ENGLISH
REFERENCE

utility

n. · adj.
US //juˈtɪɫəti// UK //juːtˈɪlɪti// util·i·ty
  1. 1 software tool (n.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Computing

    a small computer program designed to do a specific job, like cleaning up files.

    a software application designed to perform a specific task related to the management of computer resources or system maintenance.

    Example

    I downloaded a small utility to help me organize my desktop folders.

    Example

    The system administrator ran a disk utility to repair the corrupted sectors on the primary server drive.

    Usage

    Usually refers to system-level tools rather than creative or entertainment software.
  2. 2 economic satisfaction (n.)
    C1 Advanced Academic Economics

    the amount of satisfaction or happiness a person gets from buying or using something.

    the total satisfaction or benefit derived from consuming a good or service.

    Example

    In this model, we measure how much utility a consumer gets from a second cup of coffee.

    Example

    The theory of marginal utility suggests that the satisfaction gained from each additional unit of a product decreases as consumption increases.

    Usage

    Uncountable in this abstract economic sense.
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  1. 3 a vehicle (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Dialect British English

    a small truck with an open back for carrying goods.

    a vehicle designed for practical tasks, specifically one with an open tray for cargo.

    Example

    He loaded the wood into the back of the utility and drove to the farm.

    Example

    The rugged utility proved essential for transporting equipment across the uneven terrain of the outback.

    Teacher's tip

    In Australia and New Zealand, this is almost always shortened to 'ute'.
  2. 4 practical (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    designed to be useful rather than beautiful.

    functional and practical rather than aesthetic or decorative.

    Example

    The room was filled with plain utility furniture that was built to last.

    Example

    The architect opted for a utility design, prioritizing ease of movement and durability over stylistic flourishes.
Origin

From Middle English utilite, from Old French utilite, utilitet (“usefulness”), from Latin ūtilitās, from uti (“to use”). By surface analysis, utile + -ity.

Word family

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