Untapped: meaning, definitions and examples

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untapped

 

[ʌnˈtæpt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

potential

Not yet fully utilized or developed; unrealized potential.

Synonyms

undeveloped, unrealized, unused.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
untapped

This word is often used to describe resources or potential that have not yet been exploited or utilized. It's commonly employed in business, environmental contexts, or in discussions about skills and opportunities.

  • The region has vast untapped natural resources that could boost its economy.
  • She has untapped musical talent that she hasn't explored yet.
undeveloped

This term is frequently used to describe areas, countries, or regions that lack modern infrastructure, economic prosperity, or technological advancement. It can also apply to ideas or plans that are not fully formed.

  • Many undeveloped countries struggle with basic healthcare and education.
  • The project was still in its early, undeveloped stages.
unrealized

This word is used when referring to potential or opportunities that have not yet been achieved or brought to fruition. It can also apply to feelings, dreams, or goals.

  • His talents remained unrealized due to lack of opportunities.
  • Her unrealized dreams haunted her thoughts.
unused

This term is typically used for objects or resources that have not been used or utilized. It is often found in contexts related to consumption, storage, or availability.

  • The room was filled with unused furniture from the old house.
  • There's a large amount of unused vacation time you can still take.

Examples of usage

  • Her untapped talent for painting was finally discovered.
  • The company saw the untapped market as a great opportunity for growth.
Context #2 | Verb

resources

To not make full use of (resources or potential).

Synonyms

neglect, underestimate, underutilize.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
untapped

Use this word when referring to potential or resources that have not yet been exploited or utilized.

  • The country has significant untapped natural resources.
  • There is untapped potential in the emerging markets.
underutilize

Use this word when referring to something that is not being used to its full potential or capacity.

  • The latest software update has many features that are underutilized.
  • They have underutilized their marketing budget this year.
neglect

Use this word when referring to something that has been ignored or not given proper attention. It has a negative connotation.

  • The old park was neglected for years before the community decided to restore it.
  • He regretted neglecting his responsibilities.
underestimate

Use this word to describe a situation where something or someone is judged to be less important, powerful, or capable than they actually are.

  • Do not underestimate the power of small changes.
  • They underestimated her ability to lead the team.

Examples of usage

  • The team untapped the potential of their employees by providing additional training.
  • We must untap the natural resources in a sustainable way.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'untapped' is formed by adding the prefix 'un-' to 'tapped', meaning it hasn’t been accessed or utilized.
  • The verb 'tap' originates from the Old English 'tæppan', which means to draw liquid from a container, often related to brewing and drinking.
  • The usage of 'untapped' in English became common in the 19th century, particularly in reference to minerals and resources.

Economics

  • In economics, 'untapped' resources refer to natural resources like oil or minerals that haven't been extracted and utilized for industry.
  • Identifying untapped markets is crucial for businesses looking to expand their reach and increase profitability.
  • Local economies often have untapped talent pools, where skilled workers are not being fully utilized by available jobs.

Psychology

  • The concept of untapped potential is often discussed in personal development, suggesting people have skills and abilities they haven't yet recognized.
  • In psychological research, untapped motivation can lead to procrastination, where individuals don’t fully engage with their capacities.
  • Coaching and mentorship often aim to help individuals discover and utilize their untapped strengths for better performance.

Pop Culture

  • The phrase 'untapped talent' is frequently used in reality shows to describe contestants who haven't yet shown their full abilities.
  • Movies often revolve around characters who discover their untapped potential in sports, music, or personal growth.
  • In various songs, artists touch upon themes of untapped love or emotions, suggesting feelings that haven’t been expressed yet.

Education

  • Educational systems often attempt to uncover untapped talents in students through extracurricular activities and personalized learning.
  • Programs focused on gifted students aim to help them realize their untapped abilities through advanced projects and challenges.
  • Teachers often strive to identify students with untapped potential and encourage them to explore their interests beyond the standard curriculum.

Translations

Translations of the word "untapped" in other languages:

🇵🇹 inexplorado

🇮🇳 अप्रयुक्त

🇩🇪 ungenutzt

🇮🇩 belum dimanfaatkan

🇺🇦 незайманий

🇵🇱 niewykorzystany

🇯🇵 未開発の (mikaihatsu no)

🇫🇷 inexploité

🇪🇸 no explotado

🇹🇷 kullanılmamış

🇰🇷 미개발의 (migaebal-ui)

🇸🇦 غير مستغل

🇨🇿 nevyužitý

🇸🇰 nevyužitý

🇨🇳 未开发的 (wèi kāifā de)

🇸🇮 neizkoriščen

🇮🇸 ónotað

🇰🇿 пайдаланылмаған

🇬🇪 გამოუყენებელი

🇦🇿 istifadə olunmamış

🇲🇽 no explotado

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,686, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.