Meaning & use
utilize
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Meaning
verbtransitiveformal
To make practical or effective use of something, especially for a specific purpose.
Grammar: Takes an object and is more formal than use; reserve it for purposeful or resourceful use.
Patterns
- utilize resources
- utilize something for a purpose
- utilize something to do something
The clinic will utilize donated tablets to register patients faster.
Good managers utilize feedback instead of fearing it.
Word forms
| third person singular | utilizes |
|---|---|
| past tense | utilized |
| past participle | utilized |
| -ing form | utilizing |
Common combinations
- utilize resources
- The library helps clubs utilize resources without buying new equipment.
- utilize technology
- Teachers utilize technology to give quicker feedback.
- fully utilize
- The plan fully utilizes the empty rooftop for solar panels.
- utilize skills
- Volunteers utilize language skills at the welcome desk.
- utilize data
- The city utilizes data to time the traffic lights.
Synonyms and how they differ
- use
- Use is the neutral everyday choice; utilize sounds formal and can seem inflated if used for ordinary actions.
- employ
- Employ is formal and often applies methods, tools, or people in a role.
- harness
- Harness suggests controlling a natural or powerful force for work.
- exploit
- Exploit can mean use fully, but often unfairly or selfishly; tone can be negative.
Opposites
Word family
- utility noun
- Usefulness, or a service such as water or electricity.
- utilization noun
- The act of putting something to effective use.
- utilizable adjective
- Able to be used, though this form is uncommon.
Commonly confused: utilize or use? utilize or utility?
utilize vs use
Use is usually enough in everyday English; utilize adds formal tone and implies effective, purposeful application.
utilize vs utility
Utility is the noun for usefulness or a public service; utilize is the verb.
Practice
In a formal report, utilize most nearly means ___.
Choose one answer.
Utilize means put something to effective practical use. Hiring is employ, throwing away is the opposite, and making longer confuses it with lengthen.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “utilize”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.