serviceable
adjective
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 
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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
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
Users don’t need musical talent to end up with a serviceable song, or even a popular one.
—Mustakim Hasnath, Fortune, 30 May 2026
That bodes well for his ability to become a serviceable defender in the NBA even if the video footage from his freshman season was somewhat alarming.
—Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 25 May 2026
The gym and indoor pool were updated around a decade ago, so have not yet been zhuzhed into the style of the rest of the place, but each is perfectly serviceable.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 May 2026
Powering the phone is a MediaTek Helio G99—this is a bit underpowered, even at this price point, but considering this is not meant to be a main phone, the silicon is serviceable.
—Ben Sin, Forbes.com, 20 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for serviceable
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Mustakim Hasnath, Fortune, 30 May 2026
That bodes well for his ability to become a serviceable defender in the NBA even if the video footage from his freshman season was somewhat alarming.
—Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 25 May 2026
The gym and indoor pool were updated around a decade ago, so have not yet been zhuzhed into the style of the rest of the place, but each is perfectly serviceable.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 May 2026
Powering the phone is a MediaTek Helio G99—this is a bit underpowered, even at this price point, but considering this is not meant to be a main phone, the silicon is serviceable.
—Ben Sin, Forbes.com, 20 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 5 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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