disuse

noun

(ˌ)dis-ˈyüs How to pronounce disuse (audio)
Definition of disusenext
as in neglect
lack of use since the car has experienced years of disuse, starting it up won't be easy

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of disuse Prior to redevelopment, the building showed significant deterioration after years of disuse. — J.m. Banks, Kansas City Star, 21 Apr. 2026 Yet the upper body can more easily fall into disuse. — Lisa Jarvis, Twin Cities, 19 Apr. 2026 Heart muscles atrophy, or weaken from disuse, in adults who spend prolonged times in the weightlessness of space. — Literary Hub, 20 Feb. 2026 The term fell largely into disuse with the Axis powers’ defeat in 1945. — Andrew Latham, The Conversation, 8 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for disuse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disuse
  1. neglect
  2. abandonment
  3. inactivity
Noun
  • Each critic portrayed the historical monument as an object of reverence owing to age, with specific reference to the psycho-historical implications of restoration or, conversely, of neglect.
    — Jeffrey Weiss, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026
  • The exemptions don’t just shield faith-healing parents from criminal prosecution for conduct that otherwise would be charged as neglect.
    — Audrey Dutton, ProPublica, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of neglect
Noun
  • Joining the group represents an expansion rather than an abandonment of its existing labor programs.
    — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 5 Oct. 2026
  • Hahn Nguyen, 75, was booked into Santa Ana jail on suspicion of animal cruelty and animal abandonment.
    — Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of abandonment
Noun
  • For example, Hilton points expire after 24 consecutive months of inactivity.
    — Jason Stauffer, CNBC, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Baldwin’s suit was initially thrown out last year by a state judge after a lengthy period of inactivity.
    — Gene Maddaus, Variety, 30 Sep. 2026
Definition of inactivity

Browse Nearby Words

disunity
disuse
disused
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Disuse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disuse. Accessed 10 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of Luddite

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

The Exceptions of '-s' and '-es' Plurals

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

7 Words for Bad Endings and Rough Situations

The Words of the Week - Oct. 9

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)
See More

Popular

See More

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
a cup of tea and a golf ball on tee side by side
Quiz: Sounds Like... Choose the word that sounds like it fits the clue...
See All