How to pronounce unbecoming
Say it like uhn-bih-KUHM-ing. Unbecoming has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (KUHM).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce unbecoming. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- uhn
- bih
- KUHM
- ing
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Unbecoming pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- uhnGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "u" in cup.
- bihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- KUHMSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "u" in cup.
- ingKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of unbecoming
American and British speakers say unbecoming in essentially the same way: /ˌʌnbɪˈkʌmɪŋ/ in the US and /ˌʌnbɪˈkʌmɪŋ/ in the UK.
British respelling: uhn-bih-KUHM-ing.
What does unbecoming mean?
- Not flattering, attractive or appropriate.“She wore a rather unbecoming hairstyle.”
- Not in keeping with the expected standards of one's position.“He was accused of conduct unbecoming an officer and a gentleman.”
- present participle and gerund of unbecome
- The process by which something unbecomes.
Where does unbecoming come from?
From un- + becoming. Compare Middle English unbicomelich (“unbecoming”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with unbecoming
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of unbecoming.
Questions about saying unbecoming
How do you pronounce unbecoming?
Say uhn-bih-KUHM-ing. The American pronunciation is /ˌʌnbɪˈkʌmɪŋ/. In British English it is /ˌʌnbɪˈkʌmɪŋ/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in unbecoming?
Unbecoming has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (KUHM). Broken into parts: uhn · bih · KUHM · ing.
Do Americans and Brits say unbecoming the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˌʌnbɪˈkʌmɪŋ/ and the British form is /ˌʌnbɪˈkʌmɪŋ/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.