How confident are you of your spelling skills? We asked top academics and writing experts to give us their top 100 hardest words to spell they’ve seen in students’ writing assignments. Spellings is extremely importnant, not less than grammar. This is what they came up with tips and a list of 100 most difficult words.
Tips on How to Spell Hard Words
So by now, you’ve realized that you have made your share of spelling mistakes and are wondering what you need to do to be a better speller. These tips are the same ones we see young students participating in spelling competitions use when they tackle any of several hard English words to spell. Give them all a try to see which tips work best for you:
- Watch what others do.
The first thing you may want to consider doing is looking at how others utilize different techniques to spell out difficult words. Start with the kids who compete in national spelling bees to get a sense of all the different things they do spell long or rare words correctly.
- Use your palms to spell.
If you have scratch paper at hand you can always spell out the word as close as you can and then make corrections when you see what you feel can be wrong. Other than this, you can
- Consider the origins.
The origin of words is a study known as etymology which traces a word’s lineage and existence to the first known use in written form. It is especially helpful to people wanting to learn how to spell words because you can trace root words and syllables.
Hard Words to Spell for 6th Graders
If you want to challenge yourself with very hard words to spell at the sixth-grade level, then this collection might be just what you’re looking for:
- Noticeable (Correct) / Noticable (Incorrect)
- Vacuum (Correct) / Vacume (Incorrect)
- Recommend (Correct) / Recomend (Incorrect)
- Occasion (Correct) / Ocassion (Incorrect)
- Beginning (Correct) / Begginning (Incorrect)
- Government (Correct) / Goverment (Incorrect)
- Committee (Correct) / Comitee (Incorrect)
- Mississippi (Correct) / Missisipi (Incorrect)
- Ancient (Correct) / Ainshent (Incorrect)
- Culture (Correct) / Culcher (Incorrect)
Hard Words to Spell for 7th Graders
In a time when spellcheck comes with every computer writing program, we may lose sight of terms in this list of hard words to spell:
- Chaos (Correct) / Kaos (Incorrect)
- Accommodation (Correct) / Accomodation (Incorrect)
- Strengthen (Correct) / Strengten (Incorrect)
- Misspelled (Correct) / Mispelled (Incorrect)
- Deceive (Correct) / Deseave (Incorrect)
- Receipt (Correct) / Receit (Incorrect)
- Arithmetic (Correct) / Arithmatic (Incorrect)
- Embarrass (Correct) / Embaras (Incorrect)
- Constitution (Correct) / Constatution (Incorrect)
- Encyclopedia (Correct) / Encyclopaedia (Incorrect)
Hard Words to Spell for 8th Graders
Here are hard to spell words spell for middle-school teenagers, particularly those in the 8th grade. Can you spell them without using spell-check?
- Pneumonia (Correct) / Neumonia (Incorrect)
- Acknowledgment (Correct) / Acknoledgement (Incorrect)
- Accidentally (Correct) / Accidentilly (Incorrect)
- Descendant (Correct) / Desendent (Incorrect)
- Exaggerate (Correct) / Exagerate (Incorrect)
- Courageous (Correct) / Corageous (Incorrect)
- Competent (Correct) / Compitent (Incorrect)
- Patriarch (Correct) / Patrearch (Incorrect)
- Pediatrician (Correct) / Pidiatrision (Incorrect)
- Picturesque (Correct) / Picturesche (Incorrect)
Hard Words to Spell for 9th Graders
In your first year of high school, you will likely encounter some of the hardest words to spell ever. Check out this list for 9th grade:
- Cavalcade (Correct) / Cavacade (Incorrect)
- Conscientious (Correct) / Consciescience (Incorrect)
- Fluorescent (Correct) / Florescent (Incorrect)
- Martyr (Correct) / Marter (Incorrect)
- Olfactory (Correct) / Ofactory (Incorrect)
- Facsimile (Correct) / Faximile (Incorrect)
- Gruesome (Correct) / Grewsome (Incorrect)
- Incessant (Correct) / Incessent (Incorrect)
- Reservoir (Correct) / Resavoire (Incorrect)
- Spasmodic (Correct) / Spasmodick (Incorrect)
Hard Words to Spell for 12th Graders
As you advance through educational levels, you will be introduced to more reading assignments and will grow your vocabulary. These are the hardest English words to spell at the 12th-grade level:
- Acquiesce (Correct) / Aquese (Incorrect)
- Ambiguous (Correct) / Ambiguus (Incorrect)
- Stringent (Correct) / Stringint (Incorrect)
- Evanescent (Correct) / Evansent (Incorrect)
- Querulous (Correct) / Quarelous (Incorrect)
- Spontaneity (Correct) / Spontenaity (Incorrect)
- Tenacious (Correct) / Tenashus (Incorrect)
- Divergent (Correct) / Divergeant (Incorrect)
- Resilient (Correct) / Resiliant (Incorrect)
- Renovation (Correct) / Renovashun (Incorrect)
Hard Words to Spell for College Students
Technology has made learning the hardest words to spell a rare activity. This list of 10 terms is considered to be college-level. See if you’re able to spell them without help:
- Pharaoh (Correct) / Farow (Incorrect)
- Intelligence (Correct) / Inteligense (Incorrect)
- Didactic (Correct) / Didachtik (Incorrect)
- Pronunciation (Correct) / Pronounsiation (Incorrect)
- Gobbledegook (Correct) / Gobblydigook (Incorrect)
- Euphemism (Correct) / Yufamism (Incorrect)
- Abrogate (Correct) / Abrohgate (Incorrect)
- Demagogue (Correct) / Demagog (Incorrect)
- Facetious (Correct) / Faseshus (Incorrect)
- Hyperbole (Correct) / Hyperboly (Incorrect)
Common Words that Are Hard to Spell
This list includes common hard words to spell for adults. It’s surprising how so many people struggle but all you have to do is check the web for examples of this happening:
- Thorough (Correct) / Thorogh (Incorrect)
- Rhythm (Correct) / Rythm (Incorrect)
- Peculiar (Correct) / Pechuliar (Incorrect)
- Buffet (Correct) / Bufay (Incorrect)
- Liaison (Correct) / Liason (Incorrect)
- Anecdote (Correct) / Anechdote (Incorrect)
- Anonymous (Correct) / Anonimous (Incorrect)
- Collaborate (Correct) / Colaborate (Incorrect)
- Substantiate (Correct) / Substanchiate (Incorrect)
- Reconciliation (Correct) / Reckonsiliation (Incorrect)
Long Hard Words to Spell
Sometimes multisyllabic words that are hard to spell are difficult because we don’t think about silent letters that may appear anywhere. Check these out below:
- Grammatically (Correct) / Gramatically (Incorrect)
- Magnanimous (Correct) / Magnanimus (Incorrect)
- Metamorphosis (Correct) / Metamofisus (Incorrect)
- Satisfactorily (Correct) / Satisfactory (Incorrect)
- Surveillance (Correct) / Surveylance (Incorrect)
- Unanimous (Correct) / Unianomous (Incorrect)
- Reconciliation (Correct) / Reconsiliation (Incorrect)
- Procrastinate (Correct) / Procrastanate (Incorrect)
- Ostentatious (Correct) / Ostantatious (Incorrect)
- Camaraderie (Correct) / Comraderie (Incorrect)
Super Hard Words to Spell
These are really hard words to spell, even for the best English spellers in the world. As you can see most are words familiar to medical professionals and scientists, so unless you’re familiar with the field you are likely to have trouble with them:
- Syllepsis (Correct) / Sylepsis (Incorrect)
- Antediluvian (Correct) / Antidiluvian (Incorrect)
- Crustaceology (Correct) / Crustaciology (Incorrect)
- Epidemiologist (Correct) / Epidimialogist (Incorrect)
- Ophthalmologist (Correct) / Optamologist (Incorrect)
- Nephrology (Correct) / Nefrology (Incorrect)
- Entomology (Correct) / Entimology (Incorrect)
- Chiaroscurist (Correct) / Chiaraschurist (Incorrect)
- Logorrhea (Correct) / Logoria (Incorrect)
- Sacrilegious (Correct) / Sacriligious (Incorrect)
Easy Words that Are Hard to Spell
Finally, this last set includes hard words to spell that is considered easy. Take your time spelling these out because you may find yourself feeling a bit embarrassed if you make a simple mistake:
- Acquire (Correct) / Akwire (Incorrect)
- Argument (Correct) / Arguement (Incorrect)
- Maintenance (Correct) / Maintanence (Incorrect)
- Gauge (Correct) / Ghage (Incorrect)
- Memento (Correct) / Mamento (Incorrect)
- Occurrence (Correct) / Ocurrance (Incorrect)
- Questionnaire (Correct) / Questionaire (Incorrect)
- Sergeant (Correct) / Sargeant (Incorrect)
- Weather (Correct) / Wheather (Incorrect)
- Awkward (Correct) / Awkwerd (Incorrect)
What did you think of our list? Did you manage to spell the majority of them? As you can see, a lot of the mistakes come from simple mispronunciations of the words or syllables. This, of course, can be fixed with time and patience. We’re always available to assist you, so just get a hold of our customer support team and we’ll provide you with more tips and tricks to improve your spelling skills and get better writing jobs.
