disuse

1 of 2

verb

dis·​use (ˌ)dis-ˈyüz 

dish-

disused; disusing; disuses

transitive verb

: to discontinue the use or practice of

disuse

2 of 2

noun

dis·​use (ˌ)dis-ˈyüs 

dish-

: cessation of use or practice

Synonyms

Noun

• desuetude
• idleness
• inactivity

Examples of disuse in a Sentence

Noun

The room was dusty from disuse.

since the car has experienced years of disuse, starting it up won't be easy

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

The old building logo was taken apart to create side tables, while disused seating and other objects were upcycled to become iconic artwork and furniture pieces such as the ladder and newspaper chairs. —Emma Kershaw, Forbes, 4 Sep. 2024

First opened in 1910, the train station received rail passengers until it was shuddered in the 1950s and has sat disused ever since, becoming a favored haunt of urban explorers. —Alex Dalton, Chicago Tribune, 23 Aug. 2023

Noun

The nation’s highest court has never ruled on Section 3, which fell into disuse after the 1870s, when most former Confederates were allowed back into government by congressional action. —San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Jan. 2024

Ironically, despite using several filmmaking techniques and styles from the silent era that have long since fallen into disuse, Shadow of the Vampire is a vital new lens through which to view the foundational vampire story. —James Grebey, TIME, 18 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing disuse

• fall into disuse

Kids Definition

disuse

noun

dis·​use

dish-ˈüs,

(ˈ)dis-ˈyüs

: lack of use