unlearn

verb

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

transitive verb

1
: to put out of one's knowledge or memory
… he would have to unlearn the pro athlete's mantra of "playing with pain."Victor Frankel
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.
In many ways, the process involved unlearning old habits before building new ones correctly. Irma Davarashvili, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026 By focusing the mind on thoughts and feelings, a meditating person begins to unlearn conventional perspectives and mental attitudes that are the root of suffering. Charles Preston, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Apr. 2026 Lessons still unlearned Here’s another lesson. Orlando Sentinel, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 Apr. 2026 Invest now in people who can learn, unlearn and lead through ambiguity, not just execute today’s playbook. Rolling Stone Culture Council, Rolling Stone, 7 Apr. 2026 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 6 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

unlearn

verb
un·​learn ˌən-ˈlərn How to pronounce unlearn (audio)
: to put out of one's knowledge or memory
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

More from Merriam-Webster