utilitarian

[yoo-til-i-tair-ee-uhn]

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.

noun

1. an adherent of utilitarianism.

utilitarian

/ juːˌtɪlɪˈtɛərɪən /

adjective

1. of or relating to utilitarianism

2. designed for use rather than beauty

noun

1. a person who believes in utilitarianism

Other Word Forms

• antiutilitarian adjective
• nonutilitarian adjective
• unutilitarian adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of utilitarian¹

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

Example Sentences

“Everything is designed from a more mission, utilitarian standpoint: What is actually needed?”

From Los Angeles Times

The palette is muted in creams and earth tones, with practical utilitarian jumpsuits and jackets.

From Los Angeles Times

The standard dentist’s office is sterile, gray and utilitarian.

From Los Angeles Times

In 2020, independent Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders stole the show with his utilitarian coat and patterned mittens - a gift from a constituent - that went viral for their contrast to a day of pomp and circumstance.

From BBC

And this is the problem that we promote this utilitarian “me first” sort of attitude on the left, and we've just been colonized by the right wing ways of thinking.

From Salon

Related Words

• functional 
• sensible