1util·i·ty 
/juˈtɪləti/ noun
plural util·i·ties /juˈtɪləti/ noun 1 [noncount] formal : the quality or state of being useful
▪ Some experts question the utility [=usefulness] of the procedure. ▪ a plan without much practical/economic utility 2 [count] a : a service (such as a supply of electricity or water) that is provided to the public — usually plural ▪ Many of these people are in danger of having their utilities shut off for nonpayment. [=of no longer getting electricity, water, etc., in their homes because they have not paid their bills]
b : a company that provides electricity, water, etc. : public utility
▪ Notify the utility if there's an outage. — often used before another noun ▪ utility companies/industries 3 [count] computers : a computer program that does a specific task
▪ an antivirus utility [=a computer program that prevents/removes viruses] ▪ a utility program
▪ Some experts question the utility [=usefulness] of the procedure. ▪ a plan without much practical/economic utility
b : a company that provides electricity, water, etc. : public utility
▪ Notify the utility if there's an outage. — often used before another noun ▪ utility companies/industries
▪ an antivirus utility [=a computer program that prevents/removes viruses] ▪ a utility program
