How to pronounce abysmal
Say it like uh-BIZ-mul. Abysmal has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (BIZ).
- uh
- BIZ
- mul
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Abysmal pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- BIZSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- mulKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of abysmal
American and British speakers say abysmal in essentially the same way: /əˈbɪzməl/ in the US and /əˈbɪsməl/ in the UK.
British respelling: uh-BIS-mul.
What does abysmal mean?
- Extremely bad; terrible.
Where does abysmal come from?
From abysm + -al. Compare abyssal.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with abysmal
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of abysmal.
Questions about saying abysmal
How do you pronounce abysmal?
Say uh-BIZ-mul. The American pronunciation is /əˈbɪzməl/. In British English it is /əˈbɪsməl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in abysmal?
Abysmal has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (BIZ). Broken into parts: uh · BIZ · mul.
Do Americans and Brits say abysmal the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /əˈbɪzməl/ and the British form is /əˈbɪsməl/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.