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

"I do think about it deeply, like what did I learn from Sinners? What did I learn from Annie? What did I have to unlearn?," she said.

From BBC • Jan. 22, 2026

As I've grown, I have been actively working to unlearn this inherited behavior.

From Salon • Nov. 6, 2024

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

“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

This is so ingrained, that it is almost impossible to unlearn this Western cultural norm.

From "Music and the Child" by Natalie Sarrazin