Utility

/juːˈtɪl.ɪ.ti/

Meaning & Definition

noun

The state of being useful, profitable, or beneficial.

The utility of the new software was evident in its ability to streamline the workflow.

A service or product that performs a specific function or is useful for a particular purpose.

The electric company is a utility that provides power to thousands of households.

In economics, the satisfaction or benefit derived from consuming goods or services.

Consumers seek to maximize their utility when making purchasing decisions.

A measure of preferences over a set of goods and services.

In game theory, players often analyze their strategies to maximize their expected utility.

verb

To make use of something.

The engineers sought to utility the existing resources in order to minimize costs.

Late Middle English: from Latin utilitas, from utilis 'useful.'

public utility

A regulated entity that provides essential services to the public.

utility player

A sports player capable of playing multiple positions effectively.

utility knife

A versatile knife used for various tasks.

usable

Able to be used.

utility bill

A bill for services such as electricity or water.

utility vehicle

A vehicle designed to transport goods or people.

A handy tool or solution.

This gadget is a total utility for fixing things around the house.

Something that has great worth or significance.

Her advice was pure utility during the project.