How to Pronounce "numb"
The correct pronunciation of "numb" is NUM /nʌm/. Tap play to hear it, say it into your mic for a free clarity check, and fix the "NUM-buh" habit for good.
numb
/nʌm/Lacking physical sensation or feeling.
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Record yourself saying “numb” and get a real, AI-graded pronunciation score with word-by-word feedback — free, no account needed.The Indian-English Mistake: "NUM-buh" — and the Fix
| Aspect | Common in India (incorrect) | Correct |
|---|---|---|
| Sounds like | Sounding the 'b': 'NUM-buh' or 'numb-b'. | NUM /nʌm/ |
| Stress | Often on the wrong syllable | Single syllable. |
How Do You Pronounce "numb"?
"numb" is pronounced NUM /nʌm/. The stress is on the single syllable. As a adjective, it means lacking physical sensation or feeling.
The 'b' is silent — 'numb' ends on the 'm' sound, rhyming with 'come'.
Listen for the stressed syllable and copy its rhythm — getting the stress right matters more than any single sound.
Say "numb" Step by Step
Break the word down, get the stress right, then blend it back together at normal speed. Repeat each step out loud three times.
Break it into syllables
NUM — say each part slowly and separately first.
Stress the right part
Single syllable. Make the stressed syllable a little louder and longer.
Nail the key sound
The 'b' is silent — 'numb' ends on the 'm' sound, rhyming with 'come'.
Blend and repeat
Now say "numb" at normal speed: NUM. Record yourself and compare.
Minimal-Pair Drills for "numb" (2 Minutes, Out Loud)
Say each drill line aloud, slowly first, then at normal speed. On the last drill, use the mic check at the top of this page to test yourself.
come → numb
Rhymes with 'come'; the b is silent.
NOT NUM-buh — NUM
Stop on the m; no b at the end.
Say at speed: "My fingers went numb in the cold."
Keep the b silent.
Why "numb" Is Tricky — and How to Fix It
Why this happens
Indian-language scripts pronounce every written letter, so the silent English 'b' gets voiced.
Tip: Stop on the 'm': NUM — never add a b sound at the end.
Hear “numb” in a Sentence
Read each line aloud with the same rhythm. The word to listen for is in bold.
My fingers went numb in the cold.
The injection made his gum numb.
She felt numb with shock.
Words Related to "numb"
Related: dumb
Same silent b: DUM.
Now say it inside a sentence
Getting "numb" right on its own is the easy part. Pronunciation only sticks in connected speech. Read a passage aloud and get scored on accuracy and pace, word by word — free, no login.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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