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

Much of that gas often goes unused or gets released into the atmosphere. —Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 15 June 2026

Closing and sealing doors will prevent cool air from traveling to unused spaces. —Bestreviews, Mercury News, 15 June 2026

The latter was an integral part of the Italy team who reached the 1990 World Cup semi-final on home soil (having been an unused squad member at the 1986 tournament in Mexico) and was then assistant to head coach Arrigo Sacchi when the Italians reached the 1994 final and lost to Brazil on penalties. —Oliver Kay, New York Times, 14 June 2026

The beauty brand took unused ready-to-dye denim, applied different colors and embossed it with their logo to create lipstick cases. —Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 12 June 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