unoccupied
UK: ʌnˈɒkjʊpaɪd | US: ʌnˈɑːkjʊpaɪd
adj. not being used or lived in
adj. (of a person) not busy; idle
adj. (military) not under control of enemy forces
The word "unoccupied" combines the prefix "un-" (Old English "un-," meaning "not") with the verb "occupy" (from Latin "occupare," meaning "to seize or possess") and the suffix "-ed" (indicating a state or condition). Originally tied to physical possession (e.g., land or space), its meaning expanded to include abstract states like idleness or military neutrality. The logic follows negation ("un-") of the act of taking control ("occupy"), resulting in "not taken" or "not in use."
The house remained unoccupied for years after the owner moved away.
She enjoyed her unoccupied weekends, free from work obligations.
The soldiers secured the previously unoccupied territory.
His mind was unoccupied, drifting between thoughts.
The parking lot was nearly unoccupied at midnight.