easy
The cracked ruler was unusable.
What does Unusable mean?
Unusable means cannot be used.
Dictionary definition
Unusable means not able to be used because something is broken, blocked, missing parts, or not suitable.
Example sentences
Unusable in a sentence
medium
The file became unusable because the important pages were missing.
hard
A tool may look fine but still be unusable if it cannot do the job it is meant to do.
Writing practice
Ready to write your own? Study the examples, then practice unusable in a sentence with Sentence Builder checklist feedback.
Quick practice
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Practice the meaning of Unusable
Answer three quick questions about its meaning and related words.
Question 1 of 3
Practice 1
What does unusable mean?
Unusable describes something that cannot be used for its purpose.
Practice 2
Which word is closest in meaning to unusable?
Broken is close in meaning when a damaged thing cannot be used.
Practice 3
Which word is a useful contrast for unusable?
Usable is the direct contrast because unusable means not usable.
Practice complete
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Pronunciation coach
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Unusable
Voice settings
Sounds like
un · yoo · zuh · bul · strongest beat: yoo
Tap each sound part, then blend the whole word together.
Learn
WordUnusable.
Partadjective.
MeaningUnusable means cannot be used.
ExampleExample: The cracked ruler was unusable.
Word breakdown
4 syllables. Say each part, then blend the word.
- Syllables
- un · yoo · zuh · bul
- Strongest beat
- yoo
- Ending
- bul
- Tip
- Put a little extra energy on yoo.
Your turn
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Nice work—you practiced unusable.
Synonyms
Words like Unusable
brokenUse when something cannot work because it is damaged.
unworkableUse when something cannot be used successfully.
Antonyms
Opposite words
usableUse when something can be used.
workingUse when something functions correctly.
Synonym practice
Want to practice unusable synonyms in context? Try a Synonym Search question like "The cracked cup was unusable for the experiment," then compare close word choices. Practice unusable synonyms.
Word family
Unusable word family
Related words
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Student support
Understand Unusable
Hint for students
Unusable means something cannot be used for its purpose. It may be broken, missing parts, blocked, or not suitable.
Common mix-up
Unusable is not the same as unused. Unused means not used yet; unusable means it cannot be used.
Try it in class or at home
Write one sentence that shows unusable without using the word unusable. Then underline the clue words that show something cannot be used for its purpose. Example: The scissors would not cut because the blades were bent apart. Clue words: scissors, would not cut, blades, bent apart Now try your own sentence. Ask: Does my sentence show something that cannot be used for its job?
Teacher prompt
Ask students to explain this model sentence: "The file became unusable because the important pages were missing." Why does unusable fit better than usable?
Learning activities
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