How to Pronounce Ordeal

To pronounce "ordeal", say ORD-eal — 2 syllables, IPA /ɔɹˈdil/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

ordeal

Tap to hear · American accent

Accent

If an accent sounds the same, your device is missing that voice — it falls back to the closest one.

Speed

Syllable by syllable — tap each one

Practice: Record & Compare

Record yourself saying ordeal, then compare with the target. Your audio stays on this device — nothing is uploaded.

2

Syllables

6

Letters

/ɔɹˈdil/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “ordeal”

"ordeal" has 2 syllables: ord-eal. It rhymes with zeal and puerile, if that helps it stick.

What does ordeal mean?

noun

  1. A painful or trying experience.
  2. A trial in which the accused was subjected to a dangerous test (such as ducking in water), divine authority deciding the guilt of the accused.

Words that rhyme with ordeal

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

zealpuerilegenteelrevealkeelpealsurrealfeelappealheeldealsqueal

Related words

sufferingpainanguishagonyscourgetorturedistressplight

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "ordeal"?▾

"Ordeal" has 2 syllables: ord · eal.

What is the IPA transcription of "ordeal"?▾

The IPA transcription of "ordeal" is /ɔɹˈdil/.

What does "ordeal" mean?▾

Ordeal: A painful or trying experience.

Want the definition, translations into 8 languages, and read-aloud for full sentences?

Open “ordeal” in the full dictionary →