How to Pronounce Dreadful

To pronounce "dreadful", say DREADF-ul — 2 syllables, IPA /ˈdɹɛd.fʊl/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

dreadful

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Accent

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2

Syllables

8

Letters

/ˈdɹɛd.fʊl/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “dreadful”

"dreadful" has 2 syllables: dreadf-ul. It rhymes with headful, if that helps it stick.

What does dreadful mean?

noun

  1. A shocker: a report of a crime written in a provokingly lurid style.
  2. A journal or broadsheet printing such reports.

adjective

  1. Full of something causing dread, whether
  2. Full of dread, whether

adverb

  1. Dreadfully.

Hear “dreadful” 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 dreadful

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

headful

Related words

horrificterribledirefulatrociousdreadedhorrendousdreadfearsome

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "dreadful"?▾

"Dreadful" has 2 syllables: dreadf · ul.

What is the IPA transcription of "dreadful"?▾

The IPA transcription of "dreadful" is /ˈdɹɛd.fʊl/.

What does "dreadful" mean?▾

Dreadful: A shocker: a report of a crime written in a provokingly lurid style.

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