How to Pronounce "ugly duckling"
expression
UG-lee DUHK-ling
UG-lee DUHK-ling
Definition
A person or thing that looks unattractive at first but later becomes beautiful or successful. It comes from a famous story about a duckling that grows up to be a beautiful swan.
IPA Transcription
American English
ˈəɡɫi/ /ˈdəkɫɪŋ
British English
ˈʌɡli/ /dˈʌklɪŋ
Simplified Pronunciation
US
UG-lee DUHK-ling
UK
UG-lee DUHK-ling
Listen in Context
She felt like an ugly duckling in school, but now she is confident and successful.
The old building was an ugly duckling until they renovated it.
Many celebrities were once ugly ducklings before they became famous.
He used to get teased, but turns out he was just an ugly duckling all along.