How to Pronounce “innocuous”

American (US)

/ɪˈnɑkjuəs/

British (UK)

/ɪˈnɒkjuəs/

adjective — Harmless; producing no ill effect.

Where the stress falls. “innocuous” has 4 syllables, and the transcription /ɪˈnɑkjuəs/ 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. /ɪˈnɑkjuəs/ 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 "innocuous" mean?

innocuous (adjective): Harmless; producing no ill effect.

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

American English: /ɪˈnɑkjuəs/. British English: /ɪˈnɒkjuəs/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.

What is the IPA transcription of "innocuous"?

/ɪˈnɑkjuəs/ in American English, /ɪˈnɒkjuəs/ in British English.

Which syllable is stressed in "innocuous"?

“innocuous” has 4 syllables, and the transcription /ɪˈnɑkjuəs/ 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.