usability

noun

us·​abil·​i·​ty ˌyü-zə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

: 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 future belongs to vehicles that combine heritage with usability and exclusivity with capability. —Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 8 Mar. 2025

Transparency, usability and measurable results must take precedence over flashy features or unproven promises. —Amber Nigam, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025

For online stores, factors such as usability; website layout and design; delivery and shipping; and safety and trust were also considered. —Saman Shafiq, USA TODAY, 4 Mar. 2025

The user experience for tax websites also encompasses aspects such as functionality, navigation, and usability. —PCMAG, 3 Mar. 2025

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