Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

-ridden

/ˈɹɪdən/

Word Rarity Rare

Frequency: 3.62 in modern English

Syllables: -rid-den
IPA: /ˈɹɪdən/

8

Scrabble Score

6

Letters

3

Syllables

5

Unique Chars

Meaning

suffix

Figuratively construed as “repeatedly/perennially affected by” or “unable to escape from”.

Example Sentences

"crime + -ridden → crime-ridden"
"bug + -ridden → bug-ridden"
"He could also fulfill his campaign promise to launch the “largest deportation operation in American history,” targeting millions of people in an abuse-ridden process that would inevitably lead to the mistaken detention of thousands of U.S. citizens."

Etymology

Back-formation from bedridden.

Synonyms

lousy with riddled with -riddled

Questions

How do you pronounce -ridden?: The recorded pronunciation is /ˈɹɪdən/.
What does -ridden mean?: Figuratively construed as “repeatedly/perennially affected by” or “unable to escape from”.
Where does -ridden come from?: Back-formation from bedridden.

How to pronounce -ridden

Open the pronunciation page — Open the Speakur entry for “-ridden”.
Read the phonetic spelling — Read the IPA spelling (/ˈɹɪdən/) so you know which sounds to aim for.
Play the audio — Click Play to hear reference audio for “-ridden”.
Repeat and practice — Say “-ridden” aloud, matching stress and vowels until it feels natural.