usable

adjective

us·​able ˈyü-zə-bəl How to pronounce usable (audio)
variants or less commonly useable
Synonyms of usablenext
1
: capable of being used
2
: convenient and practicable for use
usableness
ˈyü-zə-bəl-nəs How to pronounce usable (audio)
noun
usably
ˈyü-zə-blē How to pronounce usable (audio)
adverb

Synonyms of usable

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Examples of usable in a Sentence

Is any of this junk usable? although the spade is usable as a snow shovel, it doesn't do a very good job
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.
But converting fat into a usable form of fuel isn't a fast or easy process. — Claire Maldarelli, Scientific American, 2 July 2026 Even now, more than 3,000 terawatt-hours of usable waste heat remains untapped globally each year. — Kathleen “katie” McGinty, Fortune, 6 July 2026 The path to the fresh spring was no longer usable—the Germans had to content themselves with boiling water from the locomotives. — Vasily Grossman, Harpers Magazine, 30 June 2026 In other words, just as demand for orbit is exploding, the usable capacity of some orbital zones may be shrinking. — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 6 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for usable

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of usable was in the 14th century

Rhymes for usable

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usability
usable
USAF
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Cite this Entry

“Usable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/usable. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

usable

adjective
us·​able
ˈyü-zə-bəl
: suitable or fit for use
usable waste

More from Merriam-Webster on usable

Nglish: Translation of usable for Spanish Speakers

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