unusable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "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 made the application unusable for several users, causing frustration."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Thousands of villages have been destroyed, with up to 90% of clinics and schools in some districts rendered unusable.

The Guardian

She says: "Come about 5pm, the system is running so slowly that it's unusable.

The Guardian

On the Todd river, the battle against campers that had been squalling along for more than a century was gathering force once more, with rangers confiscating blankets or soaking them with water and making them unusable.

The Guardian

The CPS statement also spelled out that in deciding whether there is sufficient evidence to convict, prosecutors must exclude evidence judged to be unusable in court.

The Guardian

In other words, it is unusable.

The Guardian - Opinion

Another is a chance to use an otherwise unusable German word.

The Economist

But such variations in analogue circuits can render them unusable.

The Economist

In 2006 the FDA examined a sample of drugs from compounding pharmacies and found a third of them unusable.

The Economist

(Granted, if you are 18, there have only been three).In this section Whoops The debacle Warning labels for safe stuff Man bites dog, repeatedly On your bike The Clinton effect The grabbing hand of the law Cruel and unusable Bye-bye, Bloomberg ReprintsAll of this boosts Mr McAuliffe.

The Economist

Another vitrine displays a laser-cut couture coat by Iris van Herpen (2013), Paulo Goldstein's artfully held together "Repair is Beautiful" director's chair (2013) and "Stuff of Memory" (2010, ongoing), by Simone ten Hompel, which is an assortment of unusable eating implements.

The Economist

The problem is that the bridge is often unusable afterwards.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the condition of equipment or systems, use "unusable" to clearly convey that they cannot be used for their intended purpose. For example, "The earthquake rendered the bridge unusable."

Common error

Avoid using "unusable" as a catch-all term. Instead, opt for more precise language that reflects the specific reason something cannot be used. For example, use "damaged", "defective", or "inoperable" to provide greater clarity.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "unusable" is as an adjective. It modifies nouns to describe something that cannot be used. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples, where "unusable" describes the state of objects, systems, or concepts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

30%

Science

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "unusable" functions as an adjective to describe something that is not fit for use. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, including news, encyclopedias, and scientific writing. Common synonyms include "inoperable" and "non-functional", offering similar meanings. When using the term, ensure it accurately reflects the reason something cannot be used, and avoid overuse by considering more specific terms when applicable. The phrase's prevalence and clear definition make it a valuable part of the English lexicon.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inoperable

Indicates a complete failure to function, often due to mechanical or technical issues.

non-functional

Highlights the lack of proper functioning or operation.

out of order

Suggests a temporary state of being non-operational, often implying a possibility of repair.

defective

Emphasizes flaws or faults that prevent proper use.

unserviceable

Indicates that an item is beyond repair or maintenance.

broken

A general term for being damaged and unable to function.

kaput

An informal term meaning completely broken or finished.

unfit for purpose

Describes something not suitable for its intended use.

unworkable

Highlights practical difficulties that make something impossible to use effectively.

unsuitable

Suggests that something does not meet the required criteria or conditions for use.

FAQs

How to use "unusable" in a sentence?

"Unusable" is typically used as an adjective to describe something that cannot be used. For example, "The software update made the application "unusable"" or "The contaminated water is "unusable" for drinking."

What can I say instead of "unusable"?

You can use alternatives like "inoperable", "non-functional", or "out of order" depending on the context. These alternatives offer similar meanings while sometimes providing more specific details.

Which is correct, "unusable" or "unuseable"?

"Unusable" is the correct spelling. "Unuseable" is an accepted variant but it is less common and generally discouraged in formal writing.

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

"Unusable" indicates that something cannot be used, while "broken" implies that something is damaged. Something that is "broken" is often "unusable", but something can be "unusable" for reasons other than being broken, such as being obsolete or contaminated.