usability
noun
us·abil·i·ty
ˌyü-zə-ˈbi-lə-tē 
: the quality or state of being usable : ease of use
When netbooks arrived a couple of years ago, they were so tiny, only spider monkeys would find them usable. But as they've inched up in size and usability, their sales have taken off.—
David Pogue
David PogueOne of the other great problems of computer software is preoccupation with bells and whistles, rather than usability. Even software that began as easily usable can evolve over time into something so burdened with complicated (and trivial) features that it is a challenge to figure out how to do the simplest thing.—Thomas Sowell
Thomas SowellExamples of usability in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
After looking at lighter and darker variations of the color and considering how homeowners live in their spaces, the #1 DIY paint brand selected this versatile hue as their 9th annual Color of the Year for its usability and familiarity.
—Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 30 July 2025
Not only does the look and feel of your digital interfaces communicate trustworthiness, but also an overall product experience and usability.
—Andrey Insarov, Forbes.com, 29 July 2025
Aluminum: Aluminum is a cheaper material than stainless steel with less general usability.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 29 July 2025
The white backlighting, available in two brightness levels, enhances usability in dim settings.
—Charles Jefferies, PC Magazine, 28 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for usability
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 30 July 2025
Not only does the look and feel of your digital interfaces communicate trustworthiness, but also an overall product experience and usability.
—Andrey Insarov, Forbes.com, 29 July 2025
Aluminum: Aluminum is a cheaper material than stainless steel with less general usability.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 29 July 2025
The white backlighting, available in two brightness levels, enhances usability in dim settings.
—Charles Jefferies, PC Magazine, 28 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for usability
Cite this Entry
“Usability.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/usability. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share