workmanlike

or work·man·ly

[ wurk-muhn-lahyk ]

/ ˈwɜrk mənˌlaɪk /

Save This Word!

adjective

like or befitting a workman.

skillful; well executed: a workmanlike piece of writing.

QUIZ

CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?

Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of workmanlike

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

OTHER WORDS FROM workmanlike

un·work·man·like, adjectiveun·work·man·ly, adjective

Words nearby workmanlike

work-life balance, work like a beaver, work like a charm, workload, workman, workmanlike, workmanship, workmate, workmen's compensation, workmen's compensation insurance, work of art

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use workmanlike in a sentence

In Week 18, the running back — who’d battled multiple leg injuries and the impulse to try to make every play a big one — capped a gritty, workmanlike year with 146 yards and a touchdown, pushing his season totals to 258 carries for 1,037 yards.
Antonio Gibson is leaner, confident and ready to help carry Washington’s offense|Sam Fortier|August 4, 2022|Washington Post
These are characters we’ve seen before, given no additional depth by workmanlike scripts.
Nine Perfect Strangers Is a Master Class From Some of Hollywood’s Finest Actors— But Not Much More|Judy Berman|August 17, 2021|Time
It’s a bit like “Ghost of Tsushima,” workmanlike in its premise, but expertly executed.
‘Immortals: Fenyx Rising’ is a worthy adventure wavering between cringe and charm|Gene Park|November 30, 2020|Washington Post
Remember the first Walkman, introduced in 1979, with its tubby buttons and workmanlike profile.
Space Shuttle Enterprise: Flashback to an Icon of ‘70s Design|Blake Gopnik|July 18, 2012|DAILY BEAST

Romney, by contrast, gave a smooth but workmanlike speech that barely contained a personal touch.
Romney Edges Santorum in Ohio Cliffhanger on Super Tuesday|Howard Kurtz|March 7, 2012|DAILY BEAST
Its components were simple, inelegant, and, by Western standards, of seemingly workmanlike craftsmanship.
The Story of Saddam's Gun Collection|C.J. Chivers|October 28, 2010|DAILY BEAST
The buildings are upon a very large scale; but too much was attempted for them to execute any thing in a workmanlike manner.
Travels through the South of France and the Interior of Provinces of Provence and Languedoc in the Years 1807 and 1808|Lt-Col. Pinkney
The ready-made rolls, moreover, were put together in a most workmanlike manner.
The Private Life of the Romans|Harold Whetstone Johnston
She was turned out in what one might have called workmanlike fashion, although neat and wholly feminine.
The Way of a Man|Emerson Hough
Still we raced on, neck and neck, she riding with hands low and weight slightly forward, workmanlike as a jockey.
The Way of a Man|Emerson Hough
Whichever of the two produces the better results will have the more workmanlike look and be in the better form.
Horsemanship for Women|Theodore Hoe Mead

British Dictionary definitions for workmanlike

workmanlike

less commonly workmanly (ˈwɜːkmənlɪ)

/ (ˈwɜːkmənˌlaɪk) /

adjective

appropriate to or befitting a good workman

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