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

At the same time, mining operations around the world have generated enormous volumes of low-grade tailings that still contain recoverable metals but remain largely unused. — Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 24 July 2026

Kobbie Mainoo, Tyler Fletcher and Altay Bayindir were unused by England, Scotland and Turkey respectively. — Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 24 July 2026

Other examples Belsky cites include students using AI to redesign online games for blind players or improve the distribution of unused cafeteria food to food banks. — Ray Ravaglia, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026

While manufacturing and manufacturing employment have shown signs of a modest rebound this spring, a quarter of the average factory’s capacity remains unused, which is high by historical standards. — Laurent Belsie, Christian Science Monitor, 23 July 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