adjective
unused
uhn-YOOZD
adjective
1
Not put to use.
"The gift card sat unused in her wallet for a year."
2
Not familiar or accustomed to something.
"He was unused to the noise of the city after years in the countryside."
How to Use Unused
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither never put to use, or not used to (not accustomed to) something.
Common mistake
The two senses are pronounced slightly differently in careful speech but written the same — context makes the meaning clear.
Common pairings
unused to
sit unused
remain unused
Word Forms
more unused comparative, most unused superlative
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The gift card sat _____ in her wallet for a year.
Etymology
From un- (\"not\") plus used.