How to pronounce imperfection
Say it like im-per-FEK-shun. Imperfection has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (FEK).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce imperfection. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- im
- per
- FEK
- shun
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Imperfection pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- imKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- perKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
- FEKSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- shunKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of imperfection
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: im-puh-FEK-shun.
What does imperfection mean?
- Those qualities or features that are imperfect; the characteristic, state, or quality of being imperfect.“You can accept your imperfection or try to improve.”
- Something that makes something else less than perfect; a blemish, impurity, error, etc.“He loves me despite my imperfections.”
Where does imperfection come from?
From Old French imperfeccion, from Latin imperfectiōnem, accusative of imperfectiō, from in- + perfectiō.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with imperfection
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of imperfection.
Questions about saying imperfection
How do you pronounce imperfection?
Say im-per-FEK-shun. The American pronunciation is /ɪmpɚˈfɛkʃən/. In British English it is /ɪmpəˈfɛkʃən/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in imperfection?
Imperfection has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (FEK). Broken into parts: im · per · FEK · shun.
Is imperfection 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 /ɪmpəˈfɛkʃən/ (im-puh-FEK-shun).