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.
Again, many of these facilities sit unused, but they remain a threat, as they are still owned by the federal government.
From Slate ● Aug. 18, 2026
The nonprofit began 50 years ago as Elderhostel, offering travel and classes to those 60 and older who didn’t mind staying in unused college dorms.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 15, 2026
In 2019, the Kincade fire in Sonoma County, which destroyed hundreds of homes, was ignited by an old, unused transmission line owned by PG&E.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 12, 2026
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
Nothing in the bathroom but an unused bar of soap.
From "The Bletchley Riddle" by Ruta Sepetys and Steve Sheinkin
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.
