📖 U — The English dictionary · page 20

unwieldy — Everyday, meaning 1: Too big, heavy or awkward to move easily.↗ Example: The unwieldy parcel slipped down the stairs.↗ · The beast was too heavy and unwieldy to jump out.↗ · The huge box was unwieldy to carry.↗

unwilling — Everyday, meaning 1: Unwilling means not wanting to do something, doing it only because you have to: an unwilling helper.↗ Everyday, meaning 2: Unwilling to do something means you refuse or are not ready to do it.↗ Example: The cat was unwilling to go into its basket.↗ · He was unwilling to share his toys.↗ · She went to the dentist unwillingly.↗ · Tom was an unwilling volunteer for the magic trick.↗ · Many people were unwilling to go out in the storm.↗ · Mia is unwilling to pay more than 10 pounds for the book.↗ · He was unwilling at first, but the maiden insisted.↗

unwillingly — Everyday, meaning 1: Unwillingly means not wanting to do something, so doing it slowly and with reluctance, as if against your will.↗ Example: But let us be quick," and rather unwillingly the donkey set out.↗ · Very unwillingly the jackal held the rope, while the hedgehog walked slowly round the greyhound.↗

unwillingness — Everyday, meaning 1: Unwillingness means not wanting to do something.↗ Example: His unwillingness to share upset his friends.↗ · She showed unwillingness to go to bed.↗ · The team's unwillingness to give up won the game.↗ · Unwillingness to learn makes things harder.↗ · The dog's unwillingness to bathe was funny.↗ · Their unwillingness to listen caused problems.↗

unwind — Everyday, meaning 1: To unwind means to relax after being busy, tired or worried: «I unwind by reading.».↗ Everyday, meaning 2: To unwind something means to undo it from a roll or coil, like unwinding a ball of wool or a hosepipe.↗ Example: After a busy day, I like to unwind with a book.↗ · Dad unwinds by going for a run.↗ · We unwound the hose to water the garden.↗ · The kite string unwound as the kite flew higher.↗ · A warm bath helps me unwind before bed.↗ · The cat unwound the ball of wool all over the floor.↗

unwise — Everyday, meaning 1: Not sensible; likely to cause trouble.↗ e.g. "It would be unwise to swim after a big meal."↗ Example: It is unwise to walk on thin ice.↗ · Sharing your password is an unwise choice.↗ · Spending all your pocket money at once was unwise.↗ · It would be unwise to go hiking without water.↗ · The king made an unwise decision.↗ · It is unwise to climb trees in a storm.↗ · It is unwise to treat old friends badly for the sake of new ones.↗ · Do ye thus requite the LORD, O foolish people and unwise? is not He thy father that hath gotten thee? hath He not made thee, and established thee?↗ (Torah DEU.32.6, JPS 1917)↗ · The throes of a travailing woman shall come upon him; he is an unwise son; for it is time he should not tarry in the place of the breaking forth of children.↗ (Prophets HOS.13.13, JPS 1917)↗

unwitting — Everyday, meaning 1: Unwitting means not knowing or not aware of what you are doing or what is happening.↗ Everyday, meaning 2: Unwitting can describe something done by accident, without meaning to, like an unwitting mistake.↗ Example: The postman was an unwitting helper in the robbery.↗ · She made an unwitting mistake on the map.↗ · The unwitting tourist bought a fake ticket.↗ · He unwittingly gave away the surprise.↗ · The cat was an unwitting star of the video.↗ · Unwitting people can spread fake news.↗

unwittingly — Everyday, meaning 1: Unwittingly means without knowing, by accident, not on purpose.↗ Example: It so happened that unwittingly he took a wrong road.↗ · Again his wife gives them away unwittingly.↗

unworthy — Everyday, meaning 1: Unworthy means not deserving something, especially something good: «I felt unworthy of the prize.».↗ Everyday, meaning 2: Unworthy of someone means not good enough for their character: «That mean comment is unworthy of you.».↗ Everyday, meaning 3: (church) In church language, people speak of being unworthy before God, meaning they need God's mercy.↗ Example: The young knight felt unworthy to hold the magic sword.↗ · That rude remark is unworthy of you.↗ · The prize went to a team that some said was unworthy of it.↗ · The old story said only the pure in heart could lift the stone; the unworthy failed.↗ · (church) In some services, people pray, «Lord, I am not worthy to receive you.»↗ · The rumour was unworthy of a reply.↗ · You have proved yourself unworthy of the riches that were given you.↗

unwrap — Everyday, meaning 1: To unwrap something is to take off the paper, plastic or cover that is around it.↗ Everyday, meaning 2: (informal) To unwrap a secret or idea is to reveal or explain it.↗ Example: We unwrapped our presents on Christmas morning.↗ · Unwrap the chocolate bar carefully.↗ · The baby loved unwrapping paper more than the toy!↗ · Don't unwrap your sandwich until lunchtime.↗ · She slowly unwrapped the mysterious parcel.↗ · The museum unwrapped the old map from its cloth.↗

