unwinding

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unwinding" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the act of relaxing or relieving stress after a period of work or tension. Example: "After a long week at work, I enjoy unwinding with a good book and a cup of tea."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Indonesia's Salim family, the biggest shareholders in First Pacific, which is listed in Hong Kong, are admitting defeat and unwinding some failed investments.

The Economist

Both for their own sake, and in the interests of world trade, the practitioners of state capitalism need to start unwinding their huge holdings in favoured companies and handing them over to private investors.

The Economist

The total number of jobless is now close to 2.4m after increasing by a record 281,000 over the previous quarter, the three months to February.This dramatic resurgence of unemployment is unwinding the clock.

The Economist

Few Japanese managers are prepared to act fast, make big cuts and go on a big acquisition spree, observes Kenichi Ohmae, the father of Japanese management consulting.For Mr Komori, it meant unwinding the work of his predecessor, who had handpicked him for the job a big taboo in Japan.

The Economist

He extracted €1.55 billion from General Motors in 2005 as compensation for unwinding an ill-considered put option to buy Fiat's car business.

The Economist

RETURNING home, two city traders are unwinding in their shirt sleeves after the day's work.

The Economist

It is not known if Mitsubishi is unwinding its cross-shareholdings, but, since the memory of the zaibatsu that was dismantled 50 years ago still plays a big role in corporate decisions, it is unlikely that this is happening fast.

The Economist

In the securities business, firms try to value their positions at the true price of unwinding them.

The Economist

Its refusal to allow a faster appreciation of the yuan has been blamed by some for helping build up the huge global financial imbalances that now seem to be unwinding so fast.

The Economist

On the world's most intractable macroeconomic challenge, unwinding the imbalances between excessive borrowing in America and excess saving elsewhere, the IMF has almost no clout.

The Economist

There is even talk of the "cult of the bond .As Chris Watling of Longview Economics points out, the worry is that several long-term cycles seem to be moving in a hostile direction for Western economies, with commodity prices rising, populations ageing and the debt spree unwinding.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "unwinding" in a financial context, ensure it accurately reflects the process of reversing or liquidating positions. For example, "The fund is unwinding its investments in emerging markets."

Common error

Avoid using "unwinding" to describe situations where a reversal is impossible. For example, stating "unwinding a past decision" may be inaccurate if the effects of that decision are permanent.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "unwinding" is as a verb form (present participle or gerund). It describes an ongoing action of reversing or relaxing something. Ludwig AI provides examples where it's used in contexts such as "unwinding some failed investments" or "unwinding the emergency liquidity facilities".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "unwinding" is a versatile verb form used to describe the process of reversing, simplifying, or relaxing. As noted by Ludwig AI, it frequently appears in news and business contexts, indicating its relevance in discussing economic shifts and strategic adjustments. While grammatically sound and widely accepted, it's important to ensure its accurate application, especially in irreversible situations. Alternatives like "reversing", "relaxing", or "liquidating" may offer more precision depending on the context. Overall, "unwinding" remains a valuable term for conveying reduction in complexity or a return to a less tense state.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

winding down

Indicates a gradual reduction in activity or operations, leading to eventual closure.

reversing

Focuses on the act of going backward or undoing something that has already been done.

relaxing

Emphasizes the aspect of reducing stress or tension, similar to the more literal sense of "unwinding".

untangling

Highlights the process of resolving complexity or confusion, akin to untangling a knot.

resolving

Focuses on reaching a conclusion or settlement, often in the context of problems or disputes.

de-escalating

Implies a reduction in intensity or severity, especially in situations of conflict or crisis.

dismantling

Refers to the systematic breaking down or taking apart of a structure or system.

liquidating

Emphasizes the process of converting assets into cash, often in the context of business or finance.

rolling back

Suggests a return to a previous state or policy, undoing recent changes.

deconstructing

Focuses on the analysis and dismantling of established ideas or structures.

FAQs

How can I use "unwinding" in a sentence?

"Unwinding" can describe the act of reversing a process, such as "unwinding a deal", or relaxing, like "unwinding after work".

What's the difference between "unwinding" and "relaxing"?

"Unwinding" often implies a release from tension or complexity, whereas "relaxing" is a more general term for reducing stress.

What can I say instead of "unwinding" in a financial context?

Alternatives include "liquidating", "reversing", or "divesting", depending on the specific action being described.

Is "unwinding" formal or informal?

The term "unwinding" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal or technical settings, more precise terms like "reversing a transaction" might be preferred.