How to pronounce incontinence
Say it like in-KON-tuh-nuns. Incontinence has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (KON).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce incontinence. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- in
- KON
- tuh
- nuns
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Incontinence 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.
- KONSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- tuhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- nunsKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of incontinence
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
British respelling: in-KON-tih-nuns.
What does incontinence mean?
- Lack of self-restraint, an inability to control oneself; unchastity.“verbal incontinence”
Where does incontinence come from?
From Middle English incontinence, from Old French incontinence or its etymon Latin incontinentia.
Questions about saying incontinence
How do you pronounce incontinence?
Say in-KON-tuh-nuns. The American pronunciation is /ˌɪnˈkɑntənəns/. In British English it is /ɪnˈkɒntɪnəns/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in incontinence?
Incontinence has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (KON). Broken into parts: in · KON · tuh · nuns.
Is incontinence 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 /ɪnˈkɒntɪnəns/ (in-KON-tih-nuns).