unlearn

American  

[uhn-lurn] / ʌnˈlɜrn /

verb (used with object)

1. to forget or lose knowledge of.

2. to discard or put aside certain knowledge as being false or binding.

   to unlearn preconceptions.

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verb (used without object)

1. to lose or discard knowledge.

unlearn British  

/ ʌnˈlɜːn /

verb

1. to try to forget (something learnt) or to discard (accumulated knowledge)

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Etymology

Origin of unlearn

First recorded in 1400–50, unlearn is from the late Middle English word unlernen. See un- ², learn

Example Sentences

Parla, an American who moved to Italy and built a career leading regional food tours, teaching cooking classes, and writing cookbooks, has spent years helping people unlearn the idea of a single Italian cuisine.

From Salon • Jan. 24, 2026

He is still seeking the outer boundaries of his instrument, while everyone else was trying, in some sense, to unlearn that knowledge.

From New York Times • Feb. 2, 2024

She said: "Playing Bella was one of the greatest joys in my life and I got to unlearn a lot of things in playing her."

From BBC • Jan. 15, 2024

“Graduates now require not only specific skills but also the ability to continuously learn, unlearn and relearn throughout their careers.”

From Washington Times • Nov. 24, 2023

One veteran agent advised new recruits, “The first thing you’ve got to do is unlearn everything they taught you at the Seat of Government. The second is get rid of those damn manuals.”

From "Killers of the Flower Moon" by David Grann