utility

The word “utility” means the quality of being useful or practical. In plain terms, usefulness in general, or (as a noun) a service like electricity/water, or a small helper computer program.

“Utility” is pronounced yoo-TIH-lih-tee (/juˈtɪləti/ in IPA).

Here is “utility” used in a sentence: “The tool's utility lies in how quickly it gets the job done.”

Words with a similar meaning to “utility” include value and usefulness.

The opposite of “utility” — its antonyms — are disutility and inutility.

Depending on how it is used, “utility” can be a noun and an adjective.

The word “utility” comes from Latin. From Old French utilite, from Latin utilitas ("usefulness"), from uti ("to use").

“Utility” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.

The two overlap, but "utility" tends to stress practical fitness for a purpose or function, while "usefulness" is the more general, everyday word for being helpful. Something can have great utility for a specific task even if its general usefulness is limited.

When referring to essential services such as electricity, gas, or water — or the companies that supply them — "utility" is the standard term, often used in the plural as "utilities." For example, "the rent does not include utilities."

A utility bill is the invoice you receive for a supplied service such as electricity, gas, or water. Here "utility" refers to the essential service itself, and such bills are often used as proof of address.

A utility room is a room in a home used for practical tasks and appliances such as a washing machine, dryer, or sink. The word "utility" here draws on its sense of being useful and practical rather than decorative.