utility utility /juːˈtɪləti/

adjective

1. Capable of substituting in any of several positions on a team  ( substitute , utility )
   capable of substituting in any of several positions on a team
    A utility infielder
   a utility infielder
   
2. Used of beef; usable but inferior  ( utility , utility-grade )
   used of beef; usable but inferior
   

noun

1. () A company that performs a public service; subject to government regulation  ( public utility company , public-service corporation , public utility , utility )
   a company that performs a public service; subject to government regulation
     The utility company restored power after the storm.
   The utility company restored power after the storm.
   
2. () The service (electric power, water or transportation) provided by a public utility  ( utility )
   the service (electric power, water or transportation) provided by a public utility
    The cost of utilities never decreases
   the cost of utilities never decreases
    All the utilities were lost after the hurricane
   all the utilities were lost after the hurricane
   
3. () The quality of being of practical use  ( utility , usefulness )
   the quality of being of practical use
     The usefulness of the gadget made it a must-have for every household.
   The usefulness of the gadget made it a must-have for every household.
   
4. A facility composed of one or more pieces of equipment connected to or part of a structure and designed to provide a service such as heat or electricity or water or sewage disposal  ( utility )
   a facility composed of one or more pieces of equipment connected to or part of a structure and designed to provide a service such as heat or electricity or water or sewage disposal
    The price of the house included all utilities
   the price of the house included all utilities
   
5. (computing) a program designed for general support of the processes of a computer  ( service program , utility , utility program )
   (computing) a program designed for general support of the processes of a computer
    A computer system provides utility programs to perform the tasks needed by most users
   a computer system provides utility programs to perform the tasks needed by most users
   
6. (economics) a measure that is to be maximized in any situation involving choice  ( utility )
   (economics) a measure that is to be maximized in any situation involving choice