underused

adjective un·der·used \ ˌən-dər-ˈyüzd \

Updated on: 22 May 2018

Definition of underused

: not fully used : having more potential than is currently being realized or utilized

underused land

an underused actress

See underused defined for English-language learners

Recent Examples of underused from the Web

The properties, owned by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, are either vacant or underused, officials said.

— laura j. nelson, latimes.com, "L.A. transit officials consider Metro-owned sites in Valley, Venice to aid homeless," 17 May 2018
Kim called for more subsidized housing, while Breed wants the city to build on underused sites, such as the McDonald’s restaurant property at Haight and Stanyan streets that the city just bought for housing.

— john wildermuth, San Francisco Chronicle, "SF mayoral candidates go easy on each other in debate," 14 May 2018
Even in its feeble condition, Sprint has a vast national infrastructure and a big library of underused wireless frequencies licensed from the Federal Communications Commission.

— hiawatha bray, BostonGlobe.com, "T-Mobile-Sprint, the sequel, is a dud," 30 Apr. 2018
The adept cast includes Tommy Lee Jones, as veteran war correspondent Joe Galloway; and Jessica Biel, Milla Jovovich and Kate Butler as the women in, respectively, Strobel's, Landay's and Walcott's lives, all of whom are somewhat underused.

— gary goldstein, latimes.com, "Journalistic zeal resonates in Rob Reiner's 'Shock and Awe'," 26 Apr. 2018
Much of the Harbor District is now marked by vacant or underused industrial sites.

— tom daykin, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Milwaukee's Florida Yards sells last lot after three decades — as Harbor District rises," 20 Apr. 2018
The youngest son of Russian Jewish immigrants Roman (Patrick Bruel) and Anna (an underused Elsa Zylberstein), Joseph has grown up only nominally aware of his religion.

— guy lodge, chicagotribune.com, "'A Bag of Marbles' review: Children escape Nazis in war-torn France," 19 Apr. 2018
For one, Cheryl Blossom—the show's most important but woefully underused character—snagged the lead, titular role in Riverdale High's production of Carrie: The Musical.

— christopher rosa, Glamour, "The 'Riverdale' Musical Episode Will Finally Give Cheryl the Spotlight She Deserves," 18 Apr. 2018
Anyone Can Try a Handcycle The handcycle may be the most underused piece of cardio equipment at the gym.

— jen murphy, WSJ, "His Goal: Finish the Boston Marathon by Hand," 14 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'underused.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of underused

1960

in the meaning defined above

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UNDERUSED Defined for English Language Learners

underused

adjective

Definition of underused for English Language Learners

: not used enough : not fully used

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