Hard Words to Spell in the English Language

This term refers to a political position that originated in 19th-century Britain in opposition to proposals for the disestablishment of the Church of England.

“His antidisestablishmentarianism views were well known, causing quite a stir in the political debates.”

This is an adverb related to the use of a spectrophotofluorometer, an instrument that measures the amount of light emitted by a substance after it has absorbed light.

“The lab technician measured the sample spectrophotofluorometrically.”

This is the act or habit of describing or regarding something as unimportant or of having no value.

“His constant floccinaucinihilipilification of my ideas made me feel unappreciated.”

This is a medical condition where individuals have the physical appearance of pseudohypoparathyroidism type 1a, but without abnormalities in calcium and phosphate metabolism.

“The patient was diagnosed with pseudopseudohypoparathyroidism after a thorough medical examination.”

This is a surgical procedure to create a connection between the hepatic duct, the common bile duct, and the stomach.

“The surgeon performed a hepaticocholangiogastrostomy to bypass the blocked bile duct.”

This term relates to the study of the interactions between the nervous system and the endocrine system.

“Her research focuses on psychoneuroendocrinological effects of stress on human health.”

This is a lung disease caused by inhaling very fine ash and sand dust.

“The miner was diagnosed with pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanoconiosis after years of working in poor conditions.”

This refers to the act of avoiding something or being evasive.

“His tergiversation when asked about his past employment was suspicious.”

This is the fear of long words.

“Ironically, the term for the fear of long words, ‘hippopotomonstrosesquippedaliophobia’, is itself a very long word.”

This is a mental disorder that involves recurrent, irresistible urges to pull out hair from your scalp, eyebrows, or other areas of your body, despite trying to stop.

“She was diagnosed with trichotillomania, which explained her constant urge to pull out her hair.”

This is a nonsense word used to express approval or to represent the longest word in English.

“When asked about his trip to the amusement park, the little boy exclaimed it was ‘supercalifragilisticexpialidocious’!”

A Portuguese word for pineapple.

“I would like an abacaxi juice, please.”

A German word for the final section of a song or poem.

“The abgesang of the symphony was particularly moving.”

Excessive and often incoherent talkativeness or wordiness.

“His speech was a clear case of logorrhoea, with no point being made.”

A Russian word for a person who asks too many questions.

“My little brother is such a pochemuchka, always curious about everything.”

Native to the place where found; indigenous.

“The autochthonous plants in this region are well-adapted to the climate.”

The name of the letter ‘H’.

“In the word ‘house’, ‘aitch’ is the first letter.”

Language that is meaningless or hard to understand.

“The legal document was full of gobbledegook that made it difficult to understand.”

An artist who specializes in chiaroscuro.

“The chiaroscurist used light and dark contrasts to achieve a sense of volume in his paintings.”

A rare order of fish that includes two extant species in the genus Latimeria.

“The coelacanth, thought to be extinct, was discovered alive in the 20th century.”

Extremely small; tiny.

“The minuscule ant crawled up the giant tree.”

Relating to or characteristic of the Danish philosopher Søren Kierkegaard or his philosophy.

“The existential angst in his novels is very Kierkegaardian.”

A plant or flower of a type that bears drooping flowers that are typically of two contrasting colors.

“The fuchsia flowers added a vibrant pop of color to her garden.”

Involving or committing sacrilege.

“The theft from the church was seen as a sacrilegious act.”

Affected with nausea; inclined to vomit.

“The turbulent flight made me feel nauseous.”

A person who writes plays.

“The playwright received a standing ovation on the opening night of her play.”

Relating to a state governor or the office of state governor.

“The gubernatorial election will take place in November.”

Miscellaneous articles, especially the equipment needed for a particular activity.

“She had all the paraphernalia of camping arranged in her backpack.”

The treatment of light and shade in drawing and painting.

“The artist’s use of chiaroscuro gave the painting a dramatic effect.”

A condition of excessive and often incoherent wordiness in speech or writing.

“His essay was marked down for logorrhea.”

Of or relating to Naples in Italy.

“The Neapolitan pizza is famous for its thin, soft and chewy crust.”

Spanish word for “aluminous”, containing alumina.

“El suelo aluminoso es típico de esta región.” (The aluminous soil is typical of this region.)

Latin word meaning “equal”.

“In the phrase ‘aequeo animo’, it means ‘with equanimity’ or ‘with calmness’.”

