unretire
Americanverb (used without object)
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of unretire
First recorded in 1945–50; un- 2 ( def. ) + retire ( def. ) (in the sense “to withdraw from business”)
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
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
Vodka label uses AI to unretire ‘Fembot’ for Super Bowl ad.
From MarketWatch • Dec. 3, 2025
He shrugged off a question about whether his decision to unretire in March was influenced by the way last season ended.
From Seattle Times • Aug. 1, 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
Rodgers said he will not retire and then unretire — something Brett Favre did multiple times at the end of his career.
From Washington Times • Jan. 25, 2022
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
