utilization rate

USAGE SUMMARY

'utilization rate' is correct and can be used in written English.
It can be used in many contexts, for example: "The company's utilization rate was low, so productivity suffered."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

(This is known as your credit utilization rate.

The New York Times

The study that produced that figure, known in legalese as the juror utilization rate, was completed five years ago.

The New York Times

Only the annual average capacity utilization rate declines because of distributed solar energy production.

Stanford University

The capacity utilization rate of 82.2percentt in August is well below the peak of 85percentt seen in recent booms.

The New York Times

Just be aware that it may affect your credit utilization rate, which could hurt your score.

The New York Times

At many factories, machines sit idle, with the capacity utilization rate far below historical averages.

The New York Times

You also want to get your so-called debt utilization rate into good shape.

The New York Times

This would increase the utilization rate of installed wind or, looked at another way, increase the amount of wind generation that could be installed at the same utilization rate.

Columbia University

What's your utilization rate?

Forbes

#1: Pay down debt to improve your utilization rate.

Forbes

Substrate utilization rate (kg/m3 day).

Applied Water Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing efficiency, specify whether you are referring to the "utilization rate" of equipment, personnel, or other resources to provide context.

Common error

Avoid assuming a high "utilization rate" always indicates positive performance; consider whether resources are being strained or overworked, which can lead to burnout or equipment failure. An optimum rate balances productivity with sustainability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "utilization rate" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It denotes a specific metric used to measure the degree to which a resource or capacity is being used. Ludwig provides examples of its application in diverse contexts, from credit scores to manufacturing capacity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

46%

Academia

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "utilization rate" is a commonly used noun phrase that quantifies how effectively resources are being used across various domains, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples from news, science, and academia. It is grammatically correct and has a professional to formal register. To use it effectively, specify the resource being measured and avoid equating high rates with universally positive outcomes. Remember to balance productivity with sustainability for optimal results. It is important to know there are many alternative phrases, such as "usage level", "capacity utilization", and "operational efficiency", depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capacity utilization

Emphasizes the proportion of potential capacity that is actually being used.

usage level

Focuses on the extent of use, similar to "utilization rate" but with a slightly broader connotation.

operational efficiency

Highlights the efficiency aspect of resource use, implying a high "utilization rate".

resource deployment

Focuses on how resources are allocated and put into action, affecting the "utilization rate".

application frequency

Highlights how often something is put to use.

rate of consumption

Implies resources are being used up or consumed, relevant when considering "utilization rates".

application rate

General term for how often a tool, resource or method is applied.

degree of employment

Indicates how fully something is being used, in relation to being employed.

level of exploitation

Suggests an intense use of something, potentially exceeding sustainable levels, while "utilization rate" implies a normal situation.

extent of service

Refers specifically to the degree to which a service is used or provided.

FAQs

How is "utilization rate" calculated?

The "utilization rate" is typically calculated as the ratio of actual use to available capacity, often expressed as a percentage. The formula depends on the specific resource being measured (e.g., equipment, personnel, or credit).

What factors influence a company's "utilization rate"?

Several factors can influence a company's "utilization rate", including market demand, operational efficiency, resource availability, and strategic decisions related to capacity management.

What is a good credit card "utilization rate"?

Financial experts generally recommend keeping your credit card "utilization rate" below 30% to maintain a good credit score. This means using no more than 30% of your available credit limit.

Are there alternatives to "utilization rate"?

Yes, depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "usage level", "capacity utilization", or "operational efficiency". Each option emphasizes a slightly different aspect of resource use.