usability

noun

us·​abil·​i·​ty ˌyü-zə-ˈbi-lə-tē How to pronounce usability (audio)
: the quality or state of being usable : ease of use
When netbooks arrived a couple of years ago, they were so tiny, only spider monkeys would find them usable. But as they've inched up in size and usability, their sales have taken off.David Pogue
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 couple has continued working on the design, with Jordan tweaking it and Carmela testing it out for day-to-day usability. Angela Andaloro, Peoplemag, 19 Mar. 2024 Tommee Tippee Microwave Steam Sterilizer: The sturdiness of this sterilizer impacted its usability, with the lid latches difficult to remove. Samson McDougall, Parents, 5 Mar. 2024 The Current State Of UI/UX Today, a traditional approach to UI/UX is marked by considerable investments in usability research and the development of various interface elements to improve the overall user experience and make the user interface intuitive. Ilya Gandzeichuk, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024 Best Ergonomic Keyboard for Work From Home Lenovo Go Wireless Split Keyboard This wireless keyboard really splits the difference between ergonomics and usability. Kyle Barr / Gizmodo, Quartz, 27 Feb. 2024 Cities that are serious about encouraging year-round biking and reducing motor vehicle dependence should prioritize all-season bike lane usability. Letter Writers, Twin Cities, 4 Feb. 2024 People who have tried the device have praised its technology and design, with some reservations regarding certain practical aspects of its usability. Ryan Faughnder, Los Angeles Times, 30 Jan. 2024 Early involvement with customers helps validate ideas and gather usability insights. Forrester, Forbes, 16 Feb. 2024 If fewer and fewer developers are willing to risk legal action, the health and usability of the system could deteriorate. Joel Khalili, WIRED, 2 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'usability.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1842, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of usability was in 1842

Dictionary Entries Near usability

Cite this Entry

“Usability.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/usability. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on usability

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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