unsubscribe

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'unsubscribe' is correct and widely used in written English.
It means to remove oneself from a mailing list or newsletter. Example: "If you no longer wish to receive our monthly newsletter, please click the 'unsubscribe' link at the bottom of the email."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

For example, you can agree to receive marketing emails, but you must be given the opportunity to unsubscribe from them too, as email marketing is consent driven by law.

The Guardian - Opinion

Users must also, he cautions, have a means to unsubscribe, or be sure that they will receive messages only for a limited time (a week, say, or a month) when they sign up for a promotion.

The Economist

They also allowed individuals to initiate (or cancel) memberships simply by sending an e-mail to the host computer indicating their wish to subscribe (or unsubscribe) to the list.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Although I can unsubscribe I don't think they had the right to use it in the first place without my permission and I'm not encouraged to use the service.

Independent

My favorite thing about the site is the e-mail I get telling me what my friends are reading, and I'll never unsubscribe from that service.

The New Yorker

In a study of 100 large online retailers, the firm found that the proportion requiring three or more clicks to unsubscribe had grown more than fivefold since 2008.

The New York Times

Randy Kaplan, a 40-something musician in Los Angeles, normally sends a newsletter to his 2,000 followers using Constant Contact, which allows people to unsubscribe if they wish.

The New York Times

Other types of phones that receive Amber Alerts can unsubscribe by addressing a text message to the short code 26237 with the keyword CANCEL in the message body; sending END, QUIT, STOP or UNSUBSCRIBE should work, too.

The New York Times - Tech

If you do not wish to be included or receive notifications about a particular group message, you can unsubscribe from it.

The New York Times - Tech

FILTERS ARE YOUR FRIEND For recurring e-mails to which you can't unsubscribe — like the ones from annoying relatives — consider setting up filters for them.

The New York Times - Tech

Michael Terrien, a boutique Napa winemaker, calls Rimmerman's daily e-mails "wine crack," adding that he has to unsubscribe periodically to stop the financial hemorrhage.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When providing an option to "unsubscribe", ensure the process is straightforward and requires minimal steps. A clear and easily accessible "unsubscribe" link improves user experience and helps maintain a positive brand reputation.

Common error

Avoid burying the "unsubscribe" link at the bottom of an email in small, hard-to-read text. This practice frustrates users and can lead to them marking your emails as spam.

Linguistic Context

The verb "unsubscribe" functions primarily to describe the act of canceling a subscription or opting out of a mailing list. Ludwig confirms this usage is grammatically correct and widely understood. It's commonly found in instructions or options provided by services.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "unsubscribe" is a grammatically correct and very common verb used to describe the action of canceling a subscription or removing oneself from a mailing list. Ludwig AI confirms its wide acceptance and appropriate use in various contexts. It is particularly prevalent in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Formal & Business communications. Ensuring a clear and accessible "unsubscribe" process is a best practice for maintaining positive user relations. Remember to avoid burying the "unsubscribe" link in obscure locations, as this can lead to user frustration. Alternatives to "unsubscribe" include "cancel subscription", "opt out of", and "remove from mailing list".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cancel subscription

Focuses specifically on the act of canceling a subscription.

end subscription

Highlights the termination of a subscription.

opt out of

Emphasizes the choice to no longer participate.

remove from mailing list

Specifically targets removal from an email list.

cancel service

Canceling a provided service.

withdraw from

Suggests a more formal removal from something.

terminate membership

Applies to canceling a membership rather than just a subscription.

deactivate account

Indicates a more complete removal, often involving an account.

unfollow

Refers to stopping updates from a social media account or feed.

revoke access

Implies removing someone's permissions or entry.

FAQs

How do I use "unsubscribe" in a sentence?

You can use "unsubscribe" to describe the act of canceling a subscription. For example, "To stop receiving our newsletter, please "unsubscribe" using the link below".

What's the difference between "unsubscribe" and "opt out"?

"Unsubscribe" specifically refers to canceling a subscription, while "opt out" is a broader term for choosing not to participate in something.

What can I say instead of "unsubscribe"?

Alternatives include "cancel subscription", "opt out of", or "remove from mailing list" depending on the context.

Is it okay to use "unsubscribe" in formal communication?

Yes, "unsubscribe" is a common and acceptable term in both formal and informal contexts when discussing the cancellation of a subscription or service.