verb
Uncommon
maximize
MAK-suh-myz
Maximize (verb) means to make something as large, great, or effective as possible. Example: “The company reorganized its schedules to maximize productivity.”
verb
1
To make something as large, great, or effective as possible.
"The company reorganized its schedules to maximize productivity."
"She took extra classes to maximize her chances of getting into medical school."
"Farmers try to maximize their harvest by planting seeds at just the right time."
2
To enlarge a window on a computer screen so it fills the display.
"Click the square icon to maximize the browser window."
"I always maximize the video so it fills my whole screen."
"Double-click the title bar if you want to maximize the document window."
How to use maximize
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo get the biggest or best possible result out of something.
Common pairings
maximize profit
maximize efficiency
maximize a window
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like maximize.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Third person singular
- maximizes
- Past tense
- maximized
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The company reorganized its schedules to _____ productivity.
Etymology
From Latin maximus ("greatest") plus the English verb-forming suffix -ize.
Related words
Rhymes for maximize
See all rhymes for maximize →Frequently asked questions
What does “maximize” mean?
The word “maximize” means to make something as large, great, or effective as possible. In plain terms, to get the biggest or best possible result out of something.
How do you pronounce “maximize”?
“Maximize” is pronounced MAK-suh-myz (/ˈmæksəmaɪz/ in IPA).
How do you use “maximize” in a sentence?
Here is “maximize” used in a sentence: “The company reorganized its schedules to maximize productivity.”
What is the opposite of “maximize”?
The opposite of “maximize” — its antonyms — is minimize.
What part of speech is “maximize”?
“Maximize” is a verb.
Where does the word “maximize” come from?
The word “maximize” comes from Latin. From Latin maximus ("greatest") plus the English verb-forming suffix -ize.
Is “maximize” a common word?
“Maximize” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “maximize” have?
“Maximize” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to make something as large, great, or effective as possible.
What is the difference between maximize and optimize?
Maximize means to make something as large, great, or effective as possible, often focusing on pushing one measure to its highest point, while optimize means to make something as effective or functional as possible, often balancing multiple factors rather than pushing just one to its limit. For example, you might optimize a schedule while maximizing profit.
What does it mean to maximize a window on a computer?
To maximize a window on a computer means to enlarge it so that it fills the entire display. This is a specific technical sense of maximize distinct from its more general meaning of making something as effective as possible.
Is it maximize or maximise?
Maximize is the standard American English spelling, while maximise is the standard British English spelling, with the same meaning in both. The choice depends on which variety of English is being followed.
