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

All unused animal parts—from hooves to stomachs—are composted, turning waste into nutrient-rich soil instead of sending it to landfills. —Ethan Stone, USA Today, 7 Apr. 2025

Here’s how to uninstall unused apps: Settings may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer. —Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, FOXNews.com, 5 Apr. 2025

The fifth-year senior, who will leave one year of eligibility at UConn unused, has managed to lead the Huskies back to the biggest stage in women’s college basketball while overcoming a past haunted by injury and juggling substantial NIL obligations. —Eric Jackson, Sportico.com, 4 Apr. 2025

Sometimes, the solution might involve temporarily boosting your income, whether that’s through a side hustle, freelancing, or selling unused items. —Brian Kelly, Forbes.com, 4 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