Utility Meaning and Definition
Utility
Pronunciation
/ˈjuːtɪlɪti/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A utility is a service or facility that provides essential goods or services to the public, such as electricity, water, gas, or transportation.
Examples
1. “The city’s water utility announced a new conservation plan.”
2. “The public transportation utility is facing budget cuts.”
Synonyms
1. Public service
2. Essential infrastructure
Antonyms
1. Luxury service
2. Optional amenity
Etymology
The word “utility” comes from the Latin word “utilitas,” meaning “usefulness” or “serviceability.” It has been in use since the 14th century to describe a service or facility that provides essential goods or services to the public.
Additional Information
Utilities are essential for daily life, and their services are often treated as necessities by governments and citizens alike. In modern times, the concept of utility has expanded to include not only traditional services like electricity and water but also modern services like internet and cloud computing.
Utilities are typically provided by government-owned or private companies, and their role is to ensure that essential services are delivered to the public in a reliable and efficient manner. The quality and reliability of utility services can have a significant impact on the economy and quality of life in a community.
The management and regulation of utilities are often complex matters, involving multiple stakeholders and decision-makers. As a result, the provision of utility services is subject to various laws, regulations, and standards.
In recent years, there has been growing interest in the concept of “utility 2.0,” which refers to the integration of modern technologies and innovative business models to improve the efficiency and quality of utility services.
However, the provision of utility services also raises important social and environmental concerns, such as access to energy for underserved communities and the environmental impact of infrastructure development.
Usage Notes
When using the word “utility” in different contexts, it’s essential to consider the specific service or facility being referred to. For example, in a discussion about public transportation, the term “utility” might be used to describe the overall system, while in a conversation about energy production, the word might be used to describe a specific power plant or transmission line.
It’s also worth noting that the word “utility” can be used in both formal and informal contexts. In formal writing or official documents, it’s often used to describe a specific service or facility, while in informal conversations or social media, it might be used as a catch-all term to describe a broad range of services.
Cultural References
The concept of utility has been explored in various works of fiction, including literature, film, and television. For example, the novel “1984” by George Orwell features a dystopian society where citizens are forced to rely on a single, totalitarian utility provider for all their essential needs.
In more recent times, the concept of utility has also been explored in popular culture, particularly in the context of internet and cloud computing. For example, the concept of “utility computing” has been touted as a potential solution to the challenges of infrastructure development and resource management in the digital age.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
Some common idiomatic expressions and phrases that include the word “utility” include:
1. “Utility belt” (a belt worn by superheroes or other action heroes, typically containing various gadgets and tools)
2. “Utility player” (an athlete who can play multiple positions on the field or court)
3. “Public utility commission” (a government agency responsible for regulating and overseeing public utilities)
Collocations
Some common collocations with the word “utility” include:
1. Public utility
2. Essential utility
3. Basic utility
4. Utility company
Frequency of Use
The word “utility” is a common term in modern language, particularly in the context of public services and infrastructure development. According to various language resources, the word has been in use for over 600 years, with its frequency of use increasing significantly in recent decades.
Common Misspellings
Some common misspellings and variations of the word “utility” include:
1. Utillity
2. Utiltity
3. Utility’s