use case

American  

[yoos keys] / ˈjus 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

“I think we’re still trying to figure out what the use case is,” said Sara Araghi, senior vice president and portfolio manager at Franklin Templeton.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 27, 2026

Though the Hauler is in the same class as long-haul trucks, Cohen said its primary use case will be for shorter, back-and-forth journeys.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 21, 2026

"The primary use case for a humanoid robot today is to walk on stage and artificially inflate your share price," he says.

From BBC • May 28, 2026

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