is unused

USAGE SUMMARY

"is unused" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is often used to describe something that is not being used or has not been used. Example: The old computer in the office is unused and gathering dust.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Say the bench is unused.

University of California, Berkeley

Not that he is unused to fence-jumping.

The New York Times

But now, 10 months later, the app that the volunteer developers created for Muni is unused.

The New York Times

There is a 'no shoes' (on the feet) policy and the kitchen is unused.

The Guardian - Sport

The property's owner goes to court; the M.S.T. then insists the land is unused.

The New York Times - Magazine

Some 20percentt of the current flu vaccine supply is unused.

The New York Times

Simply because land remains undeveloped does not mean it is unused.

The New York Times

For most students, the research training is unnecessary and is unused after graduation.

The New York Times

He committed to giving councils powers to purchase land from developers if it is unused.

The Guardian

Sean is unused to the decisions ordinary members of society make on a daily basis.

The Guardian

Petersen obtained a temporary injunction against Blue Gravity, and currently the site is unused.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing resources or capacities, use "is unused" to clearly indicate that they are not currently being utilized. This can highlight potential inefficiencies or opportunities for improvement.

Common error

Avoid using "is unused" when you mean something is not capable of being used. "Unused" means it can be used but isn't. "Unusable" means it cannot be used.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is unused" primarily functions as a predicate adjective, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe its state of being not in use. Ludwig AI confirms this usage with numerous examples from diverse sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

23%

Science

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is unused" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe something that is not currently being utilized. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, this phrase appears frequently in diverse contexts ranging from news and media to academia and scientific research. Its primary function is to convey the state of non-utilization, often implying a potential for future use or highlighting a missed opportunity. While its register is generally neutral, it's important to distinguish "is unused" from "is unusable", as the former denotes availability, while the latter indicates an inability to be used. Alternative phrases, such as "is not utilized" or "remains idle", can provide nuanced variations in meaning, depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is not being used

Emphasizes the ongoing state of not being in use, highlighting the continuous lack of utilization.

is not utilized

Focuses on the lack of active utilization, suggesting a more formal or technical context.

remains idle

Suggests a state of inactivity or dormancy, implying a potential for future use.

is left untouched

Highlights the lack of interference or alteration, indicating a pristine or preserved state.

is lying dormant

Implies a hidden potential or capacity that is currently inactive or undeveloped.

is untapped

Stresses the unexploited nature of a resource or potential, suggesting an opportunity for future benefit.

is unexploited

Similar to 'untapped', but emphasizes the lack of development or extraction of value.

is available but not used

Clearly states the availability of something alongside its lack of use, emphasizing the contrast.

is surplus to requirements

Indicates that something is in excess of what is needed, implying a reason for its lack of use.

is gathering dust

A more figurative expression indicating neglect and prolonged disuse, often implying obsolescence.

FAQs

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

Use "is unused" to describe something available for use but currently not being utilized, as in, "The spare bedroom is unused". This highlights a state of non-utilization.

What's a more formal way to say "is unused"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "is not utilized" or "remains idle", which convey a similar meaning but with a more professional register.

What's the difference between "is unused" and "is not being used"?

"Is unused" implies a general state of non-utilization, while "is not being used" emphasizes a current, ongoing lack of use. The difference is subtle, but the latter can highlight a temporary situation.

What are some contexts where "is unused" is commonly found?

"Is unused" frequently appears in discussions about resource management, technology, and real estate, where the efficient utilization of available assets is a key consideration. For example, "the capacity on golf courses is unused".