unit
gb/jˈunɪt/ us/jˈunɪt/
A2
English
~ 600
Senses
0 senses
Noun
A2
entity
1
One part of a larger whole
One part of a bigger group or system.
Usage pattern:
a [unit] of [something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'unit' with 'device' — 'unit' can mean any distinct part, not just machines.
Synonyms
component (Implies a functional or mechanical part of a whole.)
Antonyms
whole (Refers to the entire thing rather than one part of it.)
Collocations
housing unit
|military unit
|family unit
|unit of measurement
|apartment unit
Themes
general
|organization
|structure
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- Each apartment is a separate housing unit.
- The army sent a unit to assist in the rescue.
- This refrigerator has a freezer unit on top.
- The family unit is the basic part of society.
- The hospital has a special cardiac care unit.
Learner examples
- Our house has two units.
- That unit is part of the army.
- We live in a housing unit.
- The school has a science unit.
- The factory makes car units.
Noun
technical
B1
quantity
2
Standard measure quantity
A fixed amount used to measure things.
Usage pattern:
a [unit] of [measurement]
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse 'unit' with 'tool' — but here it refers to an amount, not an object.
Synonyms
measure (General term for a standard amount; less technical.)
Antonyms
variable (Something that changes and is not fixed like a measurement unit.)
Collocations
unit of length
|metric unit
|time unit
|currency unit
Themes
science
|mathematics
|education
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The meter is a unit of length in the metric system.
- Seconds are the basic units of time.
- The dollar is the standard currency unit in the United States.
- Electricity is billed per kilowatt-hour unit.
- One liter is the unit for measuring volume.
Learner examples
- A meter is a unit of length.
- An hour is a time unit.
- A dollar is a money unit.
- A gram is a small weight unit.
- A liter is a water unit.
Noun
B1
entity
3
Group acting as one entity
A group that works together as one.
Usage pattern:
a [unit] of [people/things]
Synonyms
team (Focuses on people working together, often informally.)
Antonyms
individuals (Separate persons rather than acting as one group.)
Collocations
emergency response unit
|special police unit
|research unit
Themes
organization
|teamwork
|work
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The special police unit was deployed to the scene.
- Our research unit focuses on renewable energy.
- An emergency response unit arrived within minutes.
- The company formed a new sales unit to handle the region.
- The military unit trained for months before deployment.
Learner examples
- The police unit works together.
- Our class is one learning unit.
- The team is part of our sports unit.
- The army has many units.
- The fire unit came fast.
Grammar
Dictionary form
unit
IPA
GB/jˈunɪt/
US/jˈunɪt/
Syllables & stress
unit (1 syllable)
Stress on 1st syllable (unit)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: unit
- Plural: units
Word family
Expressions
housing unit
1/hˈaʊzɪŋ jˈunɪt/
fixed phrase
Individual dwelling space
One apartment, house, or room where people live, in a bigger building or area.
Examples
- Each housing unit has its own kitchen and bathroom.
- This building contains 24 housing units.
per unit
1/pˈɚ jˈunɪt/
fixed phrase
For each single item
For each single thing or piece in a group.
Examples
- The price per unit decreases when you buy more.
- Shipping costs are calculated per unit.
unit price
1/jˈunɪt pɹˈaɪs/
fixed phrase
Cost for one item or measure
The cost for one thing or one amount of something.
Examples
- The unit price is listed next to the product label.
- Check the unit price to compare products fairly.
intensive care unit
1/ɪntˈɛnsɪv kˈɛɹ jˈunɪt/
fixed phrase
hospital ward for critical patients
A special part of a hospital where very sick or badly hurt people get intensive care; often called the ICU.
Examples
- The hospital's intensive care unit is full after the bus crash.
- She works as a nurse in the intensive care unit.
- Visitors are only allowed into the intensive care unit for a short time each day.
intensive care unit
2/ɪntˈɛnsɪv kˈɛɹ jˈunɪt/
fixed phrase
technical
Hospital critical care department
A special part of a hospital for very sick patients who need constant care.
Examples
- He was transferred to the intensive care unit after surgery.
- The hospital's intensive care unit is fully equipped.