utility

noun

The state or condition of being useful; usefulness.

Something that is useful.

(economics) The ability of a commodity to satisfy needs or wants; the satisfaction experienced by the consumer of that commodity.

(business) A commodity or service provided on a continuous basis by a physical infrastructure network, such as electricity, water supply or sewerage.

(business, finance, by extension) A natural or legal monopoly distributer of such a utility; or, the securities of such a provider.

(computing) A software program other than a game; one that is useful or creative rather than merely entertaining.

(computing) A software program designed to perform a single task or a small range of tasks, often to help manage and tune computer hardware, an operating system, or application software.

(philosophy) Well-being, satisfaction, pleasure, or happiness.

(sports) The ability to play multiple positions.

(Australia, New Zealand) A coupé utility, or ute; an automobile with an open tray or bed behind the passenger cabin.

adjective

Having to do with, or owned by, a service provider.

(Of a building or its components) containing or intended for any of a building’s often-utility-related commodity transport, such as pipes or wires, or converting equipment, such as furnaces, water tanks or heaters, circuit breakers, central air conditioning units, laundry facilities, etc.

Functional rather than attractive.

Roots

utilisutil- · Latin · useful

Synonyms for utility

usefulnessn serviceabilityn usabilityn efficiencyn practicalityn conveniencen operabilityn practicabilityn functionalityn helpfulnessn

Synonyms & related words for utility

Find synonyms, related words, and the definition of utility — including usefulness, serviceability, usability, efficiency, practicality, convenience. Dendril is a free visual thesaurus that shows them on an interactive map where stronger matches sit closer to the center — no signup, no ads.

Words related to utility

Explore words related to utility — words associated with it, words that go with it, and its nearest matches in meaning. Related words include utilitarian, electric, detergency, nonelectric, serviceableness, electricity, inutility, usage. Click any word to make it the center of the map and keep exploring the web of connections.

Synonyms for utility

Common synonyms for utility include usefulness, serviceability, usability, efficiency, practicality, convenience, operability, practicability — words that share a close meaning. Hover or tap any word on the map for its definition and part of speech.

Where does utility come from?

The word utility breaks down into one root of Latin origin: the root util-, from Latin utilis (“useful”). Explore each root to see other English words built from the same source.