un-
Reversal word part
Un- is a prefix with two distinct functions.
Attached to adjectives and adverbs, it negates them: unhappy, unfair, unlikely, unwisely.
Attached to verbs, it reverses the action: undo, unlock, untie, unpack.
The negating un- is among the most productive prefixes in English, freely combining with new words: uncool, unfriend, unfollow.
The reversing un- is more limited, typically attaching to verbs that describe fastening, covering, or assembling.
Lacking necessary capacity
- unhappyExperiencing sorrow or displeasure
- unfairUnjust or partial
- unlikelyNot apt to happen
- unknownNot yet discovered
unusual · unclear · unsafe · unwell · unfit · untrue · unreal · unwise
Open a secured closure
- unpackRemove contents from container
- unwrapRemove outer covering
- unfoldSpread open from closed
- unzipOpen toothed fastener
unbuckle · unbutton · uncork · unplug · unscrew · unhook · unlace · unclasp
Remove one's garments
- unclotheRemove one's garments
- unsheatheRemove from covering
- unsaddleRemove riding equipment
- unharnessRemove working animal's tack
unyoke · unburden · unchain · unfetter · unmuzzle · uncage · unleash · unshackle
Having no weapons
- unmannedHaving no human aboard
- unschooledLacking formal instruction
- untrainedLacking learned skills
- untaughtNever given lessons
unlearned · uninformed · uneducated · unaware · unprepared · unequipped · unfurnished · unfunded
unable
Lacking necessary capacity
unknown · unusual · unclear · unsafe · unwell · unfit · untrue · unreal · unwise · unkind
unlock
Open a secured closure
unzip · unbuckle · unbutton · uncork · unplug · unscrew · unhook · unlace · unclasp · unroll
undress
Remove one's garments
unharness · unyoke · unburden · unchain · unfetter · unmuzzle · uncage · unleash · unshackle · unbridle
unarmed
Having no weapons
- unmannedHaving no human aboard
- unschooledLacking formal instruction
- untrainedLacking learned skills
untaught · unlearned · uninformed · uneducated · unaware · unprepared · unequipped · unfurnished · unfunded · unpaid
un-affirmation
Positive statement of truth
confirmation · positivity · presence · doing · action