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utilization

American  
[yoot-l-ahy-zey-shuhn] / ˌjut l aɪˈzeɪ ʃən /
especially British, utilisation

noun

utilizations plural
  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.


Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

Inflected Forms

Nouns

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.

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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.

This maintains regular activity while keeping the credit utilization low — ideally below 30%, Patel recommended.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 17, 2026

In determining a credit score, utilization is the second most influential factor after payment history, so requesting a credit-limit increase to lower that utilization ratio is one strategic way consumers can boost their credit score.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 16, 2026

Analyst Sean Steuart says the deal “is not thesis-changing but improves CFP’s cash flow profile, provides vertical integration with existing sawmills in Western Canada, and offers upside as utilization rates at the facility improve.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 11, 2026

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

“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

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