unpack

verb

un·​pack ˌən-ˈpak 

unpacked; unpacking; unpacks

transitive verb

1

a

: to remove the contents of

unpack a suitcase

b

: unburden, reveal

must … unpack my heart with words

—William Shakespeare

2

: to remove or undo from packing or a container

unpacked his gear

3

: to analyze the nature of by examining in detail : explicate

unpack a concept

4

: decompress sense 2

unpack a compressed file

intransitive verb

: to engage in unpacking a container

unpacker noun

Synonyms

• disburden
• discharge
• disencumber
• off-load
• unburden
• unlade
• unload

Examples of unpack in a Sentence

It's been a year since I moved here and I still haven't unpacked all of my books.

I unpacked my suitcase as soon as I arrived home.

By the time we got to the hotel, I was too tired to unpack.

She's good at unpacking complex concepts.

Recent Examples on the Web

In unpacking its analysis, the IRS first started with an explanation of digital assets, including the definition of a digital asset under § 6045(g)(3)(D). —Timothy M. Todd, Forbes, 31 Dec. 2024

But the simplicity of not unpacking hits like hard drugs. —The Editors, Outside Online, 27 Dec. 2024

The White House staff of roughly 90 people packed and unpacked the president’s belongings and stock and rearranged the White House to the incoming president’s liking. —Jack Birle, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 26 Dec. 2024

Nellie Beckett/Gulf States Newsroom The impact included local political strategists sharing out the FAQ voter guide, and 527 downloads of the Gulf States Gumbo podcast unpacking the project to cover District 2. —Npr Staff, NPR, 26 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Kids Definition

unpack

verb

un·​pack ˌən-ˈpak 

ˈən-

1

: to separate and remove things packed

got home and unpacked

2

: to open and remove the contents of

unpack a trunk