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.
Costinha came on for the last 12 minutes against Leeds, while Algerian international Hadjam was an unused substitute, together with Chema Andres. — Andy Naylor, New York Times, 7 Sep. 2026 The computer can become outdated A computer that spends most of its life sitting unused can create another problem. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 6 Sep. 2026 Stephen Weizenecker, an Atlanta attorney who works on film and TV tax credits, said in recent years that North Carolina has occasionally taken unused money from previous years and dispensed it in a subsequent fiscal year. — Rodney Ho, AJC.com, 3 Sep. 2026 Across the lot in an unused patch of pavement, pops of bright orange and yellow reach skyward toward the imposing barbed wire that’s laced atop metal security bars. — Leigh-Ann Jackson, Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 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

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unused
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Cite this Entry

“Unused.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unused. Accessed 7 Sep. 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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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