Unload: meaning, definitions and examples

Typically used when referring to removing cargo or goods from a vehicle, such as a truck, ship, or plane. Can also be used in a more general sense to mean getting rid of something burdensome.

• They need to unload the crates from the truck.
• He decided to unload some of his old furniture at the garage sale.

Typically used when referring to transferring an item from one place to another, especially in logistics and business. It might have a slightly technical or business connotation.

• We need to offload these goods at the warehouse before the end of the day.
• He offloaded some stocks from his portfolio.

Often used in a formal context, especially related to discharging duties, responsibilities, or fluids such as liquids or gas in technical or medical fields.

• The soldier was honorably discharged from the army.
• The hospital will discharge him after a full recovery.
• The factory was fined for improperly discharging waste into the river.

Used when referring to completely removing the contents of something, often leaving it vacant. It can be used in both literal and metaphorical senses.

• Please empty the trash can before you leave.
• She decided to empty her mind of all thoughts and meditate.

Use 'unload' when you are taking items out of something, like a container or vehicle. It is often used in physical contexts.

• They needed to unload the truck before it could be driven back to the warehouse.
• He helped unload the groceries from the car.

Use 'remove' when you are taking something away from a place or a position. It can be used in both physical and abstract contexts.

• He removed the stain from his shirt.
• They decided to remove him from the project.

Use 'delete' when you are permanently removing digital content or data, such as files on a computer or messages on a phone.

• She accidentally deleted the important email.
• Press this button if you want to delete the document.

Use 'uninstall' when you are removing software or an application from a computer or electronic device.

• I had to uninstall the app because it was causing issues.
• After you uninstall the program, restart your computer.

Used when removing items from a vehicle or container, often used in transportation or logistics contexts.

• They will unload the cargo from the truck at the warehouse.
• Please help me unload the groceries from the car.

Typically used in formal or technical contexts involving the release of a substance, liquid, or gas, or when someone leaves a duty or care.

• The hospital will discharge the patient tomorrow.
• The factory is responsible for the discharge of waste into the river.

Often used in situations where something is forcibly removed, like from a seat, machine, or place. It can also carry a negative connotation when referring to people being removed.

• The pilot had to eject from the aircraft before it crashed.
• The rowdy fan was ejected from the stadium by security.

Used when something is carefully removed or taken out, often used in medical, technical, or detailed manual work contexts.

• The dentist will extract the infected tooth.
• They need to extract the essential oil from the plant.