How to Pronounce "worry"
The correct pronunciation of "worry" is WUH-ree /ˈwʌri/. Tap play to hear it, say it into your mic for a free clarity check, and fix the "WOH-ree" habit for good.
worry
/ˈwʌri/To feel anxious or troubled about a problem.
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Record yourself saying “worry” and get a real, AI-graded pronunciation score with word-by-word feedback — free, no account needed.The Indian-English Mistake: "WOH-ree" — and the Fix
| Aspect | Common in India (incorrect) | Correct |
|---|---|---|
| Sounds like | Saying 'WOH-ree' or 'WOR-ee' with a long 'o', reading the 'o' as written. | WUH-ree /ˈwʌri/ |
| Stress | Often on the wrong syllable | First syllable (WUH). |
How Do You Pronounce "worry"?
"worry" is pronounced WUH-ree /ˈwʌri/. The stress is on the first syllable (WUH). As a verb, it means to feel anxious or troubled about a problem.
The 'o' is a short 'u' (as in 'hurry') — WUH-ree, not the long 'oh' the spelling suggests.
Note: US /ˈwɜːri/ ('WUR-ee') with an r-coloured vowel; UK/Indian-taught is 'WUH-ree' with a short 'u'.
Say "worry" 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
WUH-ree — say each part slowly and separately first.
Stress the right part
First syllable (WUH). Make the stressed syllable a little louder and longer.
Nail the key sound
The 'o' is a short 'u' (as in 'hurry') — WUH-ree, not the long 'oh' the spelling suggests.
Blend and repeat
Now say "worry" at normal speed: WUH-ree. Record yourself and compare.
Minimal-Pair Drills for "worry" (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.
hurry → wurry → WUH-ree
It rhymes with 'hurry', a short 'u'.
NOT WOH-ree — WUH-ree
No long 'oh'; the 'o' is a short 'u'.
Say at speed: "Don't worry about it."
Keep the first vowel short like 'up'.
Why "worry" Is Tricky — and How to Fix It
Why this happens
Indian speakers give the 'o' its full 'oh' value, but after 'w' this 'o' becomes the short 'u' of 'hurry'.
Tip: Rhyme it with 'hurry' and 'flurry': WUH-ree, starting with the vowel of 'up'.
Hear “worry” in a Sentence
Read each line aloud with the same rhythm. The word to listen for is in bold.
Don't worry about the exam.
I worry when you're late.
There's no need to worry.
Words Related to "worry"
Related: hurry
Same short 'u' and rhythm: HUH-ree.
Now say it inside a sentence
Getting "worry" 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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