utilitarian

/ˌjuːtɪlɪˈtɛriən/
noun
  1. A person who believes in utilitarianism (the idea that actions should benefit the greatest number of people).
    • Utilitarians argue that we should always choose the action that produces the most good.
    • The philosopher was a famous utilitarian who wrote about happiness and morality.
    • As a utilitarian, she supported policies that improved public health for everyone.
adjective
  1. Designed to be useful or practical rather than attractive or decorative.
    • They chose utilitarian furniture that was easy to clean and durable.
    • She wore a utilitarian backpack with many pockets for hiking.
    • The building's design was purely utilitarian, with no unnecessary ornamentation.
  2. Relating to the belief that actions are right if they help the greatest number of people.
    • He took a utilitarian approach to the problem, choosing the option that helped the most people.
    • The politician's utilitarian argument was that the new law would benefit the majority.
    • Utilitarian ethics often focus on the outcomes of decisions for society as a whole.
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