How to Pronounce “excess”
Free audio in American, British, and Australian English.
▶ Hear it pronouncedIPA Transcription
- American (US)
- /ˈɛksɛs/
- British (UK)
- /ˈɛksɛs/
What “excess” means
noun — The state of surpassing or going beyond a limit; the state of being beyond sufficiency, necessity, or duty; more than what is usual or proper.
Example: The excess of heavy water was given away to the neighbouring country.
Pronunciation Notes
Where the stress falls. “excess” has 2 syllables, and the transcription /ˈɛksɛs/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the first one — so the first syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "excess" mean?
excess (noun): The state of surpassing or going beyond a limit; the state of being beyond sufficiency, necessity, or duty; more than what is usual or proper. For example — The excess of heavy water was given away to the neighbouring country.
How do you pronounce "excess" in American vs British English?
Both accents use the same sequence of phonemes for "excess", /ˈɛksɛs/, so the difference you hear is in how the vowels are coloured rather than in which sounds are used. Play both on this page to compare.
What is the IPA transcription of "excess"?
/ˈɛksɛs/ in American English, /ˈɛksɛs/ in British English.
Which syllable is stressed in "excess"?
“excess” has 2 syllables, and the transcription /ˈɛksɛs/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the first one — so the first syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.
Related words to practice
Browse the full word index or use the pronunciation tool.