How to pronounce derelict
Say it like DER-uh-likt. Derelict has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (DER).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce derelict. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- DER
- uh
- likt
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Derelict pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- DERSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- liktGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of derelict
American and British speakers say derelict in essentially the same way: /ˈdɛrəˌlɪkt/ in the US and /ˈdɛrəlɪkt/ in the UK.
British respelling: DER-uh-likt.
What does derelict mean?
- Property abandoned by its former guardian or owner; (countable) an item of such property.
- Property abandoned at sea with no hope of recovery and no expectation of being returned to its owner; (countable) an item of such property, especially a ship.
- An abandoned or forsaken person; an outcast, a waif.
- Given up by the guardian or owner; abandoned, forsaken.
- Of a ship: abandoned at sea; of a spacecraft: abandoned in outer space.“There was a derelict ship on the island.”
- Of property: in a poor state due to abandonment or neglect; dilapidated, neglected.
Where does derelict come from?
The noun is derived from the adjective.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying derelict
How do you pronounce derelict?
Say DER-uh-likt. The American pronunciation is /ˈdɛrəˌlɪkt/. In British English it is /ˈdɛrəlɪkt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in derelict?
Derelict has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (DER). Broken into parts: DER · uh · likt.
Do Americans and Brits say derelict the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈdɛrəˌlɪkt/ and the British form is /ˈdɛrəlɪkt/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.