How to pronounce unspeakable
Say it like un-SPEE-kuh-bul. Unspeakable has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (SPEE).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce unspeakable. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- un
- SPEE
- kuh
- bul
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Unspeakable 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.
- SPEESay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
- kuhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- bulKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of unspeakable
American and British speakers say unspeakable in essentially the same way: /ənˈspikəbəl/ in the US and /ənˈspiːkəbəl/ in the UK.
British respelling: un-SPEE-kuh-bul.
What does unspeakable mean?
- Incapable of being spoken or uttered.
- Impossible to speak about.
- Unfit or not permitted to be spoken or described.
- Something that cannot or must not be spoken about.
Where does unspeakable come from?
From Middle English unspekable, equivalent to un- + speakable.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying unspeakable
How do you pronounce unspeakable?
Say un-SPEE-kuh-bul. The American pronunciation is /ənˈspikəbəl/. In British English it is /ənˈspiːkəbəl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in unspeakable?
Unspeakable has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (SPEE). Broken into parts: un · SPEE · kuh · bul.
Do Americans and Brits say unspeakable the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ənˈspikəbəl/ and the British form is /ənˈspiːkəbəl/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.