unwrapped — Everyday, meaning 1: Unwrapped means opened by taking off the paper or cover: «she unwrapped the present».↗ Everyday, meaning 2: Unwrapped also means not wrapped, with no cover: «an unwrapped sweet».↗ Example: She unwrapped her birthday present slowly.↗ · We unwrapped the sandwiches at the picnic.↗ · Don't eat unwrapped sweets that a stranger gives you.↗ · The gift was left unwrapped because we ran out of paper.↗ · He unwrapped the bandage carefully.↗ · Unwrapped food should be kept covered.↗ · He had something wrapped in a fold of his cloak, and he unwrapped and produced this thing.↗

unwritten — Everyday, meaning 1: Unwritten means not written down; existing only in speech or memory.↗ Everyday, meaning 2: An unwritten rule is one that everybody follows or knows, even though nobody wrote it down.↗ Everyday, meaning 3: Unwritten can also mean not yet written, like an unwritten story or chapter.↗ Example: It's an unwritten rule not to sit in Grandad's chair.↗ · The UK is said to have an unwritten constitution.↗ · Some languages are still unwritten.↗ · The ending of the story is still unwritten.↗ · Queuing at the bus stop is an unwritten rule.↗ · The old songs were unwritten and passed on by singing.↗ · The response of Uncle Remus led to the earnest recital of a piece of unwritten history that must prove interesting to ethnologists.↗

unyoke — Everyday, meaning 1: To unyoke is to take the yoke off animals, freeing them from the harness that joins them to a cart or plough.↗ Example: In this capacity they help to unyoke the horses when he sinks to rest.↗

unzip — Everyday, meaning 1: To unzip something is to open its zip (US: zipper).↗ Everyday, meaning 2: (computers) To unzip a file is to open a compressed (zipped) file so you can use what is inside.↗ Example: Unzip your coat when you come inside.↗ · She unzipped her pencil case and took out a pen.↗ · The tent was unzipped and the cold came in.↗ · He unzipped his backpack to find his lunch.↗ · Download the folder and unzip it.↗ · The game files must be unzipped before you can play.↗

up — Everyday, meaning 1: Up means toward a higher place: climb up the tree.↗ Everyday, meaning 2: Up means at a higher place: the cat is up on the roof.↗ Everyday, meaning 3: Up means more or higher in amount: prices went up.↗ Everyday, meaning 4: Up means out of bed: are you up yet?↗ Everyday, meaning 5: Up means completely, until nothing is left: eat it up, use up.↗ Everyday, meaning 6: Up means along: walk up the street.↗ Everyday, meaning 7: «What's up?» means «What is happening?» or «What is wrong?».↗ Everyday, meaning 8: (casual) «Sup» or «wassup» is a clipped «what's up»; «up for it» means willing: «you up for footy?».↗ Everyday, meaning 9: (casual) To up something is to raise it: «they upped the price by 2».↗ Everyday, meaning 10: (casual) «Time's up» means time is over; «up to you» means you decide; «what are you up to?» means what are you doing.↗ Everyday, meaning 11: (rough) «Shut up», «belt up» and «wind someone up» (tease to anger) are rough uses.↗ Everyday, meaning 12: (formal) «Increase», «ascend» and «elevate» are stiff words: «The price increased by 2 dollars.».↗ Everyday, meaning 13: Up can also be used with "grow" to mean becoming an adult, as in "children grow up".↗ Example: The price went up by 2 dollars.↗ · Add up all the numbers.↗ · She used up 3 eggs.↗ · He climbed up 20 steps.↗ · Round 47 up to 50.↗ · Time to get up for school!↗ · You can bring up to 3 friends.↗ · Tidy up your room, please.↗ · sup, u up for footy? need 2 more for 5 a side (casual)↗ · They upped the price again, 3 quid now, rip-off.↗ (casual, annoyed)↗ · Shut up and add them up, it's 12.↗ (rough)↗ · The price of a ticket increased by 2 dollars; determine the revised price given an initial price of 7 dollars.↗ (formal exam)↗ · All children, except one, grow up.↗ · And Laban came up with Jacob.↗ (Torah GEN.31.25, JPS 1917)↗ · And he went up from thence to Beer-sheba.↗ (Torah GEN.26.23, JPS 1917)↗ · And the thin ears swallowed up the seven good ears.↗ (Torah GEN.41.24, JPS 1917)↗ · And who hath brought up these?↗ (Prophets ISA.49.21, JPS 1917)↗ · And the Philistines went up to Jezreel.↗ (Prophets 1SA.29.11, JPS 1917)↗ · Can the rush shoot up without mire?↗ (Writings JOB.8.11, JPS 1917)↗

