To unstick means to separate or free something that has become attached or trapped. When you unstick a piece of gum from your shoe, you're working to pull it away from where it's clinging. When you unstick a drawer that won't open, you're using force to get it moving again after wood swelling or paint buildup has caused it to jam.

The word suggests overcoming resistance. Stuck things require effort, patience, or cleverness to unstick. A stamp might get stuck to your finger, and you have to shake your hand to unstick it. Pages in an old book might stick together from humidity, requiring careful work to unstick them without tearing.

You can also unstick situations or problems, not just physical objects. When a group project gets stuck because nobody can agree, a good compromise might unstick the disagreement and get everyone working together again. When you're stuck on a math problem, taking a break or trying a different approach might unstick your thinking.