isn't

American  

[iz-uhnt] / ˈɪz ənt /

1. contraction of is not.

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isn't British  

/ ˈɪzənt /

contraction

1. is not

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Pronunciation

Isn't is often pronounced in the South Midland and Southern U.S., with , a stop consonant, substituting for , a sibilant. This substitution results from an assimilatory process in which the tip of the tongue, in anticipation of the articulatory position for the following , touches the upper alveolar ridge. This same process gives for wasn't and for business. These pronunciations are heard from speakers on all social levels.

Usage

See contraction.

Example Sentences

“Anthropic’s Claude proves this isn’t a question of whether platforms can implement safeguards. The question is: why on earth haven’t they?”

From The Wall Street Journal • May 3, 2026

Here’s the good news for those worried that adjustment isn’t possible: Over time, most of the old guard slowly, grudgingly, got used to the new ways.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 2, 2026

As Sunderland fans chanted 'this isn't football', Ballard joined Everton's Michael Keane and Manchester United's Lisandro Martinez in being sent off for a hair pull this season.

From BBC • May 2, 2026

Toto isn’t new to the electrostatic-chuck game, with the Financial Times reporting that the company has been making them for over 40 years.

From MarketWatch • May 2, 2026

I’d planned to buy my ticket at the window, but there isn’t time; I’ll have to buy it on the train and pay the surcharge.

From "The Brightwood Code" by Monica Hesse