uhn-KUHM-fur-tuh-blee
/əˈnkʌmfɚtəbli/
uncomfortably is pronounced uhn-KUHM-fur-tuh-blee (/əˈnkʌmfɚtəbli/). Uncomfortably is an adverb meaning in a way that causes discomfort or unease, or to an extent that causes discomfort. It describes actions, situations, or feelings that are not easy, pleasant, or convenient, often signaling physical or emotional unease. The term combines the prefix un- (negation) with comfort, plus the adverbial suffix -ably to express degree or manner of discomfort.
Uncomfortably is an adverb meaning in a way that causes discomfort or unease, or to an extent that causes discomfort. It describes actions, situations, or feelings that are not easy, pleasant, or convenient, often signaling physical or emotional unease. The term combines the prefix un- (negation) with comfort, plus the adverbial suffix -ably to express degree or manner of discomfort.
"I stood uncomfortably close to the edge, unsure of my footing."
"The room felt uncomfortably warm as the fans failed."
"He spoke uncomfortably about the awkward incident."
Pronounce as /ˌʌnˈkʌm.fə(r)t.ə.bli/ in US; /ˌʌnˈkɒm.fə.tə.bli/ in UK; /ˌənˈkɒm.fə.tə.bli/ in AU. Break it into un- + com- + fort- + a- + bly, with primary stress on the second syllable in many speakers: un-COM-fort-a-bly. Focus on the /ʌ/ in un-, /ˈkʌm/ or /ˈkɒm/ depending on accent, and keep the /t/ clear before -a-.
Common errors: 1) Dropping the /n/ after un- (saying u n com- instead of un-. 2) Slurring /ˈkʌmp/ into /ˈkʌmp/ or misplacing stress on -fort- rather than -COM-; Ensure the /f/ is heard in fort. 3) Weakening -bly to -b lee or -bi; keep the final -ly as /bli/ or /bli/ depending on accent. Correct by isolating syllables: un-COM-ftor-ta- bly, then connect smoothly.
US tends to stronger rhotics and a clear /ɹ/ after fort, with a more rounded /ɔ/ in fort. UK often reduces /ɔ/ toward /ɒ/ in non-rhotic positions; /t/ may become a flapped or glottal in fast speech. AU typically similar to UK but less vowel reduction; stress remains on -COM-. Listen for /ˈkʌm/ vs /ˈkɒm/ and whether the 'r' is pronounced. Overall, US emphasizes the second syllable more distinctly.
The difficulty lies in coordinating a four-syllable word with a non-intuitive stress pattern and a cluster of consonants: un-COM-fort-a-bly. The sequence /k/ + /f/ + /t/ can blur in rapid speech; maintaining the schwa-like /ə/ in -a- and the final /li/ adds to the challenge. Also, subtle vowel shifts between American /ʌ/ and British /ɒ/ contribute to perceived difficulty.
A unique feature is the combination of a strong syllable (COM) followed by a light suffix (-fortably), which can tempt speakers to compress the middle syllables. Also, the -ably ending often reduces to a syllabic -bli/ -b(ə)li in casual speech. Paying attention to the sequence un-COM-fort-a-bly and maintaining clear /t/ before the /ə/ helps maintain accuracy.
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Uncomfortably derives from the adjective comfort, itself from Old French confort, and ultimately from Latin confortare, meaning to strengthen or soothe. The prefix un- negates the adjective, yielding
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "uncomfortably" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "uncomfortably" and show contrast in usage.
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Words that rhyme with "uncomfortably"
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