How to pronounce dilemma
Say it like dih-LEM-uh. Dilemma has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (LEM).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce dilemma. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- dih
- LEM
- uh
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Dilemma pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- dihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- LEMSay 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.
American vs British pronunciation of dilemma
American and British speakers say dilemma in essentially the same way: /dɪˈlɛmə/ in the US and /dɪˈlɛmə/ in the UK.
British respelling: dih-LEM-uh.
What does dilemma mean?
- state of uncertainty or perplexity especially as requiring a choice between equally unfavorable options
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with dilemma
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of dilemma.
Questions about saying dilemma
How do you pronounce dilemma?
Say dih-LEM-uh. The American pronunciation is /dɪˈlɛmə/. In British English it is /dɪˈlɛmə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in dilemma?
Dilemma has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (LEM). Broken into parts: dih · LEM · uh.
Do Americans and Brits say dilemma the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /dɪˈlɛmə/ and the British form is /dɪˈlɛmə/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.