unretire

American  

[uhn-ri-tahyuhr] / ˌʌn rɪˈtaɪər /

verb (used without object)

unretired, unretiring

1. to return to the workforce after having been retired.

---

Other Word Forms

• unretiree noun
• unretirement noun

Etymology

Origin of unretire

First recorded in 1945–50; un- ² ( def. ) + retire ( def. ) (in the sense “to withdraw from business”)

Example Sentences

To reach the most hallowed ground in figure skating, Liu had to retire at 16, unretire two years later, and come back as an entirely different skater with an unapologetically carefree approach.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 20, 2026

Instead, workers tend to unretire when it is easiest to do so, when the job market is strong.

From MarketWatch • Dec. 18, 2025

Kirnan was team owner and president of the Privateers and went behind the bench for the season’s final five games when its coach, Paul Kelly, decided to unretire so he could play in the postseason.

From Seattle Times • May 28, 2024

Brady and Bündchen have both hired divorce lawyers, according to the New York Post’s Page Six, as the two mega stars continue feuding after the 45-year-old quarterback’s decision to unretire this offseason.

From Washington Times • Oct. 4, 2022

Arians said a pivotal moment in his decision came two weeks ago when future Hall of Fame quarterback Tom Brady decided to unretire and rejoin the team.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 30, 2022