serviceable

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

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

• useful
• applicable
• applied
• applicative
• practical

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

The Seahawks have even turned Drew Lock into a serviceable quarterback this season. — Bobby Burack Outkick, FOXNews.com, 22 Sep. 2026

In fact, most aircraft can be perfectly serviceable, but may remain grounded due to waiting for spare parts, an engineering decision, depot work, or some other bit of support. — Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 19 Sep. 2026

Sprouse is a serviceable lead, adapting to new forms of mayhem while slowly reaching a form of moral rehabilitation, for which he’s rewarded with a romantic arc. — Vadim Rizov, Variety, 19 Sep. 2026

Wentz was more than serviceable with three TD in the Vikings’ comeback win over the Packers and this Bears defense has its holes. — Hank Gola, New York Daily News, 18 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

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

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