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There are so many words with spellings that just don’t appear to make sense in the English language. Many students have many worries when writing an essay or paper with so many hard words to spell. Although we live in an age where autocorrect is the new fad, the importance of spelling correctly can not be denied. It is always hard to spell words that do not appear the way they sound.
To aid school graders, college students, and adults alike, we have some of the hardest words to spell. This list of hard words to spell spans across words that are hard to spell for all categories of students and adults. Are you ready to go through our list of very hard words to spell? Here’s our list of top 100 hardest words to spell. Let’s explore!
Hardest Words To Spell Ever
The English language could be a real pest, even for native speakers. Sometimes, the spelling of some words seems to slip out of our heads the very times we need them, while sometimes, we just don’t know how to spell some words and make funny typos.
There are many hard English words to spell. A word may be difficult to spell for many reasons. It could be because it is from a language very different from the English language, e.g., Afrikaans, Sanskrit, etc., or because the pronunciation is very different from the spelling. A word can also be difficult if it has a silent letter or more or a peculiar double letter. Here’s a list of some super hard word to spell!
- Abacaxi
- Abgesang
- Aitch
- Autochthonous
- Chiaroscurist
- Coelacanth
- Kierkegaardian
Long Hard Words To Spell
- Antidisestablishmentarianism
- Floccinaucinihilipilification
- Pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanokoniosis
- Pseudopseudohypoparathyroidism
- Psychoneuroendocrinological
- Hepaticocholangiogastrostomy
- Spectrophotofluorometrically
Easy Words That Are Hard To Spell
Surprisingly, some of the easiest words to spell in the English language often get misspelled. The words are usually so common and have been used so commonly that it’s unbelievable to know that many can’t spell it correctly – including you! So here’s a list of common words that are hard to spell.
- Misspell
- Pharaoh
- Weird
- Intelligence
- Pronunciation
- Handkerchief
- Logorrhea
Hard Words To Spell For 6th Graders
If you are looking for a nice spelling challenge for a 6th grader, you’re in the right place. Take a look at these hardest English words to spell for 6th graders.
- Noticeable
- Vacuum
- Recommend
- Chaos
- Accommodation
- Accidentally
- Strengthen
- Pneumonia
- Acknowledgment
- Occasion
- Descendant
- Liaison
Hard Words To Spell For 7th Graders
Looking for a 7th grade selling challenge, here are some really hard words to spell for 7th graders.
- Association
- Atmosphere
- Bicycle
- Corollary
- Confetti
- Defalcation
- Bizarre
- Braggadocio
- Echelon
- Gelatinous
- Panache
- Xylem
Hard Words To Spell For 8th Graders
- Condescend
- Discernible
- Concede
- Assuage
- Contemptuous
- Imprudent
- Conscience
- Bazaar
- Ferocious
- Pistachio
- Eloquent
- Lucrative
Hard Words To Spell For 9th Graders
- Stretch
- Substantial
- Superintendent
- Pageant
- Pamphlet
- Parachute
- Nuisance
- Omitted
- Tyranny
- Unanimous
- Vengeance
- Villain
Hard Words To Spell For 12th Graders
- Absolution
- Acerbic
- Adumbrate
- Dearth
- Encumber
- Expunge
- Insidious
- Penurious
- Resplendent
- Saccharine
- Scurrilous
Hard Words To Spell For College Students
- Arctic
- Australia
- Caribbean
- Euclidean
- Presbyterian
- Teutonic
- Abysmal
- Boulevard
- Bouillon
- Bourgeois
Hard Words To Spell For Adults
- Acquiesce
- Andragogy
- Criterion
- Holistic
- Incongruous
- Juxtaposition
- Malapropism
- Obfuscate
- Onomatopoeia
- Soliloquy
There are many spelling rules in the English language that often, it’s difficult to remember which applies. Learning how to spell hard words is a bane to students and adults alike. But don’t fret, we have some proven techniques that will make you conquer most words and spell them with ease.
It may be considered rather unfortunate that the old-fashioned rote memorization method remains the best way to learn how to spell the hardest words. However, memorization techniques have gotten better, making the learning process much more bearable.
There are several mnemonic training techniques and methods used by champion spellers worldwide, such as kinetic learning. This learning technique is the association of mental concepts with a series of movements which make learning much fun and retentive than mere repetition. So here are some tips for learning how to spell hard words!
- Trace the Letters
With one hand, track the letters on your palm as you pronounce them. This method is an easy way to apply kinetic learning. You use three learning pathways that reinforce the words in the memory. These are:
- The motion of your mouth and lips
- The movement of the fingers of one hand moving
- The feeling of the motion on the other palm
For a more active learning experience, you can engage the larger body. Also, movement makes more blood flow to the brain, making it more active and receptive.
- Vocalize the Letters
Another useful tool is to vocalize the letters of the words as you learn them. Repetition words by vocalization give those words a melodic feel, imprinting them more firmly on your mind, just like nursery rhymes. If used appropriately, this leaning method will help you recall words when other methods fail.
- Design Short Study Sessions
Short study sessions are usually more effective for long-term memorization. When you take breaks, the brain can refresh itself and get ready to take a new set of words without becoming overwhelmed.
- Use Repetitive Drills
It usually takes more than one repetition to get spelling correct consistently. Repeat the words you want to learn many times until it sinks into your mind and becomes melodic.
- Group The Words
This is another effective strategy for learning how to spell hard words. Grouping words imply that you put words that follow the same spelling pattern in a group. For example, words with “-ei-“combinations will follow the same pattern. Learning all similar words at the same time will help you build association and reinforce spellings. This method will help you to categorize words, which makes memorization much more manageable.
- Read, Read, Read
One of the best methods to learn how to spell words is to increase your reading. By merely reading and consuming a wide variety of books like wildfire, you’ll become a spelling champion without knowing it. Reading simply makes all the above rules much less confusing. You’ll also be able to build your intuition level and know just when a spelling looks wrong.
