Definition

In a way that cannot be used or is not suitable for use.

Example

The equipment was broken and worked unusably, making it impossible to complete the project.

Conversation

I tried fixing my old laptop, but it still runs unusably slow.

That sounds frustrating! Sometimes it's just not worth the effort.

Yeah, I think I need to get a new one instead.

Good idea! A faster laptop will definitely make things easier.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Unusably → It is formed from "un-" (meaning not) and "usable" (from Latin "usabilis", meaning able to be used). The word "unusably" means not able to be used.

Memory Tip

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

Visually Confused Words