utilitarian

American  

[yoo-til-i-tair-ee-uhn] / yuˌtɪl ɪˈtɛər i ən /

adjective

1. pertaining to or consisting in utility.

2. having regard to utility or usefulness rather than beauty, ornamentation, etc.

   Synonyms:

   sensible, functional, useful, practical

3. of, relating to, or adhering to the doctrine of utilitarianism.

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noun

1. an adherent of utilitarianism.

utilitarian British  

/ juːˌtɪlɪˈtɛərɪən /

adjective

1. of or relating to utilitarianism

2. designed for use rather than beauty

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noun

1. a person who believes in utilitarianism

Other Word Forms

• antiutilitarian
  adjective
• nonutilitarian
  adjective
• unutilitarian
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of utilitarian

First recorded in 1775–85; utilit(y) + -arian

Explanation

The adjective utilitarian describes something that is useful or functional. If you are attracted to a car for its storage space and gas mileage — as opposed to its sparkly tire rims — then chances are you value a car's utilitarian features. The word utilitarian was coined by the philosopher and judge Jeremy Bentham, who argued that his principle of utility would create the "greatest happiness for the greatest number of people." The noun form of utilitarian refers to a person who adheres to this philosophy of usefulness. "They couldn't agree on the decor for their living room. She wanted whimsy — delicate tables, fragile statues of fairies and unicorns, and cushions on the floor to sit on. He wanted something more utilitarian and useful — comfortable chairs, a giant TV, and sturdy tables to put your feet on."

Example Sentences

Despite the large venue and packed-in audience, Sykes created an intimate club vibe, walking onstage in a utilitarian jumpsuit and instantly bonding with the audience over just how weird things have become in present-day America.

From Los Angeles Times • May 13, 2026

For you, goods and services serve a utilitarian function.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 17, 2026

Critics, meanwhile, argue his advice was narrowly utilitarian and ultimately unhelpful to society.

From BBC • Mar. 27, 2026

I think that, for those of us who love free markets and love capitalism and understand the utilitarian good of capitalism but also the morality of capitalism.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 5, 2026

Architecture’s parameters are defined by utilitarian function and structural system, but there is almost always an aesthetic component as well, even when it consists of nothing more than a decorative veneer.

From "History of Art, Volume 1" by H.W. Janson

Related Words

• functional
• sensible