unclog

[ uhn-klog, -klawg ]

verb (used with object)

, un·clogged, un·clog·ging.

1. to free of an obstruction or impediment:

   to unclog a drain; to unclog rush-hour traffic.

verb (used without object)

, un·clogged, un·clog·ging.

1. to become unclogged:

   I can't wash the dishes until the drain unclogs.

unclog

/ ʌnˈklɒɡ /

verb

1. tr to remove an obstruction from (a drain, etc)

Other Words From

• un·clogger noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of unclog¹

First recorded in 1600–10; un- ² + clog

Example Sentences

This can be avoided by using a tool or a stick to unclog the machine.

From Popular-Science

It’s good politics to unclog a political drain, and proximity makes things pressing.

From Time

A recession looms if the global economy doesn’t catch some breaks in the form of unclogging supply chains, extra production of oil and gas, or a deal to let Ukraine export more wheat.

From Quartz

This is like if you took a coat hanger and instead of straightening it out to fetch a blueberry, you twisted it into a hook to unclog a drain.

From Science News For Students

The commercial pipeline that each year brings $1 trillion worth of toys, clothing, electronics and furniture from Asia to the United States is clogged and no one knows how to unclog it.

From Washington Post

Related Words

• clarify
• eliminate
• erase
• free
• open