How to pronounce needlessly
Say it like NEED-luh-slee. Needlessly has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (NEED).
- NEED
- luh
- slee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Needlessly pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- NEEDSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
- luhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- sleeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of needlessly
American and British speakers say needlessly in essentially the same way: /ˈnidləsli/ in the US and /ˈniːdləsli/ in the UK.
British respelling: NEED-luh-slee.
What does needlessly mean?
- In a needless manner.
- To a degree or extent beyond what is needed.“He was always needlessly anxious about his dog.”
- Without need.“He worried needlessly about his dog.”
Where does needlessly come from?
From needless + -ly.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying needlessly
How do you pronounce needlessly?
Say NEED-luh-slee. The American pronunciation is /ˈnidləsli/. In British English it is /ˈniːdləsli/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in needlessly?
Needlessly has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (NEED). Broken into parts: NEED · luh · slee.
Do Americans and Brits say needlessly the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈnidləsli/ and the British form is /ˈniːdləsli/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.