Unload: Definition, Usage & Examples Explained

Meaning 1：take things out (unload)

unload 🔊

/ʌnˈloʊd/

To take things out of a vehicle, ship, or plane after it has been loaded.

Illustration of a person unloading a box from a delivery truck, showing the action of removing cargo.

take things out 🔊

➕

/teɪk θɪŋz aʊt/

To remove items or cargo from a vehicle or container after they have been placed inside.

📁 Category：Transportation & Travel 🔖 Level：beginner

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From prefix 'un-' (reverse action) + 'load' (to put cargo).

💡 Mnemonic

Think 'un-' as undo loading; like unloading a backpack after a hike.

📖 Example

After the long drive, we unloaded all the camping gear from the car. 🔊 After a long journey, we removed all the camping equipment from the car.

🔗 Collocations

unload cargo – to remove goods from a ship or vehicle

unload the truck – to take items out of a truck

unload quickly – to remove things rapidly

🔄 Synonyms

offload (v.) – to remove a load from something

discharge (v.) – to unload goods or passengers from a vehicle

empty (v.) – to remove contents from a container

🚫 Antonyms

load (v.) – to put things into a vehicle or container

pack (v.) – to fill a container with items

🌱 Derivatives

unloading (n.) – the process of taking things out

unloaded (adj.) – having had things removed

📖 Cultural Story

Originates from Middle English, combining 'un-' (meaning 'not' or 'reverse') and 'load'. Widely used in modern logistics and transportation industries.