kasutuskõlbliku

Kasutuskõlblik is an Estonian adjective meaning usable or fit for use. It describes things that can still be used for their intended purpose, such as products, equipment, or documents. In everyday speech and in consumer language, a kasutuskõlblik item is considered functional and suitable for use, though it does not imply perfection or lack of wear beyond ordinary use.

The form kasutuskõlbliku is the genitive singular of the adjective. It is used when the adjective modifies a noun in the genitive case, for example in phrases like kasutuskõlbliku toote etikett (the label of a usable product) or kasutuskõlbliku laadaesituse korral (in the case of a usable demonstration). This inflection is part of standard Estonian grammar, and kasutuskõlblik can also appear in other cases and numbers according to the sentence structure.

Usage context varies from everyday language to technical and quality-control discourse. In consumer contexts, kasutuskõlblik often contrasts with 'defektne' (defective) or 'mittetoimiv' (non-functional). In technical settings, it can be linked to criteria for usability, reliability, and safety, though it remains a descriptive term rather than a formal certification. Related concepts include kasutusaeg (usable period), säilivusaeg (shelf life), and kasulikkus (utility or usefulness), as well as the noun kasutuskõlblikkus (usability or functional status).

Etymology: the word is formed from uses of kasutus (use) and kõlblik (fit/able), yielding a compound meaning literally "able to be used." It is a common descriptor in Estonian lexicon for objects that remain usable.