How do you pronounce "adolescent"?

In American English: /ˌædəˈlɛsənt/ (ad-uh-LEHS-uhnt). In British English: /ˌædəlˈɛsənt/ (ad-uhl-EHS-uhnt). In Canadian English: /ˌædəˈlɛsənt/ (ad-uh-LEHS-uhnt). In Australian English: /ˌadəlˈɛsənt/ (ad-UHL-ehs).

Is "adolescent" pronounced differently in American and British English?

Yes. In American English it's pronounced /ˌædəˈlɛsənt/ (ad-uh-LEHS-uhnt), while in British English it's /ˌædəlˈɛsənt/ (ad-uhl-EHS-uhnt).

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adolescent

/ˌædəˈlɛsənt/

ad-uh-LEHS-uhnt

Syllable Breakdown

ædado·əles·lɛsce·əntnt

Source

90%confidence📘 CMU Pronouncing Dictionary v0.7b

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Last updated: 2026-02-12