3 syllables: en, list, ed. Stress on list.
en-LIS-tid
/ˌɛˈnlɪstɪd/
enlisted is pronounced en-LIS-tid (/ˌɛˈnlɪstɪd/). It has three syllables (en-list-ed), with the stress on "list". Enlisted is the past tense and past participle of enlist, meaning to enroll or join, typically in the military, or to enroll in a service or organization. In everyday usage it can also mean being registered or signed up for a cause or service. The pronunciation emphasizes two syllables, with stress on the second syllable in most contexts, and a clear 'lis-tid' cadence.
Enlisted is the past tense and past participle of enlist, meaning to enroll or join, typically in the military, or to enroll in a service or organization. In everyday usage it can also mean being registered or signed up for a cause or service. The pronunciation emphasizes two syllables, with stress on the second syllable in most contexts, and a clear 'lis-tid' cadence.
"- After college, she enlisted in the Army Reserve."
"- The group enlisted volunteers to help with the disaster relief effort."
"- He enlisted the help of a lawyer to review the contract."
Pronounce as in- LIST- ed: /ɪnˈlɪs.tɪd/. The primary stress is on the second syllable: en-LIST-ed. Begin with a short front vowel /ɪ/ after the initial /ɪn/, then a clear /l/ and /st/ onset to the second syllable, and finish with a light /ɪd/ or /əd/ sound depending on pace. In careful speech, you’ll hear two distinct vowels: /ɪ/ in the first and /ɪ/ in the penultimate, with a relaxed final /d/.
Common errors: 1) Slurring the /l/ into the /n/ making /ɪnˈlɪs tɪd/ unclear; keep the /l/ distinct before the /s/. 2) Flattening the second vowel: say /ɪ/ in /lɪs/ clearly rather than a reduced schwa. 3) Dropping the final /d/: in fast speech the final /d/ is often elided; pronounce a light /d/ to preserve the ending. 4) Stress shift: avoid stressing the first syllable; keep primary stress on the second (/ˈlɪs/).
In US and UK, stress remains on the second syllable: en-LIST-ed. US rhotics usually keep /ɹ/ neutral elsewhere; UK tends to a crisper /t/ transition before the final /d/. Australian tends to a shorter, clipped /ɪ/ in the first syllable and a more centralized vowel in the second. All maintain /ɪ/ in the penultimate syllable and a clear /d/ at the end, but vowel quality and speed vary. Listen for an even, unstressed final vowel in rapid speech.
The difficulty comes from the /l/ plus /st/ cluster and the two syllables with a mid-vowel in the middle. The transition from /n/ to /l/ requires precise tongue movement, and /st/ is a tense consonant cluster that can trap air and cause hesitations. Additionally, the final /d/ can be devoiced or elided in fast speech; make sure to maintain a light, audible /d/ for clarity. Practice with minimal pairs to stabilize the /lɪs/ sequence.
Because the word contains the /l/ before the /st/ cluster, practice a clear separation between /l/ and /st/, ensuring you don’t merge into a single /lst/ sound. Also, the second syllable is /lɪst/ where the /ɪ/ is short; avoid letting it drift toward /iː/. Emphasize the onset of /st/ as a firm cluster rather than a soft blend. Focus on the transition from /l/ to /s/.
🗣️ Voice search tip: These questions are optimized for voice search. Try asking your voice assistant any of these questions about "enlisted"!
Enlisted derives from enlist, which comes from Middle English enlesen, from Old French enlearner or enliste, from en- (a prefix meaning ‘make or put into’) + leistre/lais, related to ‘list’ in the sense of a rolled or organized register. The modern sense of ‘to enroll’ emerges in early modern English as military usage expanded; sailors and soldiers were “enlisted” into service, i.e., entered into a formal list or roster. The noun form enlisted person emerged alongside the verb as a descriptor for someone who has enlisted. By the 17th–19th centuries, enlistment became a formal process with recruitment, oath-taking, and assignment procedures, contributing to the sense of commitment and official status. First known uses appear in military manuals and recruitment dispatches, with the sense gradually extending to civilian enrollments in clubs, programs, and services while preserving the core idea of being placed on a roster or roll.
💡 Etymology tip: Understanding word origins can help you remember pronunciation patterns and recognize related words in the same language family.
Help others use "enlisted" correctly by contributing grammar tips, common mistakes, and context guidance.
💡 These words have similar meanings to "enlisted" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "enlisted" and show contrast in usage.
📚 Vocabulary tip: Learning synonyms and antonyms helps you understand nuanced differences in meaning and improves your word choice in speaking and writing.
Words that rhyme with "enlisted"
-ted sounds
Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
🎵 Rhyme tip: Practicing with rhyming words helps you master similar sound patterns and improves your overall pronunciation accuracy.
