unload
/ˌʌnˈləʊd/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌʌnˈləʊd/ (ame, ipa) · /ˌən-ˈlōd/ (ame, mw)
unload — verb
- unloadpresent simple I / you / we / they
- unloadshe / she / it
- unloadedpast simple
- unloading-ing form
1. to take goods, cargo, or other contents out of a vehicle, container, or device a
to take goods, cargo, or other contents out of a vehicle, container, or device after transportation or use is complete. The same verb can describe clearing a chamber of its ammunition or removing a roll of film from inside a camera body.
The dockworkers began to unload the shipping containers from the cargo ship at sunrise.
unload + [contents] + from + [vehicle/container]
Lan unloaded her shopping bags from the car before the rain started.
The soldier carefully unloaded his rifle before entering the barracks after training.
Élise forgot to unload the film from her camera before opening the back cover.
Delivery trucks usually take about twenty minutes to unload at the warehouse dock.
- load
to put goods or items into a vehicle
文法句型
unload + [vehicle/container]
unload + [contents] + from + [vehicle]
用法筆記
When used intransitively, the vehicle or container being emptied is understood from context — for example, 'The truck is unloading at the back door.'
2. to speak to someone about your personal anxieties, problems, or sources of stres
to speak to someone about your personal anxieties, problems, or sources of stress, so that you feel less burdened mentally or emotionally.
After weeks of stress, Nila finally unloaded all her worries onto her best friend during their long walk.
unload + [worries] + onto + [person]
Emre unloaded his anxieties about the job interview on his roommate until late at night.
Support groups give people a safe place to unload their personal struggles without being judged.
Rachel called her sister and unloaded about the terrible week she had been having at work.
- bottle up
to keep feelings or problems hidden inside
文法句型
unload + [worries/problems] + onto + [person]
unload + on + [person]
用法筆記
Often used with 'on' or 'onto' to indicate the listener. Can sound slightly negative if the person listening did not welcome the conversation.
常見錯誤
3. to suddenly and forcefully express anger or other strong negative emotions to so
to suddenly and forcefully express anger or other strong negative emotions to someone, often in a way that feels unfair or excessive to the person receiving it.
When the boss discovered the accounting error, she unloaded her fury on the entire department during the meeting.
unload + [strong emotion] + on + [person/group]
Paloma felt terrible after unloading her frustration at the taxi driver who had taken a wrong turn.
Asher unloaded a string of curses at the man who cut in front of him at the checkout counter.
The coach unloaded his anger on the players after they lost a game they should have won easily.
- contain
to hold back one's anger or emotions
文法句型
unload + [anger/frustration] + on/at + [person]
用法筆記
Distinguish from sense 2 (SHARE PROBLEMS): this sense involves anger directed at someone, often aggressively, while sense 2 involves confiding worries or stress to a sympathetic listener.
4. in sports and games, to strike or propel a ball with explosive force, especially
in sports and games, to strike or propel a ball with explosive force, especially when aiming at a target such as a goal or a teammate.
The striker turned and unloaded a powerful shot that flew past the goalkeeper into the net.
unload + [shot] = powerful strike in football
With seconds left on the clock, Tuan unloaded a long pass down the field to his teammate near the goal.
The pitcher wound up and unloaded a fastball that the batter had no chance of hitting.
Mauricio unloaded a kick from midfield that sent the ball sailing over the defender's head.
文法句型
unload + [ball/kick/shot]
用法筆記
Common in football (soccer), baseball, and basketball commentary. The object is always the ball or the type of shot or throw.
5. to sell or pass something undesirable — such as unwanted property, worthless inv
to sell or pass something undesirable — such as unwanted property, worthless investments, or stolen goods — to another person, often quickly and without much care.
The company planned to unload its struggling division before the end of the financial year.
unload + [unwanted asset/business]
Police arrested three men who were trying to unload stolen electronics on the black market.
unload + [illegal goods] = sell illicitly
Jisoo unloaded her old furniture on a secondhand website before moving to a smaller apartment.
Investors rushed to unload their shares after the company announced a major loss for the quarter.
- dump
stronger negative connotation; suggests getting rid of something quickly with little care
- offload
very similar; slightly softer in tone
- dispose of
more formal; does not always imply selling, can mean throwing away
文法句型
unload + [asset/goods] + on/onto + [person/market]
用法筆記
Often carries a slightly negative or suspicious connotation — the thing being unloaded is usually unwanted by both the seller and the buyer, and the transaction may feel rushed or improper.