utilities
Services such as electricity, gas, water, or sewerage, which are provided for the public; the monthly bills for these services.
In rental contexts, 'utilities' usually refers specifically to the billable services that keep a home functional, often split among roommates.
Word relationships
- household bills: 'Household bills' is a broader term that can include internet, streaming services, and insurance, whereas 'utilities' strictly refers to basic infrastructure services like water, gas, and power.
Commonly confused with
- amenities: 'Amenities' are features that make life pleasant or comfortable (like a gym, pool, or balcony); 'utilities' are essential services (like water and electricity).
Word family
- utility (noun): The state of being useful, profitable, or beneficial.
- utilize (verb): To make practical and effective use of.
Collocations
- pay utilities
- utilities included
- split the utilities
- public utilities
Example sentences
- "Our rent is cheap, but we have to pay an extra hundred dollars a month for utilities." Splitting household bills
- "The lease states that the landlord covers water, but the tenant is responsible for all other utilities." Lease agreement terms
Memory hook
Utilities are the things you 'utilize' every day to keep the lights on and the water running. Utilities: The essential services we utilize.
When not to use
Do not use to describe physical furniture or appliances (like a refrigerator or sofa); those are 'amenities' or 'furnishings'.
Fun facts
- In the board game Monopoly, the two utility properties are the Water Works and the Electric Company, reflecting the classic definition of public utilities.
Explore more words
infrastructure, sanitation, utility, overhead, amenity, utilitarian
Also appears in
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