How to pronounce unthinkable
Say it like un-THING-kuh-bul. Unthinkable has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (THING).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce unthinkable. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- un
- THING
- kuh
- bul
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Unthinkable 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.
- THINGSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- 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 unthinkable
American and British speakers say unthinkable in essentially the same way: /ənˈθɪŋkəbəl/ in the US and /ənˈθɪŋkəbəl/ in the UK.
British respelling: un-THING-kuh-bul.
What does unthinkable mean?
- That cannot be believed.
- Inconceivable or unimaginable; extremely improbable in a way that goes against common sense.
- Extremely improper; extremely at odds with norms of expected behavior.
- Something, or various things collectively, that one dares not think about or do.“do the unthinkable”
Where does unthinkable come from?
From un- + think + -able.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with unthinkable
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of unthinkable.
Questions about saying unthinkable
How do you pronounce unthinkable?
Say un-THING-kuh-bul. The American pronunciation is /ənˈθɪŋkəbəl/. In British English it is /ənˈθɪŋkəbəl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in unthinkable?
Unthinkable has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (THING). Broken into parts: un · THING · kuh · bul.
Do Americans and Brits say unthinkable the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ənˈθɪŋkəbəl/ and the British form is /ənˈθɪŋkəbəl/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.