Mid 19th century; earliest use found in John Ruskin (1819–1900), art critic and social critic. From ab- + usefulness, punningly after abuse or abuseful.
Definition of ab-usefulness in US English:
ab-usefulness
nounabˈjuːsf(ʊ)lnəs
rare
Capacity to be used improperly.
Origin
Mid 19th century; earliest use found in John Ruskin (1819–1900), art critic and social critic. From ab- + usefulness, punningly after abuse or abuseful.