C1noun 2K

Utility

🇬🇧 UK /["/juːˈtɪləti/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/juːˈtɪləti/"]/

Meaning of Utility

a service provided for the public, for example an electricity, water or gas supply

In simple words: Something that is useful or helpful.

Utility in a sentence

• a privatized electricity utility
• Rescue teams worked desperately to restore utilities in the area shattered by the hurricane.
• Legislation will be introduced to regulate the privatized utilities.
• This information is of the highest utility to a historian.
• He argued that the arts have great social utility.
• This computer is of low utility for the home user.

How to use Utility

Use 'utility' in technical or everyday contexts. It's common in discussions about services, tools, or resources. Avoid using it in casual or overly emotional topics.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of 'utility' as 'use-it-ality' — focus on how useful something is.

Related words

Collocations with Utility

• municipal
• public
• state-owned
• company
• bill
• commission
• great
• high
• limited
• have
• maximize
• enhance
• of… utility

Synonyms for Utility

• usefulness

Opposites of Utility

• uselessness
• ineffectiveness
• inutility

Common mistakes with Utility

• Confused with 'utilize' — remember 'utility' is the noun form.
• Using it interchangeably with 'function' — 'utility' refers to usefulness, not just the role of something.
• Incorrectly pluralizing it as 'utilities' when referring to a general concept.

Frequently asked questions about Utility

What does Utility mean?

Something that is useful or helpful.

What is the definition of Utility?

a service provided for the public, for example an electricity, water or gas supply

How do you use Utility in a sentence?

a privatized electricity utility

Can you give another example of Utility?

Rescue teams worked desperately to restore utilities in the area shattered by the hurricane.

What are synonyms for Utility?

Common alternatives include usefulness.

What is the opposite of Utility?

Opposite meanings include uselessness, ineffectiveness, inutility.

What words go with Utility?

It commonly pairs with municipal, public, state-owned, company, bill, commission, great, high, limited, have, maximize, enhance, of… utility.

What are common mistakes when using Utility?

Confused with 'utilize' — remember 'utility' is the noun form. Using it interchangeably with 'function' — 'utility' refers to usefulness, not just the role of something. Incorrectly pluralizing it as 'utilities' when referring to a general concept.

How do you pronounce Utility?

US: /["/juːˈtɪləti/"]/, UK: /["/juːˈtɪləti/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Utility?

Use 'utility' in technical or everyday contexts. It's common in discussions about services, tools, or resources. Avoid using it in casual or overly emotional topics.

What CEFR level is Utility?

"Utility" is at C1 level on the CEFR scale.