unscrew
B1Neutral
Definition
Meaning
To loosen or remove by turning.
To detach or open something by rotating it counterclockwise; figuratively, to unravel or dismantle a situation.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a physical action verb. The base action is to reverse the action of 'screw'. Often used with objects that have threads (e.g., lids, bolts, caps). Can be used intransitively (e.g., 'The lid unscrews easily').
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in core meaning or usage. Minor potential variation in typical objects described (e.g., 'unscrew the tap' UK vs. 'unscrew the faucet' US).
Connotations
Identical.
Frequency
Equally common in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
unscrew + OBJECT (transitive)OBJECT + unscrew (intransitive)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “unscrew the cap on (figuratively: begin accessing or releasing)”
- “unscrew the inscrutable (humorous: to solve a mystery)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare, except in maintenance or manufacturing contexts (e.g., 'unscrew the panel to access the components').
Academic
Very rare, limited to technical or engineering descriptions.
Everyday
Common (e.g., 'unscrew the lid from the jar').
Technical
Common in manuals, engineering, DIY, and repair contexts (e.g., 'unscrew the four retaining bolts').
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- Could you unscrew the lightbulb, please?
- The filter just unscrews for cleaning.
- He unscrewed the cap from his thermos.
American English
- You need to unscrew the faucet aerator.
- The jar lid unscrews counterclockwise.
- She unscrewed the bolt with a wrench.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Please unscrew the top of the bottle.
- The lid unscrews easily.
- I can't unscrew this jar lid; it's too tight.
- You'll need a special tool to unscrew that bolt.
- After unscrewing the back panel, I found the source of the noise.
- The mechanism is designed to unscrew for maintenance.
- The investigator slowly began to unscrew the complex layers of the conspiracy.
- To disassemble the unit, first unscrew the six fasteners on the underside.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: UN + SCREW. It's the opposite action of 'screw'. If you screw a lid on, you must UNscrew it to take it off.
Conceptual Metaphor
SOLVING A PROBLEM IS OPENING A CONTAINER (e.g., 'We need to unscrew this issue').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Not to be confused with 'открутить' (which is correct) vs. 'разобрать' (to dismantle - a broader action). 'Unscrew' specifically involves a turning motion.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'open' for threaded lids (e.g., 'open the bottle' vs. 'unscrew the cap').
- Incorrect preposition: 'unscrew from' is standard, not 'unscrew off'.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the LEAST likely object to 'unscrew'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it applies to any object that is fastened by a turning/threading action, including plastic lids, lightbulbs, and bottle caps.
Yes, intransitively. E.g., 'This lid unscrews to the left.'
'Unbolt' is more specific to bolts and nuts, often requiring a wrench. 'Unscrew' is more general and can include items twisted by hand.
The past tense and past participle is 'unscrewed' (regular verb).