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

Roseman appeared to take a more hands-on role at City Hall of late, leading to clashes with city leaders over seemingly procedural issues — among them the purchase of 37 police vehicles that, for months, sat unused at a Ford dealership in San Leandro. —Jakob Rodgers, Mercury News, 1 May 2025

That was a rare commodity in China 25 years ago, and the gift did not go unused. —Steve Nadis, Quanta Magazine, 23 Apr. 2025

One of the most effective tools for defusing a crisis that in recent years has killed more than 80,000 people annually is going unused. —Ethan Brooks, The Atlantic, 23 Apr. 2025

This was followed by a reminder to remove any unused devices that my account is connected to. —Davey Winder, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 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