utilitarian

1 of 2

noun

util·​i·​tar·​i·​an (ˌ)yü-ˌti-lə-ˈter-ē-ən How to pronounce utilitarian (audio)
: an advocate or adherent of utilitarianism

utilitarian

2 of 2

adjective

1
: of or relating to or advocating utilitarianism
2
: marked by utilitarian views or practices
3
a
: of, relating to, or aiming at utility
b
: exhibiting or preferring mere utility
spare utilitarian furnishings

Examples of utilitarian in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
That's the whole beauty of the utilitarian meets beautiful design. Halie Lesavage, Harper's BAZAAR, 6 Mar. 2023 For fall, the talented Japanese designer went full-on utilitarian for a dark and aggressive display that used toggles, armor-like padded coats, ninja mouth coverings and black head gear that evoked the garb of combative sports such as fencing. Thomas Adamson, ajc, 4 Mar. 2023 Is Thanos a ruthless villain or a consistent utilitarian—or are those the same thing? Adam Kirsch, WSJ, 22 July 2022 Clearly, for a utilitarian like me, the benefits greatly outweigh the costs. New York Times, 24 Dec. 2020 Then there are utilitarians — the greatest good, for the greatest number overall. Jim Beckerman, USA TODAY, 26 Oct. 2019 Consequentialists—including utilitarians, the most famous kind—are concerned with the outcomes and consequences of actions first and foremost. Ian Bogost, The Atlantic, 30 Mar. 2018 Besides, as long as these readers really are utilitarians and not Kantians, there’s nothing to stop them from quietly resubscribing in a month or two. Will Oremus, Slate Magazine, 1 May 2017
Adjective
Where the former is flavorful—even spicy—the latter is subtler and more utilitarian. Sara Coughlin, SELF, 13 Mar. 2024 Kitchen window treatments are one of the few elements of softness and decoration in a functional space of utilitarian appliances and hard surfaces. Jessica Bennett, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Feb. 2024 Her outfit included a navy cashmere cardigan with utilitarian pocket details with matching louche trousers in the same butter-soft fabric. Alex Kessler, Vogue, 8 Feb. 2024 For utilitarian and branding purposes, paper shopping bags are vital upstream inputs to the U.S. retail sector. Dan Ikenson, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024 Instead of Burkhard’s grand vision, Baltimore rebuilt the waterfront with wharves, docks and utilitarian warehouses. Fred Shoken, Baltimore Sun, 18 Jan. 2024 In the first Dune film, costume designer Jacqueline West fashioned an entire sci-fi universe through Lady Jessica’s gauzy veils on Caladan and the Fremen’s utilitarian suits on Arrakis. Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 26 Feb. 2024 The traveling exhibition of 187 collars showed the progression of dogs from utilitarian hunters and helpers in the field to indoor members of the family. Alicia Wallace, CNN, 24 Feb. 2024 There are a lot of pretty utilitarian ways to make use of the back of the phone. Louryn Strampe, WIRED, 18 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'utilitarian.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

circa 1780, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1802, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of utilitarian was circa 1780

Dictionary Entries Near utilitarian

Cite this Entry

“Utilitarian.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/utilitarian. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

utilitarian

adjective
util·​i·​tar·​i·​an
(ˌ)yü-ˌtil-ə-ˈter-ē-ən
1
: of or relating to utility
2
: aiming at usefulness rather than beauty
utilitarian furniture
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