How Do You Spell UNTUNABLE?

Pronunciation: [ʌntjˈuːnəbə͡l] (IPA)

Untunable is a curious word with an unusual spelling that might seem difficult to decipher. However, with the help of the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), we can understand its pronunciation. The IPA transcription for Untunable is /ˌʌnˈtjuːnəbəl/, which breaks down phonetically as "uhn-toon-uh-buhl." This word demonstrates an interesting example of the prefix "un-" added to the word "tunable" to form a new word that means "unable to be tuned." With an understanding of its IPA transcription, we can pronounce this word confidently.

UNTUNABLE Meaning and Definition

1. "Untunable" is an adjective that refers to something that cannot be tuned or adjusted properly. It denotes a state where an object, typically a musical instrument or a sound-producing device, cannot be modified or calibrated to produce the desired sound or tone.

   The term is commonly used in the context of musical instruments that are out of tune or unable to be accurately adjusted. For example, if a note on a piano is untunable, it means that the pitch cannot be corrected or modified to match the designated standard. This can result in an unpleasant or discordant sound that deviates from the desired harmony.

   Similarly, in a broader context, "untunable" can also be applied to devices or mechanisms that are resistant to modification or calibration. For instance, an untunable radio receiver cannot be adjusted to clearly receive specific frequencies or stations.

   Furthermore, "untunable" can be metaphorically used to describe situations or systems that are rigid or unalterable. For example, it can be used to characterize a person's unyielding or inflexible mindset that is resistant to change or adaptation.

   Overall, "untunable" signifies a lack of tunability or adjustability, whether pertaining to musical instruments, sound-producing devices, devices with frequency reception, or even metaphorical situations. It implies an incapability or difficulty in achieving the intended tonal quality, sound, or functionality.

2. Not harmonious; not musical.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for UNTUNABLE

• entenable
• yntunable
• hntunable
• jntunable
• 8ntunable
• 7ntunable
• ubtunable
• umtunable
• ujtunable
• uhtunable
• unrunable
• unfunable
• ungunable
• unyunable
• un6unable
• un5unable
• untynable
• unthnable
• untjnable
• untinable

Etymology of UNTUNABLE

The word "untunable" is derived from the combination of the prefix "un-" (meaning not) and the adjective "tunable". "Tunable", in turn, is related to the noun "tune", which originally referred to a musical sound or melody. The Old English "tūnian" meant "to sound or resound", while the Old High German equivalent was "ztonōn". Over time, the word "tune" developed to encompass the idea of adjusting or harmonizing musical instruments. Therefore, "untunable" can be understood as the negative form of "tunable", indicating that something cannot be adjusted or brought into harmony.