WordGarden.iounused
C1Pronunciation
UK
- /ʌnˈjuːst/adjective
US
- /ənˈjuzd/
Meanings
Adjective
not used or not yet put into use
Beyond the definition
Something that's unused hasn't been put into service, hasn't had its potential tapped, or remains untouched. Think of a brand-new roll of wrapping paper during the holidays—it's full of promise, but still unused until you start making gifts look pretty! It can describe physical things like an empty room in your house, or more abstract concepts like unused talent within a person. A skill someone possesses but hasn't yet applied is considered unused. Sometimes, something is left unused because it's no longer needed—like an old phone after you upgrade.
Consider the phrase "falling into disuse"—that means something that was once used is now used less and less, or not at all. Or think of a spare bedroom: it remains unused until guests arrive. It's a word about potential, availability, and things waiting for their moment.
The word "unused" describes something that has not been put to use or hasn't been utilized in any way. It implies a state of being available, untouched, or untapped. This can apply to physical objects, resources, abilities, or even opportunities.
For example, the sentence "The old factory stood with its machinery unused for decades" paints a picture of something left idle for a long time. Similarly, the observation that "She had an unused talent for painting that she rediscovered in retirement" suggests a skill lying dormant until brought to life.
"Unused" isn't necessarily negative; it simply states a fact about whether something is being used right now. An unused parking space is just waiting for a car. However, it can carry a hint of sadness or wastefulness when referring to something valuable that isn't being used—like "unused potential."
The opposite of unused would be "used," "utilized," or "employed." You might say, "All the hotel rooms were used during the conference," contrasting with an off-season where many remain unused. It's a word that highlights the difference between what could be and what is currently happening.
So, whether it's a spare key, a hidden skill, or a vacant building, "unused" points to something waiting for its purpose—a resource ready to be brought into play.
Examples
- 1
Tickets
We still have two unused tickets for Friday night's concert.
- 2
Vacation benefits
Any unused vacation days will expire at the end of the year.
- 3
Abandoned place
The old railway station has stood unused for decades.
- 4
Medicine
Please return any unused medicine to the pharmacy.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Formal unfamiliarity
I'm unused to such long, quiet winters.
- Usageunused to
a more formal way to say "not used to" or that something feels unfamiliar
See also
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- unusedadjective