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

Example Sentences

The library has been unused for 10 years. I have four days of unused vacation time left.
Recent Examples on the Web Bates has left this floor mostly unused, but there is lots of space for the future owner to repurpose. Cathy Ching, BostonGlobe.com, 3 May 2023 Just outside Highclere Castle, in the grounds designed by 18th century landscape architect Capability Brown, dozens of chairs and a few tables lie stacked and unused. Reuters, NBC News, 14 Mar. 2023 Why are so many Houston offices sitting unused? Michael Murney, Chron, 18 Apr. 2023 Police confirmed two cylindrical pipes were found at the scene of the blast, including one that exploded and another that was unused. Junko Ogura, CNN, 17 Apr. 2023 When ingredients go unused, they are incorporated into a new dish on the menu the next day. Evan Nicole Brown, The Hollywood Reporter, 7 Apr. 2023 Countless residential parking spots go unused, and many downtown garages sit half empty. David Harrison, WSJ, 2 Apr. 2023 There was no vanity; the shower stall was closed off; a large, jetted tub was sitting unused; and there was no functional storage. Lennie Omalza, The Courier-Journal, 30 Mar. 2023 Refunds are not given for unused admissions. Dewayne Bevil, Orlando Sentinel, 10 Apr. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'unused.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near unused

Cite this Entry

“Unused.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unused. Accessed 30 May. 2023.

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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