unlink

USAGE SUMMARY

'unlink' is a correct and usable word in written English.
You use it when you want to describe the process of detaching or disconnecting from something. For example, "We decided to unlink our two companies and pursue separate paths."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

The main idea is to unlink subsidies and production.

The Economist

He wants to create a network in which the capsules automatically link up to form trains, and then unlink when some of them need to dive down a spur.

The Economist

ifficult is the relocation that in April America and Japan agreed to unlink it from other parts of their 2006 agreement the return of other bases in the south of Okinawa and the relocation of 9,000 marines from Futenma to Guam.

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So difficult is the relocation that in April America and Japan agreed to unlink it from other parts of their 2006 agreement the return of other bases in the south of Okinawa and the relocation of 9,000 marines from Futenma to Guam.

The Economist

They join two more dancers for a speedy, intricate quartet, changing places as they link and unlink arms.

Independent

Democrats say they're willing to go over the so-called fiscal cliff and allow all the Bush-era tax cuts to expire and, if they can't unlink them, drastic automatic spending cutbacks to take effect.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

Whether "unlinked" or not, food aid is now unlikely.

The Economist

(Eight people unlinked to the latest unrest five Yemenis, two Syrians and a Kuwaiti are on trial, accused of belonging to al-Qaeda and trying to kill the prime minister).

The Economist

International legal bodies regard the result of successful break-ups the way friends see a separating couple: as two newly unlinked individuals, like it or not.

The Economist

If you work in the same soulless constellation of 'business units' that I do, petition to get the nearby sewage treatment works shut down and the air conditioning system unlinked to the café next door so that your day isn't an endless sensory merry-go-round of decomposing human s**t and frying bacon.

Independent

That hate crimes against disabled people rose 14 per cent in 2012 cannot be unlinked from the growing perception, when there is not enough money to go around, that they are a drain on resources.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "unlink" when you want to clearly indicate the removal of a connection or association between two or more entities. For example, "They decided to unlink their business accounts to avoid confusion."

Common error

Avoid using "unlink" in very casual conversations where simpler terms like "disconnect" or "separate" would be more appropriate. Reserve "unlink" for situations where you want to emphasize the deliberate removal of a specific link or association.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "unlink" is as a transitive verb, indicating the action of disconnecting or severing a link between two or more entities. Ludwig AI confirms this usage, demonstrating its role in actively breaking associations, as seen in examples like "unlink subsidies and production."

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "unlink" functions primarily as a transitive verb, signifying the deliberate act of disconnecting or severing a link between entities. As highlighted by Ludwig, its usage spans various contexts, notably in news and media, as well as scientific and business settings. The term is grammatically correct and commonly used, fitting a neutral to professional register. While alternatives like "disconnect" or "detach" exist, "unlink" is particularly suited for scenarios requiring a clear and intentional removal of association. Remember to reserve this term for situations needing emphasis on the deliberate nature of the separation and avoid overusing it in casual conversations. Ludwig AI confirms that "unlink" is a usable word in written English, best employed when you need to describe detaching or disconnecting.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

disconnect

Focuses on severing a connection, whether physical or abstract.

detach

Highlights the act of separating something from something else.

disassociate

Emphasizes the act of mentally or conceptually separating two things.

decouple

Implies separating two things that were previously linked, often used in a technical context.

sever

Suggests a complete and often forceful cutting off of a connection.

separate

A general term for causing things to be apart.

break the link

More descriptive, emphasizing the act of disrupting a connection.

dissociate oneself from

Focuses on removing personal association from something.

disengage

Highlights withdrawing or freeing oneself from an obligation or connection.

untether

Implies freeing something from a constraint or limitation.

FAQs

How can I use "unlink" in a sentence?

The word "unlink" means to disconnect or disassociate. For example, "The company decided to unlink its software from the outdated operating system."

What is a good substitute for "unlink"?

Alternatives to "unlink" include "disconnect", "detach", or "disassociate", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "unlinked from" or "unlink from"?

Both "unlinked from" and "unlink from" are grammatically correct, but they have different uses. "Unlink from" is used in the infinitive form or present tense, while "unlinked from" is used in the past tense or as a past participle.

What's the difference between "unlink" and "disconnect"?

"Unlink" often implies a more deliberate or formal removal of a connection, whereas "disconnect" can be more general and apply to both physical and abstract connections.