Definition

Not suitable or fit for use; something that cannot be used effectively or at all.

Example

The broken printer is completely unusable until it is repaired.

Conversation

I tried to open the file you sent me, but it was completely unusable.

Oh no, that's frustrating! What happened?

It seems like the file got corrupted or something.

I'll send you a new one right away; I don't want you to have unusable files.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Unusable → It is formed from "un-" (meaning not) and "usable" (from Latin "uti", meaning to use, combined with the suffix "-able", meaning capable of). The word "unusable" means not capable of being used.

Memory Tip

Think of 'not' ('un-') being added to 'capable of being used' ('usable') — that's why unusable means something that cannot be used.

Visually Confused Words