How to pronounce inefficiency
Say it like in-ih-FISH-un-see. Inefficiency has five syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (FISH).
- in
- ih
- FISH
- un
- see
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Inefficiency 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.
- ihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- FISHSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- unKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- seeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of inefficiency
American and British speakers say inefficiency in essentially the same way: /ˌɪnɪˈfɪʃənsi/ in the US and /ˌɪnɪˈfɪʃənsi/ in the UK.
British respelling: in-ih-FISH-un-see.
What does inefficiency mean?
- Lack of efficiency or effectiveness.
Where does inefficiency come from?
From in- + efficiency.
Similar and opposite words
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with inefficiency
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of inefficiency.
Questions about saying inefficiency
How do you pronounce inefficiency?
Say in-ih-FISH-un-see. The American pronunciation is /ˌɪnɪˈfɪʃənsi/. In British English it is /ˌɪnɪˈfɪʃənsi/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in inefficiency?
Inefficiency has five syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (FISH). Broken into parts: in · ih · FISH · un · see.
Do Americans and Brits say inefficiency the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˌɪnɪˈfɪʃənsi/ and the British form is /ˌɪnɪˈfɪʃənsi/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.