declutter
/ˌdiːˈklʌt.ə/ IELTSAcademic
verb
To remove extra things from a space so it looks neat and is easier to use. It can also mean to reduce digital or mental clutter.
- I need to declutter my desk this weekend.
- She decluttered her phone before the trip.
- We decluttered the guest room for visitors.
Adinary Nuance
Declutter is more specific than clean or tidy. You use it when the problem is too many things, not just dirt. It is also stronger than organize when you want to stress removing unnecessary items, not only arranging them. In modern use, people also declutter phones, inboxes, and schedules.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- dọn dẹp bớt
- Spanish
- despejar
- Chinese
- 整理清理
- Japanese
- 片付ける
- Korean
- 정리하다
Etymology
Declutter appeared in English in the late 20th century. It combines de- with clutter, a word of Germanic origin meaning a mess or a crowded pile of things.
Common phrases
declutter your homedeclutter your inboxdeclutter a roomdeclutter your life
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is declutter a formal word?
- It is common and neutral. People use it in everyday talk, blogs, and advice writing.
- What is the difference between declutter and clean?
- Clean means remove dirt. Declutter means remove extra things or reduce mess.
- Can I use declutter for digital spaces?
- Yes. People often say declutter your inbox, phone, or desktop.
- Is declutter used in business writing?
- Yes, especially in productivity, design, and workplace advice.