utility
gb/jutˈɪləti/ us/jutˈɪləti/
A2
English
~ 2900
hasznosság, közműszolgáltató, közműszolgáltatás, rezsi
NOUN
B2
1
hasznosság
B1
Usage pattern:
the utility of [something]
The utility of this software lies in its ability to save time.
Ennek a szoftvernek a hasznossága abban rejlik, hogy időt takarít meg.
Her research has little utility for solving the current problem.
Kutatásának kevés haszna van a jelenlegi probléma megoldásában.
We need to consider the utility of each option before deciding.
Learner examples
This tool has great utility for cleaning.
Ez az eszköz nagyon hasznos takarításhoz.
The utility of the book is clear.
A könyv hasznossága egyértelmű.
I see no utility in this plan.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'utility' with 'utilities' (services like water and electricity). The singular form here means usefulness, not services.
Meaning
usefulness or practical value
Collocations
practical utility
|limited utility
|high utility
|utility value
Synonyms
usefulness (More common in everyday speech; directly describes being useful.)
|
benefit (Focuses more on the positive effect rather than overall usefulness.)
Antonyms
uselessness (The complete lack of usefulness or value.)
Themes
business
|daily life
|technology
|core_vocabulary
Definition
How useful something is for a purpose.
The state or quality of being useful, beneficial, or able to serve a practical purpose.
NOUN
B1
2
Usage pattern:
[a/an] utility
The local utility has announced a rate increase.
A helyi közműszolgáltató díjemelést jelentett be.
Utilities are responsible for maintaining the power lines.
A közműszolgáltatók felelősek az elektromos vezetékek karbantartásáért.
The city’s water utility is upgrading its treatment plant.
Learner examples
The utility fixed the broken power line.
A közműszolgáltató megjavította a sérült elektromos vezetéket.
We called the water utility to report a leak.
Felhívtuk a vízszolgáltatót, hogy bejelentsünk egy szivárgást.
The gas utility sent us a bill.
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse 'utility' in this sense with 'utility bill' or 'utilities' meaning expenses. Here it refers to the provider or system.
Meaning
public service company or system
Collocations
public utility
|electric utility
|water utility
|utility company
Synonyms
service provider (More general; can include non-essential services such as internet.)
Antonyms
private supplier (A business selling goods/services not considered essential public utilities.)
Themes
infrastructure
|daily life
|business
|housing
|daily_life
Definition
A company that gives people water, electricity, gas, etc., or the service they give.
A company or organization that provides essential public services such as water, electricity, or gas; or the service itself.
NOUN
A2
3
rezsi
B1
Usage pattern:
[pay] for utilities
Our rent includes all utilities.
A lakbérünkben benne van a teljes rezsi.
Utility costs have risen sharply this year.
A rezsiköltségek idén meredeken emelkedtek.
Please pay your utilities by the end of the month.
Learner examples
We pay for water and other utilities.
Fizetünk a vízért és a többi közműszolgáltatásért.
Electricity is an important utility.
Az elektromos áram fontos közműszolgáltatás.
Utilities cost more in winter.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'utilities' with 'appliances'. Utilities are the services, not the machines that use them.
Meaning
basic household service supply
Collocations
household utilities
|pay utilities
|utility costs
Synonyms
services (Less precise; can include non-essential services.)
Antonyms
luxuries (Non-essential goods or services not needed for basic living.)
Themes
daily life
|housing
|daily_life
|core_vocabulary
Definition
A basic thing like water, gas, or electricity that a home needs.
A basic service such as electricity, gas, or water that is supplied to homes and businesses.
NOUN
C1
TECHNICAL
4
hasznosság
C1
Consumers aim to maximize their utility when choosing products.
A fogyasztók arra törekednek, hogy termékválasztáskor maximalizálják a hasznosságukat.
Marginal utility tends to decrease as consumption increases.
A határhaszon általában csökken, ahogy a fogyasztás nő.
The utility function represents a person's preferences.
Learner examples
In economics, people want more utility from goods.
A közgazdaságtanban az emberek nagyobb hasznosságot szeretnének nyerni a javakból.
Economists study how people get utility from things.
A közgazdászok azt vizsgálják, milyen hasznosságot nyújtanak a dolgok az embereknek.
Utility can be high or low depending on need.
Meaning
economic value measure in economics
Collocations
maximize utility
|marginal utility
|utility function
Synonyms
satisfaction (Everyday term; not restricted to economics.)
Antonyms
disutility (Technical economic term meaning negative value or dissatisfaction.)
Themes
economics
|education
|business
|finance
Definition
In economics, how much satisfaction or value someone gets from goods or services.
In economics, a measure of the satisfaction, benefit, or value that a consumer derives from goods or services.
Grammar
Dictionary form
utility
IPA
GB/jutˈɪləti/
US/jutˈɪləti/
Syllables & stress
util - ity (2 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (ity)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: utility
- Plural: utilities, utility
Word family
Forms
utilities
noun
Related words
Negative and opposite forms
useless
adjective A2
unusable
adjective
Advanced or less common
Expressions
public utility
1/pˈʌblɪk jutˈɪləti/
fixed phrase
company providing essential public services
A company that gives important things like water or electricity to people.
Examples
- Electricity is supplied by a public utility in this area.
- Public utilities are regulated to ensure fair prices.
utility bill
1/jutˈɪləti bˈɪl/
fixed phrase
bill for household services charges
A paper or online statement showing how much you must pay for water, gas, electricity, etc.
Examples
- I need to pay my utility bill by Friday.
- Utility bills have increased this winter.
utility room
1/jutˈɪləti ɹˈum/
fixed phrase
room for laundry and equipment storage
A small room in a house where you keep washing machines and other equipment.
Examples
- The washing machine is in the utility room.
- They store cleaning supplies in the utility room.