English · Word Candidate

unlock

/ʌnˈlɒk/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: unlocks · unlocking · unlocked

Sense 1

Meaning · English

To undo or open a lock or something locked by, for example, turning a key, or selecting a combination.

Verb

Examples

I unlocked the door and walked in.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

To obtain access to something; to meet the requirements of a security or protection system.

Verb

Examples

I unlocked the dictionary article so I could edit it.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

The act of unlocking something.

Noun

Examples

Unlike modern, automated prisons, each cell here was locked and unlocked manually with a large skeleton key. The first duty was to get a proper head count of each inmate, insuring each was alive. Once done, an unlock was conducted.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 4

Meaning · English

An initially hidden feature that is made available to reward the player for some achievement.

Noun

Examples

The other unlocks, like a grenade launcher or a sniper's steady ability, didn't fit into my playstyle.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “unlock” mean?

To undo or open a lock or something locked by, for example, turning a key, or selecting a combination.

Is “unlock” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.