verb
B1
Intermediate
unpack
uhn-PAK
Unpack (verb) means to take items out of a suitcase, box, or other container. Example: “She unpacked her suitcase as soon as she got to the hotel.”
verb
1
To take items out of a suitcase, box, or other container.
"She unpacked her suitcase as soon as she got to the hotel."
"It took the movers all afternoon to unpack the boxes."
2
To break down a complicated idea or statement into simpler parts to understand it.
"Let's unpack what the professor meant by that last comment."
How to use unpack
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTaking things out of a container, or breaking a complex idea down piece by piece.
Common pairings
unpack a suitcase
unpack an idea
unpack the meaning
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- unpacks
- Past tense
- unpacked
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She _____ her suitcase as soon as she got to the hotel.
Etymology
From Middle English unpakken, from un- + pack.
Synonyms
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take out
Antonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “unpack” mean?
The word “unpack” means to take items out of a suitcase, box, or other container. In plain terms, taking things out of a container, or breaking a complex idea down piece by piece.
How do you pronounce “unpack”?
“Unpack” is pronounced uhn-PAK (/ʌnˈpæk/ in IPA).
How do you use “unpack” in a sentence?
Here is “unpack” used in a sentence: “She unpacked her suitcase as soon as she got to the hotel.”
What is the opposite of “unpack”?
The opposite of “unpack” — its antonyms — is pack.
What part of speech is “unpack”?
“Unpack” is a verb.
Where does the word “unpack” come from?
The word “unpack” comes from Middle English. From Middle English unpakken, from un- + pack.
How many meanings does “unpack” have?
“Unpack” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to take items out of a suitcase, box, or other container.
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