- Have Fun
Learning becomes easier if you can apply fun to it. Take the words you want to memorize and see how you can weave fun into it!
So here we are! 100 hard words to spell and how to learn to spell hard words. Wishing you luck in your spelling bee and life in general! If you need homework help, just contact our English assignment helpers.
One of the biggest challenges facing people who are trying to learn English as a second language is the thought that, there are so many hard English words to pronounce!
What makes a word hard to pronounce? Often times the
difficult words to pronounce for non-native English speakers are those that are spelled completely different from how they are pronounced.
Not all English words are pronounced phonetically. When a word is pronounced phonetically, it is pronounced how it is spelled. Take the word “know”, if it was pronounced phonetically, the “k” would be spoken. However, the “k” is not spoken and this makes “know” one of the English
language’s tricky pronunciation words.
Take a look at the
English vocabulary words below. These are hard words for kids to say, even if they are native English speakers, and that can trip up adults as well. So don’t be ashamed to look them up and practice the correct way to pronounce them.
1. Accede
How is it pronounced?
“ak-SEED”, emphasis on the second syllable
What does it mean?
To accede means to give your consent or approval to someone else’s actions. It can also mean that you agree with the opinions of a group.
2. Alias
How is it pronounced?
“AY-lee-iss”, emphasis on the first syllable
What does it mean?
An alias is an assumed name or identity.
3. Anathema
How is it pronounced?
“un-NATH-uh-muh”, emphasis on the second syllable
What does it mean?
This means that you dislike something or someone intensely
4. Anemone
How is it pronounced?
“uh-NEH-muh-nee”, emphasis on the second syllable
What does it mean?
Properly called a “sea anemone”, this is a marine animal that lives on reefs and ocean floors. It’s a sedentary animal that attaches itself to a particular area and doesn’t move, that many people think looks like a flower.
There is also a type of flowering land plants that are called anemones.
5. Antarctic
How is it pronounced?
“ant-AHRK-tik”
What does it mean?
The Antarctic is simply the South Pole.
6. Brewery
How is it pronounced?
“BROO-uh-ree”, emphasis on the first syllable.
What does it mean?
Why is it that words that have something to do with drinking are such hard words to say when drunk? This three syllable word is used for bars specializing in beer. They often brew their own beers.
7. Camaraderie
How is it pronounced?
“kah-muh-RAH-duh-ree”, emphasis on the third syllable
What does it mean?
This is the feeling of warmth and familiarity you get when around a group of trusted friends.
8. Cavalry
How is it pronounced?
“KAV-uhl-ree”, emphasis on the first syllable.
What does it mean?
Traditionally, the cavalry were soldiers on horseback. Now, cavalry is usually used to mean someone or something who offers help when you really need it.
9. Choir
How is it pronounced?
“kwah-yuhr”
What does it mean?
A choir is a group of singers. Traditionally, choirs sang religious songs during church services.
10. Colonel
How is it pronounced?
“ker-nul”
What does it mean?
A military officer.
11. Comfortable
How is it pronounced?
“KUHM-fer-tuh-buh”, with emphasis on the first syllable
What does it mean?
If you are comfortable, you are relaxed and at ease.
12. Defibrillator
How is it pronounced?
“dee-FIB-ruh-ley-ter”, emphasis on the second syllable
What does it mean?
If you watch a lot of medical TV shows, you might have seen this. It’s that device, with two paddles attached to wires that are held to someone’s chest to deliver a shock that is supposed to help restart your heart.
13. Deteriorate
How is it pronounced?
“dih-TEER-ee-uh-reyt”
What does it mean?
When someone deteriorates their condition grows worse. This can also be used to talk about a situation you find yourself in. Basically, things are getting bad.
14. Draught
How is it pronounced?
“draft”
What does it mean?
An alcoholic beverage, usually traditional kept in a keg. Like draught beer.
15. Epitome
How is it pronounced?
“ih-PIT-uh-mee”, emphasis on the second syllable
What does it mean?
Someone or something that is the perfect example of a quality or of a type.
16. Espouse
How is it pronounced?
“ih-SPOWZ”, emphasis on the second syllable
What does it mean?
When you follow or support a particular idea. Usually you are vocal and proud about your support.
17. Espresso
How is it pronounced?
“eh-SPRES-oh”
What does it mean?
When you order an “espresso” you are asking for a type of strong Italian coffee.
18. Explicit
How is it pronounced?
“ik-SLIS-it”, with emphasis on the second syllable
What does it mean?
This is not one of those hard words to say with a lisp, as you are supposed to sound like your lisping slightly. When you are explicit about something, you state it clearly and in complete detail.
19. Exponentially
How is it pronounced?
“ek-spoh-NEN-shuh-lee”, emphasis on the third syllable
What does it mean?
This is an adverb that means something is increasing rapidly.
20. Ignominious
How is it pronounced?
“ig-nuh-MIN-ee-uhs”, emphasis on the third syllable
What does it mean?
This is usually used as an adverb to describe and action that is considered disgraceful or dishonorable.
21. Isthmus
How is it pronounced?
“is-muss”
What does it mean?
This is the name of a geographical feature. An isthmus is a narrow piece of land that is located between two different seas.
22. Know
How is it pronounced?
“noh”
What does it mean?
This is a tricky word because it is an example of a word with what we call a silent “k”. To know how to pronounce “know”, you need to know it has a silent k.
23. Knell
How is it pronounced?
“nel”
What does it mean?
The rule about a silent “k” makes for tricky pronunciation words. Here’s another word where the “k” is silent and so is the second “l”. This word is used to refer to the ringing of a bell. Usually, this is a big church bell that makes a slow, loud noise.
24. Library
How is it pronounced?
“LAHY-brer-ee”, emphasis in the first syllable
What does it mean?
This is a building which contains a collection of books and other published materials.
25. Mauve
How is it pronounced?
“mohv”
What does it mean?
Mauve is a color. It is a shade of pale purple.
26. Mischievous
How is it pronounced?
“MISS-chiv-us”, with the emphasis on the first syllable.
What does it mean?
This is an adjective that basically means behaving in a way that causes “trouble”. A mischievous action is not bad or evil. It is usually playful and with no malice behind it.
27. Nadir
How is it pronounced?
“NAY-deer”, emphasis on the first syllable
What does it mean?
This means reaching the lowest point.
28. Neophyte
How is it pronounced?
“NEE-uh-fahyt”
What does it mean?
This word is used to refer to a beginner, someone who is new to a task, job, or a group.
29. Often
How is it pronounced?
“AW-fuhn”, emphasis in the first syllable
What does it mean?
If you do something “often” you do it a lot or repeatedly.
30. Onamatopeia
How is it pronounced?
“on-o-mot-o-PEE-a”, with the emphasis on the fifth syllable.
What does it mean?
This is a term for a word that refers to a sound. These words actually imitate the sound they are supposed to refer to, such as “roar” or “buzz”. It has six syllables which make it quite
a mouthful to pronounce, even for native speakers of English.
31. Otorhinolaryngologist
How is it pronounced?
“oh-toh-rye-no-lar-ing-GOL-uh-jee”, emphasis on the seventh syllable.
What does it mean?
This nine syllable word is the formal title of a specific type of medical doctor. This is a doctor who specializes in treating eye, nose, and ear conditions. The simpler way to refer to these types of doctors is as an ENT doctors.
32. Panacea
How is it pronounced?
“pan-uh-SEE-uh”, emphasis on the third syllable
What does it mean?
This refers to a remedy for illness.
33. Phlegmatic
How is it pronounced?
