utilidad
“utilidad” means “usefulness” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
usefulness
Also: utility
📝 In Action
Esta aplicación es de gran utilidad para aprender idiomas.
A2This app is very useful (of great usefulness) for learning languages.
No dudo de la utilidad de tus consejos.
B1I don't doubt the usefulness of your advice.
El curso tiene poca utilidad práctica.
B2The course has little practical utility.
profit
Also: earnings
📝 In Action
La empresa obtuvo una utilidad neta de un millón de dólares.
B2The company obtained a net profit of one million dollars.
Es necesario maximizar la utilidad de la inversión.
C1It is necessary to maximize the profit of the investment.
Repartieron las utilidades entre los empleados.
B2They distributed the profits among the employees.
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: utilidad
Question 1 of 3
Which of the following is the correct way to say 'the usefulness'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Latin 'utilitas', which comes from 'utilis' (meaning 'useful'). This root is shared with the English word 'utility'.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'utilidad' the same as 'beneficio'?
They are very close. In general terms, both mean 'benefit'. However, in accounting, 'utilidad' is the technical term for profit (revenue minus expenses).
Does 'utilidad' mean a 'utility bill' like in English?
No. For electricity or water bills, Spanish uses 'servicios públicos' or 'recibos'. 'Utilidad' refers to the quality of being useful or the money made as profit.
How do I make 'utilidad' plural?
Since it ends in a consonant, you add '-es' to the end: 'utilidades'.