underutilize

1 of 2

verb

un·​der·​uti·​lize ˌən-dər-ˈyü-tə-ˌlīz 

underutilized; underutilizing; underutilizes

transitive verb

: to utilize less than fully or below the potential use

underutilization

ˈən-dər-ˌyü-tə-lə-ˈzā-shən 

noun

underutilization

2 of 2

noun

: insufficient utilization : wasteful failure to utilize fully

Examples of underutilize in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

The three Republicans on the court backed the proposal, arguing the poll sites were underutilized, while the two Democrats rejected it. — ABC News, 2 Nov. 2026

Tight ends are being underutilized While the league has been carving Miami up with tight ends, the Dolphins have been ignoring their own for most of the season. — Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 18 Oct. 2026

Outsourcing to foreign suppliers has become more common, to the point that many of our suppliers are severely underutilized. — George Whittier, Forbes.com, 23 Sep. 2026

The current building is 115,000 square feet and underutilized, according to CU. — Thomas Gounley, Denver Post, 21 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

under entry 3 + utilization

First Known Use

Verb

1951, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for underutilize

• contextualize
• industrialize
• materialise
• materialize
• memorialize
• microenterprise
• overemphasize
• particularize
• revolutionise
• revolutionize
• actualize
• antagonize