“fleg-MAT-ik”, emphasis on the second syllable
What does it mean?
This is someone who is easy-going. No matter what happens around them they remain calm and collected.
34. Penguin
How is it pronounced?
“peng-gwin”
What does it mean?
A penguin is a type of flightless sea bird. They are typically black and white.
35. Phenomenon
How is it pronounced?
“fi-NOM-uh-non”, emphasis on the second syllable
What does it mean?
A phenomenon is an event that is observable,
36. Puerile
How is it pronounced?
“PYOO-er-il”, emphasis on the first syllable
What does it mean?
When you think something is “purile” you believe it is foolish or childish.
37. Quinoa
How is it pronounced?
Either “KEEN-wah,” “ken-WAG, or “KEN-o-ah”
What does it mean?
Quinoa is an ancient grain that has grown in popularity in the recent decade because of its nutritional values. It’s considered a “superfood” and is actually a Spanish word.
38. Quixotic
How is it pronounced?
“kwik-SOT-ik”
What does it mean?
This is someone who is very idealistic, to the point that their ideas are impractical or unrealistic.
39. Rural
How is it pronounced?
“roor-uhl”
What does it mean?
When you say a place is “rural” you mean that it is located in the countryside.
40. Sanguine
How is it pronounced?
“SANG-gwin”, emphasis on the first syllable
What does it mean?
Someone who is sanguine is cheerful and hopeful, even if they are facing a bad situation.
41. Scissors
How is it pronounced?
“sizzors”
What does it mean?
These are two bladed cutting instruments that you use to cut into thin materials such as paper or cloth.
42. Sixth
How is it pronounced?
“siksth”
What does it mean?
When you say something is the “sixth”, your saying it is item number six in a sequence.
43. Specific
How is it pronounced?
“spi-SIF-ik”, emphasis on the second syllable
What does it mean?
This means that something is clearly defined.
44. Squirrel
How is it pronounced?
“skwi-rel”
What does it mean?
A squirrel is a bushy tailed rodent that lives in trees.
45. Staid
How is it pronounced?
“steyd”
What does it mean?
Someone who is staid is sedate and calm.
46. Successful
How is it pronounced?
“SUKH-ses-fuhl”, emphasis on the first syllable
What does it mean?
If you are successful in pronouncing this word, then you pronounced it correctly. When you are successful in something, you accomplished your aim or your purpose.
47. Surfeit
How is it pronounced?
“SUR-fit”, emphasis in the first syllable
What does it mean?
A surfeit is an extra amount of something.
48. Temperature
How is it pronounced?
“tem-PER-uh-cher”, emphasis on the second syllable
What does it mean?
This is a scientific measurement meant to gague the degree of heat that is present in an object or a substance.
49. Truculent
How is it pronounced?
“TRUHK-yeh-luhnt”, emphasis on the first syllable
What does it mean?
Someone who is truculent is quick tempered. They get into arguments or fights easily.
50. Worcestershire
How is it pronounced?
“WOOster-sher”
What does it mean?
A special sauce that originated in Worcester, a town in England. The town name is also pronounced the as “WOOster-sher”.
51. Zephyr
How is it pronounced?
“ZEF-er”, emphasis on the first syllable
What does it mean?
This refers to a breeze that is soft and mild.
Conclusion
If you want to learn how to correctly pronounce tricky vocabulary words, the answer is: Practice, practice, practice.
It’s also a really good idea to get a native language speaker as an English tutor who can listen to you say these words and help you with your pronunciation. You can also practice using these hard to pronounce words in conversation which will really help you learn them.
Hardest Words: The English language is a funny, complicated and yet useful language that has thousands of words in its kitty. While some are very easy to learn, speak, and write, a few others are mind-numbingly hard to even understand, and don’t even get us started on pronouncing such words. And those words, which are difficult in their very nature, are rarely used by people in general. Such difficult words are only used by academicians and literature graduates.
However, keep in mind that most difficult words have much simpler and simplistic meanings, which when used in your communication can dramatically improve their meaning, tone, and texture. In this particular article on the hardest words to spell, we are going to discuss the following topics that are going to help students, teachers, writers, and general English enthusiasts learn about the hardest words in the English language:
- Why is it necessary to learn hard words in English?
- The hardest words in English to spell
- The hardest words in English to pronounce
- List of 100 hardest words in the English language
- How to teach and learn the hardest words in the English language?
- FAQs on the hardest words in the English language
Improve your English Grammar Faster with English Grammar Notes.
Why Is It Necessary To Learn Hard Words in English?
Below are a few reasons why one should learn about the hardest words in the English language:
- If you want to become a serious writer, it is practically mandatory for you to know about the hard words in the English language.
- Interviews: if you want to impress HR, great vocabulary can take you places.
- Brand communication: branding and marketing are all about communication, and the usage of sensible words can help a brand connect with its target group.
- Corporate environment: whether it’s internal customers or external, the usage of great vocabulary will always create a great impression within the office environment and it can bode well for your image.
- Entrance examinations: Exams like CAT, UPSC CSE, GMAT, XAT, NMAT, or MAT will demand good vocabulary from students to clear them. Knowing such difficult words can help them answer English grammar and comprehension questions correctly and score well.
- Now that we have understood why we should know about the hardest words in the English language, let us understand which words are the hardest words in the English language.
The Hardest Words To Spell in English
Below is a long difficult English word to spell:
- Vivisepulture
- Pococurante
- Acquiesce
- Demitasse
- Laodicean
- Chauffeur
- Liaison
- Gobbledegook
- Euonymus
- Smaragdine
- Unconscious
- Chiaroscurist
- Pharaoh
- Eudaemonic
- Ursprache
- Idiosyncracies
- Foreign
- Neighbour
- Psoriasis
- Canonical
- Xanthosis
- Equipage
- Dulcimer
- Soubrette
- Maculature
- Orient
- Suntech
- Asterisk
- Deterioration
- Wrinkle
- Library
- Honest
- Listen
- Fuchsia
- Onomatopoeia
- Paraphernalia
- Brocolli
- Weird
- misspell
- Bourgeois
- Necessary
- Increase
- Sandal
- Island
- Mischievous
- Miniscule
- Pastime
- Vacuum
- Kinkajou
- Releasable
- Cataclysm
- Coalescent
- Archetypes
- Idealist
- Primaeval
- Ozone
- Exhumation
- Occipital
- Longeron
- Oligopoly
Hardest English Words To Pronounce
Below is a list of the hardest words in English to pronounce:
- Worcestershire
- Draught
- Brewery
- Derby
- Phenomenon
- Droit
- Detroit
- Fille
- Heure
- February
- Hour
- Maintenant
- Oil
- Portefeuille
- Pneus
- Greenwich
- Although
- -Fortunate
- Quinoa
- Sixth
- Anemone
- Anime
- Colonel
- Kernel
- Asterisk
- Massachusetts
- Temperature
- Onomatopoeia
- Penguin
- Two
- Honest
- Colonel
- Irritable
- Bridge
- Numb
- Dumb
- Columns
- Isle
- Design
- Anchor
- Ascend
- Design
- Psychological
- Chaos
- Apostle
- Apostille
- Autumn
- Palm
- Bridge
- Budge
- Swift
- Seize
- Pneumoniae
- Talk
- Bomb
- Plumber
- Clothes
- Whistle
- Almond
- Knee
If you observe, in both the difficult words to pronounce and the difficult to spell in the English language, certain letters are silent, and that is what makes them tricky, especially for beginners and average-level English speakers.
