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.

---

Etymology

Origin of use case

First recorded in 1990–95

Example Sentences

The paper highlights a specific use case for Shor’s algorithm called an “on-spend attack.”

From Barron's • Apr. 1, 2026

So, I always recommend using the full-fledged app unless you have a specific use case.

From Salon • Mar. 21, 2026

Skeptics say humanoid robots are a bubble, and may never find a true use case.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 7, 2026

He said that bitcoin was originally intended to be a currency, and its adoption by financial institutions and nations points to its use case as a store of value.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 7, 2026

In the near term, the most likely use case for the tool is to prototype new game ideas, rather than to build complete games from prompts, the firm argued.

From Barron's • Feb. 2, 2026