ungenutzten

Ungenutzt is a German adjective meaning not used or unused. The form ungenutzten is a declined attributive form, typically used with plural nouns or in specific cases after definite determiners (for example, die ungenutzten Ressourcen, die ungenutzten Chancen). The adjective can also appear in singular phrases with definite articles in other cases, such as dem ungenutzten Potenzial or dem ungenutzten Raum. In predicative position, the form is ungenutzt (Die Kapazitäten bleiben ungenutzt).

Etymology and form: ungenutzt is composed of the negative prefix un- and the past participle genutzt (from nutzen, to use). The result describes something that has not been used. The ending -en in ungenutzten reflects its use in certain grammatical cases (plural or singular with definite article in dative/ genitive contexts).

Usage and contexts: The term is common in economics, energy policy, urban and regional planning, and business language. It refers to resources, capacities, or opportunities that have not been exploited or tapped. Examples include ungenutzte Ressourcen in einer Region, ungenutzte Kapazitäten in einer Fabrik, oder ungenutzte Chancen im Markt. The expression often carries a neutral or managerial connotation, highlighting potential for optimization, investment, or policy intervention.

Related terms: ungenutzt (used as predicate or adverbial form without inflection), nicht genutzte, ungenutzte Ressourcen (plural noun phrases). In English, equivalents include unused, untapped, or unutilized.

See also: Ressourcenmanagement, Potenzialanalyse, Kapazitätsauslastung.