workmanlike

adjective

work·​man·​like ˈwərk-mən-ˌlīk How to pronounce workmanlike (audio)
Synonyms of workmanlikenext
: characterized by the skill and efficiency typical of a good workman
workmanlike thoroughness
also : competent and skillful but not outstanding or original
… an adequate … reporter who turned out workmanlike copy … —Tom Clancy

Synonyms of workmanlike

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Examples of workmanlike in a Sentence

He did a workmanlike job on the boat. She showed workmanlike thoroughness in everything she did.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
So call it a quiet, workmanlike beginning for the 13th player taken in the NFL draft, a quarterback the Rams ostensibly chose to become Matthew Stafford’s heir apparent. — Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 27 July 2026 As a player, De la Fuente was a workmanlike left-back who played a role in Athletic Club winning back-to-back La Liga titles in the early 1980s. — Michael Cox, New York Times, 20 July 2026 If there’s an awful lot of history to sort out before England-Argentina kicks off, the France-Spain backstory is arguably more workmanlike. — Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 14 July 2026 Right-hander Michael Lorenzen delivered a workmanlike, five-inning start for the Rockies. — Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 19 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for workmanlike

Word History

First Known Use

1600, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of workmanlike was in 1600

Rhymes for workmanlike

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Browse Nearby Words

workman
workmanlike
workmanly
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Cite this Entry

“Workmanlike.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/workmanlike. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

workmanlike

adjective
work·​man·​like ˈwərk-mən-ˌlīk How to pronounce workmanlike (audio)
: worthy of a good worker
did a workmanlike job on the boat

More from Merriam-Webster on workmanlike

Nglish: Translation of workmanlike for Spanish Speakers

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