How to pronounce helplessness
Say it like HEL-plih-snis. Helplessness has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (HEL).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce helplessness. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- HEL
- plih
- snis
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Helplessness pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- HELSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- plihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- snisKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of helplessness
American and British speakers say helplessness in essentially the same way: /ˈhɛlplɪsnɪs/ in the US and /ˈhɛlplɪsnɪs/ in the UK.
British respelling: HEL-plih-snis.
What does helplessness mean?
- The state of being helpless.
- A feeling of inadequacy or impotence.
Where does helplessness come from?
From helpless + -ness.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying helplessness
How do you pronounce helplessness?
Say HEL-plih-snis. The American pronunciation is /ˈhɛlplɪsnɪs/. In British English it is /ˈhɛlplɪsnɪs/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in helplessness?
Helplessness has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (HEL). Broken into parts: HEL · plih · snis.
Do Americans and Brits say helplessness the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈhɛlplɪsnɪs/ and the British form is /ˈhɛlplɪsnɪs/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.