How to pronounce rickety
Say it like RIK-uh-tee. Rickety has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (RIK).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce rickety. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- RIK
- uh
- tee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Rickety pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- RIKSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- teeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of rickety
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: RIK-ih-tee.
What does rickety mean?
- Of an object: not strong or sturdy, as because of poor construction or upkeep; not safe or secure.“He hesitated about climbing such a small, rickety ladder.”
- Feeble in the joints; tottering.“The rickety old man hardly managed to climb the stairs.”
- Affected with or suffering from rickets; rachitic.
Where does rickety come from?
Alternatively, and perhaps less likely, from rickets + -y.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying rickety
How do you pronounce rickety?
Say RIK-uh-tee. The American pronunciation is /ˈrɪkəti/. In British English it is /ˈrɪkɪti/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in rickety?
Rickety has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (RIK). Broken into parts: RIK · uh · tee.
Is rickety pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t. The British form is /ˈrɪkɪti/ (RIK-ih-tee).