How to pronounce discouragement
Say it like dih-SKUR-rij-munt. Discouragement has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (SKUR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce discouragement. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- dih
- SKUR
- rij
- munt
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Discouragement pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- dihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- SKURSay this part loudest and longest.
- rijKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- muntKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of discouragement
American and British speakers say discouragement in essentially the same way: /dɪˈskɜrɪdʒmənt/ in the US and /dɪˈskɜrɪdʒmənt/ in the UK.
British respelling: dih-SKUR-rij-munt.
What does discouragement mean?
- The loss of confidence or enthusiasm.
- The act of discouraging.
- Anything that discourages.
Where does discouragement come from?
From discourage + -ment.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with discouragement
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of discouragement.
Questions about saying discouragement
How do you pronounce discouragement?
Say dih-SKUR-rij-munt. The American pronunciation is /dɪˈskɜrɪdʒmənt/. In British English it is /dɪˈskɜrɪdʒmənt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in discouragement?
Discouragement has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (SKUR). Broken into parts: dih · SKUR · rij · munt.
Do Americans and Brits say discouragement the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /dɪˈskɜrɪdʒmənt/ and the British form is /dɪˈskɜrɪdʒmənt/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.