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
underutilization
ˈən-dər-ˌyü-tə-lə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce underutilize (audio)
noun

Examples of underutilize in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The bus is the most underrated — and underutilized — way of getting to the Rockaways these days. — Lindsey Weber, Curbed, 17 June 2026 Michael Mayer is also underutilized by the Raiders. — Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 7 June 2026 Project proposals said the lanes are underutilized and confusing to drivers. — Chris Hoffman, CBS News, 19 June 2026 Many of the Division I transfers who came in were underutilized at their previous schools and have thrived. — Eric Olson, Chicago Tribune, 12 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for underutilize

Word History

First Known Use

1951, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of underutilize was in 1951

Rhymes for underutilize

See All Rhymes for underutilize

Browse Nearby Words

underutilization
underutilize
underutilized
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Underutilize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/underutilize. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Commonly Misspelled Words

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

One-Word Oxymorons: Bittersweet, Spendthrift, and More

Ten Words Ending with a Silent ‘T’

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World
See More

Popular

See More

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
hangman letters and game
Hangman Lightning Round Figure out which word fits in the blanks.
See All