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
The older brother of Oklahoma City guard Cason Wallace, Keaton got his first taste of the NBA at 25 and was serviceable enough in 31 games (10.1 PER) that the Hawks probably will try to bring him back.
—John Hollinger, New York Times, 17 June 2025
The plot is basic and the dialogue merely serviceable, but there are lovely scenery shots throughout, the vastness, gentle light and deep colors of the American West illustrated carefully and evocatively by Hutchins’ — and Cline’s — camera work.
—Jocelyn Noveck, Boston Herald, 9 May 2025
Copilot’s image is serviceable, but the walls of its cabin don’t look quite right.
—PC Magazine, 6 May 2025
Tate is also a serviceable cutter, as evidenced by his ability to get to the rim (78th percentile rim frequency, per Cleaning the Glass).
—Mat Issa, Forbes.com, 11 June 2025
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John Hollinger, New York Times, 17 June 2025
The plot is basic and the dialogue merely serviceable, but there are lovely scenery shots throughout, the vastness, gentle light and deep colors of the American West illustrated carefully and evocatively by Hutchins’ — and Cline’s — camera work.
—Jocelyn Noveck, Boston Herald, 9 May 2025
Copilot’s image is serviceable, but the walls of its cabin don’t look quite right.
—PC Magazine, 6 May 2025
Tate is also a serviceable cutter, as evidenced by his ability to get to the rim (78th percentile rim frequency, per Cleaning the Glass).
—Mat Issa, Forbes.com, 11 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 4 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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