workmanlike
adjective
work·man·like
ˈwərk-mən-ˌlīk 
: characterized by the skill and efficiency typical of a good workman
workmanlike thoroughness
also
: competent and skillful but not outstanding or original
… an adequate … reporter who turned out workmanlike copy … —
Tom Clancy
Tom Clancy Examples of workmanlike in a Sentence
He did a workmanlike job on the boat.
She showed workmanlike thoroughness in everything she did.
Recent Examples on the Web
As challenging as this season has been for the Canucks, Blueger and Kämpf have continued to perform as steady, workmanlike pivots in the Vancouver lineup.
—Thomas Drance, New York Times, 17 Feb. 2026
His low-key vibe may seem off-brand for a New York icon, but Brunson’s improbable journey to stardom and workmanlike approach have endeared him to the city like few others.
—Tom Kludt, Vanity Fair, 17 Feb. 2026
In an otherwise clean and workmanlike performance, Jokic struggled to find his touch on pick-and-pop 3s.
—Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 5 Feb. 2026
Present on each album since 2005’s Feels, he has often been credited with samplers and electronics and has always avoided the spotlight; his habit of wearing a headlamp during concerts perfectly epitomizes his studious, workmanlike role in the band.
—Zach Schonfeld, Pitchfork, 30 Jan. 2026
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Thomas Drance, New York Times, 17 Feb. 2026
His low-key vibe may seem off-brand for a New York icon, but Brunson’s improbable journey to stardom and workmanlike approach have endeared him to the city like few others.
—Tom Kludt, Vanity Fair, 17 Feb. 2026
In an otherwise clean and workmanlike performance, Jokic struggled to find his touch on pick-and-pop 3s.
—Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 5 Feb. 2026
Present on each album since 2005’s Feels, he has often been credited with samplers and electronics and has always avoided the spotlight; his habit of wearing a headlamp during concerts perfectly epitomizes his studious, workmanlike role in the band.
—Zach Schonfeld, Pitchfork, 30 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for workmanlike
Cite this Entry
“Workmanlike.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/workmanlike. Accessed 1 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
workmanlike
adjective
work·man·like
ˈwərk-mən-ˌlīk
: worthy of a good worker
did a workmanlike job on the boat
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