verb B2 Upper-Intermediate Uncommon

unload

uhn-LOHD

Unload (verb) means to remove cargo or goods from a vehicle, ship, or container. Example: “The crew took two hours to unload the truck.”

verb

To remove cargo or goods from a vehicle, ship, or container.

"The crew took two hours to unload the truck."

"Volunteers helped unload boxes of supplies at the shelter."

To sell off or get rid of something, often quickly.

"The investor unloaded his shares before the price dropped further."

To express or let out pent-up feelings.

"She finally unloaded her frustrations to a close friend."

How to Use Unload

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo take a load off something — a vehicle, a gun, an emotional burden, or an unwanted asset.

Common pairings

unload cargo unload a gun unload stock

Word Forms

unloaded past tense, unloads singular

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Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

The crew took two hours to _____ the truck.

Etymology

From "un-" + "load."

Synonyms

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drop discharge offload unlade drop off set down put down

Related Words

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Rhymes for unload

road toad load goad broad abroad upload reload offload payload busload download

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does “unload” mean?

The word “unload” means to remove cargo or goods from a vehicle, ship, or container. In plain terms, to take a load off something — a vehicle, a gun, an emotional burden, or an unwanted asset.

How do you pronounce “unload”?

“Unload” is pronounced uhn-LOHD (/ʌnˈloʊd/ in IPA).

How do you use “unload” in a sentence?

Here is “unload” used in a sentence: “The crew took two hours to unload the truck.”

What part of speech is “unload”?

“Unload” is a verb.

Is “unload” a common word?

“Unload” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.

How many meanings does “unload” have?

“Unload” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to remove cargo or goods from a vehicle, ship, or container.

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