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
Walker has been serviceable the past two seasons, but will be a free agent after the 2025 campaign ends.
—Rob Reischel, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025
While the movie reveals how much Steven Spielberg brought to the original Jaws, director Jeannot Szwarc delivers a serviceable retread of the original.
—Keith Phipps, Vulture, 21 June 2025
Freedman offers a serviceable introduction to Dylan’s early discography and his biography, including his childhood on the Iron Range of Minnesota.
—Andrew Demillo, Boston Herald, 15 June 2025
What might be true is your real serviceable market today is modest.
—Neil Senturia, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 June 2025
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Rob Reischel, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025
While the movie reveals how much Steven Spielberg brought to the original Jaws, director Jeannot Szwarc delivers a serviceable retread of the original.
—Keith Phipps, Vulture, 21 June 2025
Freedman offers a serviceable introduction to Dylan’s early discography and his biography, including his childhood on the Iron Range of Minnesota.
—Andrew Demillo, Boston Herald, 15 June 2025
What might be true is your real serviceable market today is modest.
—Neil Senturia, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for serviceable
Cite this Entry
“Serviceable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/serviceable. Accessed 15 Jul. 2025.
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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