utility
/juˈtɪləti/
Frequency: Zipf frequency 4.27 in modern English
Meaning
noun
The ability of a commodity to satisfy needs or wants; the satisfaction experienced by the consumer of that commodity.
Countable; Uncountable
noun
A commodity or service provided on a continuous basis by a physical infrastructure network, such as electricity, water supply or sewerage.
Countable; Uncountable
noun
A natural or legal monopoly distributer of such a utility; or, the securities of such a provider.
Countable; Uncountable
noun
A software program other than a game; one that is useful or creative rather than merely entertaining.
Countable; Uncountable
noun
A software program designed to perform a single task or a small range of tasks, often to help manage and tune computer hardware, an operating system, or application software.
Countable; Uncountable
Example Sentences
- ""The profession has its utility, but I should be sorry to see any friend of mine belonging to it.""
- "Undoubtedly it can be said that the humble 0-6-0 has been the backbone for general service, or general utility on British railways right from their earliest days, and is likely to remain so."
- "The complex includes the usual utilities (gas and electricity) and amenities like wifi and a gym (toilets with toiletries)."
- "Elsewhere, utility diversion works are still scheduled to continue, with work to move a gas main on Drummond Street set to begin in early 2025."
- "The 'slab track' system negates the need to divert utilities such as gas pipes and telecoms cables by only digging down to a depth of 30cm."
- "a graphics utility; a music utility"
Etymology
Origin
Word Breakdown
- Root: utilite, ūtilitās
Regional Pronunciation
- American English: /juˈtɪləti/
- British English: /juːˈtɪlɪti/