Underutilize: meaning, definitions and examples

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underutilize

 

[ ˌʌndərˈjuːtɪlaɪz ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

in business

To not make full use of something, especially resources or opportunities.

Synonyms

neglect, underuse, waste.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
underutilize

Appropriate in professional or technical settings where a resource, skill, or talent is not being used to its full potential.

  • The company tends to underutilize its marketing team, focusing mostly on traditional methods
underuse

Similar to 'underutilize,' but more common in everyday speech. It can be used in both personal and professional settings to discuss something not being used enough.

  • The community center's library is underused, despite having a great collection of books
neglect

Appropriate in personal situations or when referring to something that requires care, attention, or maintenance but is being ignored or overlooked. This term often carries a negative connotation.

  • Sarah neglects her garden, and now it's overrun with weeds
waste

Appropriate when something valuable, such as time, money, or resources, is being misused, squandered, or not used at all. This word carries a strong negative connotation.

  • Leaving the lights on all night is a waste of electricity

Examples of usage

  • The company was underutilizing its workforce by not providing proper training programs.
  • We need to address the issue of underutilizing our budget allocation.
Context #2 | Verb

in technology

To use something less than its full capacity or potential.

Synonyms

underexploit, undersell, underuse.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
underutilize

This term is often used in business or technical settings to describe a situation where resources, skills, or capabilities are not being used to their full potential.

  • The company has a lot of talented employees, but they underutilize their skills.
underuse

This word is frequently used in general contexts to express that something is not being used as much as it could be.

  • The public library is an amazing community resource, but it’s sadly underused.
undersell

This term is often used in sales or marketing contexts. It can imply selling something for less than it is worth or not adequately promoting its value. It sometimes has a negative connotation.

  • If you undersell your product, customers may think it’s not worth buying.
  • He tends to undersell his accomplishments during job interviews.
underexploit

This word is usually applied in economic or resource management contexts, indicating that a resource or opportunity has not been fully developed or taken advantage of.

  • The region's natural resources remain underexploited, which could be an area for future development.

Examples of usage

  • The new software was underutilized due to lack of training.
  • We should not underutilize the capabilities of our equipment.

Translations

Translations of the word "underutilize" in other languages:

🇵🇹 subutilizar

🇮🇳 अल्प उपयोग करना

🇩🇪 unterausnutzen

🇮🇩 kurang memanfaatkan

🇺🇦 недовикористовувати

🇵🇱 niewykorzystywać w pełni

🇯🇵 十分に活用しない

🇫🇷 sous-utiliser

🇪🇸 infrautilizar

🇹🇷 yeterince kullanmamak

🇰🇷 충분히 활용하지 않다

🇸🇦 استخدام غير كافي

🇨🇿 nedostatečně využívat

🇸🇰 nedostatočne využívať

🇨🇳 未充分利用

🇸🇮 premalo izrabiti

🇮🇸 vanýta

🇰🇿 жеткіліксіз пайдалану

🇬🇪 არასაკმარისად გამოყენება

🇦🇿 az istifadə etmək

🇲🇽 infrautilizar

Etymology

The word 'underutilize' is a combination of 'under-' meaning 'below' or 'less than' and 'utilize' meaning 'to make use of'. It first appeared in the mid-20th century in the context of business and resource management.

See also: reutilization, reutilize, underutilization, unutilized, utilitarian, utilization, utilized, utilizer, utilizing.