Unused Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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unused

[ˌʌnˈjuːzd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

not used

Not used or employed; idle or inactive.

Synonyms

dormant, idle, inactive, untouched.

Examples of usage

  • It was clear that the old machinery had been sitting unused for years.
  • The room looked bare and unused.
Context #2 | Verb

not take advantage of

Fail to make full use of (an opportunity or resource).

Synonyms

miss, neglect, overlook, squander.

Examples of usage

  • She felt like she was wasting her potential by leaving her talents unused.
  • Don't let your skills go unused.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Unused skills or talents can lead to feelings of frustration or dissatisfaction if not actively engaged.
  • In psychological studies, people often report higher happiness levels when they utilize their skills and talents regularly.
  • The concept of 'unused potential' can motivate individuals to pursue new interests or challenges.

Cultural References

  • In many cultures, there is a deep respect for things that are preserved and unused, like antiques or heirlooms that carry history.
  • Songs and stories often portray unused items as symbols of lost opportunities or forgotten dreams.
  • Minimalism, a popular lifestyle movement, promotes the idea of reducing unused items to create a more intentional living space.

Environmental Impact

  • Unused resources in nature, like water and land, highlight the importance of conservation and responsible usage.
  • The practice of reducing unused items contributes to sustainability and can help mitigate waste in landfills.
  • Unused food is a significant social issue, leading to initiatives to redistribute excess food to those in need.

Technology

  • In tech, unused software or applications can slow down system performance, prompting users to streamline their devices.
  • Unused features in apps are often redesigned based on user feedback to enhance efficiency and functionality.
  • Many tech companies focus on eliminating unused functions to create a cleaner, more user-friendly experience.

Origin of 'unused'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'unused' comes from the Old English 'un' (not) and 'use', meaning it literally signifies 'not used'.
  • In English, many words are formed with 'un-' to indicate the opposite, like 'unhappy' meaning 'not happy'.
  • The prefix 'un-' is widely used in English language to denote negation, showing how language evolves over time.

The word 'unused' originated in the early 17th century from the combination of the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' and the word 'used'. It has been used in the English language to describe things that are not utilized or taken advantage of.


See also: abuse, disuse, disused, misuse, misused, overuse, peruse, reusableness, reuse, reusing, underuse, unusable, usability, usable, usage, used, useful, usefully, usefulness, useless, uselessness, users, using, usual, utensil, utilize.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #9,792 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.