Table of Contents
Spelling bees are intense competitions where even the brightest minds can stumble over tricky words. Some words are so challenging that they’ve become legendary in spelling bee history.
In this post, we’ll explore 52 of the hardest spelling bee words, defining them in depth, providing examples, and explaining why they are particularly difficult to spell.
The Ultimate List of Difficult Spelling Bee Words
Here is a list of 50 most difficult words in spelling bee:
1. Scherenschnitte
This German word refers to the intricate art of paper cutting into decorative designs. Its difficulty lies in the complex “schn” cluster, which is uncommon in English, and the silent letters that can easily mislead spellers. Additionally, the pronunciation does not immediately suggest its correct spelling, making it a daunting challenge in spelling bees.
- Pronunciation: /ˈʃeɪrənˌʃnɪtə/ (SHAY-ren-SHNIT-uh)
- Example: Her scherenschnitte artwork featured delicate snowflake patterns.
2. Cymotrichous
A rarely used adjective meaning “having wavy hair,” this word derives from Greek roots. The prefix “cymo-” is unfamiliar to most English speakers, and the suffix “-trichous” (relating to hair) adds another layer of complexity.
- Pronuciation: /saɪˈmɒtrɪkəs/ (sy-MOT-ri-kus)
- Example: The model’s cymotrichous locks cascaded beautifully down her back.
3. Pococurante
An Italian-derived word meaning “indifferent or apathetic,” pococurante is tricky because of its unusual “-curante” ending. The lack of common English phonetic patterns makes it difficult to spell intuitively.
- Pronunciation: /ˌpoʊkoʊkjʊˈrænti/ (POH-koh-kyoo-RAN-tee)
- Example: His pococurante attitude toward the project frustrated his teammates.
4. Guetapens
Borrowed from French, this word means “a trap or ambush.” It is difficult because of its silent letters and the unexpected “guet-” start, which doesn’t follow typical English spelling rules.
- Pronunciation: /ɡɛ.ta.pɑ̃/ (GAY-ta-PON)
- Example: The soldiers carefully avoided the suspected guetapens.
5. Eudaemonic
This word relates to happiness or well-being and comes from the Greek root “eu-” (good) and “daemonic” (spirit). The combination creates a word that’s challenging due to its uncommon construction.
- Pronunciation: /ˌjuːdəˈmɒnɪk/ (YOO-duh-MON-ik)
- Example: The retreat promised a eudaemonic experience for all attendees.
6. Chiaroscurist
Describe an artist who uses light and shade effectively; this word originates from Italian. The “ch-” at the beginning is pronounced as “k,” which can throw off spellers.
- Pronunciation: /kiˌɑːrəˈskjʊərɪst/ (kee-AR-oh-SKYOOR-ist)
- Example: Caravaggio was a master chiaroscurist of the Baroque period.
7. Autochthonous
Meaning “indigenous or native to a place,” this word presents a significant challenge because of the “chth” letter cluster, which is rarely encountered in English.
- Pronunciation: /ɔːˈtɒkθənəs/ (aw-TOCK-thuh-nuhs)
- Example: The autochthonous plants thrived in their native habitat.
8. Stromuhr
A German term for a device that measures blood flow, “stromuhr” is difficult due to its “uhr” ending, which is unusual in English.
- Pronunciation: /ˈʃtroʊmʊər/ (SHTROH-moor)
- Example: The doctor used a stromuhr to monitor the patient’s circulation.
9. Laodicean
This word originates from the Bible and refers to someone who is lukewarm or indifferent, especially in matters of faith.
- Pronunciation: /ˌleɪ.ə.dɪˈsiː.ən/ (LAY-uh-di-SEE-uhn)
- Example: His Laodicean approach to religious observance concerned his family.
10. Pyrrhuloxia
The name of a type of desert cardinal bird, this word is difficult due to its double “rr,” the inclusion of “x,” and the “-oxia” ending.
- Pronunciation: /ˌpɪrəˈlɒksiə/ (PIR-uh-LOX-ee-uh)
- Example: We spotted a pyrrhuloxia perched on a saguaro cactus.
11. Soubrette
A French-derived term for a coquettish maid or actress in comedies. The French “-ette” ending make it tricky.
- Pronunciation: /suːˈbrɛt/ (soo-BRET)
- Example: The soubrette charmed the audience with her playful performance.
12. Cernuous
A botanical term meaning “drooping or nodding,” from Latin. Its unusual “-nuous” ending challenges spellers.
