How to Pronounce "adult"
The correct pronunciation of "adult" is AD-ult /ˈædʌlt/. Tap play to hear it, say it into your mic for a free clarity check, and fix the "uh-DULT" habit for good.
adult
/ˈædʌlt/A fully grown person who is legally of age.
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Record yourself saying “adult” and get a real, AI-graded pronunciation score with word-by-word feedback — free, no account needed.The Indian-English Mistake: "uh-DULT" — and the Fix
| Aspect | Common in India (incorrect) | Correct |
|---|---|---|
| Sounds like | Saying 'uh-DULT' with the stress on the second syllable. | AD-ult /ˈædʌlt/ |
| Stress | Often on the wrong syllable | First syllable (AD). |
How Do You Pronounce "adult"?
"adult" is pronounced AD-ult /ˈædʌlt/. The stress is on the first syllable (AD). As a noun, it means a fully grown person who is legally of age.
In British and Indian-taught English the stress is on the FIRST syllable, AD — not on 'DULT' at the end.
Note: US commonly stresses the second syllable, /əˈdʌlt/ ("uh-DULT"); the UK and Indian-taught lead is first-syllable AD-ult.
Say "adult" Step by Step
Break the word down, get the stress right, then blend it back together at normal speed. Repeat each step out loud three times.
Break it into syllables
AD-ult — say each part slowly and separately first.
Stress the right part
First syllable (AD). Make the stressed syllable a little louder and longer.
Nail the key sound
In British and Indian-taught English the stress is on the FIRST syllable, AD — not on 'DULT' at the end.
Blend and repeat
Now say "adult" at normal speed: AD-ult. Record yourself and compare.
Minimal-Pair Drills for "adult" (2 Minutes, Out Loud)
Say each drill line aloud, slowly first, then at normal speed. On the last drill, use the mic check at the top of this page to test yourself.
ADD → AD-ult
Both open with a stressed AD; keep the weight at the front.
NOT uh-DULT — AD-ult
Don't stress the ending; only the first beat is loud.
Say at speed: "This film is for adult viewers."
Front stress even at pace.
Why "adult" Is Tricky — and How to Fix It
Why this happens
Indian English borrows the US stress heard in media, pushing the beat onto DULT.
Tip: Land on the first beat and keep the ending soft: AD-ult.
Hear “adult” in a Sentence
Read each line aloud with the same rhythm. The word to listen for is in bold.
This film is for adult viewers.
As an adult, you decide for yourself.
Each adult ticket costs more.
Now say it inside a sentence
Getting "adult" right on its own is the easy part. Pronunciation only sticks in connected speech. Read a passage aloud and get scored on accuracy and pace, word by word — free, no login.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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