List of 100 Hardest Words in the English Language
Below is a list of the 100 hardest words in the English language:
- Languid
- Poise
- Isle
- Frolic
- Disabuse
- Exponential
- Iconoclast
- Ascetic
- Inert
- Avalanche
- Feet
- Boulevard
- Mauve
- Hegemony
- Disparate
- Beguile
- Jolt
- Abeyance
- Vilify
- Fracas
- Knell
- Emblem
- Licence
- Naturally
- Shindler
- Canine
- Famine
- Library
- Fathom
- Echoes
- Inching
- Fawn
- Often
- Knowledge
- Wrinkle
- Grasp
- occurred
- Literally
- Finally,
- Laconic
- February
- Embarrassed
- Height
- business
- Foreign
- Beginning
- Magazine
- Schedule
- Arctic
- Architectural
- Grammar
- Consent
- Define
- Demonstration
- Deviate
- Diminish
- Integrated
- Contract
- Priorities
- Piece
- Succedaneum
- Soubrette
- Equipage
- Vignette
- Hydrophyte
- Crustaceology
- Ratoon
- Detect
- Thrifty
- Absurd
- Accord
- Shine
- Impede
- Rural
- Misery
- Urban
- Eulogy
- Echoed
- Wiggle
- Shaky
- Buttress
- Explicit
- Unique
- Blown
- Brown
- Guile
- Placate
- Alias
- Increase
- Staid
- epitome
- Espresso
- Fork
- Follicles
- Zephyr
- Nauseous
- Accommodation
- Miniscule
- Onomatopoeia
- Synchronous
How To Teach and Learn the Hardest Words in the English Language?
The number of ways to improve one’s vocabulary and learn the hardest words in the English language is not limited in any sense. One can follow the below methodologies to learn the hardest words in English:
- Learn and write one new word every day.
- Keep reading editorials of newspapers such as the Hindu New Indian Express or the Live Mint. These newspapers provide quality content with a high vocabulary.
- Read novels written by Nobel laureates and people from different walks of life and geography so that your mental horizon expands.
- Start writing articles and blogs yourself and use the vocabulary that you have learnt in these articles so that you get to practise the same.
The above mentioned are a few of the methodologies that one can adopt to learn the hardest words in the English language. There are other methods as well that people adopt, but one should never memorise these words because memorising them is of no value and you will not learn how, when, where, and how much to use.
FAQs on the Hardest Words in the English Language
The frequently asked question regarding the hardest words in the English Language are given below:
1. Is it necessary to learn hard words in English?
Answer: Yes, learning hard words in English will help you improve your vocabulary and communication skills.
2. How to Learn the Difficult English Words?
Answer: By reading and writing every day, one can improve their vocabulary and learn the hardest words in the English language.
3. Where are hard words in the English language used?
Answer: Hard words in the English language are mostly used in academic papers, literary works, novels, editorials, and columns in newspapers and magazines.
4. What makes a few words hard in English?
Answer: Silent letters, double letters, and long spelling can make a few words hard in the English language.
Conclusion
Most of us opt for an easier way out in life, and that is exactly what we do with English vocabulary also. All the usage of simple words can be made easier. One should start inculcating usage of difficult vocabulary in the English language so that it improves their hold and grasp of the language.
There are thousands of difficult words in the English language and you can’t learn all the difficult words, but knowing a few can help you make a good impression in interviews, essay writing competitions and entrance examinations.
Whether you’re a learner or a native speaker, you’re probably well aware that the rules of English spelling sometimes make very little sense. If you’re not a natural-born speller, this can be grounds for a massive headache. Just when you think you’ve gotten the hang of how one sound is spelled, a rhyming word pops up with an entirely different spelling—take “meat” and “greet” for example—and your world comes crumbling down. Below, we’ll take you through ten of the hardest English words to spell, discussing what they mean, why they’re so challenging and how you can use them in a sentence.
- Nauseous
- Dilate
- Fuchsia
- Minuscule
- Ingenious
- Sacrilegious
- Orangutan
- Paraphernalia
- Epitome
- Slough
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1. Nauseous
What it means: Having the feeling that you’re going to vomit
Why it’s hard: Starting off our list of most difficult words to spell is “nauseous.” Despite looking like it might be pronounced “NAW-see-us,” this word is actually pronounced “NAW-shus.” Everyday words that contain a “sh” sound in the middle more commonly use a “ti” as in “cautious” (“CAW-shus”—which rhymes with “nauseous”) or “nation” (“NAY-shun”), so this “eous” business might trip you up. Why can’t it be “nautious”?
How to use it: “I can’t go on sailboats. The swaying up and down always makes me feel nauseous.”
2. Dilate
What it means: To become or make something wider or larger
Why it’s hard: For some reason, many English speakers pronounce this as a three-syllable word, “DI-a-late”—but that’s not it. Don’t be tempted to add that extra “a” in there!
How to use it: “Your pupils dilate to let in more light so you can see when it’s dark.”
3. Fuchsia
What it means: A vibrant red-purple color
Why it’s hard: The spelling of this word, which is pronounced “FEW-sha,” makes no sense—it looks like it says “FEWCH-sia” or “FUCH-see-uh.” Why isn’t it just “fucia”?
How to use it: “You’ll see me. I’ll be standing outside the coffee shop wearing a bright fuchsia dress.”
4. Minuscule
What it means: Very small
Why it’s hard: You might associate this word with “mini,” derived from “miniature,” another word that refers to something tiny. So it would be understandable if you wanted to spell this one “miniscule.” But that’s not the case! Make sure you spell this one with a “u.”
How to use it: “Even if you can only save a minuscule amount of money every day, it can add up in the long run.”
5. Ingenious
What it means: Extremely clever; a very smart idea
Why it’s hard: Why does “ingenious” contain an “o” when “genius” doesn’t? This may surprise you, but the two words don’t share the same roots! Their meanings may seem similar, but “ingenious” doesn’t actually describe a genius-level idea. Once you can get your head around that, you’ll have an easier time remembering the spelling of this word.
How to use it: “Using two pancakes in place of sandwich bread? Ingenious!”
6. Sacrilegious
What it means: Disrespectful toward something holy or sacred—this word is sometimes used humorously
Why it’s hard: Because it’s connected to the idea of anti-holiness, many people hear the word “religious” in this one; therefore, they want to spell it “sacreligious.” However, this word actually comes from the noun “sacrilege,” and has no “religious” roots.
How to use it: “You’re Canadian and you don’t like maple syrup? That’s sacrilegious!”
7. Orangutan
What it means: A large ape with brownish-red hair
Why it’s hard: Is this a typo? Why wouldn’t there be a “g” at the end of this word? Well, contrary to popular belief, this animal is not called an “orangutang.” We’re not sure exactly where that pronunciation came from, but it’s quite widespread—and so is the misspelling of the word.
How to use it: “Did you know that orangutans spend almost their whole lives in trees?”
8. Paraphernalia
What it means: Particular objects needed for a certain activity
Why it’s hard: If you don’t think this one belongs on our list of the hardest words to spell in the English language, maybe you’re spelling it wrong! Many people mistakenly pronounce this word “para-fa-NEEL-ia” leaving the second “r” silent and changing the second-last “a” (a long “a” sound) to a long “e” instead. As a result, you might be tempted to write “paraphenelia.”
How to use it: “The trunk of my car is such a mess—all of my workout paraphernalia is in there.”
9. Epitome
What it means: The best example of something; a perfect representation
Why it’s hard: If you’ve only ever heard this word before and have never seen it written, you may have thought it was spelled “epitomy”—after all, it ends with a long “e” sound, so using a “y” seems like the logical choice. But, just like the word anemone, that final sound is represented by the letter “e.” This is far less common than using a “y,” and is, therefore, a little confusing.
