unusable

adjective

un·​us·​able ˌən-ˈyü-zə-bəl How to pronounce unusable (audio)
Synonyms of unusablenext
: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Councilmember Vivian Moreno said another factor is San Diego’s history, including a pension scandal two decades ago and the purchase of an unusable downtown skyscraper a decade ago. David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Apr. 2026 But over time, knife marks, stinky food odors, and a dry surface can render your wooden cutting board unusable. Staff Author, Martha Stewart, 31 Mar. 2026 Access to software updates or features can be expensive, limited, or revoked, leaving devices that are still in perfect physical condition unusable or not worth the subscription cost. Jasna Hodžić, Big Think, 31 Mar. 2026 The stove was missing burners and appeared to be unusable. Angie Dimichele, Sun Sentinel, 31 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unusable

Word History

First Known Use

1825, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unusable was in 1825

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unusable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unusable. Accessed 21 Apr. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on unusable

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

More from Merriam-Webster