utilitarianism

noun

util·​i·​tar·​i·​an·​ism (ˌ)yü-ˌti-lə-ˈter-ē-ə-ˌni-zəm 

1

: a doctrine that the useful is the good and that the determining consideration of right conduct should be the usefulness of its consequences

specifically : a theory that the aim of action should be the largest possible balance of pleasure over pain or the greatest happiness of the greatest number

2

: utilitarian character, spirit, or quality

Examples of utilitarianism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

But the reality is that those trucks were uncomfortable, bouncy, unreliable horror shows of utilitarianism. —New Atlas, 31 Mar. 2026

Hence, utilitarianism is unsatisfactory as a theory of justice, and another theory must be sought. —Encyclopedia Britannica, 20 Mar. 2026

Their divinity is some form of very strict utilitarianism. —Jay Caspian Kang, New Yorker, 27 Jan. 2026

Yet thinking through the architecture of Hotel Cambridge and 9 de Julho beyond such utilitarianism reveals another significant set of parallels and differences between Los Angeles and São Paulo. —Michaëla De Lacaze Mohrmann, Artforum, 1 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1827, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for utilitarianism

• antiquarianism
• congregationalism
• constitutionalism
• cosmopolitanism
• electromagnetism
• environmentalism
• epicureanism
• evangelicalism
• experimentalism
• hyperparathyroidism
• hypoparathyroidism
• individualism