Usable
adj.capable, kindeveryday
Meaning 1
Fit to perform its intended function in the present situation.
Reach for it when Confirming practical function despite possible wear or imperfection.
Volunteers salvaged enough usable timber to rebuild the garden beds.
Choose between these
3- everyday
a plan or tool can succeed in practice
not when does not imply comfort or durability
- professional
the item performs its basic job
not when may still be frustrating or unsafe to use
- formal
serviceable
condition is adequate despite wear
not when muted praise where high quality matters
Meaning 2
Easy enough for intended people to operate successfully.
Reach for it when Assessing whether a design or service supports real users in completing tasks.
After the labels changed, the control panel became usable in low light.
Choose between these
3- warm
operation feels clear and welcoming
not when stronger than the minimum implied by usable
- professional
people with relevant disabilities can use it
not when a specific inclusion claim needs evidence
- professional
people can infer operation with little instruction
not when familiarity may explain success instead
Said against
3- unusable
- broken
- confusing
It naturally appears in
3- still usable
The rain-soaked maps were still usable after careful drying.
- usable condition
Three donated laptops arrived in usable condition.
- readily usable
Plain examples made the guidance readily usable by volunteers.
The word family
1Where this comes from
- wiktionary, adjective: fit or available for use opens in a new tab for meaning 1 · retrieved 2026-07-26
- wiktionary, adjective: sufficiently easy to use opens in a new tab for meaning 2 · retrieved 2026-07-26
The definition and the example on this page are written here. The dictionaries above ground which meaning is being described, not the wording.