unused

adjective

un·​used ˌən-ˈyüzd 

 in the phrase "unused to" usually  -ˈyüs(t)

1

: not habituated : unaccustomed

unused to crowds

2

: not used: such as

a

: fresh, new

set an unused canvas on the easel

b

: not put to use : idle

unused land

c

: not consumed : accrued

unused sick leave

Synonyms

• unacclimated
• unaccustomed
• unadapted
• unadjusted

Examples of unused in a Sentence

The library has been unused for 10 years.

I have four days of unused vacation time left.

Recent Examples on the Web

The district has more than 2,500 classrooms, meaning 900 are going unused without counting portable classrooms. —Lina Ruiz, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Feb. 2025

Meanwhile, audits and complaints show that the local agencies that directly pay and monitor shelter contractors often fail to follow up on reports of unsafe conditions, unused beds or missed housing targets. —Calmatters, The Mercury News, 26 Feb. 2025

The mayor pleaded with the Biden administration to either end telework for federal employees or put some of the unused federal buildings on the market. —Campbell Robertson, New York Times, 20 Feb. 2025

He was called up to the first-team squad for three successive matches — against Brentford, West Ham and Chelsea — earlier this season, but was an unused sub on every occasion. —Tom Burrows, The Athletic, 16 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing unused

• unused to

Rhymes for unused

• disabused
• overused
• underused
• unexcused
• abused
• accused
• amused
• bemused
• confused
• contused
• defused
• diffused

Kids Definition

unused

adjective

un·​used ˌən-ˈyüzd 

ˈən-,

 in the phrase  ",

 unused to  ",

 usually  -ˈyüs(t)

1

: not accustomed

unused to crowds

2

a

: not having been used before

an unused paintbrush

b

: not being in use : idle

c

: available for future use

unused vacation time