underuse

American  

[uhn-der-yooz, uhn-der-yoos] / ˌʌn dərˈyuz, ˌʌn dərˈyus /

verb (used with object)

underused, underusing

1. to use (a resource, someone's talent, etc.) too little or without realizing its full potential.

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noun

1. the act or fact of using something too little or without realizing its full potential.

Example Sentences

After years of underuse, patients are coming back with more surgeries and outpatient procedures, pressuring insurer’s earnings.

From Barron's • Dec. 19, 2025

But affordability alone cannot solve our widespread underuse of hearing aids, which we should be discussing as a black spot in American public health.

From Slate • Oct. 20, 2024

Last month, the California Department of Public Health issued an advisory to physicians and other healthcare providers, lamenting the underuse of such medications despite an “ample supply.”

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 25, 2024

Despite national medical guidelines supporting the use of antiviral medications in young children diagnosed with influenza, a new study reports an underuse of the treatment.

From Science Daily • Nov. 13, 2023

While Americans’ overuse of health care frequently receives attention, underuse is a problem in many situations as well.

From New York Times • Feb. 21, 2023