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