds, which can be hard to articulate in a sequence.

21. Coupon

Correct: KOO-pon

Incorrect: KYOO-pon

“The store had a coupon for $1 off of my favorite hamburgers. It was a great deal!”

Don’t let the letter “u” mix you up when trying to pronounce this word! Coupon refers to a voucher or ticket that gives you a discount or rebate when buying a particular product or service.

22. Data

Correct: DAY-tuh

Incorrect: DAH-tuh

“The data collected from my experiment supported my hypothesis.”

Incorrect pronunciation can result from the mispronunciation of the letter “a.”

23. Debris

Correct: duh-BREE

Incorrect: DEE-bris

“The storm left a trail of debris – fallen trees, damaged buildings, flooding. It’s a disaster.”

This word makes the list of commonly mispronounced words because of stress being misplaced on the first syllable (“-DEE”).

24. Dessert

Correct: dih-ZURT

Incorrect: DEE-zurt

“My homemade apple pie is the perfect dessert to pair with vanilla ice cream.”

The mispronunciation of dessert may be partly due to familiarity with the word desert (a dry, barren land).

25. Dilate

Correct: DYE-late

Incorrect: DYE-uh-late

“The doctor used eye drops to dilate the patient’s pupils for their eye exam.”

Dilate has two syllables and is one of the most commonly mispronounced words because of the stress incorrectly placed on the middle of the word. It means to widen or make larger.

26. Ecstasy

Correct: EK-stuh-see

Incorrect: ex-SEE-stee

“As the final whistle blew, the fans erupted in ecstasy, celebrating their team’s unexpected victory.”

Ecstasy is oftentimes confused with words that begin with “ex,” such as “excess,” which has a similar sound, causing speakers to misplace stress in the word.

27. Epitome

Correct: ih-PIT-uh-mee

Incorrect: ep-i-TOHM

“Her elegant demeanor and refined manners were the epitome of grace and sophistication.”

Epitome is one of the more commonly mispronounced words because of unfamiliarity with the word’s meaning and origin.

28. Espresso

Correct: ehs-press-oh

Incorrect: ex-press-oh

“Let’s go grab coffee at the corner cafe. They do the absolutely best espresso.”

Espresso is a type of strong black coffee that is made by forcing pressurized steam through ground coffee beans. A lot of English speakers think that there’s an “ex” sound in the word, but that’s incorrect.

29. Etcetera

Correct: et ce-ter-a

Incorrect: ex cetera

“I have packed her suitcase with clothes, toiletries, books, etcetera for her weekend getaway.”

Etcetera is often mispronounced because the Latin phrase has long been misinterpreted.

30. Exaggerate

Correct: ig-ZAJ-uh-rayt(you’ll also hear ig-ZAJ-er-ate)

Incorrect: ig-ZAJ-uh-rate

“He tended to exaggerate his fishing stories, turning small catches into epic battles with sea monsters.”

This mispronunciation may be a result of a difference in accents or the misinterpretation of the end of the word.

31. February

Correct: FEB-roo-air-ee

Incorrect: FEB-yoo-air-ee

“Valentine’s Day is on the 14th of February.”

This word is by far one of the most commonly mispronounced words spoken by many native and non-native speakers because of the “r” that follows the “b.” Many people omit the “r” out of a desire to simplify the pronunciation.

32. Flour

Correct: FLOW-er

Incorrect: FLOOR

“When I make homemade sourdough bread, I always sift the flour before I mix the dough.”

Flour is a powdery substance created by grinding dry grains or other food products. It is often confused with “flower”, which is the seed-bearing part of a plant typically surrounded by brightly colored petals.

33. Fruit

Correct: froot

Incorrect: froot (rhyming with “foot”)

“I eat a bowl of fruit for breakfast every morning – strawberries, melon, and bananas are my favorite.”

Incorrect pronunciation of this word typically stems from understanding the spelling and meaning, but misinterpreting the pronunciation.

