utilization

American  

[yoot-l-ahy-zey-shuhn] / ˌyut l aɪˈzeɪ ʃən /

especially British, utilisation

noun

1. an act or instance of making practical or profitable use of something.

   I don't think this plan results in the best utilization of tax dollars.

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Other Word Forms

• misutilization noun
• nonutilization noun
• overutilization noun
• preutilization noun
• reutilization noun

Etymology

Origin of utilization

First recorded in 1840–45; utiliz(e) ( def. ) + -ation ( def. )

Example Sentences

The robotaxi model is a network-effect business, meaning that larger fleets will improve service coverage, reduce waiting times and increase vehicle utilization, which in turn attracts more users and further improves unit economics, they add.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

That you only have a 10% credit utilization with $9,000 suggests you likely have strong credit discipline, but it’s still $11,000 on two cards.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 18, 2026

Healthcare utilization included hospital stays, clinic visits either in person or virtual, and emergency room visits.

From Science Daily • Mar. 15, 2026

Key to the initiative will be improved utilization of existing power-generating assets that don’t operate continuously.

From Barron's • Mar. 11, 2026

PG&E was willing to put up extra money for research it might be able to exploit commercially, such as studies of “the utilization of electricity on the farm,” he wrote.

From "Big Science" by Michael Hiltzik

Related Words

• application
• discharge
• employment
• usage