underutilized

adjective

un·​der·​uti·​lized ˌən-dər-ˈyü-tə-ˌlīzd 

: not fully utilized : underused

an underutilized resource

… Japan is harnessing two of its assets—one long underutilized and the other a long-standing source of strength—to support continued economic expansion.

—Paul A. Laudicina

Examples of underutilized in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This exodus has resulted in numerous underutilized schools in the city’s poorer areas. —Ray Domanico, Washington Post, 9 Jan. 2026

But a constant churn of financial maneuvers (spinning off Saks’ e-commerce, creating co-working spaces in underutilized stores, all while being highly leveraged) brought some benefit but never obviated the need to invest more in basics. —Phil Wahba, Fortune, 8 Jan. 2026

Dezyfurni Mid Century Modern Bamboo Folding Desk This sleek and simplistic desk cleverly folds down when not needed, providing extra workspace in narrow or underutilized areas. —Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Jan. 2026

Glydways, a company building small, electric, autonomous public transportation vehicles, is transforming an underutilized parking lot in Richmond into a testing ground. —Sierra Lopez, Mercury News, 29 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1899, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for underutilized

• adrenalectomized
• editorialized
• hypophysectomized
• immunocompromised
• institutionalised
• operationalized
• ovariectomized
• undercapitalized
• acclimatized
• actualized
• aerosolized
• alphabetized