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ergonomic

er-guh-NOM-ik /ˌɜːrɡəˈnɒmɪk/

adjectiveB2GRESATTOEFL

technicalprofessional

Relating to or designed for efficiency and comfort in the working environment, especially to minimize physical fatigue and injury.

While 'comfortable' is subjective, 'ergonomic' implies a scientific, data-driven approach to human anatomy and biomechanics.

The story behind the word. Coined in 1857 by the Polish scientist Wojciech Jastrzębowski, the word was built from the Greek roots 'ergon' (work) and 'nomos' (law). It literally translates to 'the laws of work,' reflecting a scientific approach to making labor safer and more efficient for the human body.

Word relationships

user-friendly: User-friendly refers broadly to ease of use, including software interfaces, whereas ergonomic specifically relates to physical comfort and human biology.
body-conforming: Body-conforming describes physical shape adjustment, while ergonomic encompasses the broader science of efficiency and safety.

unergonomic: Directly describes a design that ignores human factors and causes physical strain.

Commonly confused with

economic: Economic relates to money, finance, and resources, whereas ergonomic relates to physical efficiency and human comfort.

Word family

ergonomics (noun): The study of people's efficiency in their working environment.
ergonomist (noun): An expert in design and engineering focused on human factors.

Collocations

ergonomic design
ergonomic keyboard
ergonomic chair
ergonomic assessment

Example sentences

"The design team modified the handle of the power drill to ensure a more ergonomic grip, reducing wrist strain during prolonged use." Product design review
"An ergonomic keyboard can help prevent repetitive strain injuries by keeping the hands in a more natural alignment." Ergonomics literature

Memory hook

Think of 'ergonomic' as 'energy-economic'—it helps your body save energy and avoid pain while working. Ergonomic saves your energy and bones.

When not to use

Do not use to describe purely emotional comfort or luxury; a plush, oversized sofa is comfortable, but an office chair with precise lumbar support is ergonomic.

Fun facts

The first modern ergonomic study is often attributed to Ramazzini in the 1700s, who studied the physical ailments of bakers and scribes.