noun
- disruptions or irregularities in the flow of speech, such as hesitations, repetitions, or stammering
Usage: technical; linguistics
Examples
- The speech therapist documented various nonfluencies in the patient’s conversation.
- Common nonfluencies include repetitions of sounds and prolonged vowels.
- The researcher analyzed nonfluencies to assess the speaker’s anxiety level.
- Children often exhibit nonfluencies when learning to speak.
- The study measured the frequency of nonfluencies in different age groups.
- Nonfluencies can indicate underlying speech disorders that require treatment.