underutilize

[ uhn-der-yoot-l-ahyz ]

verb (used with object),un·der·u·ti·lized, un·der·u·ti·liz·ing.
  1. to fail to make practical or profitable use of: The episodes are boring, badly paced, and completely underutilize the title character.

  2. to fail to use (a machine, resource, etc.) to its full capacity:Most companies underutilize their data assets, but some manage to leverage them to satisfy marketplace demands.Many school systems significantly underutilize existing classroom space, yet continue to build new buildings.

Origin of underutilize

1
First recorded in 1950–55; under- + utilize
  • Also especially British, un·der·u·ti·lise .

Other words from underutilize

  • un·der·u·ti·li·za·tion [uhn-der-yoot-l-ahy-zey-shuhn], /ˌʌn dərˌyut l aɪˈzeɪ ʃən/, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024