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

serviceability

2 of 2

noun

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

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

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

The best option left in free agency is Nick Richards who would be a serviceable third big. — James L. Edwards Iii, New York Times, 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

Ariel Hukporti proved serviceable as a third center and now is off to play for the Philadelphia 76ers. — Tom Rende, Forbes.com, 1 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

Noun

serviceable + -ity

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