- Pronunciation: /ˈsɜːrnjuəs/ (SIR-nyoo-uhs)
- Example: The cernuous flowers bowed their heads after the rain.
13. Sycophant
Meaning “a person who flatters for gain,” this Greek-derived word’s “syc-” beginning and “-phant” ending are deceptive.
- Pronunciation: /ˈsɪkəfænt/ or /ˈsɪkəfənt/ (SIK-uh-fant / SIK-uh-fuhnt)
- Example: The CEO surrounded himself with sycophants who never disagreed.
14. Psittacism
Referring to mechanical, repetitive speech (like a parrot); this word’s silent “p” and “-cism” ending are problematic.
- Pronunciation: /ˈsɪtəsɪzəm/ (SIT-uh-siz-um)
- Example: His psittacism made meaningful conversation impossible.
15. Xanthosis
A medical term for yellow discoloration of tissue. The “xan-” beginning and “-osis” ending are challenging.
- Pronunciation: /zænˈθoʊsɪs/ (zan-THOH-sis)
- Example: The patient’s xanthosis indicated liver problems.
16. Tmesis
A linguistic term for inserting a word into another (e.g., “abso-bloomin’-lutely”). The silent “t” is deceptive.
- Pronunciation: /ˈtmiːsɪs/ or /təˈmiːsɪs/ (TMEE-sis)
- Example: “Fan-freakin’-tastic” is a common example of tmesis.
17. Pochemuchka
A Russian-derived word for someone who asks too many questions. The “-chka” ending is unfamiliar.
- Pronunciation: /pɒtʃɪˈmuːtʃkə/ (potch-ee-MOOCH-kuh)
- Example: The pochemuchka child exhausted his teachers with constant queries.
18. Euonym
Meaning “a pleasing or appropriate name,” this word’s “eu-” start and “-onym” ending are tricky.
- Pronunciation: /ˈjuːənɪm/ (YOO-uh-nim)
- Example: “Serendipity” proved to be a perfect euonym for their chance meeting.
19. Cachinnate
Meaning “to laugh loudly,” this Latin-derived word’s “ch” sounding like “k” is misleading.
- Pronunciation: /ˈkækɪneɪt/ (KAK-uh-nate)
- Example: The comedian made the audience cachinnate uncontrollably.
20. Esquamulose
A biological term meaning “lacking scales.” The “squ-” start and “-ulose” ending are challenging.
- Pronunciation: /ɪˈskweɪmjʊloʊs/ (ih-SKWAY-myoo-lohs)
- Example: The esquamulose skin of amphibians allows for gas exchange.
21. Knaidel (or Kneydl)
This Yiddish word for a matzo ball challenges spellers with its silent “k” and the unusual “-eidel” ending. The multiple accepted spellings add another layer of complexity.
- Pronunciation: /ˈneɪdəl/ (NAY-duhl)
- Example: Grandmother’s knaidel floated perfectly in the chicken soup.
22. Logorrhea
Meaning “excessive talkativeness,” this Greek-derived word trips up spellers with its “-rrhea” ending (meaning “flow”), which is easily confused with simpler suffixes.
- Pronunciation: /ˌlɒɡəˈriːə/ (LOG-uh-REE-uh)
- Example: The politician’s logorrhea left little time for audience questions.
23. Serrefine
A French medical term for a small surgical clamp. This word’s silent letters and “-fine” ending don’t match its pronunciation.
- Pronunciation:/ˈsɛrəfi:n/ (SER-uh-fin)
- Example: The surgeon reached for the serrefine to secure the blood vessel.
24. Nunchaku
The Japanese term for the martial arts weapon. It features an uncommon “nun-” beginning and “-chaku” ending that defies English spelling patterns.
- Pronunciation: /ˈnʌn.tʃɑː.kuː/ (NUN-CHAH-koo)
- Example: Bruce Lee famously wielded nunchaku with incredible speed.
25. Ursprache
This German linguistic term for a hypothetical parent language challenges with its “Ur-” prefix and “-sprache” ending, both foreign to English conventions.
Example: Linguists reconstructed elements of the Proto-Indo-European ursprache.
26. Minuscule
Minuscule means extremely small or tiny. It can also refer to lowercase letters in typography.
- Pronunciation: /ˈmɪnɪˌskjuːl / (MIN-uh-skyool or MIN-uh-skyool))
- Example: The chances of winning the lottery are minuscule, but people still play with hope.
