What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
vacant
Example
The hotel had a vacant room available for the night. [vacant: adjective]
Example
The company is looking to fill a vacant position in their marketing department. [vacant: adjective]
Example
The vacant lot next door is up for sale. [vacant: adjective]
unused
Example
The unused gym membership expired last month. [unused: adjective]
Example
The unused paint cans have been sitting in the garage for years. [unused: adjective]
Example
The new software came with several unused features that I have yet to explore. [unused: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Unused is more commonly used than vacant in everyday language. Unused is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while vacant is less common and often used in specific situations such as real estate or employment.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between vacant and unused?
Both vacant and unused can be used in formal and informal contexts, but vacant may be more commonly used in professional or business settings due to its association with employment and real estate.