usability

noun

us·​abil·​i·​ty ˌyü-zə-ˈbi-lə-tē How to pronounce usability (audio)
: 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
One 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

Examples of usability in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Hyperlite Mountain Gear View 11 Images View gallery - 11 images Hyperlite Mountain Gear joins fellow ultralight backpacking gear makers like Durston and Six Moons Design in adding a little bit of extra usability and comfort to its lineup of low weight shelters. New Atlas, 23 Apr. 2025 The bottom line is that AI success is dependent on performance, internal trust, usability and long-term alignment. Priya Vijayarajendran, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2025 While semi-rugged laptops often prioritize toughness and gloved usability at the expense of comfort, the Getac S510 is surprisingly accommodating for light office tasks. PC Magazine, 19 Apr. 2025 All knives need to be sharpened over time to improve their usability, but some knives require more frequent sharpening. Jesse Raub, Bon Appetit Magazine, 7 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for usability

Word History

First Known Use

1842, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of usability was in 1842

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Cite this Entry

“Usability.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/usability. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.

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