C1noun2K

Utility

UK /["/juːˈtɪləti/"]/US /["/juːˈtɪləti/"]/

Definition

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

In simple words: Something that is useful or helpful.

Examples

  • 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.

Usage notes

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.

Collocations

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

Synonyms

  • usefulness

Antonyms

  • uselessness
  • ineffectiveness
  • inutility

Common mistakes

  • 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.