Can we re-use the old and unused descriptive flexfield attribute columns to create new ones?

Summary:

We reached the number of descriptive flexfields we are allowed to create at supplier level. Some of the fields are not used anymore and we do need to create a new one. Is there a way to re-utilize the ones we don't use anymore?

Content (please ensure you mask any confidential information):

We reached the number of descriptive flexfields we are allowed to create at supplier level. And now we have a requirement that needs another one to be created... Is there a way to re-utilize the attribute columns that are not used anymore?

If we delete them will the columns be available for new ones? How should we proceed here?