underutilize

verb

un·​der·​uti·​lize ˌən-dər-ˈyü-tə-ˌlīz How to pronounce underutilize (audio)
underutilized; underutilizing; underutilizes

transitive verb

: to utilize less than fully or below the potential use

Examples of underutilize in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Last year the county and Metropolitan Transit Service announced plans to use more than 13 acres of land deemed underutilized for new affordable rental housing. Deborah Sullivan Brennan, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Mar. 2023 Fowler too often plays underwritten side characters, underutilizing his comedic potential. Jourdain Searles, The Hollywood Reporter, 17 Mar. 2023 While many organizations already have the foundational data required to create a concrete strategy, it's commonly underutilized. Antoine Andrews, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2023 The common-sense program, where rank-and-file workers can anonymously file reports of minor incidents and close calls, has been vastly underutilized, with less than two dozen railroads out of more than 600 participating in the voluntary program at the start of this week. Ananya Bhattacharya, Quartz, 3 Mar. 2023 This, even when the roster included talented tight ends — like Daniel Bellinger and Kahale Warring — who many observers believed were woefully underutilized in the offense. San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Mar. 2023 Both hospice and palliative care are important specialty medical services that are underutilized, and can offer much support and comfort to many more patients and families. Katia Hetter, CNN, 20 Feb. 2023 One concern is that attackers could discover unused, underutilized, or obsolete software components to initiate an exploit. IEEE Spectrum, 10 Nov. 2022 Both critics and supporters of the bureau seem to agree on one thing: Most Americans, and even many members of the financial news media, underutilize its services. Russ Wiles, The Arizona Republic, 26 July 2021

Word History

First Known Use

1951, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of underutilize was in 1951

Dictionary Entries Near underutilize

Cite this Entry

“Underutilize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/underutilize. Accessed 8 Nov. 2024.

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