Meaning 1
The practical value something has for a particular purpose.
Reach for it when Assessing usefulness independently of appearance, novelty, or status.
The folding rail adds utility without changing the bench's simple form.
Meaning 2
An organization or system that supplies an essential public service.
Reach for it when Referring to providers of water, electricity, gas, or similar infrastructure.
The municipal utility replaced every lead connection on the street.
| Meaning 1 | Meaning 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| everyday | ||
| warm | ||
| professional |
| |
| formal |
|
everyday
Fits when plain practical benefit is the point
Not when does not suit an electricity or water provider
warm
practical value
Fits when readers need a transparent evaluative phrase
Not when less concise in technical comparison
professional
functionality
Fits when available capabilities are being evaluated
Not when more about what exists than its actual value
formal
serviceability
Fits when fitness for continued use matters
Not when often concerns condition rather than benefit
everyday
public service
Fits when the civic role is more important than corporate form
Not when also covers schools and agencies beyond utilities
professional
network operator
Fits when infrastructure operation is the specific role
Not when may exclude retail supply or public ownership
professional
Fits when the supplying organization is central
Not when too broad without naming the service
practical utility
The removable handle gives the crate practical utility after delivery.
public utility
The public utility published an outage map in six languages.
utility company
The utility company funded insulation for vulnerable households.
Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Recording: Vealhurl, Southern England accent, from Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 Updated
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