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Usable vs. Useable: Know the Difference

Shumaila Saeed
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
"Usable" and "Useable" are variants of the same word, meaning capable of being used, with "usable" being the more commonly preferred spelling.
Usable vs. Useable

Key Differences

"Usable" is the more commonly accepted spelling in modern English, while "Useable" is an alternative but less common form.
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Dec 05, 2023
Both spellings denote something that is capable of being used or practical for use, and they are used interchangeably.
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"Usable" is more prevalent in American and British English, whereas "Useable," though understood, is less frequent.
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The usage of "useable" has decreased over time, with "usable" becoming the more standard spelling in contemporary usage.
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Most dictionaries list "usable" as the primary spelling, with "useable" noted as a variant.
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Comparison Chart

Spelling Frequency

More commonly used
Less commonly used
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Definition

Capable of being used; practical
Capable of being used; practical
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Regional Preference

Preferred in both American and British English
Less frequent but understood
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Historical Trend

Increasingly standard spelling
Less commonly used in modern English
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Dictionary Listing

Primary listing
Often listed as a variant
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Usable and Useable Definitions

Usable

Capable of being used effectively.
The laptop is still usable despite its age.
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Useable

Good enough to be used; not defective.
The donated clothes are clean and useable.
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Usable

In a condition good enough for use.
The second-hand tools are still perfectly usable.
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Useable

Able to be used effectively.
The old phone is still useable for basic needs.
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Usable

Available for use; accessible.
The new software update made the app more usable.
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Useable

Suitable for a specific purpose.
This space is useable for our meeting.
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Usable

Practical or functional for a particular purpose.
The kitchen’s design is highly usable for cooks.
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Useable

Ready for use; available.
After repairs, the equipment is useable again.
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Usable

Fit or suitable for use.
The data collected from the survey is usable for our analysis.
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Useable

In a state that permits use.
The recovered files from the hard drive are useable.
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Usable

Capable of being used
Usable byproducts.
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Oct 19, 2023

Useable

Variant of usable.
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Usable

Fit for use; convenient to use
Usable spare parts.
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Oct 19, 2023

Useable

Alternative spelling of usable
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Oct 19, 2023

Usable

Capable of being used.
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Useable

Fit or ready for use or service;
The toaster was still functional even after being dropped
The lawnmower is a bit rusty but still usable
An operational aircraft
The dishwasher is now in working order
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Usable

Easy to use; exhibiting good usability.
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Useable

Able to be put to use;
Usable byproducts
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Usable

Capable of being used.
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Useable

Convenient for use or disposal;
The house is available after July 1
2000 square feet of usable office space
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Usable

Able to be put to use;
Usable byproducts
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Usable

Fit or ready for use or service;
The toaster was still functional even after being dropped
The lawnmower is a bit rusty but still usable
An operational aircraft
The dishwasher is now in working order
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Oct 19, 2023

Usable

Convenient for use or disposal;
The house is available after July 1
2000 square feet of usable office space
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Repeatedly Asked Queries

Which spelling is more common?

"Usable" is more commonly used.
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Can "useable" be used in formal writing?

Yes, though "usable" is more standard.
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Is there a difference in pronunciation?

No, both are pronounced the same way.
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Do "usable" and "useable" have the same definition?

Yes, they both mean capable of being used.
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Dec 05, 2023

Is "useable" considered incorrect?

No, it's not incorrect, just less common.
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Has the usage of "useable" changed over time?

Yes, its usage has declined in favor of "usable."
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Give an example sentence with "usable."

"The smartphone's interface is highly usable."
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Can you provide a sentence using "useable"?

"The old computer, though slow, is still useable for basic tasks."
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Which variant is preferred in American English?

"Usable" is preferred in American English.
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Are "usable" and "useable" interchangeable?

Yes, they are interchangeable variants of the same word.
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Is "useable" considered informal or incorrect?

No, it is not considered informal or incorrect, just less common.
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Is "usable" an adjective?

Yes, it's an adjective used to describe the quality of something being easy to use.
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Are there contexts where one variant is preferred?

Generally, "usable" is preferred in most contexts.
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Are there any regional preferences for "useable"?

Some regions may prefer "usable," but both are used worldwide.
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How do dictionaries list these words?

Most list "usable" as the primary form, with "useable" as a variant.
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Shumaila Saeed
Written by
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.

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