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. )

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.

Example Sentences

Meanwhile, the Singapore-listed shipbuilder’s fleet is largely on long-term charters, which would raise its utilization rate to around 69% in 2026 from 65% in 2025, they add.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 7, 2026

“We expect a progressive recovery in prepared foods, with volumes rebounding as capacity comes online and utilization improves, supported by steady underlying demand,” Miller said.

From Barron's • Apr. 1, 2026

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

Capacity utilization rose above 80% in 2021, a level historically associated with profitability and new investment.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 18, 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

Related Words

• application
• discharge
• employment
• usage