Utlity Meaning and Definition
Utlity
Pronunciation
/juːˈtɪlɪti/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
The state or quality of being useful or having a practical purpose; something that is used or serves a particular purpose, such as an object or a service.
Examples
- The new smartphone app has great utility for tracking expenses.
- The utility of the tool lies in its versatility.
Synonyms
- Practicality
- Usefulness
- Purpose
Antonyms
- Futility
- Inefficiency
- Uselessness
Additional Information
The concept of utility plays a significant role in various fields, including economics, philosophy, and engineering. It is a measure of the overall value or benefit that an object or service provides. In economics, the concept of utility is used to explain consumer behavior and decision-making processes.
In philosophy, utility is a fundamental concept in the study of ethics, particularly in the context of utilitarianism, which holds that actions are right if they maximize overall utility or happiness.
In engineering, utility refers to the practical application of scientific knowledge to solve real-world problems.
Etymology
The term ‘utility’ originated in the 15th century, derived from the Latin ‘utilitas,’ which is derived from ‘utilis,’ meaning ‘useful.’ Over time, the term has evolved to encompass a range of meanings related to practicality and usefulness.
Usage Notes
Utility can be used as both a countable and uncountable noun, depending on the context. In formal contexts, utility often refers to the quality of being useful, while in informal contexts, it may refer to specific objects or services.
Cultural References
Utility is often referenced in popular culture as a means to evaluate the usefulness of technology or objects. In films like ‘Wall-E,’ utility is explored as a concept to justify human behavior.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- ‘Of utility,’ meaning to be practical or useful.
- ‘The utility of,’ referring to the overall usefulness of an object or service.
Related Words or Phrases
- Practicality
- Purpose
- Usefulness
- Efficacy
- Functionality
Collocations
- Be of utility to
- The utility of a product
- The practical utility of
Frequency of Use
The word ‘utility’ is used relatively frequently in everyday conversation and written texts. Its use varies across fields and contexts.