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.
Whatever remains just sits in my fridge — unused, abandoned, now a health hazard.
From Salon • Jun. 29, 2026
He remained an unused substitute in the next round - when it again went to penalties - and the Dutch went out with Jasper Cillessen not saving any kicks.
From BBC • Jun. 28, 2026
Under either scenario, including a resignation, he’d be entitled to receive compensation for unused vacation days.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 28, 2026
Europe braced Wednesday for another day of an unprecedented heatwave that has smashed records in many countries and sent air conditioner sales zooming in a continent unused and ill-equipped to handle searing heat.
From Barron's • Jun. 23, 2026
Adam looked surprised, unused to the parent being more sarcastic than the child, I imagine.
From "If I Stay" by Gayle Forman
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.
