ergonomic
Relating to or designed for efficiency and comfort in the working environment.
Specifically refers to the optimization of products or environments to fit the human body and its natural movements, rather than just being comfortable in a generic sense.
Word relationships
- user-friendly: User-friendly is broader and often refers to software or interfaces, while ergonomic specifically implies physical or physiological optimization.
- uncomfortable: Uncomfortable means causing physical discomfort, whereas non-ergonomic means poorly designed for human efficiency and health, even if it feels temporarily fine.
Commonly confused with
- comfortable: Comfortable is subjective and immediate, whereas ergonomic is scientifically designed to prevent long-term strain, even if it requires an adjustment period.
Word family
- ergonomics (noun): The study of people's efficiency in their working environment.
- ergonomically (adverb): In a way that is designed for efficiency and comfort.
Collocations
- ergonomic design
- ergonomic chair
- ergonomic keyboard
- ergonomic assessment
Example sentences
- "The company invested in ergonomic office chairs to reduce back strain among employees." Office design
Memory hook
Think of 'ergonomic' as 'work-nomics'—the natural laws of making work comfortable and efficient for the human body. Ergonomic = Ergo (therefore), I work comfortably!
When not to use
Do not use to describe purely aesthetic or stylistic comfort, such as a plush, soft pillow that actually provides poor spinal support.
Fun facts
- The first ergonomic patent was filed in the US in 1925 for an 'adjustable posture chair' designed for typists.
Related words
Explore more words
efficient, utilitarian, efficiency, streamline, spatial, productivity
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