Definition

To go back to work after having previously retired.

Example

After a year of traveling, she decided to unretire and return to her job.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Did you hear that Mark decided to unretire this year?

Really? I thought he was enjoying his time off.

Yeah, he said he missed working and wanted to stay active.

That makes sense; it can be tough to adjust to retirement.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Unretire → It is formed from "un-" (meaning not or opposite of) and "retire" (from Latin "retirare", meaning to draw back or withdraw). The word "unretire" means to not withdraw or to come back from retirement.

Memory Tip

Think of 'not withdrawing' ('un-') from a previous state of 'withdrawing' ('retire') — that's why unretire means to come back from retirement.

Visually Confused Words