unpack
Americanverb (used with object)
-
to undo or remove the contents from (a box, trunk, etc.).
-
to remove (something) from a container, suitcase, etc.
-
to unburden, as the mind; reveal.
-
to decipher or discern (the meaning of symbols, statements, etc.).
Each statement could be unpacked in the general theory.
-
to remove a pack or load from (a horse, vehicle, etc.).
verb (used without object)
verb
-
to remove the packed contents of (a case, trunk, etc)
-
(tr) to take (something) out of a packed container
-
(tr) to remove a pack from; unload
to unpack a mule
-
(tr) to explain (a question, issue, etc) by analysing its component parts
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Conjugated Forms
Present
-
has unpackedperfect 3rd person singular
-
have unpackedperfect
-
has been unpackingperfect progressive 3rd person singular
-
have been unpackingperfect progressive
-
am unpackingprogressive 1st person singular
-
unpackssingular 3rd person
-
is unpackingprogressive 3rd person singular
-
are unpackingprogressive
-
unpackingparticiple
Past
-
had unpackedperfect
-
had been unpackingperfect progressive
-
was unpackingprogressive singular
-
unpackedparticiple
-
were unpackingprogressive plural
-
unpackedsimple
Future
Etymology
Origin of unpack
First recorded in 1425–75, unpack is from the late Middle English word unpakken. See un- 2, pack 1
Explanation
To unpack is to take stuff out that's been packed, like the clothing in your suitcase or the fragile item that's been buried in ten thousand Styrofoam peanuts. If a large shipment arrives at a company, it may take several people to unpack the items and take stock of the contents. We also use unpack to describe analyzing something by taking it apart. This is sort of like unpacking a box or unpacking your luggage, because you're dismantling the components of something, but it's more likely an idea than a physical object.
Vocabulary lists containing unpack
Word Generation Science - Introductory Chemistry Concepts
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
100 SAT Words Beginning with "U"
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Unit 8
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
There’s something to that last part that paints the perfect picture of our relationship as a whole, which maybe I’ll feel the need to unpack when I decide to stop filling my Lexapro.
From Salon • Jun. 1, 2026
Bob Schatz likes to unpack and keeps finding rooms without drawers.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 1, 2026
Finally, Dahlia and Mark unpack the thorny and confusing 8-1 decision from the High Court in Chiles v.
From Slate • Apr. 4, 2026
"I thought I would find some clue to unpack this. It's a small island, but it swallows you up."
From BBC • Mar. 29, 2026
She ought to unpack them, but was too tired.
From "Typical American" by Gish Jen
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
