# workmanship

/ˈwɝkmənˌʃɪp/ (US) · /wˈɜːkmənʃˌɪp/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/workmanship
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

the skill and quality that someone puts into making something by hand. You use it to describe how well a physical object is built or finished.

For teachers: the degree of skill with which a product is made or a task is performed. Refers to the quality of the execution and finish of a handcrafted or manufactured object.

## Examples

- The table is beautiful because of its excellent workmanship.
- The inspector praised the workmanship of the roofers, noting that the tiles were perfectly aligned and secured.
- While the materials themselves were of modest quality, the superior workmanship of the local artisans transformed the simple wood into a collection of highly sought-after furniture pieces.

## Usage notes

- Uncountable in its general sense; occasionally used with 'of' to specify the creator ('the workmanship of the Greeks').

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.