Definition

Something that has not been used at all or is not currently in use.

Example

The unused room in the house was filled with old furniture.

Conversation

I found an unused bike in my garage yesterday.

Really? That's awesome!

Yeah, I had totally forgotten about it; it's been sitting there for years.

You should take it for a ride — it might be fun to get back into cycling!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Unused → It is formed from "un-" (meaning not) and "used" (from Old English "use", meaning to employ or utilize). The word "unused" means not employed or not utilized.

Memory Tip

Think of 'not' ('un-') employing something that is 'utilized' ('used') — that's why unused means something that is not being used.

Visually Confused Words