How to pronounce unpopular
Say it like uhn-POP-yuh-ler. Unpopular has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (POP).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce unpopular. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- uhn
- POP
- yuh
- ler
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Unpopular pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- uhnGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "u" in cup.
- POPSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- yuhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- lerKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of unpopular
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
British respelling: uhn-POP-yuh-luh.
What does unpopular mean?
- regarded with disfavor or lacking general approval“unpopular ideas”“an unpopular war”
Where does unpopular come from?
From un- + popular.
Similar and opposite words
Opposite meaning
Questions about saying unpopular
How do you pronounce unpopular?
Say uhn-POP-yuh-ler. The American pronunciation is /ˌʌnˈpɑpjəlɚ/. In British English it is /ˌʌnˈpɒpjələ/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in unpopular?
Unpopular has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (POP). Broken into parts: uhn · POP · yuh · ler.
Is unpopular pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˌʌnˈpɒpjələ/ (uhn-POP-yuh-luh).