an unused

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an unused" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has not been utilized or employed in any way. Example: "I found an unused ticket for the concert in my drawer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

They found an unused VCR.

The New York Times

Charlie Fellows was an unused reserve.

The Guardian - Sport

Hill was an unused substitute in Edinburgh.

The Guardian - Sport

Her primary bookcase is an unused staircase.

The New York Times

He was an unused substitute as they lost.

Independent

(The play's title comes from an unused "Nevermind" track).

The New York Times

Syria insists that Israel bombed an unused military facility.

The New York Times

Then through the winter, many greenhouses are an unused investment.

The New York Times - Science

(A note scrawled on an unused filter said, "Please pay for coffee and tea, 25 cents").

The New Yorker

It was an unused school, formerly P.S. 1, in Long Island City.

The New Yorker

He was an unused substitute and waited for the final whistle to make his point.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a resource or asset that could be put to better use, consider using "an unused" to highlight the potential benefit of activating it. For example, "an unused conference room" could be repurposed as a collaborative workspace.

Common error

Avoid using "an unused" when you mean 'not needed'. While similar, "an unused" item implies potential use, while 'not needed' suggests it's superfluous. For example, instead of 'an unused function of the software' say 'an unneeded function of the software'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an unused" functions as an adjective phrase that modifies a noun, indicating that the noun is not currently being utilized. As confirmed by Ludwig, this construction is grammatically sound and common in English. Examples show it describing various nouns ranging from physical objects to abstract concepts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Wiki

28%

Science

22%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "an unused" is a versatile and grammatically correct adjective phrase used to describe something not currently in use. According to Ludwig, the phrase is valid and appears frequently across various sources, including news media, scientific publications, and wikis, indicating its appropriateness for both formal and informal communication. It often highlights a state of potential or untapped resource, making it useful for describing underutilized spaces, items, or opportunities. When choosing alternatives, consider the nuance you want to convey, opting for terms like "unutilized" or "dormant" based on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an unutilized

Focuses on the lack of practical application of something.

an unexploited

Emphasizes the potential benefit or value that has not been taken advantage of.

a dormant

Suggests a state of inactivity or being temporarily suspended from use.

a spare

Implies something kept in reserve for when it's needed.

an idle

Highlights the lack of purpose or activity.

a vacant

Describes an empty space or position not currently occupied.

a virgin

Refers to something that has never been used, maintaining original condition.

untouched

Focuses on the absence of physical contact or alteration.

unworn

Specifically related to clothing or accessories not having been worn.

gathering dust

Suggests something long forgotten and disused.

FAQs

How can I use "an unused" in a sentence?

You can use "an unused" to describe something that is available but not currently being used. For example, "We found "an unused room" in the basement that we could convert into a guest bedroom."

What can I say instead of "an unused"?

Alternatives include "unutilized", "unexploited", "dormant", or "spare" depending on the specific context.

Is it more appropriate to say "an unused" or "a disused"?

"An unused" typically implies that something has never been used or is currently available but not in service, while "a disused" suggests it was used in the past but is no longer in service. So, it depends on the context of the item you're describing.

Which is correct, "an unused opportunity" or "a missed opportunity"?

"An unused opportunity" suggests the opportunity is still available but has not been taken, while "a missed opportunity" suggests the opportunity is gone. They have different meanings and are both correct depending on what you want to express.