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What is the Meaning of “Unsubscribe”?

Unsubscribe
/ˌʌnsəbˈskraɪb/
verb B1 Tier 4 (Top 10,000 words) tech

To stop receiving emails, newsletters, or access to a service that you previously signed up for. This is the opposite of subscribing.

Definition of Unsubscribe

Quick Meaning of Unsubscribe

To stop receiving emails, newsletters, or access to a service that you previously signed up for. This is the opposite of subscribing.

Detailed Definition of Unsubscribe

To cancel a subscription or remove yourself from a mailing list or online service.

How to Pronounce Unsubscribe

IPA: /ˌʌnsəbˈskraɪb/
un sub scribe

Stress pattern: oOO (3-syllable word).

Tip: Stress the third syllable: un-sub-SKRYB. The 'i' is a long 'i' sound like in 'eye'.

Watch out: Learners sometimes say 'unsub-SCRIPT' instead of 'un-sub-SKRYB'. Remember the 'i' is long like 'eye'.

Full pronunciation guide for “unsubscribe” →

Origin and Etymology of Unsubscribe

The prefix 'un-' means to reverse or undo, combined with 'subscribe'. First widely used in email marketing contexts in the 1990s and 2000s.

How to Use Unsubscribe in a Sentence

Each example shows “unsubscribe” with a CEFR level so learners can pick examples that match their fluency.

  • “I unsubscribed from that mailing list because I received too many emails.”
    B1 daily
  • “You can unsubscribe from our newsletter by clicking the link at the bottom of the email.”
    A2 written
  • “After she unsubscribed from the streaming service, she still had access until the end of the month.”
    B1 conversation

Synonyms and Antonyms of Unsubscribe

Common Synonyms for Unsubscribe

Smart Synonyms for Unsubscribe — When to Use Each

opt out
Formal/technical way to stop participation
cancel
End a service or agreement
withdraw
Remove yourself from a list

Antonyms of Unsubscribe

See all synonyms for “unsubscribe” →

Common Collocations with Unsubscribe

These phrases pair with “unsubscribe” in everyday English:

  • unsubscribe from
  • unsubscribe button
  • easy to unsubscribe
  • unsubscribe link
  • please unsubscribe

Common Mistakes When Using Unsubscribe

Even fluent speakers slip up with “unsubscribe”. Here’s how to avoid the most common errors:

✗ Wrong: I unsubscribed the email list.
✓ Correct: I unsubscribed from the email list.
Why: Use 'unsubscribe from' with a preposition, not unsubscribe + direct object.
✗ Wrong: He unsubscribes yesterday.
✓ Correct: He unsubscribed yesterday.
Why: Past action requires past tense 'unsubscribed', not present tense.
✗ Wrong: Can you unsubscribe me the newsletter?
✓ Correct: Can you help me unsubscribe from the newsletter?
Why: 'Unsubscribe from' takes a location/group, not a person as the object.

Other Forms of Unsubscribe

Frequently Asked Questions About Unsubscribe

What is the meaning of "Unsubscribe"?

To stop receiving emails, newsletters, or access to a service that you previously signed up for. This is the opposite of subscribing.

How do you pronounce "Unsubscribe"?

The IPA is /ˌʌnsəbˈskraɪb/. Stress the third syllable: un-sub-SKRYB. The 'i' is a long 'i' sound like in 'eye'.

What part of speech is "Unsubscribe"?

"Unsubscribe" is a verb at B1 level (Common European Framework).

What are synonyms for "Unsubscribe"?

Common synonyms include opt out, cancel, withdraw.

How do you use "Unsubscribe" in a sentence?

For example: "I unsubscribed from that mailing list because I received too many emails."

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