Langimage
English

underuse

|un/der/use|

B2

🇺🇸

/ˌʌndərˈjuːs/

🇬🇧

/ˌʌndəˈjuːs/

insufficient use

Etymology
Etymology Information

'underuse' originates from the prefix 'under-' meaning 'below' or 'not enough' and the word 'use' from Old French 'user', meaning 'to employ'.

Historical Evolution

'underuse' evolved from the combination of 'under-' and 'use', maintaining its meaning of insufficient usage.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'not using enough', and this meaning has remained consistent in modern usage.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

the state of not being used enough or to its full potential.

The underuse of the library resources is concerning.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Verb 1

to use something less than it should be used.

Many people underuse their gym memberships.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:35