noun / adjective

utility

Practical usefulness or benefit.

This multipurpose tool proves its utility in everyday household repairs.

Etymology

The Latin noun directly means usefulness or advantage. English preserves its concern with the practical benefit something provides.

In context

The Scottish Parliament2:26

in Scottish water we benefit from a world-class utility providing water and sewage services delivered through a public ownership model

Scottish Government Debate: Maximising Abundant Benefits of our Water Resources - 26 October 2017

The report questions the utility of adding another approval step.
He chooses a plain utility jacket with sturdy pockets.
Economists use utility to compare the satisfaction different purchases provide.
As a utility player, she can cover several infield positions.

utility

utilitarian adjective — Favoring practical usefulness over beauty or luxury.

usefulness: Usefulness emphasizes how well something serves a particular purpose.
benefit: Benefit emphasizes the positive result rather than practical capability.
value: Value includes worth or importance beyond practical usefulness alone.