34. Genre

Correct: ZHON-ruh

Incorrect: GEN-ner

“The library organizes books by genre, such as sci-fi, fiction, and romance, to make it easier for readers to find the books they prefer to read.”

Genre is often mispronounced due to the tendency to pronounce words according to their English spelling.

35. Gesture

Correct: JES-chur

Incorrect: JE-styoor

“She made a welcoming gesture by waving her hand as her friends arrived.”

The ending of this word (”-ure”) can create confusion when attempting to correctly pronounce it.

36. GIF

Correct: jif

Incorrect: gif (with a hard g)

“Did you see that funny GIF of the cat chasing its tail? It went viral on social media!”

There are many native speakers unsure of how to pronounce this word – you’re not alone! A soft “j” rather than a hard “g” is the correct way to pronounce “GIF”.

37. Gnocchi

Correct: NYOH-kee

Incorrect: guh-NOH-chee

“She savored the delicious gnocchi served with a silky smooth tomato and basil sauce at the Italian restaurant.”

This word causes a lot of people to stumble while speaking because it is not pronounced the way that it is spelled.

38. Gyro

Correct: YEE-roh

Incorrect: JY-roh

“He ordered a gyro wrap with seasoned meat and fresh vegetables for a satisfying lunch.”

Incorrect pronunciation often stems from misunderstanding or unfamiliarity with the original Greek pronunciation.

39. Hermes

Correct: HUR-mehz

Incorrect: HER-meez

“She proudly wore her Hermès scarf, a symbol of elegance and sophistication.”

The confusion around the pronunciation of this word may stem from the similarity with the word “Hermes,” who was a Greek god.

40. Hierarchy

Correct: HYE-uh-raar-kee

Incorrect: hi-uh-raar-kee

“The company’s hierarchy details the chain of command and how we follow through our decision-making process.”

Incorrect pronunciation often stems from the way that stress is placed on the beginning of the word.

41. Homage

Correct: HAH-mij

Incorrect: HO-maj

“The filmmaker paid homage to classic cinema by incorporating iconic scenes into his modern movie.”

“Homage” has roots in Old French, making its pronunciation difficult if you are unfamiliar with the origin of the word.

42. Hors d’oeuvre

Correct: or-DERV

Incorrect: or-DURV

“The elegant party featured a variety of hors d’oeuvres, from bite-sized quiches to delicate bruschettas.”

Similar to “homage,” hors d’oeuvre can present some confusion if you are unfamiliar with the origin of the word.

43. Hyperbole

Correct: hy-PER-buh-lee

Incorrect: HY-per-bowl

“His description of the incident was full of hyperbole, making the story more entertaining but less factual.”

The mispronunciation of this word typically stems from unfamiliarity with it and misinterpreting the syllables.

44. Infrared

Correct: in-fruh-RED

Incorrect: in-FRAYD

“Infrared cameras detect heat signatures that are invisible to the human eye, allowing for nighttime surveillance.”

Similar to the word “February,” “infrared” has an “r” in the middle that must be pronounced to be correct.

45. Jewelry

Correct: JOO-uhl-ree

Incorrect: JOO-luh-ree

“In her collection of jewelry, each piece holds sentimental value and a piece of her family’s history.”

The mispronunciation of this word often comes from the tendency to pronounce words according to their English spelling.

46. Kale

Correct: kayl

Incorrect: kal-ee

“She added fresh kale to her morning smoothie for an extra dose of vitamins and antioxidants.”

For those unfamiliar with this tasty green vegetable, their pronunciation of the vowel “a” may be incorrect.

47. Landscape

Correct: LAND-skayp

Incorrect: LAN-scape

“The photographer captured the stunning beauty of the mountainside landscape in his photograph.”

For this particular word, the incorrect pronunciation may stem from the simplification of the syllables in an effort to make it easier to speak.

