use case

American  

[yoos keys] / ˈyus ˌkeɪs /

noun

1. a scenario in which something is or may be useful; a particular situation in which something, especially a technology, is tested or employed.

   The pharmaceutical database offers filters for a variety of use cases, such as prescribing, pricing, and dispensing medication.

   The new feature works, but we would anticipate better performance in a real-world use case.

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Etymology

Origin of use case

First recorded in 1990–95

Example Sentences

It should be a tough time to be a software engineer: Coding is a favorite early artificial-intelligence use case and layoffs are spreading through the tech industry.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 13, 2026

"This use case illustrates how closely progress in high-performance computing and quantum research are intertwined today."

From Science Daily • May 11, 2026

Whether that translates into a use case for consumers, SoFi’s main customer base, is an open question.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

“Affirm underwrites every application and we only approve people for what we believe they can responsibly afford to repay as Affirm never charges any late or hidden fees. We’re approaching this use case thoughtfully.”

From MarketWatch • Feb. 13, 2026

Consider your primary use case first: streaming requires strong unblocking capabilities and fast speeds, privacy-focused users need audited no-logs policies and advanced security features, and budget-conscious users should prioritize value plans with essential features.

From Salon • Feb. 11, 2026