English pronunciation · Words Starting with U

Useful Pronunciation

Useful is pronounced YOOS-fuhl, IPA /ˈjusfəl/.

YOOS-fuhl

US /ˈjusfəl/  ·  UK /ˈjuːsfəl/

Syllables: YOOS · fuhl (2 syllables, stress on syllable 1)

adjective: Able to be used for a purpose, or helpful in getting something done.

Audio for the American and British pronunciations plays on this page with JavaScript enabled.

Useful in a Sentence

  • That was a useful suggestion, thank you.
  • Keep the box, it may be useful later.
  • A short list is more useful than a long one.

Common Mispronunciations of Useful

Not YOOZ-fuhl

The hissed form is the one that survives into this word, so the middle stays a plain s.

Not OOS-fuhl

Start at the roof of the mouth with a y glide, the sound that also opens unit.

Tip: Useful and useless both lock onto the hissed form, while using and used keep the buzz.

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