unused

adjective

un·​used ˌən-ˈyüzd How to pronounce unused (audio)
 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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Unsupervised models offer a scalable way to extract insights from data that would otherwise go unused. Christer Holloman, Forbes.com, 11 May 2025 After more than a week of oil shooting vertically out of an unused well off the coast of Louisiana, the U.S. Coast Guard announced Sunday evening that the offshore well blowout — first reported on April 26 — has been controlled. Dan Ruetenik, CBS News, 5 May 2025 But don’t just put unused furniture or clothing in the dump or on the curb. Kristine Gill, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 May 2025 For a second year in a row, California canceled a program that allows state workers to cash out unused vacation time over budget concerns. William Melhado, Sacbee.com, 30 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for unused

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of unused was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unused.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unused. Accessed 20 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

unused

adjective
un·​used ˌən-ˈyüzd How to pronounce unused (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on unused

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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