How to Pronounce “inadvertent”

American (US)

/ˌɪnədˈvɝtn̩t/

British (UK)

/ˌɪnədˈvɜːtn̩t/

adjective — Not intentional; not on purpose; not conscious.

Example: We check everything because an inadvertent error could be disastrous.

Where the stress falls. “inadvertent” has 3 syllables, and the transcription /ˌɪnədˈvɝtn̩t/ 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. /ˌɪnədˈvɝtn̩t/ 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 "inadvertent" mean?

inadvertent (adjective): Not intentional; not on purpose; not conscious. For example — We check everything because an inadvertent error could be disastrous.

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

American English: /ˌɪnədˈvɝtn̩t/. British English: /ˌɪnədˈvɜːtn̩t/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.

What is the IPA transcription of "inadvertent"?

/ˌɪnədˈvɝtn̩t/ in American English, /ˌɪnədˈvɜːtn̩t/ in British English.

Which syllable is stressed in "inadvertent"?

“inadvertent” has 3 syllables, and the transcription /ˌɪnədˈvɝtn̩t/ 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.