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

Starting in 2024, unused funds from a 529 plan can be rolled over tax-free into a account, effectively turning it into a retirement account. —Kelsey Neubauer, CNBC, 21 May 2025

Casemiro was an unused substitute in nine out of 15 Premier League matches at the beginning of his new head coach’s tenure. —Carl Anka, New York Times, 21 May 2025

The Army said 6,700 soldiers will begin arriving Washington, D.C., on June 11 and will sleep on cots inside unused federal office buildings, including the Department of Agriculture. —Anne Flaherty, ABC News, 21 May 2025

But inside many of them, the computers are dark, unused, and waiting. —Craig S. Smith, Forbes.com, 19 May 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