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

Common Misconceptions About Closing Vents Gorbacz says a common misconception is that closing vents in unused rooms means the room is no longer being heated, thus saving money. —Kamron Sanders, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Dec. 2025

Usually, departments and organizations that have money allocated to them by the state can roll over unused money at the end of the fiscal year to use later on. —Elle Meyers, CBS News, 16 Dec. 2025

As part of the investigation, state auditors found a storage room with 420 cell phones in the EDD branch office that had gone unused. —William Melhado, Sacbee.com, 13 Dec. 2025

Although brines hold more than half of the world’s lithium, most remain unused because high magnesium levels complicate extraction. —Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 12 Dec. 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