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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This process of shifting mindsets begins with women leaders unlearning what no longer serves them and intentionally choosing what to focus on. Serenity Gibbons, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025 According to the study, HAR123 promotes a particularly advanced human trait called cognitive flexibility, or the ability to unlearn and replace previous knowledge. Ashley MacKin Solomon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Sep. 2025 Our Best Actor brings depth and complexity to a performance of deceptive simplicity, as his character struggles to unlearn a lifetime of avoiding emotional closeness. Diana Lodderhose, Deadline, 23 Aug. 2025 Mario Kart veterans must spend time unlearning their drifting muscle memory due to Air Riders' wildly different angles and timing. PC Magazine, 20 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for unlearn

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unlearn.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unlearn. Accessed 16 Sep. 2025.

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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!