undock

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the phrase "undock" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it in contexts related to technology, such as when referring to disconnecting a device or application from a docking station. For example: "Please undock the tablet before using it." Alternative expressions include "disconnect" and "detach."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

The flight plan calls for Discovery to undock from the station on March 5 and land at the Kennedy Space Center on March 7.

The New York Times - Science

The seven Discovery crew members — Captain Poindexter; Colonel Dutton; the flight engineer, Dottie M. Metcalf-Lindenburger; Stephanie D. Wilson Mr. Anderson Mr. Mastracchioio; and a Japanese astronaut, Naoko Yamazaki — are scheduled to undock from the space station on April 16 and land back at the Kennedy Space Center two days later.

The New York Times - Science

The Dragon is to undock on Thursday and parachute into the Pacific Ocean off California.

The New York Times - Science

When full, it will undock and return to burn-up in Earth's atmosphere.

The Guardian

Atlantis and its crew of seven are due to undock from the space station on Friday evening.

The New York Times

Because it needs to undock by March 25 to make room for a Soyuz spacecraft that is scheduled to be launched a day later, astronauts will have time for only three of the four spacewalks originally scheduled.

The New York Times - Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

The statistics don't account for bikes that are undocked for maintenance or redistribution.

The New York Times

After four or five drinks, they undocked a pair of blue bikes and rode home over the Williamsburg Bridge.

The New York Times

If the station had been hit, the crew could have quickly undocked and returned to Earth.

The New York Times - Science

In preparation for Saturday's undocking, the crew donned their Sokol space suits, took their positions in the module and carried out final air leak and communication tests.After separation, video footage from the space station showed the distant Soyuz appearing to be heading for the moon.

The Guardian

The men, accompanied by Russian cosmonaut Sergey Volkov, sealed themselves into a Russian Soyuz capsule that undocked from the orbiting lab before beginning the descent.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about space missions, use "undock" to specifically refer to the separation of spacecraft or modules from a station or another craft. This ensures precision and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "undock" in contexts where a simple "disconnect" or "detach" would suffice. "Undock" is most appropriate when referring to the specific action of separating from a docking mechanism.

Linguistic Context

The word "undock" functions as a verb, specifically describing the action of a spacecraft or module separating from a docking station or another spacecraft. Ludwig provides examples of this usage in the context of space missions.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Science

29%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the verb "undock" is primarily used in the context of space travel to describe the action of a spacecraft separating from a docking station or another spacecraft. While grammatically correct, its usage is relatively uncommon outside of technical and news-related content. Ludwig highlights its function in communicating a precise action within space missions, emphasizing its role in factual reporting. When a simpler term is appropriate, consider using alternatives like "detach" or "disconnect".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Detach

Refers to separating or disconnecting something, similar to "undock" but more general.

Disconnect

Implies breaking a connection, closely related to the action of undocking.

Uncouple

Suggests releasing something from being joined, like detaching train cars.

Separate

Means to divide or move apart, a broader term for creating space between objects.

Release

Indicates allowing something to move freely from a fixed position.

Disengage

Means to remove from being involved or connected, often used in mechanical contexts.

Withdraw

Implies pulling back or moving away from a position.

Pull away

Suggests a physical action of moving one object from another.

Move away

A general term for shifting position to create distance.

Back away

Specifically implies moving in reverse to disengage.

FAQs

How is "undock" used in the context of space travel?

"Undock" specifically refers to the process where a spacecraft separates from a space station or another spacecraft after being connected, such as the International Space Station.

What's a simpler term for "undock" in less technical contexts?

In everyday language, you might use "detach" or "disconnect" instead of "undock", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "undock" when referring to a car leaving a parking space?

No, "undock" is not typically used for cars. Use alternatives like "pulling out" or "leaving" the parking space.

What's the difference between "dock" and "undock"?

"Dock" means to join or connect two spacecraft or modules, while "undock" means to "separate" or disconnect them.