verb
unblock
uhn-BLOK
Unblock (verb) means to clear an obstruction and allow something to pass or flow again. Example: “A plumber came to unblock the kitchen drain.”
verb
1
To clear an obstruction and allow something to pass or flow again.
"During this period, Network Rail was able to unblock a culvert and stabilise a high-risk landslip at Beattock, and to stabilise a high-risk landslip site at Ravenstruther (near Carstairs)."
— , Network News: Flooding closes Highland and West Coast main lines in Scotland (2021)
"A plumber came to unblock the kitchen drain."
"We need a plumber to unblock the sink."
2
To restore someone's ability to contact you after they had been blocked, as on a phone or social media.
"She finally decided to unblock her old friend on the app."
How to use unblock
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo remove whatever was stopping something up, or to let a blocked contact reach you again.
Common pairings
unblock a drain
unblock a number
unblock a website
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like unblock.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- unblocks
- Third person singular
- unblocks
- Past tense
- unblocked
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
A plumber came to _____ the kitchen drain.
Etymology
Formed from un- and block.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for unblock
See all rhymes for unblock →Frequently asked questions
What does “unblock” mean?
The word “unblock” means to clear an obstruction and allow something to pass or flow again. In plain terms, to remove whatever was stopping something up, or to let a blocked contact reach you again.
How do you pronounce “unblock”?
“Unblock” is pronounced uhn-BLOK (/ʌnˈblɒk/ in IPA).
How do you use “unblock” in a sentence?
Here is “unblock” used in a sentence: “A plumber came to unblock the kitchen drain.”
What part of speech is “unblock”?
“Unblock” is a verb.
How many meanings does “unblock” have?
“Unblock” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to clear an obstruction and allow something to pass or flow again.
