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in use

in use

74 1.0
Taken by someone so it is not free or available
  • idiom
: en uso
  • The next bungalow is not in use.
  • currently in use
  • in use today
  • now in use

So we've got HEDT high end desktop CPU's in use for video editing.

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Examples

Synonyms

unavailable
vsin use
82 3.4

Not able to be used, reached, or bought

specifically refers to being taken or occupied rather than being missing or broken
occupied
vsin use
43 2.4

A seat or place that someone is using

can also mean functioning or out of reach for reasons beyond being held
in operation
vsin use
27 3.2

Working now and serving its purpose

often means simply being held or taken rather than actively functioning
busy
vsin use
23 1.0

Unavailable because someone else is using it

also refers to items or places functioning even when no person is present
in-service
vsin use
21 3.7

A machine used now in regular service, for example a bus

applies more generally outside formal duty or scheduled provision
engaged
vsin use
  • UK
1 3.2

Already in use so you cannot use it

also applies when something is actively working rather than simply reserved

Antonyms

∞ 2.3

Able to be used or bought and not in use now

13 3.4

Empty and not used by anyone

How Occupied

unavailable
82 3.4
in use
74 1.0
reserved
64 2.6
available
∞ 2.3

Surface Forms

in use positive

Morphology

in + use

The meaning 'being used or occupied' is directly derivable from combining the preposition 'in' (indicating a state or location) with the noun 'use' (the action or function), so the phrase literally describes something that is within use. This compositional preposition + noun pattern is common cross-linguistically and follows standard English patterns, so a B1 learner who knows both words will readily understand 'in use'.

Etymology

In use comes from the simple picture of something being in use: imagine a chair with someone sitting on it, so the chair is not free. So in use means 'being used' or 'occupied' now.