ser·vice·able
ˈsər-və-sə-bəl 
2
: fit for use
a serviceable design
also
: of adequate quality
… her serviceable but not exceptional voice … —
Irving Kolodin
Irving Kolodin
ser·vice·abil·i·ty
-lətē,
-i
: fitness to give service : usefulness for a purpose : wearing quality : durability, serviceableness
serviceability is an essential characteristic of all assets—R. B. Kester
R. B. Kester
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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
Adjective
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
Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 14 June 2026
But even that kind of technology is pretty commonplace today, and should be serviceable by an independent shop.
—Andrew P. Collins, The Drive, 11 June 2026
This was a perfectly serviceable episode of Love Island.
—Kathleen Walsh, Vulture, 9 June 2026
Users don’t need musical talent to end up with a serviceable song, or even a popular one.
—Mustakim Hasnath, Fortune, 30 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for serviceable
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Adjective
Mitchell Robinson has one serviceable hand.
—Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 14 June 2026
But even that kind of technology is pretty commonplace today, and should be serviceable by an independent shop.
—Andrew P. Collins, The Drive, 11 June 2026
This was a perfectly serviceable episode of Love Island.
—Kathleen Walsh, Vulture, 9 June 2026
Users don’t need musical talent to end up with a serviceable song, or even a popular one.
—Mustakim Hasnath, Fortune, 30 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for serviceable
Cite this Entry
“Serviceable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/serviceable. Accessed 19 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
serviceable
adjective
ser·vice·able
ˈsər-və-sə-bəl
1
: prepared for or capable of service : useful
2
: lasting or wearing well in use
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