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

Harris has also said UCLA needs significantly more season-ticket holders, with a longer-term goal of removing the tarps covering portions of the Rose Bowl’s unused seating. — Ira Gorawara, New York Times, 16 Sep. 2026

Avoid trendy or impulse decor purchases that often end up unused or out of place. — Sarah Lyon, The Spruce, 16 Sep. 2026

Brooklyn Greenway Initiative leaders hope the sanctuary can serve as a model for sustainable planting in other unused parcels across New York City. — Hannah Kliger, CBS News, 15 Sep. 2026

Most SaaS products serve broad industry needs, yet nearly half the features go unused by any single company. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 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