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

Dispose of unused bait in the trash rather than releasing in the water. — Keith Matheny, Freep.com, 3 July 2026

One of the most direct things people can do is avoid flushing or discarding unused medications down the sink or toilet! — Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026

Pay close attention to apps that mention bandwidth sharing, proxy access or earning rewards from unused internet. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026

Wisconsin, meanwhile, partnered with Starter, which took Apex One’s unused Badgers jerseys, made some slight tweaks and put a Starter logo on them. — Chris Vannini, New York Times, 29 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