What is incomplete? Pronunciation and usage in English

incomplete means . Learn how to pronounce and use incomplete through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of incomplete

incompleteadjective

/ˌɪnkəmˈpliːt//ˌɪnkəmˈpliːt/

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "incomplete" in English. Here's a breakdown with helpful tips:

1. Syllables:

The word "incomplete" is divided into three syllables:

  • in - (like the word "in")
  • com - (rhymes with "bomb")
  • plete - (this is the tricky one!)

2. Pronunciation Breakdown:

  • in: Pronounced as in the word "in".

  • com: Pronounced like "comb" – as in the hairbrush.

  • plete: This is where the challenge lies. It's a fairly unusual sound. Here's how to approach it:

    • Think of the "p" sound, but with your tongue further back in your mouth, almost like you're saying "pleet."
    • The "e" is a short, unstressed "e" sound – it's not a long "e" like in "feet."
    • It’s almost like you're rounding your lips slightly as you say the final syllable.

3. Putting it Together:

The whole word sounds something like: in-com-pleet

4. Tips & Resources:

  • Listen to Native Speakers: This is crucial. Here are some reliable resources:

    • Google Translate: Type "incomplete" into Google Translate and click the speaker icon. https://translate.google.com/
    • Forvo: A website with pronunciations from native speakers: https://forvo.com/word/incomplete/
    • YouTube: Search for "how to pronounce incomplete" on YouTube; you’ll find many videos.

  • Slow it Down: When you're practicing, say each syllable slowly and deliberately before speeding up.

  • Record Yourself: Record yourself saying the word and compare it to a native speaker's pronunciation.

To summarize, the key to "incomplete" is getting that final "plete" sound right - rounding your lips slightly and thinking of it as “pleet”.

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you a more detailed breakdown of mouth positioning?

Usage and examples with the word incomplete in English

Let's break down how to use the word "incomplete" in English. It's a versatile word with several different nuances!

1. As an Adjective (Most Common Use):

  • Meaning: Not finished, lacking something essential, or not fully developed.
  • Examples:
    • "The report is incomplete; it doesn't include the sales figures." (It's missing something needed.)
    • "The painting is incomplete – the artist hasn't finished the background." (It's not finished.)
    • "I have an incomplete understanding of the topic." (My knowledge is lacking.)
    • "The application form was incomplete and was rejected." (It didn't have all the required information.)
    • "He left an incomplete sentence." (He didn't finish it.)

2. As a Noun (Less Common, but Valid):

  • Meaning: A state of being unfinished or lacking completeness.
  • Examples:
    • "He submitted an incomplete draft of the proposal." (Referring to the draft itself being unfinished.)
    • “The project's incomplete status caused delays.” (Referring to the project itself not being finished)

Here's a breakdown of how it’s used in different contexts:

A. With Tasks & Projects:

  • "The project is incomplete due to unforeseen circumstances." (It hasn’t been finished)
  • “The repair is incomplete; I’ll need to come back.” (It's not fully fixed.)

B. With Information & Documents:

  • “The record is incomplete – vital details are missing.” (The data isn’t complete.)
  • “The instructions were incomplete, making it difficult to assemble the product.” (The instructions were lacking)

C. With Skills & Abilities:

  • “He’s an incomplete musician - he hasn't mastered all the instruments.” (He lacks full proficiency.)
  • “Her training was incomplete; she needed more practice.” (She didn't have enough experience).

D. With Relationships/Experiences:

  • "Their relationship started incomplete—they hadn't fully opened up to each other." (The relationship lacked depth/completeness)

Key Phrases & Related Words:

  • Partially complete: (A softer way of saying incomplete)
  • Not yet complete: (Emphasizes the future state of being finished)
  • Inconclusive: (Suggests the outcome is uncertain, often due to incomplete information). Related to "incomplete."
  • Lacking: (Similar to incomplete, but focuses on what's missing)
  • Incomplete data: (Specifically refers to missing data)

Tips for Using "Incomplete":

  • Be specific: When possible, clarify what is incomplete. (e.g., "The report is incomplete because it's missing the financial data.")
  • Consider alternatives: Depending on the context, “unfinished,” “lacking,” or “partial” might be more precise.

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • In what context are you trying to use the word "incomplete"? (e.g., Are you writing a report? Are you describing a situation? Are you having a conversation?)

Synonyms for the word incomplete

Practice with vocabulary incomplete

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The research project remains ______, as several critical experiments have yet to be conducted.
  2. We cannot finalize the report with such ______ data; more information is required from the regional offices.
  3. Due to a software glitch, the transaction details appeared ______ on the system, with several fields showing "N/A".
  4. The resources allocated for the new initiative proved ______ for the ambitious goals set by the board.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (select all that apply)

  1. The project timeline became significantly delayed because several key tasks were left ______. a) complete b) finished c) incomplete d) terminated e) pending

  2. Before submission, ensure that your application form is not ______ and all mandatory sections are properly filled out. a) perfect b) partial c) complete d) exhaustive e) incomplete

  3. The archeological team unearthed a collection of ancient artifacts, but unfortunately, the set was ______ due to missing pieces. a) entire b) abundant c) deficient d) complete e) incomplete

  4. Despite their best efforts, the team found the evidence gathered to be ______ for a conclusive verdict. a) ample b) sufficient c) enough d) insufficient e) extensive

  5. The manufacturing defect resulted in several ______ units being recalled from the market. a) flawless b) perfect c) functional d) defective e) operational

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: The data analysis could not be finished because some information was still missing. Rewrite using "incomplete":
  2. Original: The presentation provided only parts of the overall strategy, lacking a comprehensive overview. Rewrite using "incomplete" or a related word form:
  3. Original: There wasn't enough funding to launch the new research initiative as planned. Rewrite without using "incomplete" but with a suitable replacement:

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. incomplete
  2. incomplete
  3. missing / deficient
  4. insufficient / inadequate

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. c) incomplete, e) pending
  2. b) partial, e) incomplete
  3. c) deficient, e) incomplete
  4. d) insufficient
  5. d) defective

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The data analysis remained incomplete due to missing information.
  2. The presentation was incomplete, as it lacked a comprehensive overview of the overall strategy.
  3. The funding proved insufficient to launch the new research initiative as planned.

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