utilization
Americannoun
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of utilization
First recorded in 1840–45; utiliz(e) ( def. ) + -ation ( def. )
Explanation
Utilization is a fancy way of saying "use." A team's utilization of a gym for practices might need to continue until it stops raining. You can see the verb utilize in utilization. When you utilize something, you use it, whether it is a tool, like when you utilize a pen to write something down, or a skill or talent, like the speed you utilize when you run a race. So utilization is the act of using, like the utilization of your voice that enables you to sing a song.
Vocabulary lists containing utilization
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
If all U.S. factories ran at the peak utilization levels of the last decade, it would generate an additional $650 billion of additional output—but the bulk of that wouldn’t resolve the “Achilles’ heel” areas.
From Barron's • May 26, 2026
Eastern, followed at 9:15 a.m. by April’s industrial production and capacity utilization.
From MarketWatch • May 15, 2026
Seasonal monsoon conditions from November to March typically reduce offshore activity, leading to lower vessel utilization in 1Q, he says, adding Keyfield and Perdana Petroleum are expected to be affected.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 13, 2026
Chevron is “delivering the highest utilization we can and capturing the highest margins,” she said.
From Barron's • Apr. 30, 2026
“There is no better utilization of nervous energy than into ingredients that can make the stomach happy. Isn’t that right, Chandrashekhar?” she said to Oso, and dropped a piece of idli for him to eat.
From "From Twinkle, with Love" by Sandhya Menon
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
