How to pronounce drawback
Say it like DRAW-bak. Drawback has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (DRAW).
- DRAW
- bak
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Drawback pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- DRAWSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "aw" in law.
- bakGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
American vs British pronunciation of drawback
American and British speakers say drawback in essentially the same way: /ˈdrɔˌbæk/ in the US and /ˈdrɔːˌbæk/ in the UK.
British respelling: DRAW-bak.
What does drawback mean?
- A disadvantage; something that detracts or takes away.“Poor fuel economy is a common drawback among larger vehicles.”
- A partial refund of an import fee, as when goods are re-exported from the country that collected the fee.
- The inhalation of a lungful of smoke from a cigarette, viewed as a skill of the practised smoker.
Where does drawback come from?
From draw + back. Compare setback.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
- encumbrance
- hindrance
- nuisance
- malefit
Opposite meaning
Questions about saying drawback
How do you pronounce drawback?
Say DRAW-bak. The American pronunciation is /ˈdrɔˌbæk/. In British English it is /ˈdrɔːˌbæk/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in drawback?
Drawback has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (DRAW). Broken into parts: DRAW · bak.
Do Americans and Brits say drawback the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈdrɔˌbæk/ and the British form is /ˈdrɔːˌbæk/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.