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Utility: meaning, definitions and examples

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utility

 

[juːˈtɪlɪti ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

usefulness

The state, quality, or fact of being useful; something useful or designed for use.

Synonyms

functionality, practicality, usefulness.

Examples of usage

  • The new tool has great utility for home repairs.
  • The utility of the internet in our daily lives is undeniable.
Context #2 | Noun

company providing essential services

A public utility or service such as electricity, water, or public transportation, provided by a company.

Synonyms

company, provider, service provider.

Examples of usage

  • The local utility company is responsible for maintaining the power grid.
  • We need to contact the utility to fix the water leak.
Context #3 | Noun

computer science

A software program designed to perform a specific task, usually related to system maintenance or optimization.

Synonyms

program, software, tool.

Examples of usage

  • The antivirus utility scans the computer for malware.
  • This utility helps in cleaning up unnecessary files.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'utility' comes from the Latin word 'utilitas', which means usefulness.
  • It first appeared in the English language in the early 15th century.
  • The term evolved through concepts of utility in philosophy, particularly during the Enlightenment.

Economics

  • In economics, utility refers to the satisfaction or benefit derived from consuming goods and services.
  • There are two types of utility: total utility (the overall satisfaction) and marginal utility (satisfaction from one additional unit).
  • The concept of diminishing marginal utility explains why people are willing to pay less for additional units of the same product.

Technology

  • The term 'utility' also refers to software tools designed to perform basic functions like file management and system maintenance.
  • In programming, utility functions are small, reusable pieces of code that assist with common tasks.
  • Utilities are essential for optimizing performance and enhancing user experience in applications.

Philosophy

  • The 'utility principle' in ethics suggests that the best action is the one that maximizes happiness or well-being.
  • Philosophers like Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill are known for their contributions to utilitarianism, emphasizing the importance of consequences in moral decisions.
  • Utilitarianism looks at the greatest good for the greatest number, often used in debates about social policies.

Psychology

  • Utility influences decision-making, as people often weigh the benefits and actions before making choices.
  • The concept of 'utility theory' in psychology explains how individuals assess the value and satisfaction of different options.
  • Assessment of utility can explain behaviors ranging from consumer choices to personal relationships.

Translations

Translations of the word "utility" in other languages:

🇵🇹 utilidade

🇮🇳 उपयोगिता

🇩🇪 Nützlichkeit

🇮🇩 kegunaan

🇺🇦 корисність

🇵🇱 użyteczność

🇯🇵 有用性

🇫🇷 utilité

🇪🇸 utilidad

🇹🇷 kullanışlılık

🇰🇷 유용성

🇸🇦 فائدة

🇨🇿 užitečnost

🇸🇰 užitočnosť

🇨🇳 效用

🇸🇮 uporabnost

🇮🇸 nytsemi

🇰🇿 пайдалылық

🇬🇪 სარგებელი

🇦🇿 yararlılıq

🇲🇽 utilidad

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,593, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.