workmanlike

American  

[wurk-muhn-lahyk] / ˈwɜrk mənˌlaɪk /

Or workmanly

adjective

1. like or befitting a workman.

2. skillful; well executed.

   a workmanlike piece of writing.

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workmanlike British  

/ ˈwɜːkmənlɪ, ˈwɜːkmənˌlaɪk /

adjective

1. appropriate to or befitting a good workman

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Other Word Forms

• unworkmanlike adjective
• unworkmanly adjective

Etymology

Origin of workmanlike

First recorded in 1400–50, workmanlike is from the late Middle English word werkmanlike. See workman, -like

Example Sentences

We overlook what’s humble, workmanlike or unfashionable, until suddenly it’s been rebranded and handed back to us with better lighting and a higher price tag.

From Salon • Dec. 30, 2025

But in the wake of Carpenter’s hugely successful “Halloween,” Cunningham put together a bargain-basement team of mostly unknowns and directed 1980’s workmanlike “Friday the 13th,” as much in the firmament as any slasher.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 14, 2024

Defensive lineman Josh Fuga will be the keeper of the lunch pail, which in the past has symbolized the Hokies success based on a workmanlike approach to the game.

From Washington Times • Aug. 16, 2023

The acting is workmanlike, the settings are often ugly and the special effects — especially a grisly stomach-stapling — can only be described as strenuously specific.

From New York Times • Jun. 22, 2023

The fact was that he was dizzy with all this strangeness, and he hoped that by attending to something dull and workmanlike he’d regain a little balance.

From "The Book of Dust: La Belle Sauvage" by Philip Pullman