English Reference
noun · adjective

unit

n. · adj.
US /ˈjunət/ UK /jˈuːnɪt/ unit UK spelling unit's, unit's

  1. 01 A2 Elementary

    n.a single thing or person that is part of a larger group or set.

    n.an individual thing or person regarded as a single complete entity belonging to a larger group.

    Simple

    The apartment building contains sixty separate living units.

    In context

    The manufacturing plant produces three thousand units per day, each undergoing rigorous quality control before being cleared for shipment.

  2. 02 A2 Elementary Math

    n.a standard amount used for measuring things like length, weight, or time.

    n.a standard quantity or magnitude used as a basis for measuring other quantities of the same kind.

    Simple

    The metre is a unit of length in the metric system.

    In context

    Scientists must ensure they use consistent units of measurement when collaborating on international research projects to avoid calculation errors.

  3. 03 A2 Elementary Education

    n.a section of a course or a book that focuses on one topic.

    n.a self-contained section of a curriculum or textbook covering a specific subject area.

    Simple

    We are studying the history of the industrial revolution in Unit 4.

    In context

    The final unit of the biology syllabus focuses exclusively on genetics and evolutionary theory.

  4. 04 B1 Intermediate

    n.a small group of people who work together in the army or a hospital.

    n.a subdivision of a larger organization, specifically in military or medical contexts, that performs a specialized function.

    Simple

    He was assigned to an infantry unit stationed overseas.

    In context

    The intensive care unit requires specialized nursing staff who are trained to handle life-threatening emergencies at a moment's notice.

  5. 05 C1 Advanced InformalSlangBritish English

    n.a person who is very big, tall, or strong.

    n.a person of exceptionally large or muscular build.

    Simple

    Look at the size of that rugby player; he is an absolute unit.

    In context

    The new bouncer is a total unit, standing well over two metres tall and weighing nearly one hundred and twenty kilograms.

  6. 06 B2 Upper Intermediate British English

    n.a specific amount of alcohol in a drink or electricity used.

    n.a fixed quantity of a commodity, such as a kilowatt-hour of energy or a specific volume of pure ethanol.

    Simple

    A glass of wine usually contains about two units of alcohol.

    In context

    The household reduced its energy consumption by ten units per week after installing solar panels on the roof.

  7. 07 B2 Upper Intermediate Technical Math

    adj.relating to a single item or having a value of one.

    adj.denoting a single item or a magnitude of one; often used to describe the price of one item in a set.

    Simple

    The unit price of the apples is cheaper if you buy the whole bag.

    In context

    The mathematician defined a unit vector as one having a magnitude of exactly one in a given direction.

Usage contain unit · functional unit · independent unit

This entry
Level A2 · Elementary
Frequency Very common
Updated