How to pronounce unpleasant
Say it like un-PLEZ-unt. Unpleasant has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (PLEZ).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce unpleasant. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- un
- PLEZ
- unt
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Unpleasant 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.
- PLEZSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- untKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of unpleasant
American and British speakers say unpleasant in essentially the same way: /ənˈplɛzənt/ in the US and /ʌnˈplɛzənt/ in the UK.
British respelling: un-PLEZ-unt.
What does unpleasant mean?
- Not pleasant.
Where does unpleasant come from?
From Middle English unplesaunt, equivalent to un- + pleasant.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with unpleasant
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of unpleasant.
Questions about saying unpleasant
How do you pronounce unpleasant?
Say un-PLEZ-unt. The American pronunciation is /ənˈplɛzənt/. In British English it is /ʌnˈplɛzənt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in unpleasant?
Unpleasant has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (PLEZ). Broken into parts: un · PLEZ · unt.
Do Americans and Brits say unpleasant the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ənˈplɛzənt/ and the British form is /ʌnˈplɛzənt/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.