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

Synonyms of workmanlike

• virtuoso
• skillful
• masterful
• artistic
• smooth
• delicate
• expert

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

Perhaps why the comparatively slim amount of time spent on Borges’ late-in-life political foibles and fascist sympathizing is so uninspired — restrained, workmanlike, intentionally unprovocative, compulsory. — Sam Bodrojan, IndieWire, 17 Sep. 2026

Cootes was quick and workmanlike, helping tie it all together. — Thomas Drance, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026

This is a prime example of how the director used touches of levity to make even the film’s more workmanlike segments entertaining. — ArsTechnica, 28 Aug. 2026

In a moment when voters increasingly reward populist firebrands, Becerra presents as calm, workmanlike, and maybe a little boring. — Ben Paviour august 17, Sacbee.com, 17 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1600, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for workmanlike

• businesslike
• ladylike
• motorbike
• alike
• belike
• birdlike
• catlike
• childlike
• christlike
• deathlike
• dislike
• dreamlike

Kids Definition

workmanlike

adjective

work·​man·​like ˈwərk-mən-ˌlīk 

: worthy of a good worker

did a workmanlike job on the boat