English pronunciation · Words Starting with C
Cleanliness Pronunciation
Cleanliness is pronounced KLEN-lee-nis, IPA /ˈklɛnlinɪs/.
KLEN-lee-nis
US /ˈklɛnlinɪs/ · UK /ˈklɛnlɪnəs/
Syllables: KLEN · lee · nis (3 syllables, stress on syllable 1)
noun: The state of being clean, or the habit of keeping things that way.
Audio for the American and British pronunciations plays on this page with JavaScript enabled.
Cleanliness in a Sentence
- Standards of cleanliness in the kitchen were exemplary.
- The inspector marked them down on cleanliness.
- Cleanliness matters more than tidiness here.
Common Mispronunciations of Cleanliness
Not KLEEN-lee-nuhs
The vowel shortens to the e of bed once the ending is added, even though clean on its own has a long ee.
Not kleen-LEE-nuhs
The beat stays on the opening syllable and the rest of the word tails off.
Tip: Clean is long, but cleanly and cleanliness both shorten the vowel. Compare please and pleasant.
More words starting with c · Every word in the pronunciation guide