unretire
Americanverb (used without object)
Other Word 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
Money is one of the most common issues that lead people to unretire.
From MarketWatch • Dec. 10, 2025
The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the number of people 75 and older in the labor force will grow 96.5% by 2030 as more senior workers defer their retirement or unretire to cover expenses.
From Washington Times • Jun. 6, 2023
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
If guys retire to spend more time with their family, doesn’t it stand to reason they unretire to spend less time with them?
From Seattle Times • Mar. 18, 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.
