How to pronounce unsuccessful
Say it like uhn-suk-SES-ful. Unsuccessful has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (SES).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce unsuccessful. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- uhn
- suk
- SES
- ful
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Unsuccessful 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.
- sukKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- SESSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- fulKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of unsuccessful
American and British speakers say unsuccessful in essentially the same way: /ˌʌnsəkˈsɛsfəl/ in the US and /ˌʌnsəkˈsɛsfəl/ in the UK.
British respelling: uhn-suk-SES-ful.
What does unsuccessful mean?
- not successful; having failed or having an unfavorable outcome
- failing to accomplish an intended result“an abortive revolt”“a stillborn plot to assassinate the President”
Where does unsuccessful come from?
From un- + successful.
Similar and opposite words
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with unsuccessful
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of unsuccessful.
Questions about saying unsuccessful
How do you pronounce unsuccessful?
Say uhn-suk-SES-ful. The American pronunciation is /ˌʌnsəkˈsɛsfəl/. In British English it is /ˌʌnsəkˈsɛsfəl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in unsuccessful?
Unsuccessful has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (SES). Broken into parts: uhn · suk · SES · ful.
Do Americans and Brits say unsuccessful the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˌʌnsəkˈsɛsfəl/ and the British form is /ˌʌnsəkˈsɛsfəl/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.