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

Trump blamed vandals for the issues, but federal prosecutors in Washington attributed the problems to shoddy workmanship. — Ana Ceballos, Los Angeles Times, 2 Nov. 2026

But the president continues to repeat false claims that vandalism — rather than shoddy workmanship — was to blame for a new blue surface peeling away. — Michelle L. Price, Chicago Tribune, 2 Nov. 2026

Even the two slender shoulder straps emerge from pointed leather tabs that recall the workmanship of a saddle. — Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 1 Nov. 2026

In court filings, the McCoys said negligence and poor workmanship led to hazardous conditions in their home. — Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Oct. 2026

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