How to pronounce inattention
Say it like in-uh-TEN-chun. Inattention has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (TEN).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce inattention. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- in
- uh
- TEN
- chun
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Inattention pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- inGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- TENSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- chunKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of inattention
American and British speakers say inattention in essentially the same way: /ˌɪnəˈtɛntʃən/ in the US and /ˌɪnəˈtɛntʃən/ in the UK.
British respelling: in-uh-TEN-chun.
What does inattention mean?
- Lack of attention, or failure to pay attention
- An act of neglect; failure of courtesy.
Where does inattention come from?
From French inattention.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with inattention
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of inattention.
Questions about saying inattention
How do you pronounce inattention?
Say in-uh-TEN-chun. The American pronunciation is /ˌɪnəˈtɛntʃən/. In British English it is /ˌɪnəˈtɛntʃən/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in inattention?
Inattention has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (TEN). Broken into parts: in · uh · TEN · chun.
Do Americans and Brits say inattention the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˌɪnəˈtɛntʃən/ and the British form is /ˌɪnəˈtɛntʃən/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.