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

The kitchen itself, though, feels fairly unused—one tap wasn’t working, the cutlery was slightly rusty, and the whole setup had a ramshackle quality. — Megan Rose Murray, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Aug. 2026

Despite Cardoso’s presence inside, the oft-unused reserve big found a way to be one of Golden State’s few reliable scorers in the first half. — Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 22 Aug. 2026

The college has offered a separation package of about $65,000, plus payment for unused leave, emails show. — Scott Travis, Sun Sentinel, 22 Aug. 2026

This model, exemplified by Jet Linx, allows owners to monetize unused capacity while providing flexible access. — Jeff Fromm, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 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