unravel

[uhn-rav-uhl]

verb (used with object)

unraveled, unraveling , unravelled, unravelling .

1. to separate or disentangle the threads of (a woven or knitted fabric, a rope, etc.).

2. to free from complication or difficulty; make plain or clear; solve.

   to unravel a situation; to unravel a mystery.

3. Informal.,  to take apart; undo; destroy (a plan, agreement, or arrangement).

verb (used without object)

unraveled, unraveling , unravelled, unravelling .

1. to become unraveled.

unravel

/ ʌnˈrævəl /

verb

1. (tr) to reduce (something knitted or woven) to separate strands

2. (tr) to undo or untangle (something tangled or knotted)

3. (tr) to explain or solve

   the mystery was unravelled

4. (intr) to become unravelled

Other Word Forms

• unraveler noun
• unravelment noun
• unraveller noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of unravel¹

First recorded in 1595–1605; un- ² + ravel

Example Sentences

But that no longer seemed the case Saturday, as USC unraveled on special teams, putting its offense in too deep of a hole to climb out of.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

His dismissal on Saturday was when it began to unravel for England.

Read more on BBC

This week, a chastened Summers found himself in different circumstances: standing in the well of a Harvard lecture hall, asking his students’ forgiveness as his professional life was unraveling.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

If you don't get budget retail right though, the numbers can quickly unravel.

Read more on BBC

They are expected to testify on how the fire and landfill emissions have unraveled the fabric of the semi-rural community.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• decipher 
• resolve 
• solve 
• undo 
• untangle