unmeritoriousness
Syllables
un-mer-i-tor-i-ous-ness
Pronunciation
/ʌnˌmɛrɪˈtɔːriəs.nəs/
Stress
0 0 0 1 0 0 0
Morphemes
un- + merit + -ori-ous-ness
The word 'unmeritoriousness' is divided into seven syllables: un-mer-i-tor-i-ous-ness. The primary stress falls on the fourth syllable ('tor'). The word is morphologically complex, built from a prefix, root, and multiple suffixes. Syllable division follows standard English rules based on vowel sounds and consonant clusters.
Definitions
- 1
The state or quality of not being deserving of reward or praise; lack of merit.
“The committee expressed their disappointment at the complete unmeritoriousness of the candidate's application.”
Stress pattern
Primary stress falls on the fourth syllable ('tor'). The stress pattern is typical for words with multiple suffixes.
Syllables
un — Open syllable, single vowel sound.. mer — Closed syllable, vowel followed by consonant cluster.. i — Open syllable, single vowel sound.. tor — Closed syllable, vowel followed by consonant cluster.. i — Open syllable, single vowel sound.. ous — Closed syllable, vowel followed by consonant cluster.. ness — Closed syllable, vowel followed by consonant cluster.
Word Parts
Similar Words
Vowel Sound Rule
Each vowel sound generally forms a syllable.
Consonant Cluster Rule
Consonant clusters following a vowel typically form a closed syllable.
- The length of the word and multiple suffixes could lead to perceptual ambiguity, but clear vowel separation justifies the divisions.
- Potential vowel reduction in 'torious' in some accents, but standard pronunciation maintains a clear /ɔː/ sound.
Nearby Words
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