48. Library

Correct: LIE-brer-ee

Incorrect: LI-berry

“I used to spend many hours in the library, quietly studying for my classes.”

The phonetic misinterpretation of the word “library” can cause speakers to incorrectly say “berry” rather than “brer-ee” at the end of the word.

49. Mature

Correct: muh-TOOR(you’ll also hear muh-chur)

Incorrect: MAY-chur

“Her mature response to the criticism demonstrated her ability to handle difficult situations with grace.”

The vowel sound of the “u” in this word can give some speakers difficulty as they learn to pronounce it.

50. Meme

Correct: meem

Incorrect: meem-ee

“I shared a funny meme on social media today of a cat riding a dog like a horse; it was hilarious!”

A meme is an image, video, or piece of text that goes viral across the internet that is typically funny or ironic. Incorrect pronunciation is often due to the pronunciation of the word as it is spelled.

51. Mischievous

Correct: MIS-chuh-vuhs

Incorrect: mis-CHEE-vee-us

 “The mischievous grin on his face indicated that he had a playful prank in mind.”

This word can play a prank on us when we put emphasis on the incorrect syllable.

52. Nausea

Correct: NAW-zee-uh

Incorrect: NAW-see-uh

“The roller coaster ride left her with a sensation of nausea, prompting her to close her eyes and take deep breaths.”

To pronounce this word correctly, ensure you’re pronouncing the hard “z” in the middle.

53. Niche

Correct: neesh

Incorrect: nitch

“The company identified a niche in the market for eco-friendly household products and successfully filled that gap.”

The vowel sounds of this word tend to be the cause of mispronunciation.

54. Nuclear

Correct: NOO-klee-er

Incorrect: NOO-kyuh-ler

“The scientist explained the potential benefits and risks of nuclear power in today’s energy landscape.”

Many people mistakenly add in an additional “kyuh” sound to the middle of this word, causing it to be mispronounced.

55. Ophthalmologist

Correct: off-thal-MOL-uh-jist

Incorrect: op-thu-MOL-uh-jist

“The ophthalmologist conducted a thorough eye examination and recommended glasses to correct the patient’s vision.”

Medical terminology is hard to pronounce, and this word certainly makes the list. The misinterpretation of the pronunciation of the first syllable can cause people to stumble when speaking.

56. Oregano

Correct: uh-REG-uh-noh

Incorrect: oh-ruh-GAH-noh

“The chef sprinkled fresh oregano over the pizza, infusing it with a delightful aroma and taste.”

Although it is a commonly used herb, many people liken the pronunciation to “Oregon,” placing the emphasis on the wrong syllables.

57. Parliament

Correct: PAR-luh-muhnt

Incorrect: PAR-lee-uh-mint

“The members of parliament gathered to discuss important policies and make decisions for the betterment of the nation.”

This word is often mispronounced because it is not spoken the same way it is spelled.

58. Pharaoh

Correct: FAIR-oh

Incorrect: FAR-oh

“The pharaoh’s tomb was filled with treasures and artifacts that provide insights into the culture and history of ancient Egypt.”

This word may be mispronounced when the vowel sounds are misinterpreted.

59. Potato

Correct: puh-TAY-toh

Incorrect: puh-TAH-toh

“She harvested a basket of fresh potatoes from her garden to prepare a hearty potato soup for dinner.”

If you’ve ever heard the phrase “tuh-may-toh, toh-mah-toh, puh-tay-toh, poh-tah-toh,” you may be familiar with this mispronunciation. But if that is new to you, now you have a fun way to remember it!

60. Prescription

Correct: preh-SCRIP-shun

Incorrect: pur-SCRIP-shun

“The doctor wrote a prescription for pain relief medication to help manage the patient’s discomfort.”

The initial syllables in this word can cause misinterpretation and mispronunciation.

