serviceable
adjective
ser·vice·able
ˈsər-və-sə-bəl 
2
: fit for use
a serviceable design
also
: of adequate quality
her serviceable but not exceptional voice —
Irving Kolodin
Irving Kolodin 
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Someone who speaks serviceable Spanish isn't fluent in it but gets by pretty well. A serviceable jacket is practical and maybe even rugged. But serviceable sometimes damns with faint praise. A serviceable performance is all right but not inspired. Serviceable curtains aren't the ideal color or pattern, but they serve their purpose. A serviceable pair of shoes is sturdy but won't win you any fashion points.
Examples of serviceable in a Sentence
I bought an old but still serviceable bicycle.
be sure to wear serviceable shoes if you're going to be walking on the rocks along the shore
Recent Examples on the Web
Tate is also a serviceable cutter, as evidenced by his ability to get to the rim (78th percentile rim frequency, per Cleaning the Glass).
—Mat Issa, Forbes.com, 11 June 2025
The Iranian model is considered serviceable, but with limitations.
—Greg Myre, NPR, 7 June 2025
Photo : Jasen Delgado, courtesy of RM Sotheby's A double-wishbone suspension with an anti-roll bar is up front, while the rear uses a not-so-sophisticated live axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs, perfectly serviceable for the Ghibli’s role as a grand tourer.
—Robert Ross, Robb Report, 7 May 2025
Bernard-Docker’s next contract AFP Analytics Projections: Two years, $1.8 million AAV
The Sabres don’t have a ton of right-shot defensemen, and Bernard-Docker was serviceable after coming to Buffalo in the Dylan Cozens trade.
—Matthew Fairburn, New York Times, 1 May 2025
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Mat Issa, Forbes.com, 11 June 2025
The Iranian model is considered serviceable, but with limitations.
—Greg Myre, NPR, 7 June 2025
Photo : Jasen Delgado, courtesy of RM Sotheby's A double-wishbone suspension with an anti-roll bar is up front, while the rear uses a not-so-sophisticated live axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs, perfectly serviceable for the Ghibli’s role as a grand tourer.
—Robert Ross, Robb Report, 7 May 2025
Bernard-Docker’s next contract AFP Analytics Projections: Two years, $1.8 million AAV
The Sabres don’t have a ton of right-shot defensemen, and Bernard-Docker was serviceable after coming to Buffalo in the Dylan Cozens trade.
—Matthew Fairburn, New York Times, 1 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for serviceable
Cite this Entry
“Serviceable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/serviceable. Accessed 16 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
serviceable
adjective
ser·vice·able
ˈsər-və-sə-bəl
1
: prepared for or capable of service : useful
2
: lasting or wearing well in use
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