How to pronounce incontinent
Say it like in-KON-tuh-nunt. Incontinent 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 incontinent. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- in
- KON
- tuh
- nunt
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Incontinent 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.
- nuntKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of incontinent
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
British respelling: in-KON-tuh-nunt.
What does incontinent mean?
- Unable to contain or retain.
- Lacking moral or sexual restraint, moderation or self-control, especially of sexual desire.
- Unrestrained or unceasing.“an incontinent river of pure water”
Where does incontinent come from?
From Middle English incontinent, from Old French incontinent, from Latin incontinens, from in + continens.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Questions about saying incontinent
How do you pronounce incontinent?
Say in-KON-tuh-nunt. The American pronunciation is /ˌɪnˈkɑntənənt/. In British English it is /ˌɪnˈkɒntənənt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in incontinent?
Incontinent has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (KON). Broken into parts: in · KON · tuh · nunt.
Is incontinent 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 /ˌɪnˈkɒntənənt/ (in-KON-tuh-nunt).