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

Total cost of ownership can be calculated based on the intent of the business case versus actual on-the-ground usage—usability, real impact on the ground and the cost of the agent across the layers. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 2 Oct. 2026

Intermedia Unite remains an Editors' Choice winner for its overall usability, comprehensive set of communication features, and straightforward pricing. — John Brandon, PC Magazine, 30 Sep. 2026

Because otherwise its level of automation and app usability is really good. — New Atlas, 27 Sep. 2026

Andy Miller, senior vice president of AARP Innovation Labs’ AgeTech Collaborative, says thoughtful design and usability are key to developing AI technology for older adults. — Elizabeth Green, AJC.com, 24 Sep. 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