How to Pronounce Indispensable

To pronounce "indispensable", say IND-isp-ens-abl-e — 5 syllables, IPA /ɪndɪˈspɛnsəbəl/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

indispensable

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Accent

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Syllables

Letters

/ɪndɪˈspɛnsəbəl/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “indispensable”

"indispensable" has 5 syllables: ind-isp-ens-abl-e. It rhymes with ostensible and sensible, if that helps it stick.

What does indispensable mean?

noun

A thing that is not dispensable; a necessity.
(in the plural) Trousers.

adjective

Not admitting ecclesiastical dispensation; not subject to release or exemption; that cannot be allowed by bending the canonical rules.
(of duties, rules etc.) Unbendable, that cannot be set aside or ignored.
“The law was moral and indispensable. -Bp. Burnet”

Antonyms

dispensable

Hear “indispensable” in real sentences

Real example sentences from Tatoeba (CC-BY) — tap to hear each one, or see it used on YouGlish.

Words that rhyme with indispensable

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

ostensible sensible incomprehensible insensible comprehensible reprehensible indispensible dispensable indefensible defensible tensible compensable

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "indispensable"?▾

"Indispensable" has 5 syllables: ind · isp · ens · abl · e.

What is the IPA transcription of "indispensable"?▾

The IPA transcription of "indispensable" is /ɪndɪˈspɛnsəbəl/.

What does "indispensable" mean?▾

Indispensable: A thing that is not dispensable; a necessity.

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