How to pronounce obsolescence
Say it like ob-suh-LES-uns. Obsolescence has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (LES).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce obsolescence. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- ob
- suh
- LES
- uns
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Obsolescence pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- obGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- suhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- LESSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- unsKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of obsolescence
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
British respelling: ob-suh-LES-uns.
What does obsolescence mean?
- The state of being obsolete, no longer in use; gone into disuse; disused or neglected.
- The process of becoming obsolete, outmoded or out of date.
Where does obsolescence come from?
From Latin obsolēscēns (present participle of obsolēscere).
Words that rhyme with obsolescence
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of obsolescence.
- essence
- adolescence
- fluorescence
- inflorescence
- luminescence
- senescence
- acquiescence
- convalescence
- evanescence
- quintessence
Questions about saying obsolescence
How do you pronounce obsolescence?
Say ob-suh-LES-uns. The American pronunciation is /ˌɑbsəˈlɛsəns/. In British English it is /ˌɒbsəˈlɛsəns/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in obsolescence?
Obsolescence has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (LES). Broken into parts: ob · suh · LES · uns.
Is obsolescence 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 /ˌɒbsəˈlɛsəns/ (ob-suh-LES-uns).