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Language Foundation

unpublish

To remove a document from publication so that it is no longer available to readers.

In plain English

Publishing puts a document out for readers. Unpublishing reverses that state by taking the document out of publication, so it is no longer available to readers.

In context

Here, it labels the action for taking the document out of publication.

Situation
Creating, saving, sharing, versioning, and restoring files
What it communicates
labels the action for removing that published sharing state.

Meaning limits

This sense covers ending publication, not deleting the document itself.

Examples

“After spotting the pricing error, the editor unpublished the guide but kept the document for revision.”

Core meaning

“Unpublish the notice while the revised copy is being checked.”

In context

  • publish Opposite

    Publishing makes a document available to readers, while unpublishing ends that availability.

  • delete Contrast

    Deleting removes the document itself, while unpublishing changes its availability without removing it.