To provide room for someone or to do something helpful for someone.

This word often gets misspelled due to confusion about the number of ‘c’s and ‘m’s. Remember, it has two ‘c’s and two ‘m’s.

The hotel can accommodate up to 500 guests.

To cause someone to feel self-conscious and uncomfortable.

Another word where double letters cause confusion. It has two ‘r’s and two ‘s’s.

It’s easy to embarrass yourself when you’re not paying attention to your surroundings.

To cause to move apart or into a different place or group.

Many people mistakenly spell this word as ‘seperate’, perhaps due to its pronunciation.

The teacher asked the students to separate their assignments into two piles: completed and incomplete.

Without any doubt; certainly.

This word is often incorrectly spelled as ‘definately’, a mistake possibly influenced by the word ‘definite’.

I will definitely be attending the concert this weekend.

To get or accept something that is sent or given.

The old rule ‘i before e except after c’ applies here, but it’s easy to get it mixed up.

I was delighted to receive a letter from my old friend.

A special right, advantage, or immunity granted or available only to a particular person or group.

The ‘i’s and ‘e’s in this word often get jumbled, leading to misspellings like ‘privelege’ or ‘priviledge’.

It’s a privilege to be invited to speak at this prestigious event.

A movement or series of moves requiring skill and care.

The ‘eu’ in this word often trips people up, leading to misspellings like ‘maneouvre’ or ‘manouvre’.

The driver had to maneuver his car carefully through the narrow streets.

The state of having, owning, or controlling something.

Another word with double ‘s’s that often gets misspelled.

The antique necklace was her most prized possession.

To spell a word incorrectly.

It’s easy to misspell the word “accommodate” if you forget about its double ‘c’ and ‘m’.

A ruler in ancient Egypt.

The tomb of the Pharaoh was filled with treasures and artifacts.

A place where dead people are buried.

The old cemetery was quiet, with rows of tombstones stretching out in all directions.

Very strange; bizarre.

She had a weird feeling that they were being watched.

A system by which the beginning, length, and subdivisions of the year are fixed.

I need to mark the date on my calendar so I don’t forget.

The way in which a word is pronounced.

His pronunciation of the word was peculiar.

A square piece of cloth used for wiping the nose or eyes or as a costume accessory.

He pulled out a handkerchief and wiped his forehead.

A state of complete disorder and confusion.

After the earthquake, the city was in total chaos.

A lung inflammation caused by bacterial or viral infection.

The doctor diagnosed the patient with pneumonia after a series of tests.

Communication or cooperation which facilitates a close working relationship between people or organizations.

She served as a liaison between different departments in the company.

A direct or natural consequence or result.

The corollary of increased street crime is a rise in the sales of home security systems.

Small pieces of colored paper thrown during celebrations.

The air was filled with confetti after the New Year countdown.

The misappropriation of funds by a person trusted with its charge.

The accountant was fired for defalcation of company funds.

Very strange or unusual.

She had some bizarre ideas about life on other planets.

Boastful or arrogant behavior.

His braggadocio attitude made him unpopular in the office.

A level or rank in an organization, a profession, or society.

He rose through the echelons of the company to become CEO.

Flamboyant confidence of style or manner.

She carried off the whole performance with great panache.

A condition in which feces are discharged from the bowels frequently and in a liquid form.

Food poisoning often causes severe diarrhea.

Showing a casual lack of concern; indifferent.

His insouciant attitude towards his studies worried his parents.

(of an inhabitant of a place) indigenous rather than descended from migrants or colonists.

The autochthonous tribes of the Amazon have lived there for thousands of years.

Involving or committing sacrilege (violation or misuse of what is regarded as sacred).

Many people considered his art exhibit to be sacrilegious.

(of a word) polysyllabic; long.

The professor was known for his sesquipedalian lectures, which often confused his students.

To show feelings of superiority; to patronize.

She hated when people would condescend to her just because she was younger.

Able to be recognized, identified, or distinguished.

The difference in quality between the two products was easily discernible.

In complete agreement; having the same opinion or decision.

The jury’s verdict was unanimous.

Showing contempt; scornful.

His contemptuous glance made her feel insignificant.

A cloth canopy which fills with air and allows a person or heavy object attached to it to descend slowly when dropped from an aircraft.

He jumped out of the plane and deployed his parachute.

Punishment inflicted or retribution exacted for an injury or wrong.

