Word
unplug
Phoneticsun·plug, stress on the second syllable
US/ənˈpɫəɡ/
UK/ʌnplˈʌɡ/
Definition
v. to disconnect a device from its power source or from the internet. You do this to save energy or to take a break from technology.
v. to disconnect an electrical device from its power supply or to disconnect from a network or service. Often used in the context of digital detoxes or energy conservation.
Examples
“I need to unplug my phone to charge it fully.”
“After working for eight hours straight, she decided to unplug her laptop and take a walk outside.”
“The environmental campaign encourages residents to unplug their idle appliances to reduce standby power consumption and lower their monthly electricity bills.”
Examples
simple
“I need to unplug my phone to charge it fully.”
contextual
“After working for eight hours straight, she decided to unplug her laptop and take a walk outside.”
complex
“The environmental campaign encourages residents to unplug their idle appliances to reduce standby power consumption and lower their monthly electricity bills.”
Real-World Examples
“She forgot to turn off the hob and unplug the iron.” Etymology
From un- + plug.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
ADJECTIVE
- 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/unplug