Utility vs. Usefulness: What's the Difference?
Edited by Sumera Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Published on October 4, 2023
Utility refers to the practical value or function that something provides, often measured or assessed objectively. Usefulness is a more subjective term that indicates how well something meets a particular need or solves a problem.
Key Differences
Utility and Usefulness are two terms that can be easily confused because they both relate to the value or benefit derived from an object, service, or concept. Utility is a more formal, objective term often used in economics, engineering, and other technical disciplines. It refers to the measurable, practical benefits something provides. Usefulness, on the other hand, is less formal and more subjective; it reflects individual or contextual opinions about the value of something.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
The term Utility frequently has specialized meanings, especially within economics where it's used to measure the satisfaction or happiness that consumers gain from a good or service. Usefulness is more often applied in everyday language to discuss the practicality of a wide range of things, from tools to information. Utility might be measured in quantifiable units, while Usefulness tends to be assessed based on personal perception or anecdotal evidence.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
In terms of grammar, Utility is a noun that does not have a commonly used verb form, while the term Usefulness is a noun derived from the adjective "useful," which itself derives from the verb "use." In language usage, you would commonly say something "has Utility," whereas you might say something "is useful," highlighting the adjective form of Usefulness.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
Summarizing, Utility and Usefulness both relate to the value or benefit of something but differ in formality, measurement, and linguistic structure. Utility is more objective and often specialized, whereas Usefulness is subjective and more broadly applicable.
Sara Rehman
Oct 04, 2023
Comparison Chart
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Utility and Usefulness Definitions
Utility
Measurable value in economics.
The utility of a product determines its demand.
Janet White
Sep 19, 2023
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Usefulness
Practical advantage or benefit.
The usefulness of a good education is immeasurable.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 19, 2023
Utility
Usefulness in a particular context.
The utility of the research was evident.
Janet White
Sep 19, 2023
Usefulness
Efficacy in solving a problem.
I doubted the usefulness of their approach.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 19, 2023
Utility
A software program designed for maintenance tasks.
I used a disk utility to clean up my computer.
Sara Rehman
Sep 19, 2023
Usefulness
The quality of being useful.
The usefulness of the guide was apparent.
Janet White
Sep 19, 2023
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Utility
The quality or condition of being useful; usefulness
"I have always doubted the utility of these conferences on disarmament" (Winston S. Churchill).
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Usefulness
Value in aiding or improving conditions.
The usefulness of the medication was clear.
Harlon Moss
Sep 19, 2023
Usefulness
Suitability for a particular purpose.
The tool's usefulness was limited to one task.
Sara Rehman
Sep 19, 2023
Utility
A commodity or service, such as electricity, water, or public transportation, that is provided by a public utility.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Usefulness
The quality or degree of being useful.
The usefulness of his latest reorganisation has been disputed.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Utility
(Economics) The benefit that a chosen course of action affords, as subjectively judged by the chooser.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Usefulness
The quality or state of being useful; utility; serviceableness; advantage.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Utility
Prepared to play any of the smaller theatrical roles on short notice
A utility cast member.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Utility
Capable of playing as a substitute in any of several positions
A utility infielder.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Utility
Designed for various often heavy-duty practical uses
A utility knife.
A utility vehicle.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Utility
Raised or kept for the production of a farm product rather than for show or as pets
Utility livestock.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Utility
(economics) The ability of a commodity to satisfy needs or wants; the satisfaction experienced by the consumer of that commodity.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Utility
A natural or legal areal monopoly distributer of a commodity (less often a service) delivered in continuous flows to multiple consumers from a common physical, infrastructural network, such as an electric company or water company; or, the securities of such a provider.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Utility
(computing) A software program designed to perform a single task or a small range of tasks, often to help manage and tune computer hardware, an operating system or application software.
I've bought a new disk utility that can recover deleted files.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Utility
Having to do with, or owned by, a service provider.
Utility line; utility bill
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Utility
(Of a building or its components) containing or intended for any of a building’s often-utility-related commodity transport, such as pipes or wires, or converting equipment, such as furnaces, water tanks or heaters, circuit breakers, central air conditioning units, laundry facilities, etc.
Utility room; utility corridor
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Utility
The quality or state of being useful; usefulness; production of good; profitableness to some valuable end; as, the utility of manure upon land; the utility of the sciences; the utility of medicines.
The utility of the enterprises was, however, so great and obvious that all opposition proved useless.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Utility
Adaptation to satisfy the desires or wants; intrinsic value. See Note under Value, 2.
Value in use is utility, and nothing else, and in political economy should be called by that name and no other.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Utility
Happiness; the greatest good, or happiness, of the greatest number, - the foundation of utilitarianism.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Utility
A company that performs a public service; subject to government regulation
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Utility
The service provided by a utility company;
The cost of utilities never decreases
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Utility
(economics) a measure that is to be maximized in any situation involving choice
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Utility
(computer science) 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
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
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
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Utility
Capable of substituting in any of several positions on a team;
A utility infielder
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Utility
Practical use or application.
The utility of a Swiss Army knife is unmatched.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 19, 2023
Utility
A public service such as electricity or water.
The city provides basic utilities to residents.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 19, 2023
FAQs
What is Usefulness?
Usefulness refers to how well something meets a need or solves a problem.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
Is Utility a formal term?
Yes, Utility is generally considered a more formal term.
Janet White
Oct 04, 2023
What is Utility?
Utility refers to the practical value or function something provides.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
How do Utility and Usefulness differ?
Utility is often objectively measured, while Usefulness is subjective.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
Where is Utility commonly used?
In economics, engineering, and other technical fields.
Harlon Moss
Oct 04, 2023
Can Utility refer to public services?
Yes, Utility can refer to services like electricity or water.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
Do both terms relate to value?
Yes, both Utility and Usefulness refer to some form of value or benefit.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 04, 2023
Is Usefulness an informal term?
Usefulness is less formal and more broadly applicable.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
How is Utility measured?
Utility is often measured in quantifiable units or metrics.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
Where is Usefulness commonly used?
In everyday language and general discussions.
Sara Rehman
Oct 04, 2023
Is Usefulness measurable?
Usefulness is typically assessed subjectively based on personal opinion.
Harlon Moss
Oct 04, 2023
Is Usefulness a noun?
Yes, Usefulness is a noun derived from the adjective "useful."
Janet White
Oct 04, 2023
Can Usefulness refer to intangible benefits?
Yes, Usefulness can refer to both tangible and intangible benefits.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
Can Utility be subjective?
Generally, Utility aims to be an objective measure, but it can have subjective elements.
Sara Rehman
Oct 04, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
