unit

/ˈjunɪt/

Reviewed on

Type

Noun

Meaning

  1. An individual thing, person, or group regarded as a single complete entity within a larger whole.

    • The family is often considered the basic social unit of the community.

    • Did the technicians test each mechanical unit before assembling the engine?

  2. A standardized quantity used to express a physical amount, value, or dimension.

    • The meter is a standard unit of length in the metric system.

    • Which unit of currency did the vendor request for the transaction?

  3. A self-contained apartment or commercial space within a larger building or complex.

    • She rented a two-bedroom unit on the fourth floor of the building.

    • Are any storage units available for rent this month?

  4. A specialized division or operational team within an organization, hospital, or military force.

    • He worked as a registered nurse in the hospital's intensive care unit.

    • How many nurses were assigned to the new emergency unit?

Collocations

  • family unit
  • basic unit
  • unit of measurement
  • standard unit
  • storage unit
  • residential unit
  • rental unit
  • intensive care unit
  • research unit
  • specialized unit

Synonyms

  • component
  • module
  • part
  • measure
  • apartment
  • division

Antonyms

Slang

  • absolute unit

    a remarkably large, muscular, or imposing person, animal, or object

    Look at the size of that mastiff running across the yard—what an absolute unit.