61. Prevalent

Correct: PREV-uh-luhnt

Incorrect: PRE-vuh-luhnt

“In recent years, the use of smartphones has become prevalent among people of all ages, revolutionizing communication.”

The misinterpretation of the first vowel, “e,” can cause the mispronunciation of this word.

62. Pronunciation

Correct: pruh-nuhn-see-AY-shun

Incorrect: pro-NOUN-see-AY-shun

“Improving your pronunciation can greatly enhance your communication skills and make you more easily understood by others.”

Unsurprisingly, the word “pronunciation” can be hard to pronounce! Be mindful to use the correct “-nuhn” sound.

Remember that the verb “pronounce” sounds like pro-NOUNCE.

63. Queue

Correct: keeyoo

Incorrect: kwee-yoo

“The attendees formed a queue outside the theater, eagerly waiting for the doors to open for the movie premiere.”

Incorrectly pronouncing the word “queue” isn’t uncommon – there are a lot of vowels, after all! It’s a single-syllable word – try to keep that in mind as you pronounce it.

64. Quinoa

Correct: KEEN-wah

Incorrect: kwin-OH-uh

“She prepared a colorful salad with fresh vegetables, avocado, and cooked quinoa for a wholesome and satisfying meal.”

Much like the word “queue,” there are a lot of vowels in this word that can make it difficult to pronounce, and it is not pronounced the way it is written.

65. Realtor

Correct: REE-uhl-tor

Incorrect: REE-la-tor

“The Realtor helped them find their dream home, guiding them through the complex process of buying real estate.”

Mispronunciation of this word is typically due to misinterpreting the pronunciation – it is not spoken the way that it is spelled.

66. Recipe

Correct: RESS-uh-pee

Incorrect: REE-sip

“She followed the family recipe to make the traditional holiday dessert, capturing the flavors of generations past.”

When we try to simplify words and their syllables, the pronunciation of these words can change over time. This is a perfect example of that!

67. Regardless

Correct: ree-GARD-less

Incorrect: eer-reh-GARD-less (irregardless)

“Regardless of the weather, the team was determined to complete the outdoor event.”

The word “irregardless” is a nonstandard term that is often used mistakenly in place of “regardless.”

68. Rendezvous

Correct: RON-dey-voo

Incorrect: REN-dez-voh

“They chose the park as the rendezvous point to start their hiking adventure.”

Without understanding the French roots of this word, it can be easily mispronounced.

69. Rural

Correct: ROOR-uhl

Incorrect: RER-uhl

“She moved from the bustling city to a peaceful rural village, seeking a quieter and simpler way of life.”

The first syllable of this two-syllable word can cause native and non-native speakers to misspeak. Remember the “roor” in “rural” to pronounce it correctly!

70. Salmon

Correct: SAM-un

Incorrect: SAL-mon

“He grilled the salmon filet until it was perfectly cooked, achieving a delicate balance of smokiness and tenderness.”

The “l” in this word remains silent during pronunciation – “SAM-un.”

71. Salmonella

Correct: sam-uh-NEL-uh

Incorrect: sam-uh-NAYL-uh

“The outbreak of salmonella was traced back to contaminated lettuce, prompting a recall of affected products.”

Like “salmon,” the first “l” in this word is silent when spoken.

72. Segue

Correct: SEG-way

Incorrect: SEG-yoo

“After discussing the challenges, she seamlessly segued into presenting potential solutions to the team.”

The incorrect pronunciation of “SEG-yoo” is often the result of misinterpretation of the “-ue” ending.

73. Sherbet

Correct: SHUR-bit(you’ll also hear sor-BEY)

Incorrect: SHER-bert

“The kids enjoyed cooling off with colorful bowls of fruit-flavored sherbet on a hot summer day.”

Sherbet is fruit juice, sugar, and a bit of milk, and is oftentimes mispronounced several ways, “SHER-bert” being one of them.

