How do you pronounce "dreadful"?

In American English: /ˈdrɛdfəl/ (DREHDF-uhl). In British English: /dɹˈɛdfəl/ (DR-ehdf). In Canadian English: /ˈdrɛdfəl/ (DREHDF-uhl). In Australian English: /dɹˈɛdfəl/ (DR-ehdf).

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

Yes. In American English it's pronounced /ˈdrɛdfəl/ (DREHDF-uhl), while in British English it's /dɹˈɛdfəl/ (DR-ehdf).

How to Pronounce "dreadful"

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dreadful

regional

/ˈdrɛdfəl/

DREHDF-uhl

Syllable Breakdown

drɛdfdread·əlful

Source

90%confidence📘 CMU Pronouncing Dictionary v0.7b

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Last updated: 2026-02-14