3 syllables: A, chil, les Heel. Stress on chil.
uh-kil-eez-HEEL
/əˈkɪliːz ˈhiːl/
Achilles Heel is pronounced uh-kil-eez-HEEL (/əˈkɪliːz ˈhiːl/). It has three syllables (A-chil-les Heel), with the stress on "chil". As a noun, a vivid metaphor for a critical vulnerability or weak point in a person or system. The term blends the ancient hero Achilles with the common body part 'heel' to denote a singular point of susceptibility, often exploited under pressure. Though figurative, it is widely used in business, politics, and sports to describe a fatal flaw or weakness.
nounA vivid metaphor for a critical vulnerability or weak point in a person or system. The term blends the ancient hero Achilles with the common body part 'heel' to denote a singular point of susceptibility, often exploited under pressure. Though figurative, it is widely used in business, politics, and sports to describe a fatal flaw or weakness.
"His decision to ignore market signals was his company’s Achilles heel."
"The team's reliance on a single star player proved their Achilles heel in the playoffs."
"Cybersecurity remains an Achilles heel for many organizations with outdated defenses."
Pronounce as ə-KIL-eez hool? Actually careful: US/UK/AU typically /əˈkɪl.iːz hiːl/ with a hard K, the second syllable stressed. IPA: US/UK: /əˈkɪl.iːz hɪl/ (UK may tilt to /ˌæ.kɪˈlɪːz hɪl/). In detail: start with schwa, then short /ɪ/ in 'kil', long /iː/ in 'lees', 'heel' rhymes with feel. Mouth: lips relaxed, tongue high-front for /ɪ/ then gliding to /iː/. End with /h/ breathy /l/.
Common mistakes: saying Achilles as a flat 'a-kill-eez' without proper unstressed schwa, misplacing stress on 'kil' instead of 'lee', or slurring 'heel' with a reduced vowel. Correction: use /əˈkɪl.iːz/ with initial schwa, stress on the second syllable, clearly pronounce /iː/ in the -lees part, and end with crisp /hɪl/. Practice minimal pairs to fix: 'kill' vs 'kil' and 'heel' vs 'heal'.
US: /əˈkɪl.iːz hɪl/ with rhoticity not affecting 'heel.' UK: /əˈkɪl.iːz hi:l/ or /ˌæ.kɪˈlɪːz hɪl/ with possible shorter /ɪ/ in 'kil' and longer /iː/ in 'lees.' AU: similar to US but tends toward non-rhoticish linking and vowel shifts; you may hear stronger vowel lengthening in 'heel' depending on speaker. In all cases, the key is the stressed second syllable in Achilles and the long vowel in -lees.
Because of the two-component structure with a multi-syllabic 'Achilles' that has a reduced first syllable and a stressed second, plus the long 'heel' ending. The 'iː' in -lees is long and in fast speech can blur with /i/; the transition from the hard /k/ to /ɪ/ and then /liːz/ needs precise tongue movement. Additionally, many learners confuse the 'heel' with 'heal' by not articulating the difference in consonant /h/ and vowel length.
Pay attention to the suffix -lees: the 'ee' is a long /iː/; the following /z/ voice can carry over from /iː/ if not careful. Ensure the first part 'Achilles' uses a clear /k/ before /ɪl/ and a reduced initial syllable with a clear /ə/ or /æ/ depending on dialect. The word boundary between Achilles and Heel must be smooth but not fused; insert a light boundary if speaking slowly.
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US: rhotic accent, clear /r/ influence; the /ɹ/ is not present in this phrase but the surrounding vowel length matters. UK: non-rhotic; final /z/ attaches to /hɪl/. AU: tends to larger vowel spaces; maintain long /iː/ in -lees; keep final /l/ crisp. IPA reminders: /əˈkɪl.iːz hɪl/ (US/UK); /əˈkɪl.iːz hiːl/ (some UK variants); use breathy /h/ before /hɪl/.
The phrase Achilles heel originates from Greek mythology. Achilles, the legendary Greek warrior, was almost invincible in battle, having been dipped in the River Styx by his mother to grant invulnerability, while he was held by the heel. This left his heel vulnerable. The term’s first known English use appeared in the 16th century but gained popularity in modern usage during the 19th and 20th centuries, as a succinct way to describe a single critical vulnerability. In everyday language, it has broadened from literal Achilles’ weakness to any fatal flaw in an otherwise strong person or system. Over time, writers have used the term to convey a point of susceptibility that can undermine performance or safety, regardless of overall strength. Etymologists note that the phrase retains the mythic imagery of a hidden, singular weak spot, making it especially evocative in political, financial, and competitive contexts.
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "Achilles Heel" and can often be used interchangeably.
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Words that rhyme with "Achilles Heel"
-eal sounds
-eel sounds
Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
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