ergonomic

American  

[ur-guh-nom-ik] / ˌɜr gəˈnɒm ɪk /

Rarely ergonometric

adjective

1. designed to be comfortable, safe, and efficient to use, especially in or as a work environment.

   These headphones have an ergonomic design and soft ear cups.

   Check out our top tips for an ergonomic home office.

2. relating to or concerned with ergonomics, the study of people's interaction with their work environment.

   Ergonomic research has found that weight and screen size are important factors in cell phone design.

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ergonomic British  

/ ˌɜːɡəˈnɒmɪk /

adjective

1. of or relating to ergonomics

2. designed to minimize physical effort and discomfort, and hence maximize efficiency

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Other Word Forms

• ergonomically adverb

Etymology

Origin of ergonomic

First recorded in 1950–55; see origin at ergonomics ( def. )

Explanation

Something that is designed to work smoothly with the human body is designed to be ergonomic. If your fingers ache after using the computer, you may need an ergonomic keyboard. Or you could play fewer video games. Ergon, the Latin word for "work." The study of ergonomics looks at making man and machine work together most efficiently, especially in the workplace. An ergonomic design is one that offers a worker comfort while using it. It can be considered important for everything from an office chair to a keyboard, as Designer Yves Behar commented that "Ergonomics is about design that treats the body well." The word appeared in 1950, when the study of efficiency in the workplace became a science (even if your lumpy desk chair tells you otherwise).

Example Sentences

It also included upgrades to lighting and ergonomic seating.

From BBC • Nov. 16, 2025

For example, healthy food instead of unlimited free food, and ergonomic chairs and standing desks instead of massage chairs.

From Barron's • Nov. 15, 2025

She launched her design studio in 2019 with the release of a line of ergonomic sculptural iPhone cases.

From Los Angeles Times • May 21, 2024

A new study from the University of Waterloo used software that predicted realistic motorcycle riding behaviours, considering human factors and ergonomic trade-offs.

From Science Daily • May 6, 2024

Then they presented the chair to groups of facility managers and ergonomic experts—the kinds of people who would ultimately be responsible for making the chair a commercial success.

From "Blink" by Malcolm Gladwell