utility

Everyday

1. A utility is a service like water, gas or electricity that people need in their homes. tree →
2. Utility means usefulness (formal). tree →
3. As an adjective, utility describes something practical and useful: a utility room. tree →

In the lessons

In money and adult life, utility bills are payments for water, gas and electricity. In everyday homes, a utility room is for washing machines. In computers, a utility is a small useful program. Phrases: utility bills, utility room, utility vehicle.

Examples

• Mum pays the utility bills each month. tree →
• The washing machine is in the utility room. tree →
• The tool has great utility. tree →
• Utilities include gas, water and electricity. tree →
• The company runs the local utilities. tree →
• A sport utility vehicle is a big car. tree →
• Utility is most men's test of worth. tree →

Note

Countable for services (utilities), uncountable for usefulness. In maths problems, utility bills are often added up.