Utilities: meaning, definitions and examples

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utilities

[juːˈtɪlɪtiz ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

public services

Utilities refer to public services such as water, electricity, gas, or sewage disposal.

Synonyms

amenities, facilities, services.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
utilities	Use this term when referring to essential services provided to homes and businesses, like water, electricity, gas, and sewage. Please make sure all the utilities are connected before moving into the new house. The monthly bill for utilities has increased due to the colder weather.
services	Use this term when referring to non-physical actions provided to people, such as healthcare, education, or transportation. Public transportation services in the city are very efficient. The hotel offers a variety of services, including room service and laundry.
amenities	Use this term for additional features or comforts in a building or community that improve the quality of life, like a gym, swimming pool, or concierge service. The apartment complex offers several amenities, including a fitness center and a rooftop garden. When choosing a hotel, I always check what amenities are available.
facilities	Use this term when talking about physical buildings or spaces that are designed for specific purposes, such as schools, hospitals, or sports complexes. The university has modern sports facilities for students. We need to find out if the conference facilities have enough capacity for our event.

Examples of usage

Utilities are essential for the functioning of a society.
Many people take utilities for granted until they are disrupted.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

tools or devices

Utilities can also refer to tools or devices designed to be useful or necessary for everyday life.

Synonyms

devices, instruments, tools.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
utilities	Used to describe basic services necessary for a household or business, such as water, electricity, and gas. Our monthly bill for utilities has increased. The landlord is responsible for the cost of basic utilities.
tools	General term for items used to carry out specific tasks, particularly in construction, repair, or craftsmanship. He has a set of tools he uses to fix things around the house. Many tools are required for woodworking projects.
devices	Refers to electronic or mechanical equipment, often used for specific tasks or functions. I have many smart devices at home, such as a smart thermostat and smart lights. She uses her devices to stay connected and work remotely.
instruments	Typically used to refer to tools or devices for precise work, including musical instruments, medical instruments, or scientific instruments. The surgeon prepared the necessary instruments for the operation. He played several musical instruments, including the guitar and piano.

Examples of usage

A Swiss army knife is a versatile utility.
Software utilities can help optimize your computer's performance.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'utility' comes from the Latin 'utilitas', which means usefulness.
It entered the English language in the late 15th century, first used to describe general usefulness before becoming associated with services.
The modern sense of referring to public services developed in the 19th century during the Industrial Revolution.

Economic Impact

Utilities employ millions of people worldwide, spanning various roles from engineers to customer support.
The public utility sector is regulated to ensure that consumers receive fair prices and reliable services.
In many countries, utilities are considered essential services, which means they can't shut off services without proper notice.

Pop Culture

In popular video games, utilities often refer to in-game services that enhance players' experience, like teleportation or health regeneration.
Movies like 'The Truman Show' showcase how everyday utilities can play a role in the narrative of everyday life.
Television shows often highlight utility workers in life-or-death situations, showcasing their importance in crisis scenarios.

Technology

Smart home technology has transformed utilities, allowing users to control heating, lighting, and security remotely.
The rise of renewable energy has created new types of utilities focused on sustainable practices and green energy production.
Apps are now available that help consumers track and manage their utility usage, promoting energy conservation.

Environmental Considerations

Sustainable utilities focus on reducing carbon footprints and minimizing waste through smart grids and green technologies.
Water and energy conservation campaigns encourage people to reduce their utility consumption to protect natural resources.
The development of utility infrastructure takes into account environmental impacts and aims to balance human needs with ecosystem health.

Translations

Translations of the word "utilities" in other languages:

🇵🇹 utilidades

🇮🇳 उपयोगिताएँ

🇩🇪 Dienstprogramme

🇮🇩 utilitas

🇺🇦 корисні функції

🇵🇱 narzędzia

🇯🇵 ユーティリティ

🇫🇷 utilitaires

🇪🇸 utilidades

🇹🇷 araçlar

🇰🇷 유틸리티

🇸🇦 خدمات

🇨🇿 nástroje

🇸🇰 nástroje

🇨🇳 实用工具

🇸🇮 pripomočki

🇮🇸 tól

🇰🇿 пайдалы құралдар

🇬🇪 სასარგებლო ინსტრუმენტები

🇦🇿 faydalı alətlər

🇲🇽 utilidades

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,760, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.

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4757 rope
4758 authorization
4759 aggressive
4760 utilities
4761 diminished
4762 issuance
4763 frontier
...