unused

adjective

un·​used ˌən-ˈyüzd How to pronounce unused (audio)
in the phrase "unused to" usually -ˈyüs(t)
Synonyms of unusednext
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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The company said $25 million could be recovered per quarter and any unused money could be returned to ratepayers. Judith Kohler, Denver Post, 21 Apr. 2026 The lines had sat unused since 2015, when a pipe rupture caused one of the state’s largest oil spills. Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 20 Apr. 2026 The project, which was initially approved in 2001, involves clearing 65 acres of the landfill’s unused property and excavating 7 million cubic yards of dirt and rock to accommodate South Orange County’s waste disposal needs through 2102, extending the facility’s operating life by 50 years. Claire Wang, Oc Register, 17 Apr. 2026 One woman offered her unused patches (the doctor increased her estrogen dose) to friends who couldn’t find them. Laura Trujillo, USA Today, 17 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unused

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of unused was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unused.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unused. Accessed 27 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

unused

adjective
un·​used ˌən-ˈyüzd How to pronounce unused (audio)
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

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