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 Sowell
Examples of usability in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The challenge was to stretch the top end of performance for the 750S without losing any of the comfort and everyday usability.
—Morgan Korn, ABC News, 13 Apr. 2024
According to Samsung’s South Korean community support forum, the update includes camera optimizations for both image quality and usability, along with improved software stability.
—Paul Monckton, Forbes, 29 Mar. 2024
McDuffie revealed at a January hearing that, following months of complaints related to the platform’s interface, odds and usability, GambetDC had brought the city just over $4.3 million since launching in 2020 — a far cry from the $84 million lawmakers had expected.
—Michael Brice-Saddler, Washington Post, 20 Mar. 2024
As far as the length of the handle, this should be driven by the person’s height to prevent back strain and increase usability.
—Carrie Honaker, Southern Living, 26 Jan. 2024
The couple has continued working on the design, with Jordan tweaking it and Carmela testing it out for day-to-day usability.
—Angela Andaloro, Peoplemag, 19 Mar. 2024
Tommee Tippee Microwave Steam Sterilizer: The sturdiness of this sterilizer impacted its usability, with the lid latches difficult to remove.
—Samson McDougall, Parents, 5 Mar. 2024
The Current State Of UI/UX Today, a traditional approach to UI/UX is marked by considerable investments in usability research and the development of various interface elements to improve the overall user experience and make the user interface intuitive.
—Ilya Gandzeichuk, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024
Best Ergonomic Keyboard for Work From Home Lenovo Go Wireless Split Keyboard
This wireless keyboard really splits the difference between ergonomics and usability.
—Kyle Barr / Gizmodo, Quartz, 27 Feb. 2024
Morgan Korn, ABC News, 13 Apr. 2024
According to Samsung’s South Korean community support forum, the update includes camera optimizations for both image quality and usability, along with improved software stability.
—Paul Monckton, Forbes, 29 Mar. 2024
McDuffie revealed at a January hearing that, following months of complaints related to the platform’s interface, odds and usability, GambetDC had brought the city just over $4.3 million since launching in 2020 — a far cry from the $84 million lawmakers had expected.
—Michael Brice-Saddler, Washington Post, 20 Mar. 2024
As far as the length of the handle, this should be driven by the person’s height to prevent back strain and increase usability.
—Carrie Honaker, Southern Living, 26 Jan. 2024
The couple has continued working on the design, with Jordan tweaking it and Carmela testing it out for day-to-day usability.
—Angela Andaloro, Peoplemag, 19 Mar. 2024
Tommee Tippee Microwave Steam Sterilizer: The sturdiness of this sterilizer impacted its usability, with the lid latches difficult to remove.
—Samson McDougall, Parents, 5 Mar. 2024
The Current State Of UI/UX Today, a traditional approach to UI/UX is marked by considerable investments in usability research and the development of various interface elements to improve the overall user experience and make the user interface intuitive.
—Ilya Gandzeichuk, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024
Best Ergonomic Keyboard for Work From Home Lenovo Go Wireless Split Keyboard
This wireless keyboard really splits the difference between ergonomics and usability.
—Kyle Barr / Gizmodo, Quartz, 27 Feb. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'usability.' 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
1842, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near usability
Cite this Entry
“Usability.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/usability. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.
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More from Merriam-Webster on usability
Nglish: Translation of usability for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of usability for Arabic Speakers
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