Skip to main content
algorithm

How to Pronounce "algorithm"

The correct pronunciation of "algorithm" is AL-guh-rith-um /ˈælɡərɪðəm/. Tap play to hear it, say it into your mic for a free clarity check, and fix the "algo-RIDHAM" habit for good.

Hear it · Say it · Check it

algorithm

/ˈælɡərɪðəm/
noun

A step-by-step set of rules a computer follows to solve a problem.

AL
guh
rith
um
Stress: First syllable (AL).

Practice more words like this in the Pronunciation Challenge — a free mic test, no login.

Tap play to hear “algorithm”, then say it aloud and get a free instant clarity check with your microphone.
Real AI scoring

Get your real pronunciation score

Record yourself saying “algorithm” and get a real, AI-graded score with word-by-word feedback — no account needed.

Record yourself saying “algorithm” and get a real, AI-graded pronunciation score with word-by-word feedback — free, no account needed.

The Indian-English Mistake: "algo-RIDHAM" — and the Fix

AspectCommon in India (incorrect)Correct
Sounds likeSaying "algo-RIDHAM" with an extra vowel and the stress pushed to the middle.AL-guh-rith-um /ˈælɡərɪðəm/
StressOften on the wrong syllableFirst syllable (AL).

How Do You Pronounce "algorithm"?

"algorithm" is pronounced AL-guh-rith-um /ˈælɡərɪðəm/. The stress is on the first syllable (AL). As a noun, it means a step-by-step set of rules a computer follows to solve a problem.

It has FOUR syllables with the stress up front on "AL", and the "th" is soft (voiced), as in "this".

Listen for the stressed syllable and copy its rhythm — getting the stress right matters more than any single sound.

Say "algorithm" 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.

1

Break it into syllables

AL-guh-rith-um — say each part slowly and separately first.

2

Stress the right part

First syllable (AL). Make the stressed syllable a little louder and longer.

3

Nail the key sound

It has FOUR syllables with the stress up front on "AL", and the "th" is soft (voiced), as in "this".

4

Blend and repeat

Now say "algorithm" at normal speed: AL-guh-rith-um. Record yourself and compare.

Minimal-Pair Drills for "algorithm" (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.

1

AL → AL-guh-rith-um

Start strong on AL, then speed up.

2

NOT algo-RIDHAM — AL-guh-rith-um

No extra vowel; keep 'rith-um' light.

3

Say at speed: "The algorithm ranks the results."

Four beats, stress on the first.

Why "algorithm" Is Tricky — and How to Fix It

Why this happens

Indian speakers add a helper vowel to the "-rithm" cluster and shift the stress off the first syllable.

Tip: Lead with "AL", then glide through "guh-rith-um" quickly: AL-guh-rith-um.

Hear “algorithm” in a Sentence

Read each line aloud with the same rhythm. The word to listen for is in bold.

The algorithm ranks the search results.

We tuned the recommendation algorithm.

This sorting algorithm is very fast.

Now say it inside a sentence

Getting "algorithm" 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.

Read aloud free
Free Chrome Extension
Practice "algorithm" — and every other word — anywhere on the web

Highlight any sentence on any website or YouTube video, read it aloud, and get an instant clarity score with word-by-word feedback — the same check you just tried above, everywhere you read.

Add to Chrome — Free

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you pronounce "algorithm" in Indian English?

"algorithm" is pronounced AL-guh-rith-um /ˈælɡərɪðəm/. The stress is on the first syllable (AL). The common Indian rendering "algo-RIDHAM" is incorrect.

What is the most common mistake when saying "algorithm"?

Saying "algo-RIDHAM" with an extra vowel and the stress pushed to the middle. Lead with "AL", then glide through "guh-rith-um" quickly: AL-guh-rith-um.

Why do Indian English speakers find "algorithm" hard to pronounce?

Indian speakers add a helper vowel to the "-rithm" cluster and shift the stress off the first syllable. Lead with "AL", then glide through "guh-rith-um" quickly: AL-guh-rith-um.

Hear How Your English Really Sounds

Read a passage aloud and get scored word by word, with misread words highlighted and the sounds behind them a tap away. Used by 30,000+ learners.

Read Aloud, scored per word

Misread words highlighted

AI tutor voice calls