American English
/ˈkʰʊ.ɾn̩t̚/
2 syllables · Stress the first syllable.
short form of could not, used to say that someone was unable to do something in the past
Practice out loudshort form of could not, used to say that someone was unable to do something in the past
I couldn't sleep.
Couldn't is the contraction of could not. It is common in speech and informal writing; could not is used in more formal or emphatic language.
couldn't sleep · couldn't understand
short form of could not, used to say that something is impossible or cannot be true
That couldn't be true.
With have and a past participle, couldn't have says that something was impossible in the past.
couldn't happen · couldn't be true
short form of could not, used to say that someone would be unable or unwilling to do something in a particular situation
I couldn't leave without saying goodbye.
couldn't accept · couldn't leave