How to pronounce destitution
Say it like deh-stih-TOO-shun. Destitution has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (TOO).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce destitution. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- deh
- stih
- TOO
- shun
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Destitution pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- dehKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- stihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- TOOSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "oo" in food.
- shunKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of destitution
- British speakers add a light "y" sound before the "oo" (as in "tyoon" for tune).
British respelling: deh-stih-TYOO-shun.
What does destitution mean?
- The condition of lacking something.
- An extreme state of poverty, in which a person is almost completely lacking in resources or means of support.
Where does destitution come from?
From Old French destitution, from Latin dēstitūtiō (“abandoning”), from dēstituō.
Words that rhyme with destitution
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of destitution.
- solution
- distribution
- resolution
- constitution
- revolution
- evolution
- institution
- contribution
- execution
- pollution
Questions about saying destitution
How do you pronounce destitution?
Say deh-stih-TOO-shun. The American pronunciation is /dɛstɪˈtuʃən/. In British English it is /dɛstɪˈtjuːʃən/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in destitution?
Destitution has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (TOO). Broken into parts: deh · stih · TOO · shun.
Is destitution pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. British speakers add a light "y" sound before the "oo" (as in "tyoon" for tune). The British form is /dɛstɪˈtjuːʃən/ (deh-stih-TYOO-shun).