uninstall

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "uninstall" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is a verb and is used when referring to removing a program from a computer or other device. For example: "I uninstalled the new app and my computer's performance improved drastically."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Windows computers have the Add/Remove Program option and many programs include uninstaller software, but how do you uninstall a Mac program?

The New York Times

Whether run manually or otherwise, simple uninstall programs (including the one built into Windows) can still leave a lot of detritus in the operating system's registry.

The Economist

Providing they do not stick their claws in as deep as Superfish, most of the craplets that get pre-installed by PC makers can be removed by simply using the Windows uninstall feature (found in Control Panel>Programs>Uninstall, or by right-clicking an active tile on the start screen).

The Economist

America's "reset" of relations with Russia did not uninstall the program "Georgia 1.0".

The Economist

Another way to uninstall the app is to click on its icon on the apps page and drag it down to the lower right corner of the browser.

The New York Times

It has directions on how to not just delete, but uninstall its software (with additional pages for earlier versions of their products).

The New York Times

If a new third-party toolbar is not as helpful as you were hoping, you can usually uninstall it from Internet Explorer's own settings if you do not see it in the Programs list.

The New York Times

To remove a Mac App Store app from your computer, you uninstall it the way you uninstall most Mac programs.

The New York Times - Tech

When you have found the name of the extension you want to disable or completely uninstall, select it in the list and click the Disable or Remove button.

The New York Times

I installed something that I think is slowing down my browsing and I want to uninstall it now.

The New York Times

A. You can usually uninstall the antivirus software the same way you remove any other unwanted program from the computer, by using the built-in uninstall tool in the Windows Control Panel.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When providing instructions, be specific about the steps to "uninstall" software to ensure users can follow them accurately.

Common error

Avoid simply deleting the program files; always use the proper "uninstall" process to remove associated registry entries and prevent system errors.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "uninstall" is as a transitive verb, indicating the action of removing software or hardware from a computer system. Ludwig provides numerous examples of its usage in various contexts, confirming its function. The Ludwig AI indicates that the word can be used correctly in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "uninstall" is a transitive verb used to describe the removal of software or hardware from a computer system. As highlighted by Ludwig, the word is considered grammatically correct and is commonly used across various contexts, predominantly in News & Media. It is important to use the correct uninstallation process to avoid residual files and system errors. Ludwig AI confirms the term's validity and appropriateness in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remove program

Focuses on the action of removing the program, without specifying the technical process.

delete application

Highlights the deletion aspect, implying a more direct removal of the application.

eliminate software

Emphasizes the complete removal of the software from the system.

purge application

Suggests a thorough and complete removal of the application and its associated files.

wipe program

Implies a complete and irreversible removal of the program data.

erase software

Highlights the act of erasing the software, focusing on data removal.

deactivate software

Focuses on disabling the software rather than completely removing it.

discard application

Suggests getting rid of the application, similar to throwing it away.

obliterate program

Emphasizes a more forceful and complete removal of the program.

get rid of application

A more informal way to express removing the application.

FAQs

How do I properly use "uninstall" in a sentence?

You can use "uninstall" in a sentence like: "I need to "uninstall this program" because it's slowing down my computer" or "She had to "uninstall the update" after it caused several issues.

What's a good alternative to "uninstall"?

Alternatives to "uninstall" include "remove program", "delete application", or "eliminate software", depending on the context.

Is it enough to just delete a program folder instead of "uninstalling" it?

No, deleting a program folder is not the same as "uninstalling" it. The "uninstall" process removes associated files and registry entries, ensuring a clean removal. Simply deleting the folder can leave residual files that may cause issues.

What happens if I don't properly "uninstall" a program?

If you don't properly "uninstall" a program, residual files and registry entries can accumulate, potentially leading to system instability, errors, and reduced performance over time.