How to pronounce nonstarter
Say it like nahn-STAR-ter. Nonstarter has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (STAR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce nonstarter. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- nahn
- STAR
- ter
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Nonstarter pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- nahnKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- STARSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- terKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of nonstarter
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
British respelling: non-STAH-tuh.
What does nonstarter mean?
- A project that has no chance of success.
- A horse that does not run in a race for which it has been entered.
- A loser; a person who is bound to fail.
Where does nonstarter come from?
From non- + starter.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with nonstarter
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of nonstarter.
Questions about saying nonstarter
How do you pronounce nonstarter?
Say nahn-STAR-ter. The American pronunciation is /nɑnˈstɑrtɚ/. In British English it is /nɒnˈstɑːtə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in nonstarter?
Nonstarter has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (STAR). Broken into parts: nahn · STAR · ter.
Is nonstarter pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /nɒnˈstɑːtə/ (non-STAH-tuh).