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

• 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

After that, Omega will give a pro rata refund for the unused portion of your coverage, minus any claims and a cancellation fee. —Brian Sloan, CNBC, 8 Oct. 2025

Among the people who would have said yes to one of the rooms the city had left unused was Tiffany Fields, who at the time was struggling to stay safe outdoors. —Ashley Hiruko, ProPublica, 6 Oct. 2025

Eliminating $1 law and focus on community needs The board’s sixth priority revolves around facilities and advocates for the immediate removal of the $1 law, which requires school districts to hand over unused buildings to charter schools or other educational institutions for a $1. —Caroline Beck, IndyStar, 6 Oct. 2025

Bezseller Modern Accent Chair This mid-century upholstered accent chair can turn any unused corner into the ideal reading spot. —Toni Sutton, PEOPLE, 6 Oct. 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