Word
unpacking
Phoneticsun·pack·ing, stress on the second syllable
US/ənˈpækɪŋ/
UK/ʌnpˈækɪŋ/
Definition
v. to take things out of a bag or box and organize them. You also use this when you start to understand a difficult idea or a complex situation.
v. to remove items from a container and arrange them; to begin to understand or interpret a complex concept or situation. Transitive — requires a direct object.
Examples
“She is unpacking her suitcase after a long flight.”
“The team spent the afternoon unpacking the shipment of new equipment before the training began.”
“The professor spent the first hour of the lecture unpacking the historical significance of the treaty, helping students grasp the subtle nuances of the text.”
Examples
simple
“She is unpacking her suitcase after a long flight.”
contextual
“The team spent the afternoon unpacking the shipment of new equipment before the training began.”
complex
“The professor spent the first hour of the lecture unpacking the historical significance of the treaty, helping students grasp the subtle nuances of the text.”
Real-World Examples
“Unpacking assorted tubs of carrot sticks and salad, Keira Knightley winces apologetically.” Domain
- 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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/unpacking