27. Demarche
A French diplomatic term meaning “a political step,” its silent “e” and “-marche” spelling don’t match the expected pronunciation.
- Pronunciation: /deɪˈmɑːrʃ/ (day-MARSH)
- Example: The ambassador’s demarche surprised foreign officials.
28. Vivisepulture
This Latin-derived word for “being buried alive” combines multiple challenging elements: length, unusual prefix/suffix, and rare usage.
- Pronunciation: /ˌvɪvɪˈsɛpəltʃʊr/ (VIV-i-SEP-ul-chur)
- Example: Poe’s stories often featured themes of vivisepulture.
29. Feuilleton
Referring to a newspaper literary section in French, this word’s “-eillon” ending is completely foreign to English spelling norms.
- Pronunciation: /ˈfœj.tɔ̃/ (FUH-yuh-tawn)
- Example: Her essay appeared in the Sunday paper’s feuilleton.
30. Stichomythia
A Greek dramatic term for rapid dialogue exchange, this word’s “sticho-” prefix and “-mythia” ending are both challenging.
- Pronunciation: /ˌstɪkəˈmɪθiə/ (STIK-oh-MITH-ee-uh)
- Example: The stichomythia in Shakespeare’s works creates intense dramatic moments.
31. Cymophane
A gemological term for cat’s eye chrysoberyl, this word’s “cymo-” prefix and “-phane” suffix are both uncommon in English.
- Pronunciation: /ˈsaɪməˌfeɪn/ (SY-muh-fane)
- Example: The cymophane’s chatoyancy shimmered in the light.
32. Smaragdine
Meaning “emerald-like,” this word’s unusual “-gdine” ending doesn’t follow typical English patterns.
- Pronunciation: /ˈsmærəɡdaɪn/ (SMAR-uhg-dyne)
- Example: The valley’s smaragdine hues amazed the hikers.
33. Terpsichorean
Relating to dance, this Greek-derived word combines an unfamiliar prefix with the challenging “-chorean” ending.
- Pronunciation: /ˌtɜːrpsɪkəˈriːən/ (TURP-sik-uh-REE-uhn)
- Example: Her terpsichorean talents earned her a ballet scholarship.
34. Eccentricity
While more common, this word’s double “c”s and “-icity” ending frequently trip up spellers.
- Pronunciation: /ˌɛksɛnˈtrɪsɪti/ (EK-sen-TRIS-ih-tee)
- Example: The inventor’s eccentricity was legendary in the town.
35. accommodate
To have enough room for people or things. The double “c” may trick spellers.
- Pronunciation: əˈkɒmədeɪt/ (uh-KOM-uh-date).
- Example: Miners risk pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanoconiosis from dust exposure.
36. Antediluvian
Meaning “extremely ancient,” this word’s “-luvian” ending comes from Latin “diluvium” (flood).
- Pronunciation: /ˌænti.dɪˈluːvi.ən/ (AN-tee-di-LOO-vee-uhn)
- Example: The antediluvian artifacts predated written history.
37. Syzygy
An astronomical term for celestial alignment, this word’s three “y”s in just six letters make it deceptively difficult.
- Pronunciation: /ˈsɪzɪdʒi/ (SIZ-uh-jee)
- Example: The syzygy of the sun, moon, and earth caused a solar eclipse.
38. Phthisis
An archaic term for tuberculosis, this word’s silent “ph” and “-thsis” ending are exceptionally tricky.
- Pronunciation: /ˈθaɪsɪs/ (THY-sis)
- Example: Nineteenth-century novels often mentioned characters dying of phthisis.
39. Oenophile
A wine connoisseur, this word’s “oeno-” prefix (from Greek “oinos” for wine) challenges spellers.
- Pronunciation:/ˈiːnəfaɪl/ (EE-nuh-file)
- Example: The oenophile could identify the vineyard from one sip.
40. Schadenfreude
This German word for “pleasure from others’ misfortune” combines an unusual “sch-” start with “-freude” ending.
- Pronunciation: ˈʃɑːdənfrɔɪdə/ (SHAH-dən-FROY-duh)
- Example: She felt guilty about her schadenfreude when her rival stumbled.
41. Albumen
The egg white protein. It is often confused with “albumin.” The “-en” ending is unexpectedly simple.
