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

Members who bought the wine should safely dispose of any unused bottles and seek a full refund of the purchase price at their nearest Costco warehouse. —Alex Perry, Cincinnati Enquirer, 2 Oct. 2025

If a park closes in the middle of guests' stays, guests will receive refunds for the unused portion of their trips. —Michael Salerno, AZCentral.com, 1 Oct. 2025

Sell any unused, yet intact, workout equipment through your local marketplace, and don’t forget about the smaller, less bulky gear like dumbbells and stability balls. —Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Oct. 2025

However, the pavilion’s visitors rarely complied with this on-screen exhortation, leaving the nearby microphones unused. —Joanna Warsza, Artforum, 1 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