WordGarden.ioutility
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /juːtˈɪlɪti/
US
- /juˈtɪləti/
Meanings
Noun
usefulness or practical value
a public service or company that supplies electricity, water, gas, or similar essentials
a software program that performs a maintenance or support task
More meaningsFewer meanings
the benefit or satisfaction that something provides in economics or decision theory
Adjective
designed for practical use rather than decoration or luxury
Beyond the definition
Utility isn't about fancy extras; it's about usefulness. Think of a Swiss Army knife, full of tools, each with a practical purpose. That's utility in action. It can refer to the quality of being useful or helpful, like the utility of having a sturdy pair of boots for a long hike. But "utility" also has a more concrete meaning: it often refers to essential services like electricity, water, and gas that keep daily life running smoothly. You pay your monthly utility bills to keep these services connected. So, whether it's a handy tool or the power in your home, utility is all about helping things work.
The word "utility" has a fascinating double life. On one hand, it describes the quality of being useful, practical, and serving a specific purpose. Something with high utility isn't necessarily beautiful or exciting—it just works well. A simple wooden chair might lack aesthetic appeal, but its utility is undeniable: it provides a reliable place to sit. Philosophers and economists often discuss "utility" as a measure of the satisfaction or happiness derived from something; in this context, the more value or pleasure a person gains from a resource, the greater the "utility" it provides.
However, "utility" also refers specifically to essential services provided to homes and businesses, such as electricity, natural gas, and water. These are commonly referred to as "utilities," and you usually receive a monthly bill for them. Think of your local electric company: it provides the power that lights your home and runs your appliances.
Historically, "utility" comes from the Latin word utilitas, meaning usefulness, profit, or service. This root highlights the core idea behind the word: something that provides a benefit or meets a practical need. Whether you are talking about the utility of a well-designed tool, the philosophical concept of maximizing satisfaction, or your monthly water bill, "utility" is fundamentally about providing value and serving a functional purpose.
Examples
- 1
Clothing
The extra pockets add utility without making the jacket look bulky.
- 2
App feature
The app's main utility is that it still works offline.
- 3
Report usefulness
This report will be of little utility to readers who don't know the background.
- Patternof little utility to + person/group
not very useful for them
- 4
Practical design
The building was designed for utility rather than beauty.
- Phrasefor utility rather than beauty
to be practical, not attractive
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Household services
Utilities are included in the rent, so we only pay for internet.
- 6
Bills
Our utility bill jumped in January because we used the heat every day.
- 7
Service provider
If the lights are still out in the morning, call the utility company.
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
- functionality
- serviceability
- benefit
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- practical utility
- limited utility
- have utility
- utility value
Word family
Explore
- efficiency
- cost-benefit analysis
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- utilitynounadjective
Forms
- utilitiespluralnounadjective