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

US regulators are pressuring Boeing to tighten its control over the workmanship in its factories and at suppliers after a fuselage panel blew out of a new Alaska Airlines 737 MAX on Jan. 5.

From Seattle Times

As electric vehicles move into the mainstream, the popularity of BMW cars suggests that many buyers prize the familiarity and workmanship of longstanding carmakers and remain wary of newer brands.

From New York Times

"She had notebooks, receipts, everything, because of how bad this man's workmanship was."

From BBC

When you do this in the form of a deposit, you remove his incentive to finish the job on time and with excellent workmanship.

From Seattle Times

Sheer tailored dresses did the job of showing off the workmanship.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• artistry
• handiwork