ENGLISH
REFERENCE

utilities

n. C / U
B2 Upper Intermediate US //juˈtɪɫətiz// UK //juːtˈɪlɪtiz// util·i·ties

n. the basic services your home needs to work properly, like electricity, water, and gas. You usually pay for these every month.

n. essential public services such as electricity, gas, water, and sewerage. Often used in the plural to refer to the collective set of services or the monthly costs associated with them.


SIMPLE

The rent is cheap, but you have to pay for utilities.

CONTEXTUAL

Before moving into the new apartment, I had to call the city to set up my accounts for utilities.

COMPLEX

The rising cost of living has been exacerbated by a sharp increase in the price of basic utilities, leaving many households struggling to heat their homes during the winter.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Usage

Usually plural when referring to household services; singular when referring to a specific public service company or a functional quality.

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