Here's why:
* Space constraints: Dictionaries are often limited in space, and including pronunciation guides for every word would make them extremely bulky.
* Common pronunciations: Many words have straightforward pronunciations that are easily understood by most speakers of the language. Including pronunciation guides for these words would be redundant.
* Focus on meaning: The primary purpose of a dictionary is to define words. While pronunciation is important, it's secondary to the meaning of the word.
However, most dictionaries do provide pronunciation guides for:
* Words with uncommon or difficult pronunciations
* Words with multiple pronunciations
* Words with pronunciations that vary by dialect
Additionally, many dictionaries provide online versions that include audio pronunciations for every word.