unstick

Elementary (A2)

IPA: //ʌnˈstɪk//

KK: /ʌnˈstɪk/

verb

Definition

To separate something that is stuck or attached to something else.

Example

I need to unstick the paper from the table before I can write on it.

Tense Forms

Past: unstuck

Past Participle: unstuck

Conversation

I think my phone screen is stuck to the case again.

Oh no! You might need to unstick it gently.

Yeah, I really don't want to break it trying to pull it out.

Just be careful and use something soft to help unstick it.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

detach

remove

separate

Antonyms

attach

stick

fasten

Root Explanation

Unstick → It is formed from "un-" (meaning not or opposite of) and "stick" (from Old English "stician", meaning to adhere or attach). The word "unstick" means to remove something that is stuck or to make it not adhere.

Memory Tip

Think of 'not' or 'opposite' ('un-') when you want to 'remove' something that is 'stuck' — that's what unstick means.

Visually Confused Words

gunstick

unsick

upstick

unthick

utick