Deletion is a linguistic process by which a sound present in its underlying phonemic form is removed from the phonetic form in certain environments. For instance, the word infrared is often pronounced [ɪnfərɛd]. Deletion is similar to the process of dissimilation or assimilation because the pronunciation is made easier. However, only in deletion is the segment or sound entirely removed. It is the exact opposite of epenthesis the addition of a sound into a word for more clear pronunciation.

Examples of Deletion

In Informal English

In "infrared" the "r" is deleted and the word is often pronounced [ɪnfərɛd]

See Also Other Phonological Processes

• Assimilation
• Dissimilation
• Epenthesis
• Metathesis
• Coarticulation (Co-articulated consonant, Secondary articulation)
• Vowel harmony
• Consonant harmony
• Sandhi
• Labialisation
• Palatalization
• Velarization
• Pharyngealisation
• Assibilation
• Dissimilation
• Crasis
• Lenition