diff --git a/include/qapi/qmp/qerror.h b/include/qapi/qmp/qerror.h
index 8dd9fcb071..0c2689cf8a 100644
--- a/include/qapi/qmp/qerror.h
+++ b/include/qapi/qmp/qerror.h
@@ -23,9 +23,6 @@
 #define QERR_DEVICE_HAS_NO_MEDIUM \
     "Device '%s' has no medium"
 
-#define QERR_DEVICE_IN_USE \
-    "Device '%s' is in use"
-
 #define QERR_DEVICE_NO_HOTPLUG \
     "Device '%s' does not support hotplugging"