Standard Lemma guide

unretire

verb · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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  • rhymes with -aɪə(ɹ)

1

verb

Meaning 1

To leave retirement and return to work.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: intransitive

Examples

  • He unretired for 18 months because the company was willing to pay him well to mentor some new employees.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: re-retire

2

verb

Meaning 2

To bring (something or someone) back from retirement.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: transitive

Examples

  • We unretired this machine because one of our customers started reordering large volumes of a part that this machine can make super-efficiently.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: reinstate

Antonyms: re-retire

History

Etymology

From un- + retire.