How to Pronounce “incumbent”

American (US)

/ɪnˈkʌmbənt/

British (UK)

/ɪnˈkʌmb(ə)nt/

adjective — Chiefly followed by on or upon: leaning, or lying, reclining, or resting, on something else.

Example: the incumbent toe of a bird.

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

An unstressed vowel reduces to schwa. /ɪnˈkʌmbənt/ 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 "incumbent" mean?

incumbent (adjective): Chiefly followed by on or upon: leaning, or lying, reclining, or resting, on something else. For example — the incumbent toe of a bird.

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

American English: /ɪnˈkʌmbənt/. British English: /ɪnˈkʌmb(ə)nt/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.

What is the IPA transcription of "incumbent"?

/ɪnˈkʌmbənt/ in American English, /ɪnˈkʌmb(ə)nt/ in British English.

Which syllable is stressed in "incumbent"?

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