What does "utilitarianism" mean?
A system of ethics based on the premise that something's value may be measured by its usefulness.
Utilitarianism
noun
noun ·Rare ·Advanced level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A system of ethics based on the premise that something's value may be measured by its usefulness.
- Grammar: utilitarianism is listed as noun.
- Nearest alternatives: agape, altruism, atomism, beneficence.
- Useful contrasts: aesthetic practice, aestheticism, deontology.
- Usage evidence: After a few more concerts, my uneasiness took form: the response seemed only to be to the Interpreter as Performer. The reviews praised her artistry. But I heard few women speak of her as a bridge in communication for deaf women, about her function, her "utilitarianism."
How to use "utilitarianism"
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- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "utilitarianism" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
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- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "utilitarianism" in a final draft.
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Before you rely on this definition
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Compare nearby meanings
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Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "utilitarianism" is acting as noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
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Final meaning check
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Definitions
Noun
- 1 A system of ethics based on the premise that something's value may be measured by its usefulness. countable, uncountable
- 2 doctrine that the useful is the good; especially as elaborated by Jeremy Bentham and James Mill; the aim was said to be the greatest happiness for the greatest number wordnet
- 3 The theory that action should be directed toward achieving the "greatest happiness for the greatest number of people" (hedonistic universalism), or one of various related theories. countable, uncountable
- 4 Practicality, functionality, as opposed to e.g. aesthetics. countable, uncountable
"After a few more concerts, my uneasiness took form: the response seemed only to be to the Interpreter as Performer. The reviews praised her artistry. But I heard few women speak of her as a bridge in communication for deaf women, about her function, her "utilitarianism.""
Antonyms
Example
"After a few more concerts, my uneasiness took form: the response seemed only to be to the Interpreter as Performer. The reviews praised her artistry. But I heard few women speak of her as a bridge in communication for deaf women, about her function, her "utilitarianism.""
Common questions
What is a synonym for "utilitarianism"?
Common synonyms include: agape, altruism, atomism, beneficence, benevolence, bentham.
How do you use "utilitarianism" in a sentence?
After a few more concerts, my uneasiness took form: the response seemed only to be to the Interpreter as Performer. The reviews praised her artistry. But I heard few women speak of her as a bridge in communication for deaf women, about her function, her "utilitarianism."
Etymology
From utilitarian + -ism.