workmanship

noun

work·​man·​ship ˈwərk-mən-ˌship 

1

: something effected, made, or produced : work

2

: the art or skill of a workman

also : the quality imparted to a thing in the process of making

a vase of exquisite workmanship

Examples of workmanship in a Sentence

The problems were caused by cheap materials and poor workmanship.

The excellent workmanship of the cabinets is remarkable.

Recent Examples on the Web

Whatever happened to quality of workmanship in road repair? —U T Readers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Mar. 2025

His workmanship got praise in the comments section of his post. —Mitchell Willetts, Kansas City Star, 4 Mar. 2025

But experts have expressed concerns about the quality of the construction materials and workmanship on the country’s building projects — especially after a Pyongyang apartment building, which may have housed dozens of families, collapsed in 2014. —Oscar Holland, CNN, 19 Mar. 2025

The stylist likes color and form, appreciates amazing workmanship, and carefully approaches details like ruffles. —Emily Mercer, WWD, 3 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for workmanship

• authorship
• battleship
• censorship
• chairmanship
• chieftainship
• comradeship
• consulship
• craftsmanship
• dealership
• draftsmanship
• fellowship
• fingertip

Kids Definition

workmanship

noun

work·​man·​ship ˈwərk-mən-ˌship 

1

: the art or skill of a workman : craftsmanship

2

: the quality of a piece of work

the excellent workmanship of the desk