Meaning & use
unlock
Last updated
Meanings
verbtransitive
To open a lock on a door, container, or device using a key or code.
Grammar: Takes an object: unlock the door. Can also be used intransitively: the door unlocks with a code.
Patterns
- unlock something
- unlock something with something
- unlock the door
She unlocked the front door and went inside.
You need a password to unlock the phone.
The safe unlocks automatically after you enter the code.
verbtransitivefigurative
To make something available or accessible that was previously restricted.
Grammar: Often used with abstract nouns like 'potential', 'secret', or 'access'.
Patterns
- unlock something
- unlock access to something
- unlock potential
The new policy unlocked access to cheaper loans.
Education can unlock a child's potential.
The discovery unlocked the secrets of the ancient text.
Word forms
| third person singular | unlocks |
|---|---|
| past tense | unlocked |
| past participle | unlocked |
| -ing form | unlocking |
Common combinations
- unlock the door
- He fumbled for his keys to unlock the door.
- unlock potential
- The course helps students unlock their potential.
- unlock a phone
- She used her fingerprint to unlock the phone.
- unlock access
- The subscription unlocks access to all articles.
Synonyms and how they differ
- open
- Open is the general word for making something not closed; unlock specifically means to undo a lock.
- release
- Release means to let something go or make it available; unlock often implies removing a barrier or restriction.
Opposites
Word family
Practice
The new app ______ access to thousands of books.
Choose one answer.
'Unlocks' fits the figurative sense of making something accessible. 'Locks' is the opposite, 'opens' would need a different structure, and 'unloads' means removes cargo.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “unlock”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.