unused

adjective

un·​used ˌən-ˈyüzd How to pronounce unused (audio)
 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

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.
Wubben-Moy, 26, was absent from the Arsenal squad which beat Tottenham Hotspur 5-0 in the Women’s Super League (WSL) on Sunday, while 29-year-old Mead was an unused substitute. Luke Bosher, The Athletic, 17 Feb. 2025 That includes $193 million in write-downs of unused doses of the Covid vaccine, among other costs. Annika Kim Constantino, CNBC, 14 Feb. 2025 Cass jerked open the lever again and an unused shell arcked out and fell in the leaves beside the bleeding hound. Frank C. Hibben, Outdoor Life, 13 Feb. 2025 Herc Holdings ended the year with $83 million in cash and cash equivalents, and had $1.8 billion of unused borrowing capacity under its credit facilities. Quartz Intelligence Newsroom, Quartz, 13 Feb. 2025 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

Dictionary Entries Near unused

Cite this Entry

“Unused.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unused. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on unused

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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