unpacking
/ˈʌnˌpækɪŋ/ · un·pack·ing
noun
- The act of removing items from a container, such as luggage or a box. After the long flight, the first thing she did was the unpacking of her suitcase.
- The process of analysing or breaking down a concept, argument, or set of data into its constituent parts. The professor spent the entire lecture on the unpacking of the theory's underlying assumptions.
verb
- To remove items from a bag, suitcase, or other container. He is unpacking his gear as soon as he steps into the campsite.
- To examine or analyse something in detail, especially abstract ideas or information. She is unpacking the implications of the new policy during the meeting.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Did you know? The metaphorical sense of "unpacking"—as in breaking down complex ideas—gained popularity in academic writing during the late 20th century, especially in fields like psychology and literary theory.