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

With the right tools and approaches, SREs can look at optimizing utilization and costs—for example, shutting down unused resources instead of just keeping systems running. —Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025

Vast tracts of underutilized and unused federal land could be sold at a discount to qualified developers, yet with strings attached. —David Faris, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 June 2025

Pediatricians may hesitate to stock vaccines in their offices, as they are not reimbursed for unused doses. —Tom Frieden, Time, 16 June 2025

Keep rooms clean longer with regular cleaning and managing clutter and unused items. —Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 14 June 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