How to Pronounce "retarded"

word

/ɹiˈtɑɹdəd/

ri-TAR-did

/ɹɪtˈɑːdɪd/

ri-TAR-did

Definition

This word was once used in medical or technical contexts to describe delayed mental or physical development, but in modern everyday English it is usually offensive when used about a person. In some technical contexts, it can still mean slowed, delayed, or reduced.

IPA Transcription

American English

/ɹiˈtɑɹdəd/

British English

/ɹɪtˈɑːdɪd/

Simplified Pronunciation

ri-TAR-did

Listen in Context

That word is retarded, so please don't use it at school.

The old report says the child's growth was retarded.

Special chemicals are used to make fire spread more retarded.

People still say retarded as a joke, but it sounds really ugly.