shelfware

American  

[shelf-wair] / ˈʃɛlfˌwɛər /

Or shelf ware

noun

Informal.

1. Computers. software or hardware that remains unsold, unused, or underused.

   shelfware as part of a bundled license deal.

2. ideas or findings that are not used or acted upon.

   The results of your market research can quickly become shelfware.

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Etymology

Origin of shelfware

shelf + -ware (in the sense “goods sitting on a shelf”)

Example Sentences

"A lot of smartwatches out there end up being shelfware."

From Reuters • Apr. 22, 2015

For examples, see annoyware, careware, crippleware, crudware, freeware, fritterware, guiltware, liveware, meatware, payware, psychedelicware, shareware, shelfware, vaporware, wetware.

From The Jargon File, Version 4.2.2, 20 Aug 2000 by Steele, Guy L.