utilitarian
yoo-til-ih-TAIR-ee-un
/ˌjuː.tɪ.lɪˈteə.ri.ən/
Designed to be useful or practical rather than attractive; relating to the philosophy of Utilitarianism.
As an adjective for objects, implies plain functionality. In ethics, relates to maximizing overall happiness.
The story behind the word. Coined by Jeremy Bentham in the late 18th century and popularized by John Stuart Mill. Stemmed from Latin 'utilis' to define an ethical framework where value equals usefulness to human wellbeing.
Word relationships
- pragmatic: Pragmatic focuses on what works; utilitarian specifically focuses on maximizing net benefit or utility.
- aesthetic: Concerned with beauty and artistic taste rather than pure utility.
- deontological: Ethical view based on duty and absolute rules regardless of consequences.
Commonly confused with
- utility: Utility is the noun for usefulness; utilitarian is the adjective or subscriber to the philosophy.
Word family
- utilitarianism (noun): The ethical doctrine that actions are right if they benefit the majority.
Collocations
- utilitarian ethics
- utilitarian design
- utilitarian calculation
Example sentences
- "From a utilitarian perspective, the decision is moral if it yields the greatest happiness for the greatest number." Ethics
Memory hook
UTILITARIAN = USEFUL OVER BEAUTIFUL. Greatest good for greatest number.
When not to use
Do not confuse plain aesthetic utilitarianism with ethical Utilitarianism without clarifying context.
Fun facts
- Jeremy Bentham left his body to science; his stuffed skin and preserved head sit in a glass cabinet at University College London!
Related words
Explore more words
utilitarianism, consequentialism, utility, ergonomic, altruistic, realpolitik
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