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

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

Temporary and permanent exhibits share how Reston came to be Reston, from the early days in 1962 when the town was little more than a master plan that placed importance on walkability, amenities, recreation areas, and usability as a space for work and play. —Erin Gifford, Southern Living, 19 Jan. 2026

Hyundai believes such a production model could meet growing demand for vehicles that combine everyday usability with long-distance travel amenities while simultaneously sating Europe's hunger for electric mobility. —New Atlas, 18 Jan. 2026

Solid-state battery reliability in deep-freeze conditions The latest phase of testing shifts the focus to how the vehicles perform in sustained deep-freeze conditions, with particular attention on real-world usability. —Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 17 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