Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

can't even

/ˈkænt ˌiːvən/

Word Rarity Common

Frequency: Zipf frequency 5.58 in modern English

Syllables: can't even
IPA: /ˈkænt ˌiːvən/

13

Scrabble Score

8

Letters

1

Syllables

6

Unique Chars

Meaning

verb

Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see can't, even.

verb

Without a following verb, as an expression of aporia: to be unable to express one's feelings about an overwhelming situation.

Slang

Example Sentences

"He’s nine years old, and can’t even tie his own shoelaces!"
"Oh my God, I got cheap tickets to the Beyoncé concert! I can’t even!"
"I – being a MASSIVE IDIOT – had a go at him… then agreed to meet up again, but before that happened he… ghosted me again. I tracked him down on Facebook and and^([sic]) he said his new phone had got water damage (I can’t even)."

Etymology

An aposiopesis of "(I) can't even believe it", "can't even process it" or some comparable expression.

Usage

Slang

Inflected Forms

couldn't even (past)

Phrases

I can't unable to can

Frequently Paired Words

I can't unable to can

Questions

How do you pronounce can't even?: The recorded pronunciation is /ˈkænt ˌiːvən/.
What does can't even mean?: Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see can't, even.
Where does can't even come from?: An aposiopesis of "(I) can't even believe it", "can't even process it" or some comparable expression.

How to pronounce can't even

Open the pronunciation page — Open the Speakur entry for “can't even”.
Read the phonetic spelling — Read the IPA spelling (/ˈkænt ˌiːvən/) so you know which sounds to aim for.
Play the audio — Click Play to hear reference audio for “can't even”.
Repeat and practice — Say “can't even” aloud, matching stress and vowels until it feels natural.