'utilitarianism' originates from the Latin word 'utilitas,' meaning 'usefulness,' combined with the suffix '-ism' to denote a doctrine or system.

'utilitas' transformed into the English word 'utility,' and eventually became the modern English word 'utilitarianism' through the addition of the suffix '-ism.'

Initially, it meant 'usefulness or utility,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a doctrine that actions are right if they are useful or for the benefit of a majority.'