utilized
- 01 C1 Advanced
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.
Simple“The team utilized the extra time to double-check their work before the deadline.”
In context“The researchers utilized a combination of qualitative interviews and quantitative surveys to ensure the validity of their findings.”
UsageThis verb is transitive and requires a direct object.
Teacher's tipIn 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.
PitfallThe 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.
- 02 C1 Advanced
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.
Simple“The fully utilized factory was running twenty-four hours a day.”
In context“The report highlighted that only sixty percent of the available office space was utilized during the summer months.”
UsageOften appears as a predicative adjective or as part of a passive construction.
“The state utilized the new map in its primary elections in August.”