workmanship

[wurk-muhn-ship]

noun

1. the art or skill of a workman or workwoman.

2. the quality or mode of execution, as of a thing made.

3. the product or result of labor and skill; work executed.

workmanship

/ ˈwɜːkmənʃɪp /

noun

1. the art or skill of a workman

2. the art or skill with which something is made or executed

3. the degree of art or skill exhibited in the finished product

4. the piece of work so produced

Word History and Origins

Origin of workmanship¹

First recorded in 1325–75, workmanship is from the Middle English word werkmanschipe. See workman, -ship

Example Sentences

However, "bad design and bad workmanship" on the Fishwick project meant that rainwater got trapped behind the insulation and penetrated walls in houses such as the Rashids', according to building surveyor David Walter.

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He is not entitled to be repaid for shoddy workmanship.

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Many environmentalists and community members had worried the speed of the cleanup might lead to workers cutting corners or substandard workmanship.

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Chris also discovered the patio doors were not sufficiently sealed, letting in cold air, and identified a number of issues he put down to poor workmanship or materials.

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The man doing most of the cable jointing, 47-year-old Graham Roberts, who was not related to Andrew Roberts, was regularly complained about by other gang members, who described his poor workmanship in colourful terms.

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Related Words

• artistry 
• handiwork