utilize

American

[yoot-l-ahyz] / ˈyut lˌaɪz /

especially British, utilise

verb (used with object)

utilized, utilizing

to put to use; turn to profitable account.

to utilize a stream to power a mill.

utilize British

/ ˈjuːtɪˌlaɪz /

verb

(tr) to make practical or worthwhile use of

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Usage

What is another way to say utilize? To utilize something is to put it to use or turn it to profitable account. How is utilize different from use? Learn more on Thesaurus.com.

Other Word Forms

half-utilized adjective
nonutilized adjective
overutilize verb (used with object)
preutilizable adjective
preutilize verb (used with object)
quasi-utilized adjective
reutilize verb (used with object)
underutilized adjective
unutilizable adjective
unutilized adjective
utilizable adjective
utilization noun
utilizer noun
well-utilized adjective

Etymology

Origin of utilize

First recorded in 1800–10; from French utiliser, equivalent to utile “useful” ( utile ) + -iser -ize

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.

Now the co-founder and CEO of data-analytics startup Hex Technologies, McCardel has deliberately chosen not to utilize FDEs.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 4, 2026

Because of this, solar cells can only utilize about one-third of incoming sunlight.

From Science Daily • Mar. 28, 2026

In his experience, officials generally utilize only the geographically targeted cellphone alerts, known as wireless emergency alerts, when there’s an extreme threat, Ghilarducci said.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 24, 2026

“Even if they can come up with a way to utilize AI to fight fires, people are always going to want that empathy from an actual human who actually cares during a moment of crisis.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 24, 2026

I would utilize foresight, bravery, skill, careful timing, reconnaissance missions and the support of staunch allies to show her that I was the best possible boyfriend for her.

From "Liar, Liar" by Gary Paulsen

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023