How to Pronounce Dismal

To pronounce "dismal", say DISM-al — 2 syllables, IPA /[ˈdɪzməɫ]/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

dismal

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Accent

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Speed

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2

Syllables

6

Letters

/[ˈdɪzməɫ]/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “dismal”

"dismal" has 2 syllables: dism-al. It rhymes with abysmal and baptismal, if that helps it stick.

What does dismal mean?

adjective

  1. Disappointingly inadequate.

    “He received a dismal compensation.”

  2. Gloomy and bleak.

    “The storm made for a dismal weekend”

Hear “dismal” in real sentences

Real example sentences from Tatoeba (CC-BY) — tap to hear each one, or see it used on YouGlish.

Words that rhyme with dismal

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

abysmalbaptismal

Related words

dispiritingdepressingdisconsolatecheerlessgrimdrearydreargloomy

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "dismal"?▾

"Dismal" has 2 syllables: dism · al.

What is the IPA transcription of "dismal"?▾

The IPA transcription of "dismal" is /[ˈdɪzməɫ]/.

What does "dismal" mean?▾

Dismal: Disappointingly inadequate.

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