How to pronounce unequal
Say it like uh-NEE-kwul. Unequal has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (NEE).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce unequal. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- uh
- NEE
- kwul
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Unequal pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- NEESay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
- kwulKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of unequal
American and British speakers say unequal in essentially the same way: /əˈnikwəl/ in the US and /əˈniːkwəl/ in the UK.
British respelling: uh-NEE-kwul.
What does unequal mean?
- Not the same.
- Out of balance.
- Inadequate; insufficiently capable or qualified.“unequal to the task”
- One who is not an equal.
Where does unequal come from?
From Middle English unequale, equivalent to un- + equal.
Similar and opposite words
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with unequal
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of unequal.
Questions about saying unequal
How do you pronounce unequal?
Say uh-NEE-kwul. The American pronunciation is /əˈnikwəl/. In British English it is /əˈniːkwəl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in unequal?
Unequal has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (NEE). Broken into parts: uh · NEE · kwul.
Do Americans and Brits say unequal the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /əˈnikwəl/ and the British form is /əˈniːkwəl/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.