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

Counterpoint estimates that TSMC’s overall capacity utilization rate surged past 95% in 1Q.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 2026

Industrial capacity utilization was 75.7% in March, lower than February’s reading and the consensus estimate of 76.3%.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 2026

The firm noted that following a strong end to 2025, it sees potential for AI-driven demand momentum to carry into 2026 as broader-based utilization trends persist.

From Barron's • Apr. 15, 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

“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