Utility vs. Usefulness: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || 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.
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.
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.
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.
Comparison Chart
Formality
More formal
Less formal
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Measurement
Often objectively measured
Subjectively assessed
Field of Use
Economics, engineering, etc.
Everyday language
Grammatical Role
Noun
Noun derived from an adjective
Verb Form
Lacks a common verb form
Derived from the verb "use"
Utility and Usefulness Definitions
Utility
Measurable value in economics.
The utility of a product determines its demand.
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Usefulness
Practical advantage or benefit.
The usefulness of a good education is immeasurable.
Utility
Usefulness in a particular context.
The utility of the research was evident.
Usefulness
Efficacy in solving a problem.
I doubted the usefulness of their approach.
Utility
A software program designed for maintenance tasks.
I used a disk utility to clean up my computer.
Usefulness
The quality of being useful.
The usefulness of the guide was apparent.
Utility
The quality or condition of being useful; usefulness
"I have always doubted the utility of these conferences on disarmament" (Winston S. Churchill).
Usefulness
Value in aiding or improving conditions.
The usefulness of the medication was clear.
Utility
A useful article or device.
Usefulness
Suitability for a particular purpose.
The tool's usefulness was limited to one task.
Utility
A public utility.
Usefulness
Having a beneficial use; serviceable
A useful kitchen gadget.
Utility
A commodity or service, such as electricity, water, or public transportation, that is provided by a public utility.
Usefulness
Being of practical use
A useful job.
Useful members of society.
Utility
(Computers) A utility program.
Usefulness
The quality or degree of being useful.
The usefulness of his latest reorganisation has been disputed.
Utility
(Economics) The benefit that a chosen course of action affords, as subjectively judged by the chooser.
Usefulness
The quality or state of being useful; utility; serviceableness; advantage.
Utility
Prepared to play any of the smaller theatrical roles on short notice
A utility cast member.
Usefulness
The quality of being of practical use
Utility
Capable of playing as a substitute in any of several positions
A utility infielder.
Utility
Designed for various often heavy-duty practical uses
A utility knife.
A utility vehicle.
Utility
Raised or kept for the production of a farm product rather than for show or as pets
Utility livestock.
Utility
Of the lowest US Government grade
Utility beef.
Utility
The state or condition of being useful; usefulness.
Utility
Something that is useful.
Utility
(economics) The ability of a commodity to satisfy needs or wants; the satisfaction experienced by the consumer of that commodity.
Utility
(philosophy) Well-being, satisfaction, pleasure, or happiness.
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.
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.
Utility
(sports) The ability to play multiple positions.
Utility
Having to do with, or owned by, a service provider.
Utility line; utility bill
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
Utility
Functional rather than attractive.
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.
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.
Utility
Happiness; the greatest good, or happiness, of the greatest number, - the foundation of utilitarianism.
Utility
A company that performs a public service; subject to government regulation
Utility
The quality of being of practical use
Utility
The service provided by a utility company;
The cost of utilities never decreases
Utility
(economics) a measure that is to be maximized in any situation involving choice
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
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
Utility
Used of beef; usable but inferior
Utility
Capable of substituting in any of several positions on a team;
A utility infielder
Utility
Practical use or application.
The utility of a Swiss Army knife is unmatched.
Utility
A public service such as electricity or water.
The city provides basic utilities to residents.
FAQs
What is Usefulness?
Usefulness refers to how well something meets a need or solves a problem.
Is Utility a formal term?
Yes, Utility is generally considered a more formal term.
What is Utility?
Utility refers to the practical value or function something provides.
How do Utility and Usefulness differ?
Utility is often objectively measured, while Usefulness is subjective.
Where is Utility commonly used?
In economics, engineering, and other technical fields.
Can Utility refer to public services?
Yes, Utility can refer to services like electricity or water.
Do both terms relate to value?
Yes, both Utility and Usefulness refer to some form of value or benefit.
Is Usefulness an informal term?
Usefulness is less formal and more broadly applicable.
How is Utility measured?
Utility is often measured in quantifiable units or metrics.
Where is Usefulness commonly used?
In everyday language and general discussions.
Is Utility a noun?
Yes, Utility is primarily used as a noun.
Is Usefulness measurable?
Usefulness is typically assessed subjectively based on personal opinion.
Is Usefulness a noun?
Yes, Usefulness is a noun derived from the adjective "useful."
Can Usefulness refer to intangible benefits?
Yes, Usefulness can refer to both tangible and intangible benefits.
Can Utility be subjective?
Generally, Utility aims to be an objective measure, but it can have subjective elements.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
