Learn How to Pronounce opportunity

Not sure how to say a word? Try the Promova pronunciation tool for free and learn how to pronounce anything in English correctly. Discover over 100,000 words and easily learn English pronunciation online!

Find your word:

Find how to pronounce a word and practice it in our free word pronouncer for English learners!

How to pronounce:

Listen to the pronunciation:

opportunity

Definition:

(nou) a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances

Phonetic Transcription:

ˌɒpəˈtjuːnɪti

Examples:

The opportunity is there for the taking.

The man took the opportunity.

The pope declined the opportunity.

Learn more about:
opportunity

Related Words:

chance

choice

probably

How to perfect your pronunciation of: opportunity

Learn Individual Sounds

Break opportunity down into individual sounds such as ˌɒpəˈtjuːnɪti. Practice these parts before you learn to say the whole word.

Copy Others

Use the tools above to find out how different people say opportunity in their accents, then try to repeat after them.

Pick an Accent

Avoid mixing word pronunciations. If you’re learning American English, stick to it and try not to confuse yourself with British pronunciation.

Record Yourself

Say opportunity in the pronunciation tool as many times as it takes before you get it right. Record yourself saying different sentences with opportunity.

Get a Native Tutor

Improve your pronunciation with native speakers! Practice with American, British, and Australian teachers on Promova.

Common mistakes of opportunity pronunciation

Stress placement: Many learners incorrectly stress the second syllable, saying "op-por-ˈtu-nity". The correct stress is on the third syllable: "op-por-ˌtu-nity" (US: /ˌɑːpərˈtjuːnəti/, UK: /ˌɒpəˈtjuːnɪti/). Tip: Practice emphasizing the "tu" syllable.
Vowel sounds: Some speakers pronounce the first "o" as in "hot", leading to "ˈhɑːp-por-ˌtu-nity". The correct sound is more like "ah" in "father": "ˌɑːpərˈtjuːnity". Tip: Focus on the "ah" sound for clarity.
"t" pronunciation: Learners sometimes soften the "t" in "opportunity", saying "oppor-ˈjunity". The "t" should be clearly pronounced as /t/, not omitted. Tip: Make sure to articulate the "t" distinctly.
Syllable count: Some may say "opportunity" with only four syllables, "op-por-tun-i-ty". The correct pronunciation has five syllables: "op-por-ˌtu-nity". Tip: Break it down into syllables to practice.
Linking sounds: When saying "opportunity" in a sentence, some may pause awkwardly between words. The "t" in "opportunity" should link smoothly to the following word. Tip: Practice connecting the sounds when speaking.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "opportunity"?

In American English, "opportunity" is pronounced as /ˌɑːpərˈtjuːnɪti/ with the primary stress on the third syllable "tuni." In British English, it is pronounced /ˌɒpəˈtjuːnɪti/, where the first syllable has a more open vowel sound.

What are the syllables in "opportunity"?

The word "opportunity" has five syllables: "op-por-tu-ni-ty." You can break it down as "op" (short "o"), "por" (like "pour" but with an "r"), "tu" (with a schwa sound), "ni" (short "i"), and "ty" (also a schwa sound).

Is there a schwa sound in "opportunity"?

Yes, "opportunity" contains two schwa sounds, which are represented by the "u" in "tu" and the "i" in "ni." These sounds are pronounced quickly and softly, making them less prominent than the stressed syllables.

Are there common mistakes when pronouncing "opportunity"?

A common mistake is placing stress on the wrong syllable, such as saying "op-por-TU-ni-ty." It's important to stress the third syllable, "tuni," to pronounce it correctly.