This note examines the effect of unloading duration on unconfined compression test results. Artificial clayey specimens were prepared using the slurry consolidation technique. Extracted specimens were loaded vertically under K0 conditions, and the load was kept constant until the end of primary consolidation. Specimens were unloaded and unconfined compression tests were carried out at different times after unloading. It is observed that the longer the unloading duration, the lower the measured unconfined strength. This behavior is attributed to the presence of negative excess pore pressure that dissipates with time, reducing the strength. Using the measured coefficient of consolidation, the degree of excess pore pressure dissipation and therefore the average mean effective stress near the failure zone can be calculated at the time of failure. Mohr circles are drawn tangential to the total shear envelope, using the calculated mean effective stresses. Reasonable agreement between predicted and measured unconfined compressive strengths has been observed, suggesting that consolidation theory can be adopted to assess the effect of unloading duration on unconfined compressive strength. Finally, engineering applications using a similar concept are briefly discussed.Key words: clays, unloading, consolidation, unconfined compression tests, triaxial tests.