74. Solder

Correct: SAH-der

Incorrect: SOL-der

“He skillfully used the soldering iron to create a strong bond between the wires.”

Mispronunciation of this word appears when people confuse “soldier” with “solder.” Solder (SAH-der) means to join or fuse metal components together, whereas a soldier is a warrior prepared for battle.

75. Specific

Correct: spuh-SIF-ik

Incorrect: speh-SIF-ik

“The job posting included specific requirements and qualifications that candidates needed to meet.”

The first syllable of this word can give speakers trouble, where the “e” makes an “uh” sound rather than a hard “e” sound.

76. Subtle

Correct: SUH-tl

Incorrect: SUB-tl

“Her subtle smile suggested that she knew something others didn’t know about the surprise party.”

The ending sound of this word isn’t a pretty sound – pretend the “b” isn’t there at all!

77. Suite

Correct: sweet

Incorrect: soot

“The luxury hotel offered a lavish suite with a spacious living area, bedroom, and a stunning view of the city skyline.”

Remember the pronunciation of this word by remembering this phrase: “How sweet (nice) is it that our suite was ready when we arrived at the hotel!”

78. Sword

Correct: sohrd

Incorrect: swerd

“The knight brandished his gleaming sword, ready to defend the kingdom from any threat.”

The vowel in this word (“o”) can cause some confusion. Place less emphasis on the “w” and remember to make the “o” sound.

79. Tenet

Correct: TEN-et

Incorrect: TEN-ent

“The central tenet of their organization was to promote equality and social justice for all members of the community.”

“Tenet” and “tenant” are two different words that are often confused. Tenet refers to a dearly held belief, whereas a tenant is someone who rents, rather than owns, a home or building.

80. Temperature

Correct: TEM-pruh-chur

Incorrect: TEM-per-uh-chur

“She adjusted the thermostat to a comfortable temperature, ensuring that the room was neither too hot nor too cold.”

The syllables of this word are often the cause of confusion for non-native speakers. There are three syllables, not four, in “temperature.”

81. Tinnitus

Correct: tih-NY-tuhs

Incorrect: tih-NY-tis

“The musician’s exposure to loud music over the years led to the development of tinnitus, affecting his ability to hear silence.”

Mispronunciation occurs with the last syllable of this word; be sure to say “-tuhs” rather than “-tis.”

82. Toward

Correct: tord

Incorrect: too-ward

“She took steps toward her dream of becoming a successful author, diligently working on her manuscripts.”

This single-syllable word is often broken into two syllables, causing it to be mispronounced.

83. Tribute

Correct: TRIB-yoot

Incorrect: TRI-byoot

“The event was a heartfelt tribute to the philanthropist’s legacy, celebrating her dedication to improving the lives of others.”

Be sure to focus on the last syllable of this word to ensure you are pronouncing it correctly – “-yoot” rather than “-byoot.”

84. Turbine

Correct: TUR-byn

Incorrect: tur-BEEN

“The wind turbine on the hill captured the power of the wind and converted it into clean and sustainable energy.”

Incorrect pronunciation often stems from misinterpreting the vowels in this word.

85. Turquoise

Correct: TUR-kwoyz

Incorrect: TUR-kwahz

“She admired the intricate necklace adorned with a beautiful turquoise pendant that reminded her of the clear waters of the ocean.”

The uncommon sound combinations of the word “turquoise” can cause people to mispronounce it.

86. Twelfth

Correct: twelfTH

Incorrect: twelvETH

“The play’s performance will take place on the twelfth of the month.”

The combination of vowels and consonants can make this word difficult to pronounce, for native and non-native speakers alike.

87. Unique

Correct: yoo-NEEK

Incorrect: yoo-KNEE-k

“Her painting style was truly unique – blending various artistic techniques.”

Another great example of many vowels working together to create a difficult word to pronounce!

88. Uranus

Correct: YOOR-uh-nuhs

Incorrect: yoo-RAY-nuhs

“Uranus is the seventh planet from the sun.”

