serviceable

adjective

ser·​vice·​able ˈsər-və-sə-bəl How to pronounce serviceable (audio)
1
2
: fit for use
a serviceable design
also : of adequate quality
her serviceable but not exceptional voice Irving Kolodin
serviceability noun
serviceableness noun
serviceably adverb

Did you know?

Someone who speaks serviceable Spanish isn't fluent in it but gets by pretty well. A serviceable jacket is practical and maybe even rugged. But serviceable sometimes damns with faint praise. A serviceable performance is all right but not inspired. Serviceable curtains aren't the ideal color or pattern, but they serve their purpose. A serviceable pair of shoes is sturdy but won't win you any fashion points.

Examples of serviceable in a Sentence

I bought an old but still serviceable bicycle. be sure to wear serviceable shoes if you're going to be walking on the rocks along the shore
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.
Ani is Uzbek American, and though her Russian is serviceable at best, her body language is more than fluent enough for them both. Justin Chang, The New Yorker, 11 Oct. 2024 The differences lie in how well those elements perform and the Mix Buds 2 do a serviceable job. Gieson Cacho, The Mercury News, 28 Oct. 2024 But know that this piece is far more than a serviceable analogy comparing words, sentences, and ideas to bricks, mortar, and beams. Longreads, 18 Oct. 2024 Tony Allen’s defensive caliber blossom into a serviceable shooter, to the point where they can be trusted late in games? Shane Young, Forbes, 17 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for serviceable 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English serviseable "willing to serve or be of assistance, suitable, useful," borrowed from Anglo-French servissable, from servise service entry 1 + -able -able

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of serviceable was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near serviceable

Cite this Entry

“Serviceable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/serviceable. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

serviceable

adjective
ser·​vice·​able ˈsər-və-sə-bəl How to pronounce serviceable (audio)
1
: prepared for or capable of service : useful
2
: lasting or wearing well in use
serviceability noun
serviceableness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on serviceable

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