How to pronounce unkindness
Say it like un-KYND-nus. Unkindness has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (KYND).
- un
- KYND
- nus
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Unkindness 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.
- nusKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of unkindness
American and British speakers say unkindness in essentially the same way: /ʌnˈkaɪndnəs/ in the US and /ʌnˈkaɪndnəs/ in the UK.
British respelling: un-KYND-nus.
What does unkindness mean?
- The state or quality of being unkind.“His unkindness earlier comes from his bad mood.”
- An unkind act.“You have done me an unkindness with your cruel deeds.”
- A flock of ravens or sometimes crows.“An unkindness of ravens spread across the sky.”
Where does unkindness come from?
From Middle English unkyndenesse; equivalent to unkind + -ness.
Words that rhyme with unkindness
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of unkindness.
Questions about saying unkindness
How do you pronounce unkindness?
Say un-KYND-nus. The American pronunciation is /ʌnˈkaɪndnəs/. In British English it is /ʌnˈkaɪndnəs/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in unkindness?
Unkindness has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (KYND). Broken into parts: un · KYND · nus.
Do Americans and Brits say unkindness the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ʌnˈkaɪndnəs/ and the British form is /ʌnˈkaɪndnəs/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.