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.
The cost of putting a doomed measure before city voters in June would be minimal compared with the cost of buying an unusable giant office building. U T Editorial Board, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Feb. 2026 When exposed to moisture, including indoor humidity, powder detergent clumps and harden, rendering it unusable. Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Feb. 2026 The department said whole truckloads of recycling are unusable if food residue or non-recyclable items are put in bins. Jt Moodee Lockman, CBS News, 25 Feb. 2026 Sala says that lighter, softer items should go on top of the harder, heavier produce so things don’t get squashed (and rendered unusable). Caroline Lubinsky, Martha Stewart, 22 Feb. 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

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Cite this Entry

“Unusable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unusable. Accessed 4 Mar. 2026.

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