How to Pronounce Unnecessary

To pronounce "unnecessary", say UNN-ec-ess-ary — 4 syllables, IPA /ənˈnɛsəˌsɛɹi/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

unnecessary

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Accent

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Speed

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4

Syllables

11

Letters

/ənˈnɛsəˌsɛɹi/

🇺🇸 IPA (US)

/ʌnnˈɛsəsəɹi/

🇬🇧 IPA (UK)

💡 Tip for remembering “unnecessary”

"unnecessary" has 4 syllables: unn-ec-ess-ary. It rhymes with extraordinary and contemporary, if that helps it stick.

What does unnecessary mean?

adjective

  1. Not needed or necessary.

    “The automatic child-frightener made clowns unnecessary.”

  2. Done in addition to requirements; unrequired.

Synonyms

additionalinnecessaryneedlesssuperfluousunneeded

Antonyms

mandatoryrequirednecessaryneeded

Words that rhyme with unnecessary

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

extraordinarycontemporarycontrarysanctuarysolitaryarbitrarywaryordinarytarryemissarycarryancillary

Related words

unneededneedlessinessentialuncalled-forgratuitousspareredundantsuperfluous

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "unnecessary"?▾

"Unnecessary" has 4 syllables: unn · ec · ess · ary.

What is the IPA transcription of "unnecessary"?▾

The IPA transcription of "unnecessary" is /ənˈnɛsəˌsɛɹi/.

What does "unnecessary" mean?▾

Unnecessary: Not needed or necessary.

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