How to pronounce counterproductive
Say it like KOWN-ter-pruh-duhk-tiv. Counterproductive has five syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KOWN).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce counterproductive. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- KOWN
- ter
- pruh
- duhk
- tiv
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Counterproductive pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- KOWNSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ow" in now.
- terKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
- pruhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- duhkGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "u" in cup.
- tivKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of counterproductive
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: KOWN-tuh-pruh-duhk-tiv.
What does counterproductive mean?
- More of a hindrance than a help.
Where does counterproductive come from?
From counter- + productive.
Questions about saying counterproductive
How do you pronounce counterproductive?
Say KOWN-ter-pruh-duhk-tiv. The American pronunciation is /ˈkaʊntɚprəˌdʌktɪv/. In British English it is /ˈkaʊntəprəˌdʌktɪv/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in counterproductive?
Counterproductive has five syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KOWN). Broken into parts: KOWN · ter · pruh · duhk · tiv.
Is counterproductive pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˈkaʊntəprəˌdʌktɪv/ (KOWN-tuh-pruh-duhk-tiv).