What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
serviceable
Example
The old car may not be pretty, but it's still serviceable. [serviceable: adjective]
Example
She may not be the best chef, but she's serviceable in the kitchen. [serviceable: adjective]
Example
The hotel room was small, but it was serviceable for a short stay. [serviceable: adjective]
usable
Example
The new software is user-friendly and highly usable. [usable: adjective]
Example
The old phone may not have all the latest features, but it's still usable. [usable: adjective]
Example
The backpack has many compartments, making it usable for various purposes. [usable: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Usable is more commonly used than serviceable in everyday language. Usable is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while serviceable is less common and often used in specific contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between serviceable and usable?
Both serviceable and usable are relatively formal words, but usable is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
