English pronunciation · Words Starting with C
Costs Pronunciation
Costs is pronounced KAHSTS, IPA /ˈkɑsts/.
KAHSTS
US /ˈkɑsts/ · UK /ˈkɒsts/
Syllables: KAHSTS (1 syllable)
noun (plural) and verb: The amounts that have to be paid out, or the legal expenses awarded in a court case.
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Costs in a Sentence
- Running costs have doubled since 2020.
- The judge awarded costs against the landlord.
- A season ticket costs less than driving in.
Common Mispronunciations of Costs
Not KAH-stuhz
The close is a run of three consonants, s then t then s, with no vowel among them.
Not KAHSTZ
The ending hisses rather than buzzes, because the t in front of it keeps the s voiceless.
Tip: Running speech often simplifies the cluster to KAHS, and that is normal; careful speech keeps all three sounds.
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