Utilitarian: meaning, definitions and examples

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utilitarian

[ juːˌtɪl.ɪˈteə.ri.ən ]

^{Context #1}

ethical theory

relating to or adhering to the ethical theory that the value of a thing or an action is determined by its utility

Synonyms

effective, functional, practical

Examples of usage

Utilitarian ethics focus on maximizing overall happiness.
The utilitarian approach to decision-making considers the consequences for the greatest number of people.

^{Context #2}

philosophy

a person who believes in or practices utilitarianism

Synonyms

pragmatist, rationalist, realist

Examples of usage

The utilitarian argued that the moral worth of an action is determined by its outcome.
Utilitarians prioritize the greatest good for the greatest number of people.

Translations

Translations of the word "utilitarian" in other languages:

🇵🇹 utilitário

🇮🇳 उपयोगितावादी

🇩🇪 utilitaristisch

🇮🇩 utilitarian

🇺🇦 утилітарний

🇵🇱 utylitarny

🇯🇵 功利主義的 (こうりしゅぎてき)

🇫🇷 utilitariste

🇪🇸 utilitarista

🇹🇷 faydacı

🇰🇷 공리주의의

🇸🇦 نَفْعِيّ

🇨🇿 utilitární

🇸🇰 utilitárny

🇨🇳 功利主义的 (gōng lì zhǔ yì de)

🇸🇮 utilitaren

🇮🇸 nytjahyggjumaður

🇰🇿 утилитарлық

🇬🇪 უტილიტარისტული

🇦🇿 utilitarist

🇲🇽 utilitarista

Word origin

The term 'utilitarian' originated in the late 18th century, deriving from the word 'utility' which refers to the state of being useful, profitable, or beneficial. Utilitarianism as a philosophical concept was developed by Jeremy Bentham and later expanded upon by John Stuart Mill. It emphasizes the importance of maximizing overall happiness or utility in decision-making, focusing on the consequences of actions rather than abstract principles.