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
ungenutzt
unused
Refers to an opportunity, potential, or chance that is not taken or fully used.
EXAMPLE
Er ließ sein Talent ungenutzt und verfolgte eine andere Karriere.
He left his talent unused and pursued a different career.
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 unbenutzt
unused
Ungenutzt emphasizes that something available is not being used, even though it may have been used before. Unbenutzt can also mean “not currently in use,” but it often highlights that something has never been used and is new.
ungenutzt
Das früher oft benutzte Fahrrad steht seit Monaten ungenutzt im Keller.
The bicycle, which used to be ridden often, has been sitting unused in the basement for months.
unbenutzt
Das gestern gekaufte Fahrrad steht noch unbenutzt im Keller.
The bicycle bought yesterday is still unused in the basement.
In real life
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