unused

Everyday

1. Unused (said «un-YOOZD») means not used, never used, or not being used now: «an unused notebook». tree →
2. Unused to (said «un-YOOST to») means not used to, not familiar with something: «unused to the cold». tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life, «unused» items can be returned to a shop or given away; unused food can be saved. In maths, «unused» numbers or cards are the ones left over. In recycling lessons, reusing unused paper saves trees. In stories «unused to» shows a character in a new place: «unused to city noise». Phrases: «unused to», «leave unused», «an unused room».

Examples

• Return the unused tickets to the office. tree →
• There is an unused room upstairs. tree →
• Give your unused toys to charity. tree →
• The sticker book was unused. tree →
• She was unused to the hot weather. tree →
• Save the unused paper for next time. tree →
• How many cards are still unused? tree →
• Jack, unused to such fare, ate and drank plentifully, so that he was nearly dozing before midnight. tree →

Note

Two meanings, two sounds: «unused» (not used, -zd) and «unused to» (not familiar with, -st). Opposite: used. Maths: if 20 sheets were bought and 13 used, 20 − 13 = 7 are unused.