How to Pronounce “opportunity”

American (US)

/ˌɑːpərˈtuːnɪti/

British (UK)

/ˌɒpəˈtjuːnɪti/

Australian (AU)

/ˌɔp.əˈtjuː.nɪ.ti/

noun — A set of circumstances that makes something possible.

Example: The trip was an opportunity she could not refuse.

Synonyms: chance, opening

Where the stress falls. “opportunity” has 5 syllables, and the transcription /ˌɑːpərˈtuːnɪti/ 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. /ˌɑːpərˈtuːnɪti/ 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 "opportunity" mean?

opportunity (noun): A set of circumstances that makes something possible. For example — The trip was an opportunity she could not refuse.

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

American English: /ˌɑːpərˈtuːnɪti/. British English: /ˌɒpəˈtjuːnɪti/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.

What is the IPA transcription of "opportunity"?

/ˌɑːpərˈtuːnɪti/ in American English, /ˌɒpəˈtjuːnɪti/ in British English, /ˌɔp.əˈtjuː.nɪ.ti/ in Australian English.

Which syllable is stressed in "opportunity"?

“opportunity” has 5 syllables, and the transcription /ˌɑːpərˈtuːnɪti/ 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.

• IELTS pronunciation words