Definition

1. Verb (transitive):
   • To deliberately discard or rid oneself of knowledge, information, or a skill that was previously learned.
   • To make an effort to forget or put out of one's memory something that is known or habitual.

Usage

The verb "unlearn" is used when a person needs to consciously abandon old knowledge, habits, or beliefs, often because they are incorrect, outdated, or no longer useful. It implies an active, often difficult, process of mental adjustment.

Examples

• Verb:
  • It can be difficult to unlearn bad habits from a previous job.
  • The new scientific discovery forced researchers to unlearn old theories.
  • She had to unlearn her fear of public speaking through therapy.

Advanced Usage

• "to unlearn something": The most common construction, where "something" is the specific knowledge or habit being discarded.
  • The training program helps managers unlearn autocratic leadership styles.
• Concept of Unlearning: Used in educational, psychological, and professional development contexts to describe the necessary process of letting go of prior assumptions to make room for new, more effective ones.
  • Success in the digital age requires a willingness to constantly learn and unlearn.

Variants and Related Words

• Unlearned (adj): Pronounced /ˌʌnˈlɜːrnd/ when meaning "not learned" or "not having been learned." (e.g., ). As a verb form, it is the simple past and past participle of "unlearn."
• Unlearning (n): The process or act of discarding previous learning.
  • The unlearning of racial bias is a lifelong commitment.

Synonyms

• Discard: To get rid of something no longer useful or desirable.
• Shed: To cast off or get rid of.
• Abandon: To give up completely.
• Forget (in the sense of deliberately putting out of mind): To cease to remember.

Antonyms

• Learn: To gain knowledge or skill.
• Acquire: To come into possession or knowledge of.
• Memorize: To commit to memory.
• Internalize: To make (attitudes or behavior) part of one's nature.

Related Phrases/Idioms

• "Unlearn and relearn": A common phrase emphasizing that to adopt new paradigms, one must first discard old ones.
  • The key to adaptability is the ability to unlearn and relearn.

Verb

1. discard something previously learnt, like an old habit
2. try to forget; put out of one's memory or knowledge