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

Johnson notes that the most immediate gains will come from usability improvements rather than full autonomy. —Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 15 Apr. 2026

Functionality, navigation, and usability are also important. —Kathy Yakal, PC Magazine, 8 Apr. 2026

Practical considerations Beyond its core monitoring capabilities, the LitterLens is built with everyday usability in mind. —New Atlas, 1 Apr. 2026

The interior, although an array of plastic, was spacious and comfortable all while focusing on usability. —Marc D Grasso, Hartford Courant, 7 Mar. 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