upbringing — Everyday, meaning 1: Your upbringing is the way your parents or carers raised you as a child: how they cared for you, taught you and what they believed was right.↗ Everyday, meaning 2: Upbringing can also mean the place and conditions you grew up in.↗ Example: She had a happy upbringing on a farm in Ireland.↗ · His strict upbringing taught him to be on time.↗ · Children in foster care can still have a loving upbringing.↗ · Her upbringing in a big family made her good at sharing.↗ · They gave their children a religious upbringing.↗ · Your upbringing shapes you, but you can still make your own choices.↗ · He engaged a competent dragon to look after her, and also a respectable griffin whose birth and upbringing he knew all about.↗

update — Everyday, meaning 1: To update something is to make it newer or more correct by adding the latest information.↗ Everyday, meaning 2: To update a computer, phone or app is to put the newest version of its software on it.↗ Everyday, meaning 3: An update is new information about something, or a newer version of software.↗ Example: My tablet needs an update.↗ · Please update the chart with today's temperature.↗ · The teacher sent an update about the school trip.↗ · Updating apps helps keep them safe.↗ · We updated our class list when a new pupil arrived.↗ · Scientists update their ideas when they learn new facts.↗ · The news gave an update on the storm.↗

upfront — Everyday, meaning 1: Upfront means paid or done in advance, before the work or goods are received (money).↗ Everyday, meaning 2: An upfront person is honest and open about things.↗ Example: You have to pay upfront for the concert tickets.↗ · The builder wanted half the money upfront.↗ · She was upfront about her mistake.↗ · Be upfront with your friends.↗ · The fee is paid upfront.↗ · He was upfront and told the truth.↗

upgrade — Everyday, meaning 1: To upgrade something means to make it better, newer or more powerful, like upgrading a computer or a phone.↗ Everyday, meaning 2: An upgrade is a better or newer version, or the change that makes it better.↗ Everyday, meaning 3: To be upgraded on a plane or in a hotel means to be moved to a better seat or room.↗ Everyday, meaning 4: To upgrade a storm or warning means to raise its level.↗ Example: Dad upgraded the laptop so it runs faster.↗ · In the game, you can upgrade your sword with gold coins.↗ · We got a free upgrade to a bigger hotel room.↗ · The storm was upgraded to a hurricane.↗ · The school is upgrading the playground with new climbing frames.↗ · The new phone is a big upgrade on my old one.↗ · The upgrade cost £50.↗

upheaval — Everyday, meaning 1: An upheaval is a big, sudden change that causes confusion, disorder or worry, like moving house or a war.↗ Everyday, meaning 2: (geology) An upheaval is a strong upward movement of the Earth's crust that pushes up land or rocks.↗ Example: Moving to a new country was a big upheaval.↗ · The war brought great upheaval to the town.↗ · Building work caused upheaval in our kitchen for weeks.↗ · The Industrial Revolution was a time of upheaval.↗ · Mountains were formed by upheavals of the Earth's crust.↗ · A new school can be an upheaval, but it gets easier.↗

upheave — In Jewish tradition, meaning 1: To lift up or heave violently from below.↗ Example: The mountains quake at Him, and the hills melt; and the earth is upheaved at His presence, yea, the world, and all that dwell therein.↗ (Prophets NAM.1.5, JPS 1917)↗

uphill — Everyday, meaning 1: Uphill means going up a slope, towards the top of a hill.↗ Everyday, meaning 2: An uphill task or battle is something hard that takes a lot of effort.↗ Example: We pushed our bikes uphill.↗ · Walking uphill makes you breathe hard.↗ · The school is uphill from our house.↗ · Water never flows uphill by itself.↗ · Learning to read music was an uphill battle.↗ · The path goes uphill to the castle.↗ · It is easier to ride downhill than uphill.↗ · Change to a low gear for riding uphill.↗ · They went very fast, because dragons can go uphill as easily as down.↗

uphold — Everyday, meaning 1: To uphold a rule, law or tradition is to support it and make sure it is kept.↗ Everyday, meaning 2: (law) To uphold a decision is for a court or judge to say the earlier decision was correct and keep it.↗ Everyday, meaning 3: (formal) To uphold a value is to defend it and live by it.↗ Example: Police officers uphold the law.↗ · The referee upheld the decision after watching the video.↗ · We promise to uphold the school rules.↗ · The judge upheld the ban.↗ · The knights swore to uphold justice.↗ · Our family upholds the tradition of Sunday lunch together.↗ · And if thy brother be waxen poor, and his means fail with thee; then thou shalt uphold him: as a stranger and a settler shall he live with thee.↗ (Torah LEV.25.35, JPS 1917)↗ · Behold, God will not cast away an innocent man, neither will He uphold the evil-doers; (Writings JOB.8.20, JPS 1917)↗ · Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation; and let a willing spirit uphold me.↗ (Writings PSA.51.14, JPS 1917)↗ · Behold, God is my helper; the Lord is for me as the upholder of my soul.↗ (Writings PSA.54.6, JPS 1917)↗