Definition

To convince someone that something is not a good idea or that it is not true.

Example

The salesman tried to unsell me on the idea of buying the expensive car.

Tense Forms

Conversation

I can't believe how many people are trying to unsell that new phone model.

Right? It's like they want to convince everyone it's not worth it.

Exactly! I think they’re just afraid of change.

Maybe, but it seems to backfire since people still want to buy it.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Unsell → It is formed from "un-" (meaning not) and "sell" (from Old English "sellan", meaning to give or hand over). The word "unsell" means to not give or hand over, essentially referring to the act of not selling something.

Memory Tip

Think of 'not' ('un-') giving away something ('sell') — that's why unsell means to not sell.

Visually Confused Words