Usefulness or the ability of something to satisfy a need or want. It can also mean basic public services such as water, electricity, or gas.
From Old French 'utilité', from Latin 'ūtilitās' meaning 'usefulness', from 'ūtilis' (useful) and 'ūtī' (to use). It has been used in English since the 1300s.
Economists treat 'utility' as a way to measure satisfaction, even though you can’t see or weigh it. When we call water and power 'utilities', we’re saying their main value is raw usefulness, not luxury.
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