How to pronounce problematic
Say it like prah-bluh-MAT-ik. Problematic has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (MAT).
- prah
- bluh
- MAT
- ik
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Problematic pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- prahGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- bluhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- MATSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- ikKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of problematic
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: prob-luh-MAT-ik.
What does problematic mean?
- open to doubt or debate“If you ever get married, which seems to be extremely problematic”
- making great mental demands; hard to comprehend or solve or believe“a baffling problem”“I faced the knotty problem of what to have for breakfast”
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with problematic
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of problematic.
Questions about saying problematic
How do you pronounce problematic?
Say prah-bluh-MAT-ik. The American pronunciation is /ˌprɑbləˈmætɪk/. In British English it is /ˌprɒbləˈmætɪk/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in problematic?
Problematic has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (MAT). Broken into parts: prah · bluh · MAT · ik.
Is problematic 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 /ˌprɒbləˈmætɪk/ (prob-luh-MAT-ik).