usability

noun

us·​abil·​i·​ty ˌyü-zə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

: the quality or state of being usable : ease of use

Each feature is designed to enhance reliability, efficiency, and usability, ensuring dependable performance across a variety of scenarios.

—Lauren Carpenter

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

Those systems already show that usability usually requires abstraction. — Sean Lee, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026

There will also be further refinements to the Liquid Glass redesign, which faced some usability and accessibility issues, as well as several bugs, just as Apple’s previous major OS redesign did. — Samuel Axon, ArsTechnica, 27 July 2026

Given the less noticeable crease, improved usability, upgraded battery chemistry, a quicker, more efficient processor, and dramatically more effective Cover Display software, the Z Flip 8 has a lot going for it. — Florence Ion, PC Magazine, 26 July 2026

Some items don’t meet health, safety, or usability standards. — Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1842, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for usability

• affability
• audibility
• bistability
• capability
• changeability
• contractility
• credibility
• culpability
• disability
• disutility
• durability
• fallibility