adjective
-
not being or never having been made use of
-
not accustomed or used (to something)
Etymology
Origin of unused
Middle English word dating back to 1250–1300; see origin at un- 1, used
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
By the time the bubble burst, the industry was sitting on huge amounts of unused “dark fiber,” which collapsed prices and crushed heavily indebted operators.
From MarketWatch ● Aug. 10, 2026
The HPS fund’s earlier first-quarter report showed $4.9 billion in unused credit as of March 31, but only $3.4 billion was actually available to borrow.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 9, 2026
When Saint Mary’s dropped its football program, he called the East Bay school not only to recruit players but to round up equipment that would otherwise go unused.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 5, 2026
He largely featured for the under-21s last season, but was an unused substitute in a 2-0 win over Norwich City in the Championship.
From BBC ● Aug. 4, 2026
I think of Madoc’s grim expression, jaw locked, doubtlessly unused to children, no less human ones.
From "The Cruel Prince" by Holly Black
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
