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

This approach addresses a major tension in education research – cocreating educational resources with the people they are intended for enhances usability, meaningfulness and effectiveness. —Andres Bustamante, The Conversation, 11 Mar. 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

The interior, although an array of plastic, was spacious and comfortable all while focusing on usability. —Marc D. Grasso, Boston Herald, 5 Mar. 2026

Seal paint cans tightly, avoid sunlight and moisture, and label them to track their age and extend their usability. —Rae Ford, Martha Stewart, 5 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