How to pronounce incompetence
Say it like in-KOM-puh-tuns. Incompetence has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (KOM).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce incompetence. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- in
- KOM
- puh
- tuns
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Incompetence 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.
- KOMSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- puhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- tunsKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of incompetence
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: in-KOM-puh-tuns.
What does incompetence mean?
- An inability to perform; a lack of competence; ineptitude.
Where does incompetence come from?
From French incompétence, equivalent to in- + competence.
Similar and opposite words
Opposite meaning
Questions about saying incompetence
How do you pronounce incompetence?
Say in-KOM-puh-tuns. The American pronunciation is /ˌɪnˈkɑmpətəns/. In British English it is /ˌɪnˈkɒmpətəns/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in incompetence?
Incompetence has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (KOM). Broken into parts: in · KOM · puh · tuns.
Is incompetence pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English. The British form is /ˌɪnˈkɒmpətəns/ (in-KOM-puh-tuns).