How to Pronounce “insolvent”

American (US)

/ɪnˈsɑːɫv.ənt/

British (UK)

/ɪnˈsɒɫv.ənt/

adjective — Unable to pay one's bills as they fall due.

Example: an insolvent debtor.

Where the stress falls. “insolvent” has 3 syllables, and the transcription /ɪnˈsɑːɫv.ənt/ 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. /ɪnˈsɑːɫv.ənt/ 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 "insolvent" mean?

insolvent (adjective): Unable to pay one's bills as they fall due. For example — an insolvent debtor.

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

American English: /ɪnˈsɑːɫv.ənt/. British English: /ɪnˈsɒɫv.ənt/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.

What is the IPA transcription of "insolvent"?

/ɪnˈsɑːɫv.ənt/ in American English, /ɪnˈsɒɫv.ənt/ in British English.

Which syllable is stressed in "insolvent"?

“insolvent” has 3 syllables, and the transcription /ɪnˈsɑːɫv.ənt/ 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.