How to pronounce unkindly
Say it like un-KYND-lee. Unkindly has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (KYND).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce unkindly. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- un
- KYND
- lee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Unkindly pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- unKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "u" in cup.
- KYNDSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in time.
- leeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of unkindly
American and British speakers say unkindly in essentially the same way: /ʌnˈkaɪndli/ in the US and /ʌnˈkaɪndli/ in the UK.
British respelling: un-KYND-lee.
What does unkindly mean?
- Not kind, lacking in friendliness, warm-heartedness or sympathy.
- In an unkind manner.
Where does unkindly come from?
From Middle English unkyndely, from Old English unġecyndelīċ; equivalent to un- + kindly (adjective).
Words that rhyme with unkindly
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of unkindly.
Questions about saying unkindly
How do you pronounce unkindly?
Say un-KYND-lee. The American pronunciation is /ʌnˈkaɪndli/. In British English it is /ʌnˈkaɪndli/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in unkindly?
Unkindly has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (KYND). Broken into parts: un · KYND · lee.
Do Americans and Brits say unkindly the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ʌnˈkaɪndli/ and the British form is /ʌnˈkaɪndli/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.