Word
utilized
Phoneticsuti·lized
/ˈjutəˌɫaɪzd/
UK spelling · utilised
Definitions
01to use something effectively
C1 · Advanced Academic · Formal
v. to use something in a way that is helpful or effective.
v. to make practical and effective use of a resource, tool, or strategy. Often implies using something for a purpose other than its original design.
“The team utilized the extra time to double-check their work before the deadline.”
“The researchers utilized a combination of qualitative interviews and quantitative surveys to ensure the validity of their findings.”
Usage
This verb is transitive and requires a direct object.
Pitfall
The company utilized of the new technology.
The company utilized the new technology.
Like the verb 'use', 'utilize' is transitive and takes a direct object without a preposition.
Teaching tip
In many contexts, 'use' is a better choice. 'Utilize' is best reserved for when you are describing how something was put to a specific, practical use or repurposed.
02being put to use
C1 · Advanced Formal · Technical
adj. describes something that is currently being used for a task.
adj. functioning in a state of being employed or put to work. Used as a participial adjective to describe resources currently in operation.
“The fully utilized factory was running twenty-four hours a day.”
“The report highlighted that only sixty percent of the available office space was utilized during the summer months.”
Usage
Often appears as a predicative adjective or as part of a passive construction.
Real-World Examples
“Federal officials have reported that they were initially puzzled by a rare Pokémon trading card taken from a Georgia resident who utilized funds meant for coronavirus relief to purchase the collectible.” “The state utilized the new map in its primary elections in August.” “Many large organizations run baseline on-premise capacity for predictable load (on-prem is cheapest per GPU-hour when fully utilized) and burst to cloud APIs during traffic spikes.” “This school utilized a long, thin implement with a bulbous head, thought to be derived from the arrow.” - Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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