1 : work which must be done to prepare for future operations but from which there is no direct return (as stripping the surface to expose rock which is to be quarried)

What does Deadwood slang mean?

Definition of 'deadwood'

1. dead trees or branches. 2. informal. a useless person; encumbrance.

What does it mean to underuse something?

English Language Learners Definition of underused

: not used enough : not fully used.