I am describing a problem regarding locations positioned next to each other where blocks are placed. For a given layout the locations next to blocks are unusable and in the next step no block might be placed here. For example, in the layout:
|_|x|x|_|x|_|_|
The first, fourth and sixth locations cannot be used later. I am looking for a word to describe it. So far i have unusable, or maybe dead space. Is there a better word for this? Thanks in advance!
Example sentence:
In the layout above there are 3 ___. In another layout there is one __ less.
Best Answer
Things that can be used are available for use. Those that can't are unavailable for use:
This is a very general term that can be used in a variety of different ways. So, I think it will definitely work in your context.