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
Cody Ceci led all Kings in time on ice in both the workmanlike shutout of Calgary, essentially a 1-0 game that featured no penalties for the PK to pad his minutes, and then again against Colorado.
—Andrew Knoll, Daily News, 4 Mar. 2026
Undeterred facing the undermanned Portland Trail Blazers, the Hornets took care of business with a workmanlike, 109-93 win to push their win streak to four games.
—Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 28 Feb. 2026
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
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Andrew Knoll, Daily News, 4 Mar. 2026
Undeterred facing the undermanned Portland Trail Blazers, the Hornets took care of business with a workmanlike, 109-93 win to push their win streak to four games.
—Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 28 Feb. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for workmanlike
Cite this Entry
“Workmanlike.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/workmanlike. Accessed 22 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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