unworn

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unworn" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an item, typically clothing or accessories, that has not been worn or used. Example: "The unworn shoes were still in their original box, waiting for a new owner."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Now take your unworn items and start swishing.

The Guardian

At the bottom of the recession, she had nothing unworn, nothing new.

The Economist

Wasting money on consumer electronics and unworn sweaters once a year is a small price to pay for our prosperity.

The Economist

They include: a 5ft-long, stuffed, prehistoric fish; a pair of unworn blue cowboy-boots; a porcelain model of a sumo wrestler standing on one foot; a plastic cow; a New York Fire Department helmet; a chess set in which all four bishops are Desmond Tutu ; and a Winston Churchill pen and cigar set (presented by the grateful people of Britain).

Independent

Some shops will give money back if goods are returned unworn within a certain period of time.

Independent

Saadi Gaddafi's chalet was strewn with designer clothes, including some unworn suits, and about 100 pairs of shoes.

Independent

So rather like the unworn clothes in her wardrobe going to the charity shop, Deborah would simply erase people from her diary whom she hadn't contacted for years.

Independent

Most of what Guinness acquires she intends to wear, although she will occasionally buy an item purely for its aesthetic virtues, like the purple Dior coat that hangs in her closet, unworn, because purple isn't her color.

The New Yorker

The day after the Toronto Blue Jays secured their first playoff spot in twenty-two years, I drove up to my parents' house and went straight to the basement, opened a drawer, and pulled out a stack of old Blue Jays hats that had gone unworn for decades.

The New Yorker

The twenty-five years have left him remarkably unworn; he has bright green eyes, a full head of hair, and a broad smile that alternates between seraphic and pained.

The New Yorker

Among them are some of the greatest ever written in English, but an English unique to her — an unworn language.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing clothing for sale or donation, use "unworn" to assure potential buyers or recipients of the item's quality and newness.

Common error

Avoid using "unworn" interchangeably with terms like "unused" or "new" in contexts where specificity is needed. "Unworn" specifically implies that an item of clothing or footwear has not been worn, whereas "unused" and "new" are broader terms that can apply to a wider range of items. Use "unworn" only when you want to emphasize that the item has not been worn on the body.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "unworn" primarily functions as a pre-modifier, describing a noun (typically clothing or accessories) by indicating its state of being unused. Ludwig confirms its use in various contexts, emphasizing its descriptive role.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "unworn" is an adjective used to describe something, typically clothing or accessories, that has not been used or worn. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is grammatically sound and frequently used in various reliable sources. It's most commonly found in news and media contexts, where it often describes merchandise for sale, donation, or other commercial purposes. While alternative phrases like "brand new" or "unused" exist, "unworn" is specifically applicable to items that can be worn on the body. When using "unworn", ensure to avoid confusing it with broader terms and be precise about the intended meaning. Overall, "unworn" is a useful and versatile term for accurately describing the condition of clothing and accessories.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Brand new

Indicates something is completely new and unused, similar to "unworn" but more general.

Pristine

Emphasizes the perfect, untouched condition, akin to "unworn" but can apply to more than just clothing.

Unused

A direct synonym, indicating something has not been used, similar to "unworn" but applicable to a broader range of items.

In mint condition

Suggests an item is in perfect condition as if it were newly manufactured, comparable to "unworn" for applicable items.

Untouched

Implies something has not been handled or used, similar to "unworn" in its untouched state.

Fresh

Indicates a new or clean state, overlapping with the sense of "unworn" but less specific.

Unsoiled

Highlights the lack of dirt or wear, similar to "unworn" emphasizing cleanliness.

In original condition

Focuses on maintaining the item's initial state, like "unworn" preserving its original form.

Unblemished

Emphasizes the absence of any flaws or marks, similar to "unworn" lacking signs of wear.

Unspoiled

Suggests the item's condition remains intact, comparable to "unworn" retaining its original state.

FAQs

How can I use "unworn" in a sentence?

You can use "unworn" to describe clothing or accessories that have not been worn. For example, "She donated her "unworn clothes" to the charity shop" or "The shoes were "unworn and still in the box"".

What is a good alternative to "unworn"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "unworn" include "brand new", "unused", or "pristine". However, "unworn" is most appropriate when specifically referring to clothing or accessories.

Is it correct to say "never worn" instead of "unworn"?

Yes, "never worn" is a grammatically correct and semantically similar alternative to "unworn". Both phrases indicate that an item has not been worn before. "Never worn" may be preferred in some contexts for emphasis.

What is the difference between "unworn" and "new with tags"?

"Unworn" means that an item hasn't been worn, whereas "new with tags" indicates the item is not only unworn but also still has its original tags attached. "New with tags" provides further assurance of the item's condition.