unlearn

/ʌnˈlɜːrn/

to forget or discard previously learned information

After years of studying outdated methods, she had to unlearn old techniques to adapt to new technologies.

She had to forget old techniques to learn new ones.

general

to forget or discard previously learned information, habits, or beliefs

The therapist encouraged him to unlearn negative self-talk.

He needed to stop thinking negatively about himself.

In this new job, I had to unlearn some of my old work habits.

I had to change some of my previous work routines.

Often used in contexts of personal growth, education, or professional development.

Collocations

unlearn old habitsto stop doing something you used to do regularlyunlearn a skillto forget how to do something you once knew how to do

to be open to changing one's beliefs or habits

This word is often used in self-help and personal development contexts to describe the process of letting go of outdated or harmful beliefs.

While useful, 'unlearn' is not a common word in everyday speech. Use it deliberately to emphasize the effort required to change ingrained behaviors.

From Middle English 'unlernen', from Old English 'unlærnan', meaning 'to learn back' or 'to undo learning'.

Often used in contexts where old knowledge or behaviors are no longer useful or accurate.

un-

reverse or undo

prefix

learn

to gain knowledge or skill

root

English Dictionary