- Pronunciation: /ˈæl.bjuː.mɪn/ (AL-byoo-min)
- Example: Whipped albumen forms the base of meringue.
42. Liaison
A French-derived word for a connection, its silent “i” and “-aison” ending are deceptive.
- Pronunciation: /liˈeɪzɒn/ (lee-AY-zawn)
- Example: She served as liaison between departments.
43. Acquiesce
Meaning “to reluctantly agree,” this word’s “-quie-” center and silent “-sce” ending are tricky.
- Pronunciation: /ˌæk.wiˈɛs/ (AK-wee-ESS)
- Example: After much debate, he finally acquiesced.
44. Conscientious
To be very careful to do one’s work properly. Frequently misspelled as “concious,” this word’s “-scien-” segment requires attention.
- Pronunciation: /ˌkɒn.ʃiˈɛn.ʃəs/ (KON-shee-EN-shus)
- Example: Her conscientious work ethic impressed everyone.
45. Crustaceology
The study of crustaceans. This word’s “-crustace-” beginning is unexpectedly complex.
- Pronunciation: /ˌkrʌs.teɪ.ʃiˈɒl.ə.dʒi/ (KRUS-tay-shee-OL-uh-jee)
- Example: His crustaceology research focused on Antarctic krill.
46. Dilate
To become wider or bigger. It is often misspelled as “dialate,” this medical term’s simplicity is its trap.
- Pronunciation: /daɪˈleɪt/ (DYE-layt)
- Example: The optometrist used drops to dilate my pupils.
47. Fuchsia
A reddish-purple to purplish-pink color. The color name’s “chs” sounding like “sh” makes it consistently problematic.
- Pronunciation: /ˈfjuːʃə/ (FYOO-shuh)
- Example: She painted the accent wall in vibrant fuchsia.
48. Vacuum
The word vacuum refers to a space entirely devoid of matter or air. It is difficult to spell because of the double “u,” which is an unusual occurrence in English words. Many spellers mistakenly add an extra “c” or forget the second “u,” making it a common spelling error.
- Pronunciation: /ˈvæk.juːm/ (VAK-yoom)
- Example: The scientist created a vacuum in the chamber to conduct the experiment.
49. Broccoli
Broccoli is a green vegetable that belongs to the cabbage family. Its spelling is tricky because of the double “c” and the unexpected “li” ending. Many people mistakenly spell it as “brocolli” or “broccolli” due to mishearing the pronunciation.
- Pronunciation: /ˈbrɒk.əl.i/ (BROK-uh-lee)
- Example: She added fresh broccoli to the salad for extra nutrients.
50. Zucchini
A zucchini is a type of green summer squash. Its difficulty in spelling arises from its Italian origin, where “zz” and “ch” create an unfamiliar combination for English speakers. Additionally, the double “c” and “h” confuse many spellers.
- Pronunciation: /zuˈkiː.ni/ (zoo-KEE-nee)
- Example: I made a delicious zucchini bread using fresh garden produce.
51. Spaghetti
Spaghetti refers to long, thin pasta commonly used in Italian cuisine. The challenge in spelling this word comes from the “gh” in the middle, which makes a “g” sound rather than an “h” sound, as well as the double “t” at the end. Many spellers mistakenly write “spagetti” or “spagheti.”
- Pronunciation: /spəˈɡɛt.i/ (spuh-GET-ee)
- Example: We had a big plate of spaghetti with homemade tomato sauce.
52. Embarrass
The verb embarrass means to cause someone to feel awkward or self-conscious. It is often misspelled due to the double “r” and double “s,” which many spellers either omit or misplace. Some may mistakenly write “embarass” or “embarras.”
- Pronunciation: /ɪmˈbær.əs/ (im-BAR-uhs)
- Example: His loud singing in the restaurant started to embarrass his friends.
Mastery Techniques for These Challenging Words
- Pattern Recognition: Group words by origin (German, French, Greek) to spot recurring patterns
- Etymology Mapping: Create word origin trees showing how roots combine
- Error Journaling: Keep a log of which words you misspell and why
- Multisensory Practice: Spell words aloud while writing them in the air
- Competition Simulation: Have someone quiz you under timed conditions
Preparation Tips
For spelling bee contestants:
- Focus on the 20 words you find most difficult first
- Create personalized mnemonics for your problem words
- Practice spelling backward to reinforce visual memory
- Record yourself spelling words to catch pronunciation errors
- Study word origins during your “weakest” hours (when you’re normally tired)