01
ungenutzt
unused
Describes something that is not used or made use of, even though it is available.
example
Das große Zimmer im Dachgeschoss steht seit Jahren ungenutzt.
The large room in the attic has stood unused for years.
ungenutzt
unused
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word structure
The word is made up of the negating prefix 'un-' and 'genutzt' (used). 'Genutzt' is the past participle of the verb 'nutzen' (to use). So 'ungenutzt' literally means 'not used'.
EXAMPLE
Viele Ressourcen auf der Welt bleiben leider ungenutzt.
Many resources in the world unfortunately remain unused.
Usage pattern
A very common construction is 'etwas ungenutzt lassen' (to leave something unused). It expresses that someone consciously or unconsciously does not use an opportunity or resource.
EXAMPLE
Du solltest diese einmalige Chance nicht ungenutzt lassen.
You shouldn't let this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity go unused.
Typical collocations
In this meaning, 'ungenutzt' often describes physical things or places. Typical nouns are 'Raum' (room), 'Gebäude' (building), 'Platz' (space), or 'Fläche' (area).
EXAMPLE
Die alte Fabrikhalle auf dem Gelände steht seit Jahren ungenutzt.
The old factory hall on the site has stood unused for years.
Typical collocations
When referring to abstract things, 'ungenutzt' is often combined with words like 'Potenzial' (potential), 'Talent' (talent), 'Chance' (chance), or 'Gelegenheit' (opportunity).
EXAMPLE
Sein enormes musikalisches Potenzial blieb leider völlig ungenutzt.
His enormous musical potential unfortunately remained completely unused.
Compare with
ungenutzt vs arbeitslos
unemployed
'arbeitslos' and 'ungenutzt' can both describe something that is not working or not being used. This is especially true in economics: capital can be 'arbeitslos' if it is not invested. However, 'ungenutzt' is much more general and fits rooms, devices, opportunities, or possibilities. With people, 'arbeitslos' normally means that someone does not have a paid job. For things, 'ungenutzt' usually sounds more natural, unless you are deliberately speaking in an economic or figurative way.
ungenutzt
Nach dem Umzug blieb das alte Arbeitszimmer lange ungenutzt.
After the move, the old study remained unused for a long time.
arbeitslos
Das Geld liegt seit Monaten arbeitslos auf dem Konto.
The money has been lying idle in the account for months.
In real life
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