ergonomic

USAGE SUMMARY

"ergonomic" is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it to describe furniture, equipment, or tools that are designed to be comfortable and efficient for the human body to use, such as keyboards, chairs, control panels, etc. For example: "This chair is extremely ergonomic, providing optimal comfort and support."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But most products right now are still not cognitively ergonomic: they're not made with an understanding of how the brain works".

The Guardian - Tech

During their stay they are being housed in five-star hotels equipped with fully ergonomic mattresses.

The Guardian - Sport

Mr Bush's decision to embrace voluntary, rather than mandatory, guidelines for workplace ergonomic standards, for instance, increases employers' flexibility and makes economic sense.

The Economist

The Nethrone goes further: it is an ergonomic seat in an adjustable chrome frame which doubles as a monitor stand.

The Economist

While the participants waited for this feedback, they were asked to help with a marketing test on ergonomic chairs.

The Economist

The major reasons for moving to Dvorak from QWERTY are ergonomic: for English-language typing, the fingertips of Dvorak-users travel a fraction of the distance to perform an equivalent amount of work.

The Economist

One area where this might work is labour regulation, and, specifically, the new ergonomic workplace regulations implemented in November.These rules, which were backed by trade unions, protect employees from repetitive-stress injuries and require employers to provide ergonomic programmes.

The Economist

Unburnable fuel The art of the spin-off ReprintsThe first ergonomic chairs rolled into offices in the 1970s.

The Economist

Once hotels competed through their facilities: first came shampoo bottles, then ergonomic mattresses, flat-screen TVs and spas.

The Economist

In this case, inertia and resistance to change have been more formidable obstacles to efficient ergonomic design than the design itself.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The modern concern with man's relationship to the total environment implies a much-broadened definition of human-factors engineering and an increasing supply of problems for ergonomic engineers in the future.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a product as "ergonomic", be specific about which features contribute to its comfort and efficiency. For example, instead of saying "This chair is ergonomic", specify "This chair is ergonomic due to its adjustable lumbar support and breathable mesh back".

Common error

Avoid using "ergonomic" as a buzzword without explaining the design features that make a product truly ergonomic. Vague claims can mislead consumers and weaken your message.

Linguistic Context

The word "ergonomic" primarily functions as an adjective. It modifies nouns, describing their design in relation to human comfort and efficiency. This is supported by Ludwig AI, which identifies it as a correct and usable term.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "ergonomic" is a common and accepted adjective used to describe designs focused on human comfort and efficiency. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely applicable. Its usage spans across various contexts, with a strong presence in news media, encyclopedias, and scientific publications. While "ergonomic" implies a focus on physical well-being and efficiency, it's crucial to use it accurately and specifically, avoiding overuse as a mere marketing buzzword. Related terms include "user-friendly design" and "comfort-focused design", offering alternative ways to convey similar concepts. By understanding its grammatical function, communicative purpose, and appropriate contexts, writers can effectively use "ergonomic" to enhance their descriptions and promote well-designed products.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

designed for comfort

Directly states the design's intention to provide comfort to the user.

user-friendly design

Emphasizes the ease of use and accessibility of a design.

comfort-focused design

Highlights the prioritization of user comfort in the design process.

human-centered design

Focuses on designing with the user's needs and capabilities at the forefront.

biomechanically sound

Implies that the design aligns with the principles of biomechanics for optimal body function.

efficient design

Stresses the design's ability to maximize productivity and minimize strain.

optimized for usability

Highlights the design's focus on ease of use and effectiveness.

strain-reducing design

Highlights the design's ability to minimize physical strain on the user.

easy to handle

Focuses on the simplicity and convenience of using the designed object.

posture-supporting design

Specifically targets designs that promote healthy posture.

FAQs

How can I use "ergonomic" in a sentence?

You can use "ergonomic" to describe objects designed for efficiency and comfort, such as "This keyboard has an "ergonomic" design to reduce wrist strain".

What's the difference between "ergonomic" and "comfortable"?

"Comfortable" simply means providing a pleasant feeling, while "ergonomic" implies that a design is optimized for efficiency and well-being, often reducing strain or fatigue. Something can be comfortable without being "ergonomic".

What are some examples of "ergonomic" products?

Examples include "ergonomic chairs", keyboards, mice, and tools designed to minimize strain and maximize efficiency.

Is "ergonomic" the same as "user-friendly"?

While both terms relate to ease of use, "user-friendly" is broader, encompassing overall ease of use and accessibility. "Ergonomic" specifically addresses physical comfort and efficiency, making it a subset of "user-friendly" design.