utilidad
nounCEFR B2
What does “utilidad” mean in English?
1.utility, usefulness — the state of being useful or profitable
utility, usefulness — the state of being useful or profitable (la utilidad de algo; de gran/escasa utilidad)
2.utility, usefulness — the quality of being practically useful; 'utilidad pública' = public utility; economic utility sense
Example sentences
La utilidad de las redes sociales como herramienta de movilización ciudadana ha quedado demostrada en numerosos contextos.
The utility of social networks as a tool for citizen mobilisation has been demonstrated in numerous contexts.
La academia cuestiona la utilidad de las pruebas estandarizadas para medir el aprendizaje real de los alumnos.
Academia questions the usefulness of standardised tests for measuring the real learning of pupils.
Las empresas de servicios públicos, como las de agua y electricidad, son consideradas utilidades esenciales.
Public service companies, such as water and electricity ones, are considered essential utilities.
How to use it
La utilidad (noun, feminine) means 'utility, usefulness' — the quality of being useful or productive. Core B2 collocations: la utilidad de + noun; de gran/escasa utilidad; utilidad pública (public utility); sin utilidad; poner en duda la utilidad de. The adjective is útil. Distinguish from función (function — the specific role), valor (value — broader worth), and eficacia (effectiveness — ability to achieve goals).
Common mistake
Utilidad pública = public utility (a company/service). 'Marginal utility' = utilidad marginal (economics). Don't confuse utilidad (usefulness) with habilidad (skill) or capacidad (capacity). 'Utility vehicle' = vehículo utilitario.