underutilization

[ uhn-der-yoot-l-ahy-zey-shuhn ]

noun

1. failure to put to practical or profitable use:

   The theory fails to fully explain the underutilization of preventive care even when the care is fully subsidized.

   This initiative hopes to address the underutilization of financial aid in community colleges.

2. failure to use a machine, resource, etc., to its full capacity:

   The public firms' low productivity rates and underutilization of capital equipment led to operating costs about 25 percent higher than in the private companies.

   The underutilization of the collected data prevents improvements in product quality, energy efficiency, reliability, and, ultimately, profit margins.

Word History and Origins

Origin of underutilization¹

underutiliz(e) ( def ) + -ation ( def )

Example Sentences

Erwin voiced his concerns about a possible closure in a Nov. 29 letter to President Biden, noting he learned that the “dramatic underutilization” of the facility could prompt its closure on Dec. 19, when the facility contract was up, which would lead to the termination of 350 union members just days before Christmas.

From Los Angeles Times

The work of Fanaroff and his colleagues aimed to address the underutilization of statin therapy in U.S. adults who are candidates for such treatment.

From Science Daily

Tesla said its margin had taken a hit from the underutilization of new factories and an increase in operating expenses driven by its upcoming Cybertruck model as well as spending on artificial intelligence and other projects.

From Reuters

Tesla said its margin had taken a hit from the underutilization of new factories and an increase in operating expenses driven by its upcoming Cybertruck model, spending on artificial intelligence and other projects.

From Reuters

The company said it expects its current-quarter loss to include a charge of about $200 million to $220 million for underutilization of its factories.

From Reuters