How many syllables in “painstaking”?
syllables in "painstaking"
Word details
Syllables
3
pain · sta · king
Letters
11
p · a · i · n · s · t · a · k · i · n · g
Scrabble
18
points
Scrabble letter values
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About the word “painstaking”
The word “painstaking” contains 3 syllables, divided as pain · sta · king. It has 11 letters.
FAQ
How many syllables does "painstaking" have?
"painstaking" has 3 syllables.
How do you divide "painstaking" into syllables?
"painstaking" is divided into syllables as: pain · sta · king.
What is the Scrabble score for "painstaking"?
The Scrabble score for "painstaking" is 18 points.
Using “painstaking” in writing
Three-syllable words like "painstaking" (pain · sta · king) create a rolling, flowing rhythm in verse. Depending on where the stress lands, they can form dactylic (DUM-da-da) or anapestic (da-da-DUM) feet — common in limericks, ballads, and song lyrics. In haiku, a single three-syllable word covers more than half of a short line.
In word games
In Scrabble and Words With Friends, “painstaking” is worth 18 base points before any board multipliers. That's a high-scoring word — prioritize double or triple word score squares to maximize your turn.