unlearn

verb

un·​learn ˌən-ˈlərn How to pronounce unlearn (audio)
unlearned; unlearning; unlearns

transitive verb

1
: to put out of one's knowledge or memory
2
: to undo the effect of : discard the habit of

Examples of unlearn in a Sentence

It is hard to unlearn bad habits. let's hope that over the summer I don't unlearn everything I learned over the course of this past year
Recent Examples on the Web That also means actively unlearning and relearning our beliefs. Barbara Rhoden, Fortune, 5 Mar. 2024 In a world that’s rapidly evolving, the ability to learn, unlearn, and relearn is paramount. Curt Steinhorst, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2024 The goal of this talk therapy is to help patients unlearn negative behaviors and thoughts and adopt healthier ones. Nafeesah Allen, Parents, 8 Jan. 2024 Sometimes, unlearning old lessons is an essential precursor to learning new ones. Mike Keech, Forbes, 29 Nov. 2023 In last week's episode of The Kardashians, Thompson spoke about unlearning some behaviors that have been enforced on him as a professional athlete and cited his kids for wanting to make the change. Georgia Slater, Peoplemag, 9 Oct. 2023 However, proximity to Blackness does not make an individual less racist—it must be unlearned. Essence, 11 Oct. 2023 In that instant, Blanchard unlearned everything she had been taught in nursing school about drug addiction. Cheri Lucas Rowlands, Longreads, 12 Sep. 2023 Ahead, see the 15 most common contenders, and join me in my journey to actively unlearn a handful of them. Danielle Sinay, Glamour, 12 Sep. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'unlearn.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of unlearn was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near unlearn

Cite this Entry

“Unlearn.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unlearn. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

unlearn

verb
un·​learn ˌən-ˈlərn How to pronounce unlearn (audio)
: to put out of one's knowledge or memory
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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