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playability

American  
[pley-uh-bil-i-tee] / ˌpleɪ əˈbɪl ɪ ti /

noun

  1. the quality or state of being playable: Poor graphics and counterintuitive controls negatively affected the playability of the video game.

    The sound and playability of vintage instruments depends on how well they are maintained.

    Poor graphics and counterintuitive controls negatively affected the playability of the video game.


Etymology

Origin of playability

First recorded in 1880–85; play(able) ( def. ) + -ability ( def. )

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

“Great games retain their playability over time, and publishers will act accordingly,” van Dreunen said.

From MarketWatch Jun. 25, 2026

“We need to look at the long term playability of both of these films, because they’re going to have ... very different journeys to their final box-office result,” Dergarabedian said.

From Los Angeles Times Jul. 23, 2023

“It doesn’t affect the playability of the game,” Wilson said of bananas.

From Seattle Times Sep. 23, 2022

There are no longer concerns about the playability of Centre Court with the added day, according to Alexandra Willis, a spokeswoman for the All England Club.

From New York Times Jul. 5, 2021

That our American game is past hoping for on the score of playability is by no means certain.

From An American at Oxford by Corbin, John

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