Unusable: meaning, definitions and examples

This word is best used to describe something that cannot be used at all, often due to damage or malfunction.

• The broken chair is completely unusable.
• The corrupted file is unusable.

This word is used when something cannot be easily reached, entered, or used.

• The remote village is inaccessible by car.
• The website was inaccessible due to a server error.

This word is suited for situations where something is not convenient, efficient, or realistic to use.

• Wearing high heels to a hiking trip is impractical.
• Building a house on that steep hill is impractical.

This word should be used to describe something that does not produce the desired result or effect.

• The medicine was ineffective against the disease.
• That method of teaching is ineffective.

When something is beyond its useful life or totally inoperative.

• After spilling water on it, the smartphone became unusable
• The old, rusty bike was completely unusable

When something is hard to do, understand, or accomplish.

• This math problem is very difficult
• It can be difficult to make new friends in a new city

When a situation or action feels uncomfortable or causes embarrassment.

• There was an awkward silence after she mentioned the topic
• Talking to strangers can be awkward for me

When someone or something moves in a way that lacks grace or efficiency.

• He is always dropping things because he is so clumsy
• The clumsy design of the tool makes it hard to use efficiently

When an object is hard to manage or handle due to its size, shape, or weight.

• The unwieldy box was too large to carry alone
• The new regulations are so complex that they are unwieldy to enforce