utilitarian

Meanings

1. 1
   adj

   having a useful function

   utilitarian steel tables

2. 2
   adj

   having utility often to the exclusion of values

   plain utilitarian kitchenware

3. 3
   adj

   Practical and functional, present for use, not just for show.

   The semi-streamlined contour of the earlier G.W.R. railcars has been given up in favour of a more utilitarian blunt-nose end, and effective floor space gained thereby.

4. 4
   noun

   Someone who practices or advocates utilitarianism.

   Before his companies collapsed, Mr. Bankman-Fried often described himself as a utilitarian — meaning that he made decisions designed to advance the greater good.

5. 5
   noun

   someone who believes that the value of a thing depends on its utility

6. 6
   adj

   Of or relating to utility.

7. 7
   adj

   Pertaining to utilitarianism.

Etymology

From utility + -arian. Coined by English philosopher Jeremy Bentham as early as 1781, and popularized by his student John Stuart Mill, who mistakenly attributed the term to John Galt.