How to Pronounce “requirement”

American (US)

/ɹɪˈkwaɪɹmənt/

British (UK)

/ɹɪˈkwʌɪəm(ə)nt/

noun — A necessity or prerequisite; something required or obligatory. Its adpositions are generally of in relation to who or what has given it, on in relation to whom or what it is given to, and for in relation to what is required.

Example: The requirements of life as we know it include carbon, oxygen, hydrogen, water, and energy.

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

requirement (noun): A necessity or prerequisite; something required or obligatory. Its adpositions are generally of in relation to who or what has given it, on in relation to whom or what it is given to, and for in relation to what is required. For example — The requirements of life as we know it include carbon, oxygen, hydrogen, water, and energy.

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

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

What is the IPA transcription of "requirement"?

/ɹɪˈkwaɪɹmənt/ in American English, /ɹɪˈkwʌɪəm(ə)nt/ in British English.

Which syllable is stressed in "requirement"?

“requirement” has 3 syllables, and the transcription /ɹɪˈkwaɪɹmənt/ 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.