How to pronounce incomplete
Say it like in-kum-PLEET. Incomplete has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (PLEET).
- in
- kum
- PLEET
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Incomplete 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.
- kumKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- PLEETSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of incomplete
American and British speakers say incomplete in essentially the same way: /ˌɪnkəmˈplit/ in the US and /ɪnkəmˈpliːt/ in the UK.
British respelling: in-kum-PLEET.
What does incomplete mean?
- Not complete; not finished.“Stefania handed in her writing incomplete.”
- Of a flower, wanting any of the usual floral organs.
- A designation of being incomplete.“He got four incompletes out of five courses last semester.”
Where does incomplete come from?
From Middle English incomplete, incompleet, from Late Latin incomplētus, from in- (“un-; not”) + complētus (“complete”), equivalent to in- (“not”) + complete.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
- unwhole
- underdone
- unfinished
- partial
- uncomplete
- uncompleted
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with incomplete
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of incomplete.
Questions about saying incomplete
How do you pronounce incomplete?
Say in-kum-PLEET. The American pronunciation is /ˌɪnkəmˈplit/. In British English it is /ɪnkəmˈpliːt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in incomplete?
Incomplete has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (PLEET). Broken into parts: in · kum · PLEET.
Do Americans and Brits say incomplete the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˌɪnkəmˈplit/ and the British form is /ɪnkəmˈpliːt/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.