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

Basic roller care is the only maintenance required to ensure long-term usability without odor buildup or clogged parts. —William Jones, USA Today, 1 Feb. 2026

Work included fabrication and installation of custom steel brackets to reinforce structural connections, repairs to deteriorated components, and electrical and lighting improvements to enhance safety and usability. —News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Jan. 2026

Likewise, the ToGo Driver integrates storage into its handles, along with a bit of clever engineering from Wu, to squeeze out every ounce of usability. —New Atlas, 22 Jan. 2026

Designed for listeners seeking value, performance and usability, the new MD3 brings together a premium internal architecture with easy hands-on controls for audiophile-quality sound on the move. —Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 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