utilitarian

//ˌjuːtɪlɪˈtɛəriən//
C1Frequency Level 12Formal
Visual representation of utilitarian

Adjective

utilitarianCanonical form
1

Designed to be useful or practical rather than attractive or decorative.

The kitchen has a utilitarian design with simple cabinets and no decorations.

2

Relating to or adhering to the doctrine of utilitarianism, which holds that actions are right if they benefit the majority.

The philosopher presented a utilitarian argument for the new policy, claiming it would maximize happiness for the greatest number of people.

Noun

utilitarianSingular
utilitariansPlural
1

A person who advocates or practices utilitarianism.

As a utilitarian, she believes that actions should be judged by their outcomes.

utilitarian - Deep Vocabulary