How to pronounce unconscious
Say it like uhn-KON-shus. Unconscious has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (KON).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce unconscious. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- uhn
- KON
- shus
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Unconscious 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.
- KONSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- shusKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of unconscious
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
British respelling: un-KON-shus.
What does unconscious mean?
- not conscious; lacking awareness and the capacity for sensory perception as if asleep or dead“lay unconscious on the floor”
- without conscious volition
- (followed by of) not knowing or perceiving“happily unconscious of the new calamity at home”
- that part of the mind wherein psychic activity takes place of which the person is unaware
Where does unconscious come from?
From un- + conscious.
Similar and opposite words
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with unconscious
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of unconscious.
Questions about saying unconscious
How do you pronounce unconscious?
Say uhn-KON-shus. The American pronunciation is /ˌʌnˈkɑnʃəs/. In British English it is /ʌnˈkɒnʃəs/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in unconscious?
Unconscious has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (KON). Broken into parts: uhn · KON · shus.
Is unconscious 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 /ʌnˈkɒnʃəs/ (un-KON-shus).