unusable

adjective

un·​us·​able ˌən-ˈyü-zə-bəl How to pronounce unusable (audio)
: not capable of being used or fit for use : not usable
unusable documentary footage
The lavatory, totally unusable, was full of snow which had blasted in through the keyhole.Katharine Sim
unusably adverb

Examples of unusable in a Sentence

a completely unusable gadget that's just taking up space in the drawer
Recent Examples on the Web Many might write off the space, saying lower, angled ceilings make the room unusable, but not Welch. Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Oct. 2024 After the cargo was loaded, a fuel pump issue was discovered that made the plane unusable, the spokesperson said. Nate Trela, USA TODAY, 22 Oct. 2024 Technology also could be deployed to make cellphones unusable for phoning, texting and internet access even if the devices remains in a student‘s possession. Jaweed Kaleem, Los Angeles Times, 24 Sep. 2024 One thruster was deemed unusable going forward, but the others were successfully test fired later. William Harwood, CBS News, 10 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for unusable 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'unusable.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1825, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unusable was in 1825

Dictionary Entries Near unusable

Cite this Entry

“Unusable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unusable. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on unusable

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!