verb
unscrew
Unscrew (verb) means to loosen or remove something by turning it, typically counter-clockwise. Example: “He unscrewed the jar lid with a firm twist.”
verb
1
To loosen or remove something by turning it, typically counter-clockwise.
"The challenge is how to unscrew the cap with a roundhouse kick without knocking the bottle over."
— Mariel Padilla and Derrick Bryson Taylor, The Bottle Cap Challenge Spins On, Helped by Cars, Sandals and Mariah Carey (2019)
"Ms. Van Son unscrewed the pump’s handle and shoved it into her bra."
— Natalie Kitroeff, ‘A Pumping Conspiracy’: Why Workers Smuggled Breast Pumps Into Prison (2018)
"I'm having some trouble unscrewing the lid of this jar."
"He unscrewed the jar lid with a firm twist."
"You'll need a screwdriver to unscrew the panel."
How to use unscrew
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo undo something that was screwed on, by twisting it loose.
Common pairings
unscrew the lid
unscrew a bolt
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like unscrew.
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
- Third person singular
- unscrews
- Past tense
- unscrewed
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He _____ the jar lid with a firm twist.
Etymology
From un- ("reverse of") plus screw.
Antonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “unscrew” mean?
The word “unscrew” means to loosen or remove something by turning it, typically counter-clockwise. In plain terms, to undo something that was screwed on, by twisting it loose.
How do you use “unscrew” in a sentence?
Here is “unscrew” used in a sentence: “He unscrewed the jar lid with a firm twist.”
What is the opposite of “unscrew”?
The opposite of “unscrew” — its antonyms — is screw.
What part of speech is “unscrew”?
“Unscrew” is a verb.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include unscrew:
