Useableness

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. the attribute of being suitable for fulfilling objectives the aspect of having functional effectiveness in diverse applications the measure of usefulness in accomplishing particular tasks or aims
2. The attribute of being capable of serving a purpose effectively
3. The condition of having practical value for particular needs or situations

Etymology: "Useableness" is simply "useable" with the suffix "-ness" attached, and the combination produces a noun meaning fitness for use. The adjective "useable" is itself formed from "use" plus the ending "-able," which carries the sense of capable of being. Adding "-ness" to an adjective turns its quality into a thing that can be discussed, so "useable" becomes "the condition of being useable." Readers often treat "useable" as a misspelling of "usable," and that confusion is worth clearing up. Both spellings are in use, and "useable" with the silent e kept before "-able" is the older and more regular form of the pair, since the e preserves the soft pronunciation of the c-less "use." The noun "useableness" follows the same logic, keeping the e intact through the suffix.