How to use it: “My ex-boyfriend is the epitome of selfishness.”
10. Slough
What it means: 1. To shed something (e.g., skin) 2. A wet, swampy area
Why it’s hard: We chose this word to end our list because, no matter what the definition, the spelling could be so much more straightforward than it is. If you’re referring to the first definition, the act of shedding, “slough” is pronounced “sluff.” The swampy definition, however, is commonly pronounced “slew” in American English, but also sometimes rhymes with “wow.” Who decided that two words that are pronounced completely differently should share this unintuitive spelling?
English spelling: The epitome of confusion
If this list of the hardest English words to spell has your head spinning, you’re not alone; lots of others feel the same way. We suggest having some fun by memorizing these words, challenging your friends to a spell-off and impressing everyone with your skills!
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Andrea is a Canadian freelance writer and editor specializing in English, e-learning, EdTech, and SaaS. She has a background as an ESL teacher in beautiful Vancouver, British Columbia. In her free time, Andrea loves hanging out with her husband and children, creating recipes in the kitchen, and reading fiction. She also loves camping and jumping into lakes whenever possible. Learn more about Andrea on LinkedIn or check out her website.
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Twelve Hard Words to Pronounce in English
Here are some hard English words to say that you may encounter in your everyday routine:
1. Anemone
This word is quite difficult to pronounce because of the prevalence of M & N sounds and the [uh-nee] ending that appears to be uttered like the numeral ‘one’, making the word anemone tricky to say.
However, there is a rhythm to this term that can enable you to pronounce it correctly: “uh–nem–uh-nee”.
2. Mischievous
It’s one of those tough pronunciation words in English that many people struggle with.
You’ve probably heard folks say “mis-cheev-ee-us” when it’s actually a three-syllable word pronounced MIS-chiv-us.”
The issue is that the original spelling of the term included an extra I at the end, which was common until the 1700s.
3. Colonel
Native English speakers pronounce this Middle French-derived 16th-century word “ker-nul”.
Those studying English as a second language, on the other hand, are perplexed by the first ‘o’ which sounds like an ‘e,’ the ‘l’ like an ‘r,’ and the other ‘o’ being absolutely quiet.
4. Epitome
It is customary to speak all vowels in Greek that were adopted into English. This is how we derive the word epitome from the Greek ‘epitom’.
The ending -e in epitome is not silent, as it is in many other words in English; it is pronounced [ih-pit–uh-mee].
5. Remuneration
People frequently make the mistake of swapping the easily-confused M and N sounds when spelling this word, most likely since the word number is so prevalent in the English language. [ri-myoo-nuh–rey-shuhn] is how you pronounce remuneration.
Although it refers to payment, the word is derived from the Latin mnus, which means “gift.”
6. Draught
Expatriate English speakers may be bewildered by the pronunciation of this British phrase due to two inconsistencies: the sequencing of the a-u vowel and the composition of the g-h-t consonant.
While it looks to be pronounced “drot,” it is actually pronounced “draught” (as in “laugh”).
7. Quinoa
While quinoa’s popularity has soared in recent years due to its “superfood” characteristics, many folks still have trouble pronouncing it due to its various vowel blends.
It’s pronounced “KEEN-wah,” “ken-WAH,” and “KEN-o-ah” according to Standard English guidelines. But it’s actually a Spanish term with several valid pronunciations, including “KEEN-wah,” “ken-WAH,” and “KEN-o-ah.”
8. Onomatopoeia
The word onomatopoeia is a jumble of vowels and is probably the most difficult English word to pronounce.
It is pronounced [on-uh-mat-uh–pee–uh], and it defines a word that imitates a sound.
The –poeia suffix is pronounced [pee–uh]. The letter O is silent.
9. Scissors
It is a somewhat generic term, and most native speakers have no issue pronouncing it.
However, if you’re learning English, this term contains double consonants that can easily confuse you, leading you to believe it’s pronounced “SKIss-ors” (when it’s pronounced differently as “sizzors”).
Even though it is a single object, it ends in an “s,” which signifies a plural and is referred to as a “pair.”
10. Isthmus
‘Isthmus’ consider as a most difficult word to pronounce in English. When read aloud, the word isthmus poses a pronunciation issue since most English speakers prefer to sound the ‘TH’ in the word.
The TH is silent in this situation, resulting in the accurate pronunciation- of “is-muhs.”
11. Coup
Another word from French that has been taken into English yet has a difficult pronunciation is ‘coup’.
The letters ‘-oup’ at the end of a word get pronounced [oo] in French.
Not only did we translate this French word into English, but we also adapted the French pronunciation. That is to say, ‘coup’ is pronounced [koo].
12. Ignominious
If you can say it correctly, you can call somebody ignominious if you think they are disgraceful.
In spite of the relatively shorter length, the 5 syllables crammed with several “i’s” and “o’s” are more than enough to make anyone’s tongue quiver.
Looking to build your vocabulary? Then practice this list of 300 «hard words» — the kind that used to be tested on the SAT before 2016. If you’re a high school student prepping for the SAT, check out Vocabulary.com’s
Roadmap to the SAT, which focuses on the vocabulary you’ll need to ace today’s SAT test.
300 words
33,669 learners
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Full list of words from this list:
-
abject
of the most contemptible kind
-
aberration
a state or condition markedly different from the norm
-
abjure
formally reject or disavow a formerly held belief
-
abnegation
the denial and rejection of a doctrine or belief
-
abrogate
revoke formally
-
abscond
run away, often taking something or somebody along
-
abstruse
difficult to understand
-
accede
yield to another’s wish or opinion
-
accost
approach and speak to someone aggressively or insistently
-
accretion
an increase by natural growth or addition
-
acumen
shrewdness shown by keen insight
-
adamant
impervious to pleas, persuasion, requests, or reason
-
admonish
scold or reprimand; take to task
-
adumbrate
describe roughly or give the main points or summary of
-
adverse
in an opposing direction
-
advocate
a person who pleads for a person, cause, or idea
-
affluent
having an abundant supply of money or possessions of value
-
aggrandize
embellish; increase the scope, power, or importance of
-
alacrity
liveliness and eagerness
-
alias
a name that has been assumed temporarily
-
ambivalent
uncertain or unable to decide about what course to follow
-
amenable
disposed or willing to comply
-
amorphous
having no definite form or distinct shape
-
anachronistic
chronologically misplaced
-
anathema
a formal ecclesiastical curse accompanied by excommunication
-
annex
attach to
-
antediluvian
of or relating to the period before the biblical flood
-
antiseptic
thoroughly clean and free of disease-causing organisms
-
apathetic
showing little or no emotion or animation
-
antithesis
exact opposite
-
apocryphal
being of questionable authenticity
-
approbation
official acceptance or agreement
-
arbitrary
based on or subject to individual discretion or preference
-
arboreal
of or relating to or formed by trees
-
arcane
requiring secret or mysterious knowledge
-
archetypal
of an original pattern on which other things are modeled
-
arrogate
seize and take control without authority
-
ascetic
someone who practices self denial as a spiritual discipline
-
aspersion
a disparaging remark
-
assiduous
marked by care and persistent effort
-
atrophy
a decrease in size of an organ caused by disease or disuse
-
bane
something causing misery or death
-
bashful
self-consciously timid
-
beguile
influence by slyness
-
bereft
lacking or deprived of something
-
blandishment
flattery intended to persuade
-
bilk
cheat somebody out of what is due, especially money
-
bombastic
ostentatiously lofty in style
-
cajole
