How to pronounce unsatisfactory
Say it like uhn-suh-tis-FAK-tuh-ree. Unsatisfactory has six syllables, and the main stress falls on the fourth one (FAK).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce unsatisfactory. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- uhn
- suh
- tis
- FAK
- tuh
- ree
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Unsatisfactory 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.
- suhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- tisKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- FAKSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- tuhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- reeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of unsatisfactory
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: uhn-suh-tis-FAK-tuh-ree.
What does unsatisfactory mean?
- Inadequate, substandard or not satisfactory.
Where does unsatisfactory come from?
From un- + satisfactory.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with unsatisfactory
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of unsatisfactory.
Questions about saying unsatisfactory
How do you pronounce unsatisfactory?
Say uhn-suh-tis-FAK-tuh-ree. The American pronunciation is /ˌʌnsətɪsˈfæktəri/. In British English it is /ˌʌnsətɪsˈfæktəri/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in unsatisfactory?
Unsatisfactory has six syllables, and the main stress falls on the fourth one (FAK). Broken into parts: uhn · suh · tis · FAK · tuh · ree.
Is unsatisfactory pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t. The British form is /ˌʌnsətɪsˈfæktəri/ (uhn-suh-tis-FAK-tuh-ree).