unstuck

/ˌʌnˈstʌk/ (bre, ipa) · [ənstˈʌk] /ˌʌnˈstʌk/ (ame, ipa) · [ənstˈʌk] /ˌən-ˈstək How to pronounce unstuck (audio)/ (ame, mw)

unstuck — adjective

  • unstuckpositive
  • more unstuckcomparative
  • most unstucksuperlative

1. released from the thing holding it in place, so it can move or come away again.

1.形容詞B2
釋義

released from the thing holding it in place, so it can move or come away again.

例句

After one turn of the key, the rusty lock finally came unstuck.

come unstuck = become free after being stuck

Warm water helped the price label come unstuck from the glass jar.

come unstuck from [surface]

同義詞
  • free

    broader and simpler; not limited to something that was stuck before

  • loose

    suggests not tight or fixed, but not always fully separated

  • detached

    more neutral or formal, especially for parts or pieces

反義詞
  • stuck

    still fixed, trapped, or unable to move

  • fastened

    securely attached rather than coming free

文法句型

come/get/become unstuck

come unstuck from [surface or object]

用法筆記

Most often used after come in descriptions of something that loosens or comes free. It is commonly followed by from when the surface or object is named.

常見錯誤

❌The sticker unstuck from the box in the steam.
✅The sticker came unstuck from the box in the steam.
💡This meaning is usually expressed with 'come unstuck', not 'unstuck' as a main verb.

2. starting to fail or no longer moving forward because problems have appeared or a

2.形容詞C1
釋義

starting to fail or no longer moving forward because problems have appeared or a plan has broken down.

例句

The merger plan came unstuck when two major investors pulled out.

come unstuck when hidden support disappears

Our school play came unstuck after the sound system failed on opening night.

同義詞
  • derailed

    suggests progress stops because something knocks the plan off course

  • bogged down

    focuses more on slow progress than on outright failure

  • collapsed

    stronger; suggests the whole effort has fallen apart

反義詞
  • successful

    achieving the intended result instead of running into failure

  • stable

    continuing without the problems that make plans fall apart

文法句型

come unstuck

come unstuck when [problem happens]

用法筆記

This sense is strongly tied to the phrase come unstuck. It is used when progress stops after a weakness, mistake, or obstacle is exposed.

常見錯誤

❌The project was unstuck by a budget cut.
✅The project came unstuck after a budget cut.
💡For failure or breakdown, English usually uses 'come unstuck', not the passive.
❌We became unstuck in traffic.
✅We were stuck in traffic.
💡Use 'stuck', not 'unstuck', when you mean trapped and unable to move.