unfollow

British  

/ ʌnˈfɒləʊ /

verb

1. (tr) to cease to track a person or a group on a social networking site

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Explanation

When you unfollow, you stop subscribing to a social media account. If your friend posts 20 selfies a day, you may eventually decide to unfollow them. On the internet, following someone means choosing to see everything they post on social media. You might follow your classmates, your favorite comedians, the local coffee shop, artists you like, and your uncle. If any of those accounts no longer interest you (they may be repetitive, offensive, or just a tiny bit boring), you can unfollow them. Unfollow is a new verb, coined around 2008.

Example Sentences

“It tends to be more helpful for people to unfollow triggering accounts, unsubscribe from emails, block ads,” she said.

From Slate • May 25, 2025

How many of you are planning to unfollow me on your Instagram accounts?

From Salon • Apr. 7, 2025

While some of Cooper’s former fans said they were “disgusted” by the interview, swore off listening to her or announced they would unfollow her, others came to Cooper’s defense.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 7, 2024

So are the “uns,” such as unfollow, unsub and unmute.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 16, 2022

I blurt out, “Why did you unfollow my Tumblr?”

From "The Hate U Give" by Angie Thomas