influence or urge by gentle urging, caressing, or flattering
-
callous
emotionally hardened
-
calumny
a false accusation of an offense
-
camaraderie
the quality of affording easy familiarity and sociability
-
candor
the quality of being honest and straightforward
-
capitulate
surrender under agreed conditions
-
carouse
engage in boisterous, drunken merrymaking
-
carp
any of various freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae
-
caucus
meet to select a candidate or promote a policy
-
cavort
play boisterously
-
circumlocution
an indirect way of expressing something
-
circumscribe
draw a geometric figure around another figure
-
circumvent
surround so as to force to give up
-
clamor
utter or proclaim insistently and noisily
-
cleave
separate or cut with a tool, such as a sharp instrument
-
cobbler
a person who makes or repairs shoes
-
cogent
powerfully persuasive
-
cognizant
having or showing knowledge or understanding or realization
-
commensurate
corresponding in size or degree or extent
-
complement
something added to embellish or make perfect
-
compunction
a feeling of deep regret, usually for some misdeed
-
concomitant
following or accompanying as a consequence
-
conduit
a passage through which water or electric wires can pass
-
conflagration
a very intense and uncontrolled fire
-
congruity
the quality of agreeing; being suitable and appropriate
-
connive
form intrigues (for) in an underhand manner
-
consign
give over to another for care or safekeeping
-
constituent
one of the individual parts making up a composite entity
-
construe
make sense of; assign a meaning to
-
contusion
an injury in which the skin is not broken
-
contrite
feeling or expressing pain or sorrow
-
contentious
showing an inclination to disagree
-
contravene
go against, as of rules and laws
-
convivial
occupied with or fond of the pleasures of good company
-
corpulence
the property of excessive fatness
-
covet
wish, long, or crave for
-
cupidity
extreme greed for material wealth
-
dearth
an insufficient quantity or number
-
debacle
a sudden and complete disaster
-
debauch
a wild gathering
-
debunk
expose while ridiculing
-
defunct
no longer in force or use; inactive
-
demagogue
a leader who seeks support by appealing to popular passions
-
denigrate
attack the good name and reputation of someone
-
derivative
a compound obtained from another compound
-
despot
a cruel and oppressive dictator
-
diaphanous
so thin as to transmit light
-
didactic
instructive, especially excessively
-
dirge
a song or hymn of mourning as a memorial to a dead person
-
disaffected
discontented as toward authority
-
discomfit
cause to lose one’s composure
-
disparate
fundamentally different or distinct in quality or kind
-
dispel
cause to separate and go in different directions
-
disrepute
the state of being held in low esteem
-
divisive
causing or characterized by disagreement or disunity
-
dogmatic
pertaining to a code of beliefs accepted as authoritative
-
dour
showing a brooding ill humor
-
duplicity
the act of deceiving or acting in bad faith
-
duress
compulsory force or threat
-
eclectic
selecting what seems best of various styles or ideas
-
edict
a formal or authoritative proclamation
-
ebullient
joyously unrestrained
-
egregious
conspicuously and outrageously bad or reprehensible
-
elegy
a mournful poem; a lament for the dead
-
elicit
call forth, as an emotion, feeling, or response
-
embezzlement
the fraudulent appropriation of funds or property
-
emend
make corrections to
-
emollient
a substance with a soothing effect when applied to the skin
-
empirical
derived from experiment and observation rather than theory
-
emulate
strive to equal or match, especially by imitating
-
enervate
weaken physically, mentally, or morally
-
enfranchise
grant freedom to, as from slavery or servitude
-
engender
call forth
-
ephemeral
anything short-lived, as an insect that lives only for a day
-
epistolary
written in the form of letters or correspondence
-
equanimity
steadiness of mind under stress
-
equivocal
open to two or more interpretations
-
espouse
choose and follow a theory, idea, policy, etc.
-
evanescent
short-lived; tending to vanish or disappear
-
evince
give expression to
-
exacerbate
make worse
-
exhort
spur on or encourage especially by cheers and shouts
-
execrable
unequivocally detestable
-
exigent
demanding immediate attention
-
expedient
appropriate to a purpose
-
expiate
make amends for
-
expunge
remove by erasing or crossing out or as if by drawing a line
-
extraneous
not belonging to that in which it is contained
-
extol
praise, glorify, or honor
-
extant
still in existence; not extinct or destroyed or lost
-
expurgate
edit by omitting or modifying parts considered indelicate
-
fallacious
containing or based on incorrect reasoning
-
fatuous
devoid of intelligence
-
fetter
a shackle for the ankles or feet
-
flagrant
conspicuously and outrageously bad or reprehensible
-
foil
hinder or prevent, as an effort, plan, or desire
-
forbearance
good-natured tolerance of delay or incompetence
-
fortuitous
lucky; occurring by happy chance
-
fractious
easily irritated or annoyed
-
garrulous
full of trivial conversation
-
gourmand
a person who is devoted to eating and drinking to excess
-
grandiloquent
lofty in style
-
gratuitous
unnecessary and unwarranted
-
hapless
unfortunate and deserving pity
-
hegemony
the dominance or leadership of one social group over others
-
heterogenous
consisting of elements that are not of the same kind
-
iconoclast
someone who attacks cherished ideas or institutions
-
idiosyncratic
peculiar to the individual
-
impecunious
not having enough money to pay for necessities
-
impetuous
characterized by undue haste and lack of thought
-
impinge
infringe upon
-
impute
attribute or credit to
-
inane
devoid of intelligence
-
inchoate
only partly in existence; imperfectly formed
-
incontrovertible
impossible to deny or disprove
-
incumbent
necessary as a duty or responsibility; morally binding
-
inexorable
impossible to prevent, resist, or stop
-
inimical
tending to obstruct or cause harm
-
injunction
a judicial remedy to prohibit a party from doing something
-
inoculate
inject or treat with the germ of a disease to render immune
-
insidious
working or spreading in a hidden and usually injurious way
-
instigate
provoke or stir up
-
insurgent
in opposition to a civil authority or government
-
interlocutor
a person who takes part in a conversation
-
intimation
a slight suggestion or vague understanding
-
inure
cause to accept or become hardened to
-
invective
abusive language used to express blame or censure
-
intransigent
impervious to pleas, persuasion, requests, or reason
-
inveterate
habitual
-
irreverence
a mental attitude showing lack of due respect
-
knell
the sound of a bell rung slowly to announce a death
-
laconic
brief and to the point
-
largesse
liberality in bestowing gifts
-
legerdemain
an illusory feat
-
libertarian
an advocate of freedom of thought and speech
-
licentious
lacking moral discipline
-
linchpin
a central cohesive source of support and stability
-
litigant
a party to a lawsuit
-
maelstrom
a powerful circular current of water
-
maudlin
very sentimental or emotional
-
maverick
someone who exhibits independence in thought and action
-
mawkish
very sentimental or emotional
-
maxim
a saying that is widely accepted on its own merits
-
mendacious
given to lying
-
modicum
a small or moderate or token amount
-
morass
a soft wet area of low-lying land that sinks underfoot
-
mores
the conventions embodying the fundamental values of a group
-
munificent
very generous
-
multifarious
having many aspects
-
nadir
the lowest point of anything
-
negligent
characterized by undue lack of attention or concern
-
neophyte
a participant with no experience with an activity
-
noisome
offensively malodorous
-
noxious
injurious to physical or mental health
-
obdurate
stubbornly persistent in wrongdoing
-
obfuscate
make obscure or unclear
-
obstreperous
noisily and stubbornly defiant
-
officious
intrusive in a meddling or offensive manner
-
onerous
burdensome or difficult to endure
-
ostensible
appearing as such but not necessarily so
-
ostracism
the act of excluding someone from society by general consent
-
palliate
lessen or to try to lessen the seriousness or extent of
-
panacea