She sought vengeance for the betrayal of her friend.

Sharp and forthright in speech or manner.

His acerbic wit often made others uncomfortable.

To erase or remove completely.

He wanted to expunge all memories of the traumatic event.

Extremely poor; poverty-stricken.

The penurious artist struggled to pay for his basic needs.

Proceeding in a gradual, subtle way, but with harmful effects.

The insidious spread of the disease caught everyone off guard.

Attractive and impressive through being richly colorful or sumptuous.

The bride looked resplendent in her beautiful gown.

A broth made by stewing meat, fish, or vegetables in water.

She added a cube of chicken bouillon to the soup for extra flavor.

Excessively sweet or sentimental.

The movie’s saccharine ending didn’t appeal to those who preferred more realistic stories.

Relating to or denoting a Christian Church or denomination that has a presbyterian form of church government.

The Presbyterian church in our town is known for its community outreach programs.

Making or spreading scandalous claims about someone with the intention of damaging their reputation.

The politician faced scurrilous rumors during the election campaign.

A wide street in a city, usually having trees, grassy areas, or decorative features.

They took a leisurely stroll down the boulevard, enjoying the evening air.

A person who manages or superintends an organization or activity.

The school superintendent announced a new policy for the upcoming academic year.

Relating to the Germans or Germany; often used to describe the ancient Germanic tribes.

The Teutonic Knights were a medieval military order.

Extremely bad; appalling.

The team’s performance was abysmal, leading to their defeat.

Relating to or characteristic of the middle class, typically with reference to its perceived materialistic values or conventional attitudes.

The play mocked the bourgeois values of the suburban families.

To accept something reluctantly but without protest.

Sarah acquiesced in his decision, even though she wasn’t happy about it.

The method and practice of teaching adult learners.

The university’s curriculum was based on principles of andragogy, catering to mature students.

A principle or standard by which something may be judged or decided.

The main criterion for the job is experience in the field.

Relating to or concerned with complete systems rather than with individual parts.

The therapist takes a holistic approach to health, considering both mental and physical well-being.

Not in harmony or keeping with the surroundings or other aspects of something.

The modern building looked incongrrous next to the historic church.

The fact of two things being seen or placed close together with contrasting effect.

The juxtaposition of the two paintings highlighted their differences.

The mistaken use of a word in place of a similar-sounding one, often with unintentionally amusing effect.

“He is the pineapple of politeness,” is a malapropism; the speaker meant “pinnacle.”

To render obscure, unclear, or unintelligible.

The legal document was filled with jargon that seemed to obfuscate its true meaning.

The formation of a word from a sound associated with what is named (e.g., “buzz” or “murmur”).

The word “sizzle” is an example of onomatopoeia because it sounds like the noise a frying pan makes.

An act of speaking one’s thoughts aloud when alone or regardless of any hearers, especially in a play.

Hamlet’s “To be or not to be” is a famous soliloquy.

Used in ordinary or familiar conversation; not formal or literary.

“Wanna” and “gonna” are colloquial contractions of “want to” and “going to.”

Present, appearing, or found everywhere.

Smartphones have become ubiquitous in modern society.

A brand of cognac (a type of brandy).

He poured a glass of Courvoisier to enjoy after dinner.

A strong, regular, repeated pattern of movement or sound.

The rhythm of the drums energized the dancers.

A genus of mites that infest birds, commonly known as “scaly leg mites.”

The bird was treated for a Cnemidocoptes infestation that affected its legs.

Close observation, especially of a suspected spy or criminal.

The police kept the suspect under surveillance for several weeks.

A person who claims to have a supernatural ability to perceive events in the future or beyond normal sensory contact.

Some people visit clairvoyants to get insights about their future.

A set of printed or written questions with a choice of answers, devised for the purposes of a survey or statistical study.

The students were asked to fill out a questionnaire about their study habits.

An expert judge in matters of taste.

As a wine connoisseur, he could identify the subtle notes in each vintage.

Theft or misappropriation of funds placed in one’s trust or belonging to one’s employer.

The accountant was charged with embezzlement after diverting company funds to his personal account.

Take air into the lungs and then expel it, especially as a regular physiological process.

After running the marathon, he had to sit down and breathe deeply.

A place where people pay to sit and eat meals that are cooked and served on the premises.

They went to a restaurant to celebrate their anniversary.

Arranged in the order of time.