Incorrect emphasis on the second syllable can cause this word to be pronounced incorrectly.

89. Vacuum

Correct: VAK-yoom

Incorrect: VAK-oom

“He used the vacuum cleaner to thoroughly clean the carpets, leaving them free from dirt and debris.”

The small difference between “-oom” and “-yoom” can make your pronunciation of this word quickly go from incorrect to correct!

90. Vase

Correct: vayss

Incorrect: vahz

“She displayed a beautiful arrangement of fresh flowers in the crystal vase.”

Unfamiliarity with this word is often the culprit behind incorrect pronunciation.

91. Vehicle

Correct: VEE-i-kuhl

Incorrect: VEH-i-kuhl

“The electric vehicle silently glided down the street, demonstrating the advancement of sustainable transportation.”

Despite the way that it is spelled, the “h” is silent when this word is pronounced.

92. Viscount

Correct: VYE-count

Incorrect: VIS-count

“The viscount presided over the formal event, wearing a distinguished attire that reflected his noble status.”

“Viscount” is spelled with an “s” that is silent.

93. Vulnerable

Correct: VUL-nuh-ruh-buhl

Incorrect: VUL-ner-uh-buhl

“Children in war-torn regions are vulnerable, and we must provide them with shelter and safety.”

Pay special attention to the second syllable in this word, “-nuh,” rather than “-ner” in order to pronounce this correctly.

94. Worcestershire

Correct: WUSS-ter-sheer

Incorrect: WOR-ches-ter-shy-er

“The chef drizzled a dash of Worcestershire sauce over the grilled steak.”

This is by far one of the most fun words to say! It has many English speakers tongue-tied.

95. Worst

Correct: wurst

Incorrect: worst (rhyming with “first”)

“Despite their best efforts, the team faced their worst defeat of the season.”

The words “worst” (terrible, bad) and “wurst” (sausage) have the same sound but entirely different meanings. Be sure to know which homophone you’re attempting to use.

96. Xenophobia

Correct: zen-uh-FOH-bee-uh

Incorrect: ex-en-o-PHO-bee-uh

This word is complex. Break it down phonetically (like above) so you can confidently identify the syllables and sounds.

97. Yacht

Correct: yot

Incorrect: yatch

“They enjoyed a trip on a lavish yacht, exploring the ocean and enjoying the coastal views.”

If you’ve never heard or seen this word before, it may be confusing to pronounce because it isn’t spoken the same way it is spelled.

98. Yolk

Correct: yohk

Incorrect: yol-k

“The chef separated the egg white from the yolk, using each component to create a perfect soufflé.”

The “l” in “yolk” is a silent one, and does not need to be spoken aloud.

99. Zebra

Correct: ZEE-bruh

Incorrect: ZEB-ruh

“The safari group marveled at the sight of a herd of zebras grazing peacefully in the open plains.”

Mispronunciation of this word might result from misinterpreting the pronunciation of the first syllable.

100. Zucchini

Correct: zoo-KEE-nee

Incorrect: zoo-chee-nee

“She prepared a delicious zucchini lasagna, using thinly sliced zucchini in place of traditional pasta sheets.”

Despite there being a “ch” in the middle of “zucchini,” these letters make a “k” sound rather than a “ch” sound.

Remember that you can learn to say words like this with Frederick, the same way native children learn to pronounce English.

Get Fluent For Life

Learning how to pronounce some English words can be a little bit intimidating.

But now that you’re armed with 100 of the most commonly mispronounced English words, I hope you can approach them with more confidence.

If you want to take your practice to the next level and finally break through into fluency, then I recommend signing up for my Fluent For Life course.

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Related English Language Learning Articles:

How to Sound Like a Native English Speaker: 7 Tips for Better Pronunciation

How to Improve English Pronunciation (For a Natural-Sounding Accent!)