hypothetical remedy for all ills or diseases
-
paradigm
a standard or typical example
-
pariah
a person who is rejected from society or home
-
partisan
a fervent and even militant proponent of something
-
paucity
an insufficient quantity or number
-
pejorative
expressing disapproval
-
pellucid
transparently clear; easily understandable
-
penchant
a strong liking or preference
-
penurious
excessively unwilling to spend
-
pert
characterized by a lightly saucy or impudent quality
-
pernicious
exceedingly harmful
-
pertinacious
stubbornly unyielding
-
phlegmatic
showing little emotion
-
philanthropic
of or relating to charitable giving
-
pithy
concise and full of meaning
-
platitude
a trite or obvious remark
-
plaudit
enthusiastic approval
-
plenitude
a full supply
-
plethora
extreme excess
-
portent
a sign of something about to happen
-
potentate
a powerful ruler, especially one who is unconstrained by law
-
preclude
make impossible, especially beforehand
-
predilection
a predisposition in favor of something
-
preponderance
exceeding in heaviness; having greater weight
-
presage
a foreboding about what is about to happen
-
probity
complete and confirmed integrity
-
proclivity
a natural inclination
-
profligate
unrestrained by convention or morality
-
promulgate
state or announce
-
proscribe
command against
-
protean
taking on different forms
-
prurient
characterized by lust
-
puerile
displaying or suggesting a lack of maturity
-
pugnacious
ready and able to resort to force or violence
-
pulchritude
physical beauty, especially of a woman
-
punctilious
marked by precise accordance with details
-
quaint
attractively old-fashioned
-
quixotic
not sensible about practical matters
-
quandary
state of uncertainty in a choice between unfavorable options
-
recalcitrant
stubbornly resistant to authority or control
-
redoubtable
inspiring fear
-
relegate
assign to a lower position
-
remiss
failing in what duty requires
-
reprieve
postpone the punishment of a convicted criminal
-
reprobate
a person without moral scruples
-
rescind
cancel officially
-
requisition
an authoritative demand
-
rife
excessively abundant
-
sanctimonious
excessively or hypocritically pious
-
sanguine
confidently optimistic and cheerful
-
scurrilous
expressing offensive, insulting, or scandalous criticism
-
semaphore
an apparatus for visual signaling
-
serendipity
good luck in making unexpected and fortunate discoveries
-
sobriety
the state of being unaffected or not intoxicated by alcohol
-
solicitous
full of anxiety and concern
-
solipsism
the philosophical theory that the self is all that exists
-
spurious
plausible but false
-
staid
characterized by dignity and propriety
-
stolid
having or revealing little emotion or sensibility
-
subjugate
make subservient; force to submit or subdue
-
surfeit
indulge (one’s appetite) to satiety
-
surreptitious
marked by quiet and caution and secrecy
-
swarthy
naturally having skin of a dark color
-
tangential
of superficial relevance if any
-
tome
a large and scholarly book
-
toady
a person who tries to please someone to gain an advantage
-
torpid
in a condition of biological rest or suspended animation
-
travesty
a composition that imitates or misrepresents a style
-
trenchant
having keenness and forcefulness and penetration in thought
-
trite
repeated too often; overfamiliar through overuse
-
truculent
defiantly aggressive
-
turpitude
a corrupt or depraved or degenerate act or practice
-
ubiquitous
being present everywhere at once
-
umbrage
a feeling of anger caused by being offended
-
upbraid
express criticism towards
-
utilitarian
having a useful function
-
veracity
unwillingness to tell lies
-
vestige
an indication that something has been present
-
vicissitude
a variation in circumstances or fortune
-
vilify
spread negative information about
-
virtuoso
someone who is dazzlingly skilled in any field
-
vitriolic
harsh, bitter, or malicious in tone
-
vituperate
spread negative information about
-
vociferous
conspicuously and offensively loud
-
wanton
a lewd or immoral person
-
winsome
charming in a childlike or naive way
-
yoke
join with stable gear, as two draft animals
-
zephyr
a slight wind
-
wily
marked by skill in deception
-
tirade
a speech of violent denunciation
Created on September 30, 2012
(updated August 18, 2021)
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1
Anathema
There are too many As for this one to roll off the tongue easily, and if you’re wondering what it means, you’re not alone. Anathema — that is, someone or something intensely disliked — is in the top 1% of looked-up words on Merriam-Webster.
2
Anemone
Even Nemo couldn’t pronounce this word in the Pixar movie — and he lives in one! If you can get through the first two syllables, you’re in the clear.
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4
Antidisestablishmentarianism
For most people, it’s the longest word they know. For others, it’s a bona fide tongue twister at a whopping total 28 letters and 13 syllables. (Psst, it means being opposed to the withdrawal of state support from an established church.)
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5
Asterisk
Linguists know that pesky metathesis makes this typographical symbol hard to say. Metathesis? That’s when people accidentally rearrange sounds or syllables in a word, like a toddler saying spaghetti as «pasketti.» In this case, it’s the final S and the K that do a little switcheroo, coming out as «asteriks.»
6
Brewery
No, it’s not just the booze talking. Discussing beer-making bars while sober is hard enough thanks to that tricky middle syllable.
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7
Cavalry
Metathesis strikes again! It doesn’t help that many people also confuse cavalry (armed forces on horseback) with the place Calvary, as in the Bible.
8
Comfortable
It’s so, so easy to skip that «tuh» sound, but just because you’re relaxing doesn’t mean you should give up on enunciation.
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9
Defibrillator
Dissimilation is another linguistic phenomenon you can blame mispronunciations on. That’s when similar consonants or vowels in a word become less alike, e.g. defibrillator becoming «defibyulator.»
10
Deteriorate
The first R in deteriorate gets the same treatment. You could try to say it correctly, or just pick one of many, many synonyms instead: decay, decline, degenerate, devolve … and that’s just the Ds!
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11
Explicit
Take heart. Almost everyone sounds like they have a lisp when they pronounce explicit.
12
Exponentially
Sometimes exponentially get exponentially harder to say the more you try to say it.
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13
February
Here’s another case of dissimilation, except people mispronounce this month so often that many dictionaries accept it either way. According to Merriam-Webster, «The y heard from many speakers is not an intrusion but rather a common pronunciation of the vowel U after a consonant, as in January and annual.»
14
Floccinaucinihilipilification
At 29 letters, floccinaucinihilipilification has earned the unofficial title of the longest non-technical word in the English language. Don’t let its length fool you. It simply means the act or habit of estimating something as worthless.
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15
Ignominious
CNN anchor Jake Tapper recently used this word on air and quickly prompted a 4,695% surge in lookups on Merriam-Webster. A synonym for dishonorable or despicable, it’s perfect for talking about controversial politics — if you’re brave enough to say it, that is.
16
Isthmus
Those double Ss are absolutely killer. Thankfully, most people don’t live on narrow strips of land and can ignore the geographical term altogether.
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19
Often
You may use this common word often enough, but if you’re saying it as «off-ten,» you’re technically in the wrong. Merriam-Webster prefers the T-less version since it better reflects the evolution from its Middle English roots.
20
Onomatopoeia
Buzz, hiss, splash, meow — those so-simple words all are perfect examples of onomatopoeia, which is the act of naming something similar to the sound associated with it. Good luck saying — and spelling — this doozy!