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

Elliott has been an unused substitute in three matches and, since the Fulham game at the end of September, has played just four minutes (as a substitute in the Europa League win against Feyenoord). —Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2025

Open box products are a great way to save money on unused items that are still in brand-new condition. —Christine Persaud, USA Today, 21 Oct. 2025

Such mismatched windows can be a sign that an interior wall conceals unused space or that a room has been sealed off during renovations. —Soo Kim, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 Oct. 2025

This is an open-box unit, meaning it was returned unused or lightly handled and repackaged after inspection. —PC Magazine, 17 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