serviceable

1 of 2

adjective

ser·​vice·​able ˈsər-və-sə-bəl 

1

: helpful, useful

2

: fit for use

a serviceable design

also : of adequate quality

… her serviceable but not exceptional voice …

—Irving Kolodin

serviceability

ˌsər-və-sə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

noun

serviceableness

ˈsər-və-sə-bəl-nəs 

noun

serviceably

ˈsər-və-sə-blē 

adverb

serviceableness

2 of 2

noun

ser·​vice·​able·​ness

plural -es

: the quality or state of being serviceable

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.

Synonyms of serviceable

Adjective

• useful
• applicable
• applied
• applicative
• practical

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

Adjective

Kansas City’s Michael Wacha — under contract for 2027 with a $14 million club option in 2028 — also fits the mold of serviceable, affordable and controllable. — Tyler Estep, AJC.com, 31 July 2026

Here are several other thoughts after the Twins escaped a meat grinder of a road trip with a serviceable 3-4 record. — Dan Hayes, New York Times, 23 July 2026

According to Nilsson, a few of these parks were reaching their serviceable life span and needed maintenance. — Bella Decrescenzo, The Providence Journal, 16 July 2026

With the help of Washington, Arraez hasn’t just become a serviceable defender, but has been one of the best defenders in the majors this season. — Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 5 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

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

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for serviceable

• unserviceable

Kids 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

serviceability

ˌsər-və-sə-ˈbil-ət-ē 

noun

serviceableness

ˈsər-və-sə-bəl-nəs 

noun