unusable

adjective

un·​us·​able ˌən-ˈyü-zə-bəl How to pronounce unusable (audio)
Synonyms of unusablenext
: not capable of being used or fit for use : not usable
unusable documentary footage
The lavatory, totally unusable, was full of snow which had blasted in through the keyhole.—Katharine Sim
unusably
ˌən-ˈyü-zə-blē How to pronounce unusable (audio)
adverb

Synonyms of unusable

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Examples of unusable in a Sentence

a completely unusable gadget that's just taking up space in the drawer
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Predicted in the 1970s by NASA physicist Donald Kessler, this chain of orbital smashups could make the space around Earth unusable and unsafe. — Tereza Pultarova, Space.com, 20 Oct. 2026 Shows promise in testing This technology turns unusable, high-arsenic copper into valuable inventory, creating new revenue and cutting operating costs. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 19 Oct. 2026 Some Longmont residents say their cellphones have become nearly unusable in recent weeks, leaving them unable to reliably make calls, contact their children's schools or reach family members. — Sarah Horbacewicz, CBS News, 15 Oct. 2026 When exposed to moisture, including indoor humidity, powder detergent clumps and hardens, rendering it unusable. — Kamron Sanders, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unusable

Word History

First Known Use

1825, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unusable was in 1825

Rhymes for unusable

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Browse Nearby Words

unurged
unusable
unuse
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Cite this Entry

“Unusable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unusable. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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