unselfsufficient
Syllables
un-self-suf-fi-cient
Pronunciation
/ʌnˈself.sə.fɪʃ.ənt/
Stress
01000
Morphemes
un- + self + -sufficient
The word 'unself-sufficient' is divided into five syllables: un-self-suf-fi-cient. The primary stress falls on 'suf'. The syllabification follows rules maximizing onsets and avoiding stranded consonants, with consideration for the 'sf' cluster and potential elision of 't'.
Definitions
- 1
Not having enough resources or qualities to deal with things on your own.
“He was a shy and unself-sufficient child.”
“The country is still largely unself-sufficient in food production.”
Stress pattern
Primary stress falls on the third syllable ('suf'). The other syllables are unstressed.
Syllables
un — Open syllable, initial syllable.. self — Closed syllable, containing a vowel and consonant cluster.. suf — Closed, stressed syllable, containing a consonant cluster.. fi — Open syllable, containing a short vowel.. cient — Closed syllable, containing a consonant cluster at the end.
Word Parts
Similar Words
Vowel-Initial Syllable
Each vowel sound generally initiates a new syllable.
Maximizing Onsets
Consonant clusters are grouped at the beginning of syllables whenever possible.
Avoiding Stranded Consonants
Consonants are not left isolated at the end of a syllable unless necessary.
- Potential elision of the 't' in 'sufficient' in rapid speech.
- The 'sf' consonant cluster is permissible but requires careful syllabification.
- Regional variations in pronunciation (e.g., /v/ for /f/ in 'sufficient') do not affect syllable division.
Nearby Words
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