workmanship

noun

work·​man·​ship ˈwərk-mən-ˌship How to pronounce workmanship (audio)
1
: something effected, made, or produced : work
2
: the art or skill of a workman
also : the quality imparted to a thing in the process of making
a vase of exquisite workmanship

Examples of workmanship in a Sentence

The problems were caused by cheap materials and poor workmanship. The excellent workmanship of the cabinets is remarkable.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But experts have expressed concerns about the quality of the construction materials and workmanship on the country’s building projects — especially after a Pyongyang apartment building, which may have housed dozens of families, collapsed in 2014. Oscar Holland, CNN, 19 Mar. 2025 The stylist likes color and form, appreciates amazing workmanship, and carefully approaches details like ruffles. Emily Mercer, WWD, 3 Jan. 2025 Matson explained to Newsweek that many of the issues in the home stem from subpar workmanship. Tommy Tuberville, Newsweek, 8 Jan. 2025 The range reflects the unique materials and the level of craft and workmanship that goes into each piece. Madeline Fass, Vogue, 26 Sep. 2024 See All Example Sentences for workmanship

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of workmanship was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Workmanship.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/workmanship. Accessed 29 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

workmanship

noun
work·​man·​ship ˈwərk-mən-ˌship How to pronounce workmanship (audio)
1
: the art or skill of a workman : craftsmanship
2
: the quality of a piece of work
the excellent workmanship of the desk

More from Merriam-Webster on workmanship

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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