How Many Syllables In Inefficiency?
5syllables
Inefficiency has 5 syllables, in-e-ffic-ien-cy. It is a polysyllabic word.
inefficiency
/ˌɪn.ɪˈfɪʃ.ən.si/ UK /ˌɪn.ɪˈfɪʃ.ən.si/ US
Stress
The main stress falls on the third syllable, ffic.
Syllable Structure
VC/V/CVC/VC/CV
Division By Sound
/ɪn.ɪ.fɪʃ.ən.si/
Division By Letters
in-e-ffic-ien-cy
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Inefficiency
S syllable, O onset, R rime, P peak, C coda, Ø no coda.
Parts Of Each Syllable
| Syllable | Onset | Peak | Coda | Pattern | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 secondary stress | – | ɪ | n | VC | closed |
| 2 | – | ɪ | – | V | open |
| 3 primary stress | f | ɪ | ʃ | CVC | closed |
| 4 | – | ə | n | VC | closed |
| 5 | s | i | – | CV | open |
Why Inefficiency Divides Here
- Syllable 1 is stressed and has the short vowel /ɪ/, so it keeps a coda /n/.
- Between syllables 2 and 3, /f/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
- Syllable 3 is stressed and has the short vowel /ɪ/, so it keeps a coda /ʃ/.
- Between syllables 4 and 5, /s/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in inefficiency?
Inefficiency has 5 syllables, in-e-ffic-ien-cy. In British English it is transcribed /ˌɪn.ɪˈfɪʃ.ən.si/.
Which syllable is stressed in inefficiency?
The third syllable, ffic, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of inefficiency?
Inefficiency has the structure VC/V/CVC/VC/CV, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide inefficiency into syllables?
By sound, ɪn.ɪ.fɪʃ.ən.si. By letters, as a spelling guide, in-e-ffic-ien-cy.
Other Words With Five Syllables
itinerarynecessarilyparticipationradicalismstructuralismuniversityalienationcharacteristicdisabilitygerrymandering