unsticking
Elementary (A2)
IPA: /ʌnˈstɪkɪŋ/
KK: /ʌnˈstɪkɪŋ/
noun
Definition
The action of taking something off or freeing it from a surface where it was stuck.
Example
The unblocking of the door required some unstickings of the adhesive.
Conversation
I got my car stuck in the mud yesterday.
Oh no! Did you manage to get it out?
Yeah, but it took a lot of unsticking to finally free it.
That sounds frustrating! I'm glad you were able to solve it.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
detachment
separation
release
Antonyms
attachment
adhesion
bonding
verb
Definition
To separate or remove something that is stuck or attached to another object.
Example
I am unsticking the paper from the table.
Tense Forms
Past: unstuck
Past Participle: unstuck
Conversation
I had a hard time unsticking the lid from the jar yesterday.
Oh no, that can be so frustrating!
Yeah, I had to run it under hot water to help with unsticking it.
Root Explanation
Unsticking → It is formed from "un-" (meaning not or opposite of) and "stick" (from Old English "stician", meaning to adhere or attach) and the suffix "-ing" (indicating the action or process). The word "unsticking" means the action of not adhering or the process of separating something that is stuck.
Memory Tip
Think of 'not adhering' ('un-') to something that is 'attached' ('stick') — that's why unsticking means to separate or detach.
Visually Confused Words
sticking
gunstocking
untucking
untacking
unsinking
stickling
ticking
nicking