How to Pronounce Expecting

To pronounce "expecting", say EXP-ect-ing — 3 syllables, IPA /ɛkˈspɛktɪŋ/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

expecting

Tap to hear · American accent

Accent

If an accent sounds the same, your device is missing that voice — it falls back to the closest one.

Speed

Syllable by syllable — tap each one

Practice: Record & Compare

Record yourself saying expecting, then compare with the target. Your audio stays on this device — nothing is uploaded.

Syllables

Letters

/ɛkˈspɛktɪŋ/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “expecting”

"expecting" has 3 syllables: exp-ect-ing. It rhymes with unsuspecting and connecting, if that helps it stick.

What does expecting mean?

verb

To predict or believe that something will happen
“He never expected to be discovered.”
To consider obligatory or required.

noun

The process by which somebody expects something.

adjective

Of a woman or female animal, in expectation of giving birth; pregnant.
“The expecting mother is enthusiastic about learning childcare.”

Synonyms

anticipate hope look for await call for demand want

Words that rhyme with expecting

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

unsuspecting connecting prospecting affecting effecting projecting reflecting dissecting neglecting respecting intersecting infecting

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "expecting"?▾

"Expecting" has 3 syllables: exp · ect · ing.

What is the IPA transcription of "expecting"?▾

The IPA transcription of "expecting" is /ɛkˈspɛktɪŋ/.

What does "expecting" mean?▾

Expecting: To predict or believe that something will happen

Want the definition, translations into 8 languages, and read-aloud for full sentences?

Open “expecting” in the full dictionary →