nonuse

noun

non·​use ˌnän-ˈyüs How to pronounce nonuse (audio)
1
: failure to use
nonuse of available material
2
: the fact or condition of not being used

Examples of nonuse in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web One particular vulnerability is the norms’ interconnectedness: if one norm, such as that against nuclear testing, is violated, then other norms, including nonuse and nonproliferation, could also become threatened. Doreen Horschig, Foreign Affairs, 16 Sep. 2024 For example, a nuclear deterrent against escalation might strengthen the norms of nonuse and nonproliferation because increased security would decrease the need for nonnuclear powers to develop independent nuclear capabilities. Doreen Horschig, Foreign Affairs, 16 Sep. 2024 Many of his recreational customers are either new to cannabis and learning about it, or returning after decades of nonuse. Dan Belson, Baltimore Sun, 1 July 2024 New Delhi has been a consistent advocate of the nonuse of nuclear weapons, including smaller tactical nuclear weapons, and a strong believer in the nuclear taboo. Happymon Jacob, Foreign Affairs, 2 Aug. 2023 Eventually, the resident next door said the easement was terminated over nonuse. Daniel Miller, Los Angeles Times, 12 Jan. 2024 Upon their death, the rights can be transferred to an executor or heir for a period of ten years and expire upon nonuse for commercial purposes after two years. Winston Cho, The Hollywood Reporter, 10 Jan. 2024 But humanity has survived those weapons being in far worse and less stable hands, from the Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin to the Chinese tyrant Mao Zedong to the brutal Kim dynasty in North Korea, and there is no reason to believe the pattern of post-1945 nuclear nonuse will change. Gideon Rose, Foreign Affairs, 13 June 2023 The coolness lasts for three hours, and the gels fully recharge after just 15 minutes of nonuse. Emily Belfiore, Peoplemag, 3 Apr. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'nonuse.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1542, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of nonuse was in 1542

Dictionary Entries Near nonuse

Cite this Entry

“Nonuse.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nonuse. Accessed 4 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

nonuse

noun
non·​use -ˈyüs How to pronounce nonuse (audio)
1
: failure to use
nonuse of available material
2
: the fact or condition of not being used

Legal Definition

nonuse

noun
non·​use ˌnän-ˈyüs How to pronounce nonuse (audio)
1
: failure to use
nonuse of land
2
: the fact or condition of not being used

More from Merriam-Webster on nonuse

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