# utility

/juˈtɪɫəti/ (US) · /juːtˈɪlɪti/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/utility
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 3. software tool

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

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

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

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

### 4. economic satisfaction

noun · CEFR C1 · Academic

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

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

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

### 5. a vehicle

noun · CEFR C2 · Dialect · British English

a small truck with an open back for carrying goods.

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

- He loaded the wood into the back of the utility and drove to the farm.
- The rugged utility proved essential for transporting equipment across the uneven terrain of the outback.

Teaching tip: In Australia and New Zealand, this is almost always shortened to 'ute'.

### 6. practical

adjective · CEFR B2

designed to be useful rather than beautiful.

For teachers: functional and practical rather than aesthetic or decorative.

- The room was filled with plain utility furniture that was built to last.
- The architect opted for a utility design, prioritizing ease of movement and durability over stylistic flourishes.

## Examples

- The utility of this new tool is very high.
- The apartment rent includes the cost of every basic utility such as heating, water, and electricity.
- Economists often measure consumer satisfaction through the concept of marginal utility, which tracks the additional benefit gained from consuming one more unit of a good.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.