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

• unacclimated
• unaccustomed
• unadapted
• unadjusted

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

Meanwhile a recent report found that a quarter of the city’s shelter beds go unused every night, a loss of $218 million since 2019. —Michael Goldstein, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024

The program started around 2016 in some existing garden beds that had gone unused until a handful of parent volunteers and teachers came together to plant them. —Isha Trivedi, The Mercury News, 22 Dec. 2024

Jonathan also recommends that viewers find unique, unused spaces in their homes to use as staging sites for fun holiday scenes. —Tabitha Parent, People.com, 10 Dec. 2024

Turn off the Manage app if unused toggle switch, and it will be left alone. —David Nield, WIRED, 14 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing unused

• unused to

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