underutilize

American  

[uhn-der-yoot-l-ahyz] / ˌʌn dərˈyut lˌaɪz /

especially British, underutilise

verb (used with object)

underutilized, underutilizing

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.

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Other Word Forms

• underutilization noun

Etymology

Origin of underutilize

First recorded in 1950–55; under- + utilize

Example Sentences

"They underutilize services; they don't access care," said Aguilar-Gaxiola.

From Salon • Dec. 20, 2022

“So, we don’t want to go as slow as the slowest ship, but we also don’t want to underutilize any resource,” she said.

From Washington Post • Aug. 27, 2021

“I’ve been annoyed about this for years: We have these demographic patterns, we have this talent, but we underutilize our own people,” said Ms. Martinez-Kalinina, 34, who organizes the tech newcomer book club.

From New York Times • Jan. 29, 2021

“Women need to be offered alternative therapies prior to undergoing a hysterectomy. Doctors underutilize these nonsurgical options and it is a disservice to women.”

From US News • Feb. 26, 2015

“You don’t want to underutilize an asset,” Mr. Mayer said in an interview in his roomy office.

From New York Times • Jan. 21, 2013