Word
utilize
Phoneticsuti·lize
/ˈjutəˌɫaɪz/
UK spelling · utilise
Definition
v. to use something in an effective way to get a job done. It is a more formal word than 'use' and often appears in business or school reports.
v. to make practical or effective use of a resource, tool, or strategy. Often used in formal or technical contexts to imply that the object is being used to its full potential.
Examples
“The team will utilize new software to track their progress.”
“The factory plans to utilize solar panels to reduce its reliance on the local power grid.”
“By choosing to utilize existing infrastructure rather than building from scratch, the city saved millions in taxpayer funds while accelerating the timeline for the new transit project.”
Examples
simple
“The team will utilize new software to track their progress.”
contextual
“The factory plans to utilize solar panels to reduce its reliance on the local power grid.”
complex
“By choosing to utilize existing infrastructure rather than building from scratch, the city saved millions in taxpayer funds while accelerating the timeline for the new transit project.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “utilize” in context.
Verb
01. fail to utilize the opportunity
“The team failed to utilize the opportunity to score during the final minutes of the game.”
verb + infinitive
02. utilize a variety of techniques
“The therapist utilized a variety of techniques to help the patient manage their anxiety.”
verb + noun + of + noun
03. utilize data to improve
“Marketing teams utilize data to improve their understanding of consumer behavior.”
verb + noun + infinitive
Adverb
04. effectively utilize resources
“The project manager needs to effectively utilize resources to meet the tight deadline.”
adv + verb + noun
05. fully utilize the potential
“The new software allows the company to fully utilize the potential of its existing hardware.”
adv + verb + noun
06. optimally utilize the space
“The architect designed the apartment to optimally utilize the space available in the small studio.”
adv + verb + noun
Usage
The verb is transitive and takes a direct object. It is frequently criticized in style guides as a needlessly complex substitute for 'use' unless a specific sense of 'making effective use of' is intended.
Real-World Examples
“While only about half of the vehicles on the road today utilize the technology, industry experts predict that 90–95 percent of new vehicles will be Internet‑connected by 2030.” “Tokyo pledges that Japan will become "the world's most-friendly country for developing and utilizing AI".” Etymology
From French utiliser, from Italian utilizzare, from utile (“useful”), from Latin ūtilis, from ūtī (“use”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
ADJECTIVE
- 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 · AdvancedOxford
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/utilize