serviceable
[sur-vuh-suh-buh l]
- capable of or being of service; useful.
- wearing well; durable: serviceable cloth.
- capable of being used, worn, cleaned, repaired, etc., easily.
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Origin of serviceable
Synonyms
See more synonyms for serviceable on Thesaurus.com1. effective, usable, functional.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for serviceable
Contemporary Examples
The Soviet Union had a serviceable ideology, communism, which appealed to people all over the world.
Most of the clips online that show Corden singing are tongue-in-cheek, though his voice does come off as serviceable.
‘Into the Woods’ Cast: Grading the Singing of Meryl Streep, Johnny Depp & MoreKevin Fallon
July 25, 2013
As a means of fixing the fundamental problem of adapting Gatsby, the conceit does a serviceable job of correcting a deficit.
Historical Examples
But Mr. Thoreau was equipped with a most adapted and serviceable body.
Would you were anything half so serviceable to the community, Sir!
These women are very obedient and serviceable to their husbands.
Sir Francis Drake's Famous Voyage Round the WorldFrancis Pretty
He showed himself noble and generous, serviceable and loving.
Therese RaquinEmile Zola
If applied in a pure state, without the sand, it will be serviceable in cleaning oil paintings, and similar articles of furniture.
serviceable
- capable of or ready for service; usable
- capable of giving good service; durable
- archaic diligent in service
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Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Word Origin and History for serviceable
adj.
"ready to do service," early 14c., from Old French servicable, from servise (see service (n.1)). Related: Serviceability.
Edgar: I know thee well: a serviceable villain,
As duteous to the vices of thy mistress
As badness would desire.
["King Lear," Act IV, Scene vi]
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper