serviceable
/ˈsəːvɪsəb(ə)l
/adjective
1Fulfilling its function adequately; usable: an ageing but still serviceable water supply system...
- He calls ‘functionalism’ a serviceable concept, and notes that he, like all other anthropologists, use it and its theories.
- And I must say she's been a very serviceable vehicle.
- And that makes it more than serviceable for the normal run of fanatical ideologues, confirmed partisans and weak-minded bumpkins to make use of endlessly.
Synonyms
in working order, working, functioning, functional, operational, operative;
usable, workable, viable, useful, of use
1.1In working order: only twelve aircraft were fully serviceable this morning...
- Sam Barker said his father and other personnel were ordered to evacuate, but there were only four serviceable aircraft.
- Under normal operational conditions, a serviceable object becomes unserviceable by reason of malfunction.
- A number of operation modes can be used if equipment is not serviceable.
2Functional and durable rather than attractive: sturdy, serviceable laced-up shoes...
- She had serviceable furniture, a few photos and two paintings on the wall.
- However, most of the time it is perfectly serviceable and it is attracting many business users as well as technically savvy and cost-conscious students.
- She glanced at her watch - a plain, serviceable black Swatch she had received last Christmas from her uncle.
Synonyms
functional, utilitarian, sensible, practical, non-decorative, plain, unadorned;
hard-wearing, durable, lasting, long-lasting, tough, strong, robust, wear-resistant
Derivatives
serviceability
- He called for the return of academia to its roots, which include the concepts of serviceability, practicality, and reality.
- At least two lanes are expected to be open soon, however, major construction will be required to return the highway to full serviceability.
- The design focus and primary application is telecommunications systems needing extreme reliability, availability and serviceability.
serviceably
- She was dressed serviceably in a grey dress, her hair was pinned up in a neat bun, and she was wearing glasses.
- Peter O'Donohue and Aaron Kopp aided serviceably in the team effort.
- As far as technical details well, there's nothing wrong with the picture or sound quality; both are serviceably decent.
Origin
Middle English (in the sense 'willing to be of service'): from Old French servisable, from servise (see service).
- well-accredited
- well-accustomed
- well acquainted
- well-acted
- well-adapted
- welladay
- well adjusted
- well-administered
- well-adorned
- well-advanced
- well advised
- well-advisedly
- well-affected
- well-affectionate
- well-affectioned
- well-aged
- well-aimed
- well-aired
- Welland Canal
- Welland Ship Canal
- well and truly
- well-annealed
- well-anointed
- well-apparelled
- well-applied