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

Cancel unused subscriptions, negotiate recurring bills, pick up extra shifts or sell unused items around your home. — Faith Wakefield, USA Today, 23 June 2026

Add those numbers up, and the league as a whole is expected to have roughly $208 million of unused cap space during the 2026-27 season. — Dom Luszczyszyn, New York Times, 23 June 2026

The family made a $10,000 donation but was subsequently told their only choices were to have the funds sit unused or be used for maintenance for Waxman conifers now planted around the Storrs campus. — Kenneth R. Gosselin, Hartford Courant, 21 June 2026

As European automakers lose out on sales, so their unused capacity is being taken up by Chinese manufacturers. — Neil Winton, Forbes.com, 20 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