utilityman

Jack of trades

A utilityman is a worker who performs various tasks as needed rather than specializing in one role.

In theater and film, a utilityman handles miscellaneous jobs—moving equipment, assisting departments, filling gaps wherever help is required.

In sports, particularly baseball, the term describes a player who can competently play multiple positions: He's a utilityman who's started at shortstop, second base, and left field this season.

versatility

adaptable

Able to adjust readily

flexibleAble to bend freely
multi-skilledHaving varied abilities
all-rounderMulti-skilled person

generalist · resourceful · capable · reliable · fill-in · stand-in · backup · cross-trained · dependable · indispensable

baseball

infielder

Diamond interior defender

outfielderPlayer beyond the infield
pinch-hitterSubstitute batter
substituteReplacement for another

bench · roster · platoon · switch-hitter · backup · lineup · dugout · pinch-runner · double-play · role-player

handyman

wrench

Tool for turning fasteners

screwdriverTool for turning fasteners
hammerTool for striking nails
drillHole-boring device

pliers · saw · toolbox · ladder · workbench · chisel · vise · level · nails · bolts

theater

stagehand

Backstage theater worker

crewWorking team aboard
backstageTheater's hidden area
propsTheater accessories or praise

grip · technician · rigging · scenery · production · callboard · dresser

Opposites

role specialization

utilitymanspecialist

Expert in one field

ace · starter · expert · master · franchise player

team status/hierarchy

utilitymanstarter

Initiator of action

star · superstar · star player · franchise player · all-star

Family

utility, man, utilitarian, utilitarianism, utilize, utilization, utilized, utilizes, utilizing

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