Workmanlike: meaning, pronunciation and examples
Workmanlike adjective. Competent and efficient, but without flair or inspiration.
How to say it
WURK-mun-lyke/ˈwɜːkmənlaɪk/
3 syllables, stressed on the first (WURK).
Workmanlike in a sentence
The band gave a workmanlike performance, hitting every note and moving nobody.
It’s a workmanlike translation: accurate, readable and a little dull.
Similar and opposite
Similar:
- competent
- efficient
- serviceable
- businesslike
Opposite:
- inspired
- slapdash
Where workmanlike comes from
From workman plus -like, first used in praise of solid craftsmanship.
Test yourself
Which word fills the gap?
It’s a _____ translation: accurate, readable and a little dull.
- workmanlike
- peripatetic
- operose
Show the answer
workmanlike: It’s a workmanlike translation: accurate, readable and a little dull.