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

• 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

The Greek forward was an unused substitute for Brighton’s 1-1 draw at Wolverhampton Wanderers in the last fixture before the October international break. —Andy Naylor, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025

But Indianapolis Public Schools recently made the property available to interested charter schools for $1, in accordance with a state law related to unused public school buildings. —Jordan Smith, IndyStar, 15 Oct. 2025

On the first burn, always let the wax melt evenly across the surface to create a full pool—this prevents tunneling (where unused wax gets left around the edges). —Michael Stefanov, Robb Report, 14 Oct. 2025

States can carry over up to 3% of fiscal year 2025 funding, if unused, according to the Food Research & Action Center. —Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 14 Oct. 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