How to Pronounce “disappoint”

American (US)

/ˌdɪsəˈpɔɪnt/

British (UK)

/dɪsəˈpɔɪnt/

verb — To sadden or displease (someone) by underperforming, or by not delivering something promised or hoped for.

Example: His lack of respect disappointed her.

Where the stress falls. “disappoint” has 3 syllables, and the transcription /ˌdɪsəˈpɔɪnt/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the third one — so the third syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.

An unstressed vowel reduces to schwa. /ˌdɪsəˈpɔɪnt/ contains a schwa /ə/ — the short, neutral “uh” that English unstressed syllables collapse into. Saying /ə/ there, instead of the vowel the spelling suggests, is most of what makes the word sound native.

What does "disappoint" mean?

disappoint (verb): To sadden or displease (someone) by underperforming, or by not delivering something promised or hoped for. For example — His lack of respect disappointed her.

How do you pronounce "disappoint" in American vs British English?

American English: /ˌdɪsəˈpɔɪnt/. British English: /dɪsəˈpɔɪnt/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.

What is the IPA transcription of "disappoint"?

/ˌdɪsəˈpɔɪnt/ in American English, /dɪsəˈpɔɪnt/ in British English.

Which syllable is stressed in "disappoint"?

“disappoint” has 3 syllables, and the transcription /ˌdɪsəˈpɔɪnt/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the third one — so the third syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.