The biography provided a chronological account of the artist’s life.

Truly what something is said to be; authentic.

The signature on the painting was confirmed to be genuine.

Not anticipated or predicted.

The sudden storm was an unforeseen event during our picnic.

A team game, originally played by North American Indians, in which the ball is thrown, caught, and carried with a long-handled stick with a curved or netted end.

She joined the school’s lacrosse team and quickly became one of the star players.

Acceptance of the truth or existence of something.

She nodded in acknowledgment when she heard the news.

Of, from, in, or characteristic of a country or language other than one’s own.

He loved learning foreign languages and exploring different cultures.

A person with whom one works in a profession or business.

My colleague and I are collaborating on a new project.

Continuing firmly or obstinately in an opinion or course of action in spite of difficulty or opposition.

Her persistent efforts finally paid off when she won the gold medal.

A person who pretends to have virtues, moral or religious beliefs, principles, etc., that they do not actually possess.

He called her a hypocrite for preaching about honesty while she was stealing.

A permit from an authority to own or use something, do a particular thing, or carry on a trade.

Before you can drive, you need to obtain a driver’s license.

A general agreement.

After hours of discussion, the group finally reached a consensus.

The protection granted by a nation to someone who has left their native country as a political refugee.

She sought asylum in a neighboring country to escape persecution.

A group of people appointed for a specific function by a larger group.

The committee was formed to plan the annual company retreat.

A system of government in which most of the important decisions are made by state officials rather than by elected representatives.

Many people find it frustrating to navigate the bureaucracy when trying to obtain permits.

A white sparkling wine associated with the Champagne region of France, but also used generically for some similar wines elsewhere.

They toasted their anniversary with a glass of champagne.

A fight using fists.

The disagreement quickly escalated into fisticuffs.

Aggressive pressure or intimidation.

The company has a strict policy against any form of harassment in the workplace.

A woman who provides massage professionally.

After the long flight, he booked an appointment with a masseuse to relieve his muscle tension.

A green vegetable of the cabbage family, with flower buds that are eaten before they open.

She steamed the broccoli and served it with a sprinkle of salt.

A large, extinct, elephant-like mammal of the Miocene to Pleistocene epochs, often with shaggy hair and long curved tusks.

The museum had a mastodon skeleton on display, showcasing its impressive size.

The medieval knightly system with its religious, moral, and social code; or courteous behavior, especially that of a man toward women.

He displayed chivalry by holding the door open for her.

A principal division of an armored or cavalry regiment, consisting of two or more troops, or a naval unit consisting of two or more small ships.

The squadron was deployed to patrol the coastal waters.

Some frequently misspelled words in the English language include “maintenance,” “accommodate,” “liaison,” “pharaoh,” and “hors d’oeuvre.” Their unique origins and unconventional phonetic patterns make them particularly challenging.

Enhancing your spelling skills often involves consistent practice, reading widely, using flashcards, and employing mnemonic devices. Regularly writing and proofreading your work can also help reinforce correct spellings.

Absolutely! Mnemonic devices, rhymes, and associating words with images can aid in recalling tricky spellings. For instance, remembering “i before e, except after c” can help with words like “receive.”

Spelling can be challenging due to various reasons, including the diverse origins of English words, silent letters, and irregular phonetic patterns. Additionally, individual learning styles and cognitive differences can influence one’s ability to spell.

Yes, consistent practice, exposure to the language, and targeted exercises can significantly improve spelling difficulties. Like any skill, the more you practice, the better you become.

Numerous resources, from traditional dictionaries and spelling workbooks to online platforms like Grammarly and Quillbot, can assist in honing your spelling skills. Educational websites often offer exercises and quizzes tailored to various proficiency levels.

English spelling has several rules like “i before e, except after c” or “add ‘es’ for nouns ending in s, x, z, ch, sh.” However, exceptions abound, such as “weird” or “height,” which is why context and practice are crucial.

Yes, numerous websites offer online spelling tests for different levels. Do your own research to find platforms that provide tests and exercises to challenge and improve your spelling skills.

Spelling bees are competitions where participants are asked to spell a variety of words, ranging from common to extremely challenging. Contestants are eliminated upon misspelling, and the competition continues until one speller remains, becoming the champion.

Homophones are words that sound alike but have different meanings and often different spellings, such as “two,” “to,” and “too.” They pose spelling challenges because their identical pronunciation can lead to confusion in written contexts.