Word
unpack
Phoneticsun·pack, stress on the second syllable
US/ənˈpæk/
UK/ʌnpˈæk/
Definitions
01to remove items from a container
B1 · Intermediate
v. to take things out of a suitcase, box, or bag after a trip or move.
v. to remove the contents from a container, especially after transport or storage.
“It took us three hours to unpack all the boxes after we moved into the new house.”
“After arriving at the hotel, she immediately began to unpack her suitcase to ensure her formal attire remained free of wrinkles.”
Antonyms
02to analyze an idea
B2 · Upper Intermediate Academic
v. to explain a complicated idea or piece of writing by looking at its different parts.
v. to analyze or examine a complex concept, argument, or text by breaking it down into its constituent parts.
“In today's class, we are going to unpack the main themes of the poem.”
“The speaker spent the first half of the lecture attempting to unpack the socio-economic implications of the new policy proposal.”
03to decompress data
B2 · Upper Intermediate Computing Technical
v. to return a computer file to its original size so you can use it.
v. to restore compressed data or files to their original, uncompressed state.
“You need to unpack the zipped folder before you can run the software.”
“The system will automatically unpack the installation files into a temporary directory before proceeding with the update.”
Synonyms
Usage
The verb is transitive and requires a direct object.
Etymology
From Middle English unpakken, equivalent to un- + pack. Compare Saterland Frisian uutpakje (“to unpack”), West Frisian útpakke (“to unpack”), Dutch uitpakken (“to unpack”), German auspacken (“to unpack”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/unpack