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 of unused

• unadjusted
• unadapted
• unaccustomed

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

Her husband had an unused trailer at his shop, and six weeks later, Rolling Chapters was on the road. — Beret Leone, CBS News, 3 Nov. 2026

The chip giant has a contractual commitment to purchase certain unused CoreWeave capacity and owns a substantial equity stake in the company. — Paul Meeks, CNBC, 2 Nov. 2026

Proposal 3 lets the city undertake street safety improvements, sell unused plots of land, and lease office space all with a little bit less hoop-jumping. — Ryder Kessler, New York Daily News, 1 Nov. 2026

One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest was filmed in an unused floor of the Oregon State Hospital with a real-life psychiatric wing nearby. — Jack Smart, PEOPLE, 1 Nov. 2026

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