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.
Unused losses exceeding $3,000 also get carried forward to future years.
From MarketWatch • Feb. 6, 2026
Unused lines can become energized from electrified lines running parallel to them through a process called induction.
From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 30, 2025
Unused Paraguay substitute Omar Alderete was shown a red card and US midfielder Cristian Roldan and Paraguay's Junior Alonso each received a yellow as order was restored and the final minutes played.
From Barron's • Nov. 16, 2025
Unused to musical democracy, members make compromises and concessions that dilute what makes them unique.
From BBC • Sep. 4, 2023
Unused as I was to being asked my preferences, I took a moment to reply.
From "The Shakespeare Stealer" by Gary L. Blackwood
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.
