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

The goal, Lunny said, is to retain the vehicle’s original character while improving overall build quality and usability. —Paul Ratner, Interesting Engineering, 17 Dec. 2025

Our Better Homes and Gardens lab backs it up: After rigorously testing over 90 air purifiers for effectiveness, usability, and design, the Levoit Core 400S got top marks for its tech-forward features, quiet noise levels, and energy efficiency. —Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Dec. 2025

Toyota didn’t sell out the 4Runner’s legacy; instead, the company has reinforced its off-road DNA while bringing powertrain, usability, and capability into the 21st century. —New Atlas, 22 Nov. 2025

Still targeted to run on inexpensive processors and other components, laptops labeled Plus guarantee a baseline level of performance, speed and usability, with many of them seriously competitive compared to much more expensive Windows machines. —PC Magazine, 21 Nov. 2025

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