nonutilitarian

Upper-Intermediate (B2)

IPA: /nɒnˌjuːtɪlɪˈtɛəriən/

KK: /nɑnˌjuːtɪlɪˈtɛrɪən/

adjective

Definition

Describing something that is not designed for practical use or utility, often focusing on aesthetic or philosophical values instead.

Example

The artist's work is often considered nonutilitarian, emphasizing beauty over function.

Conversation

Have you seen that new art installation downtown?

Yeah, I checked it out! It’s so nonutilitarian but interesting.

I love how it challenges our views on functionality.

Exactly! Sometimes art just needs to be beautiful, not practical.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

aesthetic

artistic

idealistic

Antonyms

practical

functional

utilitarian

Root Explanation

Nonutilitarian → It is formed from "non-" (meaning not) and "utilitarian" (from Latin "utilis", meaning useful, and "-arian", meaning relating to). The word describes something that is not related to or does not prioritize usefulness.

Memory Tip

Think of 'non-' meaning not, and 'utilitarian' relating to usefulness — so nonutilitarian means something that is not focused on being useful.

Visually Confused Words