When it comes to user interface writing, choosing between “unselect” and “deselect” might seem minor, but it matters. In fact, many teams ask: “Unselect or Deselect – Which Is Correct? The answer lies in clarity and usage. Deselect is the more modern, preferred term in most style guides, especially in UX documentation where precision counts. While unselect isn’t technically incorrect, it often appears in older documentation or casual, less formal writing.
As a UX writer and former designer, I’ve found that developers and designers choose deselect because it brings consistency and clarity across applications. When we write instructions or labeling for elements, the term “deselect” helps users act without second-guessing. In UX writing, even a small difference in wording can impact trust, and building trust through clarity is what user-friendly design is all about.
Unselect vs. Deselect – What’s the Real Difference?
At first glance, unselect and deselect seem interchangeable. They both mean to remove a selection, right? Technically, yes. But the nuances—and how they’re used in different industries—make all the difference.
Let’s define them:
| Term | Basic Meaning | Usage Context |
| Deselect | To cancel or remove a selected item | Preferred in tech writing |
| Unselect | To undo a selection | Common in UI buttons, informal usage |
While both point to the same action—removing a selection—the industry standard, especially in technical writing and user documentation, is deselect.
Is “Unselect” Even a Real Word?
Here’s where it gets tricky.
- Deselect is listed in major dictionaries like Merriam-Webster, Oxford, and Cambridge.
- Unselect, however, often doesn’t appear in traditional dictionaries at all—or when it does, it’s usually flagged as nonstandard or informal.
Dictionary Check:
| Word | Merriam-Webster | Oxford | Cambridge |
| Deselect | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Unselect | ❌ No (Not listed) | ❌ No | ❌ No |
Despite this, “unselect” still appears regularly in the wild—especially in software UIs and developer forums.
Tech Roots: Why These Terms Exist in the First Place
The rise of digital interfaces created new verbs. People didn’t need to “erase” or “delete” a checkbox—they needed to uncheck it. And suddenly, words like “deselect” became verbs of their own.
A brief timeline:
- 1990s: “Deselect” becomes common in software documentation (Microsoft, Apple).
- 2000s–2010s: “Unselect” appears in UI button labels, likely as a simpler counterpart to “uncheck.”
- 2020s: Both terms are now widespread, especially in international software, but “deselect” still leads in formal writing.
Quote from Microsoft Style Guide:
“Use ‘deselect’ when referring to clearing a checkbox or reversing a selected state.”
Usage in Major Software & Operating Systems
So, what do the tech giants use in their products and docs?
| Software/Product | Preferred Term | Where It’s Found |
| Microsoft Office | Deselect | Excel & Word dropdowns |
| Google Docs / Sheets | Deselect | Menus, checkbox clear instructions |
| Adobe Photoshop | Deselect | Selection tools and shortcut guides |
| Android OS | Unselect | Appears in some accessibility settings |
| macOS | Deselect | Menu items and system preferences |
Case Study: Google Sheets
When you select multiple cells in Google Sheets and want to undo one of them, you’ll see documentation say:
“To deselect a cell, hold down Ctrl and click it.”
Not “unselect.” Even Google’s technical writers use deselect consistently.
Real-World Examples (With Explanations)
Let’s look at some clear examples that show how each term might appear:
Correct Usage Examples
- Deselect:
“Deselect all checkboxes before submitting the form.”
(Standard technical instruction) - Unselect:
“Tap the checkbox again to unselect it.”
(Common in casual or mobile UI descriptions)
Misleading Example
- “Click the item again to unselect it.”
➤ This is understood by users, but not technically correct. “Deselect” would be preferred in professional settings.
Deselect vs. Unselect in Professional Writing
In Tech Documentation:
- Deselect is preferred because it’s:
- Consistent
- Recognized by dictionaries
- Recommended in style guides
- Unselect may be considered too casual or even a nonstandard neologism.
UX Writing Best Practices:
- Keep verbs short and actionable.
- Use “deselect” unless button space constraints force a simpler term.
- Avoid introducing nonstandard words that could confuse non-native English speakers.
In Academic and Educational Contexts
Educators often need to write instructions for online tests, digital forms, or LMS platforms. Should they say “unselect” or “deselect”?
Use “deselect.” It’s accurate, widely accepted, and clear.
Style Guide Notes:
- MLA/APA/Chicago don’t explicitly address software terminology like this.
- However, in all academic styles, the goal is clarity and correctness—favoring deselect.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Let’s walk through frequent errors and how to fix them:
| Mistake | Why It’s Wrong | Better Alternative |
| Using “unselect” in formal docs | Not recognized in dictionaries | Use “deselect” |
| Overusing “unselect” casually | Can confuse users with limited English | Use clear alternatives |
| Mixing terms inconsistently | Breaks trust and clarity in documentation | Stick with one preferred term |
Better Alternatives When Neither Fits Perfectly
Sometimes, especially in plain language settings or non-tech environments, it’s best to use descriptive phrases instead.
Use These Instead:
- “Clear the checkbox”
- “Remove the selection”
- “Undo your selection”
- “Uncheck the box”
These phrases are:
- Clear for all reading levels
- Non-technical
- friendly
Survey of Usage Trends
A quick look at how people use these terms online.
Google Trends (USA, last 5 years):
- “Deselect” is searched 3x more often than “unselect.”
- Peaks often during tax season and school testing periods.
Stack Overflow & Reddit:
- Devs overwhelmingly use “deselect.”
- “Unselect” appears mostly in question titles, not answers.
Final Verdict: Which Should You Use?
Here’s the bottom line:
Use “deselect” in formal, technical, or academic writing.
“Unselect” is acceptable in casual UI labels or informal speech, but not ideal for documentation.
Summary Table:
| Scenario | Recommended Word |
| Writing help guides | Deselect |
| UI/UX microcopy (tight spaces) | Unselect (if necessary) |
| Academic instructions | Deselect |
| Buttons or user-friendly labels | Deselect (or a plain phrase like “Clear All”) |
| Talking casually or in tutorials | Unselect is okay |
Key Takeaways
- “Deselect” is dictionary-approved and preferred in professional writing.
- “Unselect” is informal, mostly used in software UIs or speech.
- In formal contexts—always choose “deselect.”
- When in doubt, rewrite using plain English like “clear the box.”
Conclusion
In today’s tech world, words matter more than we think. While both unselect and deselect technically mean the same thing, deselect has become the clear favorite in UX writing, user interface design, and professional documentation.
It’s more modern, widely accepted, and adds clarity to instructions. So if you want to keep your communication clean, consistent, and user-friendly—deselect is the way to go.
FAQs
Is it “as evident by” or “as evidenced by”?
The correct phrase is “as evidenced by.” “Evident” is an adjective, while “evidenced” is the correct verb form in this phrase.
When should I use “evident” vs. “evidence”?
Use evident to describe something that is clearly visible or obvious. Use evidence as a noun to refer to proof or supporting facts.
How do you use “as evidenced by” in a sentence?
Example: The team prefers “deselect” over “unselect,” as evidenced by recent UI style guides.
What’s another way to say “as evidenced by”?
You can use phrases like “as shown by,” “as demonstrated by,” or “as indicated by.”
What is a better word for “evident”?
Depending on context, alternatives include clear, obvious, noticeable, apparent, or visible.
