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

Synonyms of unused

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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.
An unused two-door reach-in cooler turned into a roach cemetery, with 17 dead bodies inside and three in the drain pan underneath. — David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 22 Oct. 2026 Becerra’s origin story traces back to his youth in Sacramento, and a moment when a high school friend was about to throw out a blank, unused application to Stanford University. — Ben Wieder, Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 2026 Note that Free People can only accept unopened and unused beauty and wellness products. — Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 21 Oct. 2026 Gross said that currently, a lot of IP in these large enterprises is essentially trapped, sitting there unused in any productive way. — Jeremy Kahn, Fortune, 20 Oct. 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

Phrases Containing unused

Rhymes for unused

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Browse Nearby Words

unuse
unused
unused to
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Cite this Entry

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

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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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