How to pronounce unlicensed
Say it like un-LY-sunst. Unlicensed has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (LY).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce unlicensed. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- un
- LY
- sunst
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Unlicensed 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 relaxed "uh" in about.
- LYSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in time.
- sunstKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of unlicensed
American and British speakers say unlicensed in essentially the same way: /ənˈlaɪsənst/ in the US and /ənˈlaɪsənst/ in the UK.
British respelling: un-LY-sunst.
What does unlicensed mean?
- Not licensed; not officially authorized.
- Without permission.
- Free from requiring a license.
Where does unlicensed come from?
From un- + licensed.
Questions about saying unlicensed
How do you pronounce unlicensed?
Say un-LY-sunst. The American pronunciation is /ənˈlaɪsənst/. In British English it is /ənˈlaɪsənst/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in unlicensed?
Unlicensed has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (LY). Broken into parts: un · LY · sunst.
Do Americans and Brits say unlicensed the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ənˈlaɪsənst/ and the British form is /ənˈlaɪsənst/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.