workmanship

noun

work·​man·​ship ˈwərk-mən-ˌship 

1

: something effected, made, or produced : work

2

: the art or skill of a workman

also : the quality imparted to a thing in the process of making

a vase of exquisite workmanship

Examples of workmanship in a Sentence

The problems were caused by cheap materials and poor workmanship.

The excellent workmanship of the cabinets is remarkable.

Recent Examples on the Web

Handwoven leather market and bucket bags, artisanal tassels, and braided handles on satchels also speak to the workmanship within the collection. —Jean E. Palmieri, WWD, 31 Jan. 2025

Today, Parker Thatch has earned a devoted following among multi generational women, driven by its thoughtful design, small-batch production with high quality workmanship, and effortless blend of California casual and timeless utility. —Jennifer Lee, Forbes.com, 5 May 2025

The workmanship shows in the color and precision of the grout, the mottling of dark flecks, and the triangular pieces where the arches meet — details that give the façade a subliminal liveliness. —Justin Davidson, Curbed, 5 Mar. 2025

Whatever happened to quality of workmanship in road repair? —U T Readers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for workmanship

• authorship
• battleship
• censorship
• chairmanship
• chieftainship
• comradeship
• consulship
• craftsmanship
• dealership
• draftsmanship
• fellowship
• fingertip

Kids Definition

workmanship

noun

work·​man·​ship ˈwərk-mən-ˌship 

1

: the art or skill of a workman : craftsmanship

2

: the quality of a piece of work

the excellent workmanship of the desk