English Dictionary

Definition of “utility”

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utility (juːˈtɪlɪtɪ)

Definitions

noun

1. the quality of practical use; usefulness; serviceability
2. ((as modifier) ⇒ a utility fabric
something useful
1. a public service, such as the bus system; public utility
2. ((as modifier) ⇒ utility vehicle
economics
1. the ability of a commodity to satisfy human wants
2. the amount of such satisfaction See disutility
statistics
1. a measure of the total benefit or disadvantage attaching to each of a set of alternative courses of action
2. ((as modifier) ⇒ utility function See also expected utility , decision theory
utility truckinformaluteAustralian New Zealand a small truck with an open body and low sides, often with a removable tarpaulin cover; pick-up
a piece of computer software designed for a routine task, such as examining or copying files

Word Origin

C14: from Old French utelite , from Latin ūtilitās usefulness, from ūtī to use

Synonyms

View thesaurus entry

= usefulness, use, point, benefit, service, profit, fitness, convenience, mileage, avail, practicality, efficacy, advantageousness, serviceableness,

Usage examples

The utility bills for last quarter are still waiting to be paid.
Taylor, Andy, Toy Shop (1990)
Hall, cloakroom, drawing room, dining room, sitting room, family room, kitchen/ breakfast room, utility room, larder.
Country Life (2004)
Intier will supply seats to the nearby Cami Automotive Inc. plant for its new sport utility vehicle, the Equinox.
Globe and Mail (2003)
Other practical features include the downstairs utility room plus a WC.
Glasgow Herald (2001)
This `excess" stems from the requirement that the prison have social utility.
Boyne, Roy, Foucault and Derrida - The Other Side Of Reason (1990)

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