disfluency: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low-frequency / SpecializedAcademic, Technical, Clinical
Quick answer
What does “disfluency” mean?
A temporary interruption or break in the smooth flow of speech, such as a hesitation, repetition, or filler sound.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A temporary interruption or break in the smooth flow of speech, such as a hesitation, repetition, or filler sound.
In a broader sense, any breakdown or lack of smoothness in a process or performance; can refer to disruptions in communication, cognitive processes, or physical movement.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant spelling or meaning differences. Usage is consistent across both varieties, primarily in academic and clinical domains.
Connotations
Neutral technical term in both. Slightly more common in American clinical literature.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in general use. Slightly higher frequency in US academic contexts related to speech-language pathology.
Grammar
How to Use “disfluency” in a Sentence
experience [disfluency]analyse the [disfluency]characterised by [disfluency]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “disfluency” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The speaker began to disfluencify under pressure.
- He disfluenced midway through his answer.
American English
- The witness disfluenced while recalling the event.
- She tends to disfluency when nervous.
adverb
British English
- He spoke disfluently for a few seconds.
- The answer was delivered disfluently.
American English
- She answered disfluently under cross-examination.
- The statement began disfluently.
adjective
British English
- A disfluent passage of speech was noted.
- The disfluency markers were coded.
American English
- His disfluent response was analysed.
- The transcript showed disfluent segments.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might describe a disruption in a presentation or communication flow: 'The CEO's disfluency during the earnings call raised some concerns.'
Academic
Common in linguistics, psychology, and communication studies: 'The study measured disfluency rates in L2 learners.'
Everyday
Very rare. A layperson would more likely say 'he stumbled over his words'.
Technical
Core term in speech-language pathology and psycholinguistics: 'Cluttering is characterised by excessive disfluencies.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “disfluency”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “disfluency”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “disfluency”
- Misspelling as 'dysfluency' (related but distinct clinical term).
- Using it as a synonym for 'poor fluency' in language learning (it refers to moments, not an overall level).
- Pronouncing it with a /z/ sound: it's /dɪs-/ not /dɪz-/.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Stuttering is a specific speech disorder that often involves disfluencies, but 'disfluency' is a broader term for any speech interruption. Everyone experiences minor disfluencies.
Yes, but it's rare and metaphorical. You might see it in cognitive science (e.g., 'cognitive disfluency') or writing about artistic performance, but its primary domain is speech.
Technically, 'dysfluency' is often used for atypical, disordered breaks (as in stuttering), while 'disfluency' is a more general, neutral term for any fluency break. However, in practice, they are often used interchangeably, especially in the US.
Yes, they are classic examples of filler words that are categorised as disfluencies, though some linguists argue they serve a purposeful communicative function.
A temporary interruption or break in the smooth flow of speech, such as a hesitation, repetition, or filler sound.
Disfluency is usually academic, technical, clinical in register.
Disfluency: in British English it is pronounced /dɪsˈfluːənsi/, and in American English it is pronounced /dɪsˈfluənsi/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: DIS (not) + FLUENCY (smooth flow) = a break in smooth speech.
Conceptual Metaphor
SPEECH IS A FLOWING RIVER; DISFLUENCY IS AN OBSTRUCTION/BOULDER IN THE RIVER.
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'disfluency' MOST precisely and frequently used?