is unusable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is unusable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that cannot be used or is not functional. Example: "The software update has caused the application to crash, and now it is unusable."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The resources needed will be substantial but small compared with the $100bn£62bnbn; €76bn) spent on medical research annually, much of which is wasted because it is unusable or unused.

British Medical Journal

Except that water is unusable.

The New York Times

The whole area is unusable.

The Guardian

In other words, it is unusable.

The Guardian - Opinion

Machine is unusable for the moment.

Harvard University

"The building is unusable," said Alan M. Feldman, MGM's senior vice president for public affairs.

The New York Times

The airport in the northern part of the island is unusable in the rain.

The New York Times

Otherwise, Ms. Thompson said, the sanctuary is unusable from June to September.

The New York Times

Now the school is unusable, its giant metal flower decorations lying on their sides.

The New York Times

In practice, the quality and delays are so horrific that the feature is unusable.

The New York Times

But pledges to dismantle Punggye-ri may be empty if the site is unusable anyway.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the state of an object or system, ensure the context clearly explains why the object "is unusable". Providing specific details enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "is unusable" without providing context. For example, instead of just saying "The machine is unusable", specify why: "The machine is unusable due to a critical system failure."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is unusable" functions as a predicate adjective, describing the state or condition of a noun. It indicates that something is not in a condition to be used, often due to damage, malfunction, or incompatibility. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is commonly used and grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is unusable" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe something that cannot be used. Ludwig AI confirms the correctness and usability of the phrase across various contexts. It is prevalent in News & Media, Science, and Academic sources, indicating its versatility. For more precise writing, consider providing context to why something is unusable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cannot be used

Focuses on the inability to use something, emphasizing a lack of permission or capability.

is not functional

Highlights the lack of proper operation or functionality.

is out of order

Suggests a temporary state of being non-operational, often implying that it will be fixed.

is inoperative

A more formal term for being not in working condition.

is non-operational

Similar to "is inoperative" but perhaps implying a more significant or lasting issue.

is unserviceable

Indicates that something is beyond repair or unfit for use.

is defective

Emphasizes a flaw or imperfection that prevents proper use.

is broken

A simple and direct way of saying something is not working.

is kaput

An informal term suggesting complete and irreversible failure.

is defunct

Implies that something is no longer in effect or no longer exists.

FAQs

How can I use "is unusable" in a sentence?

Use "is unusable" to describe something that cannot be used. For example: "The software update caused the application to crash, so now it "is unusable".

What can I say instead of "is unusable"?

You can use alternatives like "cannot be used", "is not functional", or "is out of order" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "is unusable" or "cannot be used"?

Both "is unusable" and "cannot be used" are grammatically correct, but "is unusable" directly describes the state, while "cannot be used" describes the action that is impossible. The choice depends on the desired emphasis.

What's the difference between "is unusable" and "is broken"?

"Is broken" suggests physical damage or malfunction, whereas "is unusable" is broader, indicating any reason something can't be used, including being outdated or incompatible.