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.

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Etymology

Origin of playability

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

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

playability

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

From MarketWatch ● Jun. 25, 2026

Given its infinite-exploration playability, it is one of the last games you would expect to have a robust speedrunning community.

From New York Times ● May 17, 2024

The crew values aesthetics, but playability and safety are far more important.

From Seattle Times ● Sep. 23, 2022

“It’s robust in terms of narrative, and it’s matured. It has created real characters. It’s not just the playability of the games anymore. It’s the characters.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 10, 2022

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

From An American at Oxford by John Corbin