# maximize

/ˈmæksəˌmaɪz/ (US)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/maximize
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. to make as large as possible

verb · CEFR B2 · Academic

to increase something to the highest possible amount or level.

For teachers: to increase or make as great as possible in size, amount, or importance. Transitive — requires a direct object.

- The company is trying to maximize its profits by cutting unnecessary costs.
- To maximize the efficiency of the new solar panels, the engineers adjusted the angle of the array to capture more direct sunlight throughout the day.

Usage: Often used in business and scientific contexts with abstract nouns like 'potential', 'efficiency', or 'profit'.

### 2. to expand a window

verb · CEFR B1

to make a window on a computer screen fill the entire display area.

For teachers: to expand a graphical user interface window to its maximum size, typically filling the entire screen.

- You can maximize the video window to see the details more clearly.
- After opening the spreadsheet, maximize the window so that all the columns are visible without needing to scroll horizontally.

Usage: Usually used as a transitive verb or in the passive voice when referring to the state of the window.

## Examples

- We need to maximize our profits this year.
- The new software update helps users maximize their battery life by closing background apps automatically.
- To maximize the impact of the research findings, the department decided to publish the results in an open-access journal rather than a subscription-based one.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.