Word
unsee
Phoneticsun·see
Definition
v. to forget something you saw, especially something shocking or unpleasant. You usually say you cannot do it, as a joke about wishing you had never seen it.
v. to erase from memory something already seen, typically something distressing or unwanted. Chiefly used in negative constructions to express the impossibility of forgetting a disturbing image.
Examples
“I cannot unsee that messy kitchen photo.”
“After watching the surgery video for class, she said she could never unsee it.”
“Once exposed to the stark photographs from the archive, the committee admitted it could not unsee the evidence of neglect.”
Examples
simple
“I cannot unsee that messy kitchen photo.”
contextual
“After watching the surgery video for class, she said she could never unsee it.”
complex
“Once exposed to the stark photographs from the archive, the committee admitted it could not unsee the evidence of neglect.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “unsee” in context.
Verb
01. cannot unsee
“I cannot unsee that shocking scene from the horror film last night.”
modal + verb
02. try to unsee
“I tried to unsee the photo, but the image stayed in my mind.”
verb + particle + verb
03. unsee image
“Once you see that photo, you can never unsee the image.”
verb + noun
04. unsee scene
“He wishes he could unsee the scene from the accident.”
verb + noun
05. unsee thing
“You cannot unsee that thing once you have looked at it.”
verb + noun
Noun
06. nightmare to unsee
“That messy kitchen was a nightmare to unsee before dinner.”
noun + to + verb
07. cannot be unseen
“Once you have seen it, it cannot be unseen, so be careful.”
08. i can't unsee this
“I can't unsee this photo - please stop showing it to me!”
09. try to unsee it
“I tried to unsee it, but I kept thinking about the image.”
10. wish i could unsee it
“I wish I could unsee it; that scene was truly horrible.”
Usage
The verb is transitive and takes a direct object; typically used in negative constructions with 'cannot' or 'never'.
Real-World Examples
“Once you’ve seen the previous owner’s paintings you will never unsee them.” Synonyms
Antonyms
Word family
VERB
NOUN
CONJUNCTION
PHRASAL VERB
- 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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englishreference.com/q/unsee