utilitarian

C1 · Advanced Academic

adj. relating to the idea that the best action is the one that helps the most people.

adj. pertaining to the ethical theory of utilitarianism, which posits that the best action is the one that maximises overall utility or happiness.

“From a utilitarian perspective, the new road is good because it helps thousands of drivers.”

“The committee adopted a utilitarian framework to decide how to distribute the limited medical supplies during the crisis.”

C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Academic · Formal

n. someone who believes that we should always try to do the most good for the greatest number of people.

n. an adherent or advocate of the ethical doctrine of utilitarianism.

“As a utilitarian, she argued that the budget should focus on public health rather than art.”

“Early utilitarians like Jeremy Bentham argued that social policies should be judged solely by their ability to increase collective pleasure.”