serviceable
gb/sˈɚvɪsəbəl/ us/sˈɚvɪsəbəl/
B2
English
~ 9400
Senses
0 senses
adjective
B2
property
1
usable, though not perfect or new
Still good enough to use, even if it is old or not very nice.
Usage pattern:
serviceable [object]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes think 'serviceable' means 'excellent' or 'high quality'. In modern English it usually means something is simply good enough to use, often plain, old, or not impressive.
Synonyms
usable (Neutral word that simply means something can be used; lacks the slight suggestion of wear or plainness that 'serviceable' often has.)
|
functional (Emphasizes that something works as it should; slightly more technical in tone.)
Antonyms
unusable (States that something cannot be used at all, the direct opposite of 'serviceable'.)
|
broken (Focuses on physical damage that stops something from working, which makes it not serviceable.)
Collocations
serviceable condition
|still serviceable
|perfectly serviceable
|serviceable car
|serviceable shoes
|serviceable copy
Themes
daily life
|consumer goods
|technology
|daily_life
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The bike is rusty, but it’s still serviceable for short trips around town.
- We found a serviceable second-hand printer for the office.
- These boots are far from stylish, but they’re perfectly serviceable for hiking in the rain.
- The landlord promised to replace anything that was no longer serviceable in the apartment.
- Even after ten years, the old laptop is surprisingly serviceable for basic email and web browsing.
Learner examples
- This table is old, but it is still serviceable.
- The car is not pretty, but it is serviceable for daily driving.
- I bought a serviceable phone that was not very expensive.
- These serviceable shoes are good for work in the garden.
- The jacket is worn, but it is serviceable in cold weather.
adjective
C1
property
2
adequate or satisfactory, not excellent
Good enough to do what you need, but not very good or special.
Usage pattern:
serviceable [noun]
Common mistake:
Learners may think 'serviceable' is a strong compliment. In this sense, it is mild praise at best and can sound like polite criticism, meaning something is only just good enough.
Synonyms
adequate (Very close in meaning; slightly more formal and neutral, without the hint of plainness or lack of style that 'serviceable' can carry.)
|
workmanlike (Describes something that is competent and solid but not creative or inspired; often used similarly to 'serviceable' for performances or work.)
Antonyms
outstanding (Describes something much better than average, which contrasts with the merely 'good enough' sense of 'serviceable'.)
|
inadequate (Means not good enough for the purpose, the opposite of 'serviceable' in this sense.)
Collocations
serviceable plan
|serviceable translation
|serviceable performance
|serviceable solution
|serviceable explanation
Themes
work
|education
|arts
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The film isn’t great, but it offers a serviceable evening’s entertainment.
- She gave a serviceable presentation that covered all the key points, even if it wasn’t very exciting.
- The company needs more than a serviceable website if it wants to stand out from its competitors.
- His performance as the lead was serviceable, but the supporting actors stole the show.
- The book provides a serviceable introduction to the topic for beginners.
Learner examples
- The hotel room was small, but it was serviceable for one night.
- The student wrote a serviceable essay on the subject.
- We need a serviceable plan for the next three months.
- Her English is serviceable for daily work emails.
- The guide gave a serviceable answer to our question.
adjective
technical
C1
property
3
able to be easily serviced
Made in a way that makes it easy to repair or take care of.
Usage pattern:
serviceable [machine / system / part]
Synonyms
maintainable (Technical term that focuses directly on the possibility of maintenance; often interchangeable in engineering contexts.)
Antonyms
unserviceable (In technical and especially aviation contexts, means not fit or safe for use and often not to be serviced further.)
Collocations
easily serviceable
|serviceable components
|serviceable design
|serviceable parts
|designed to be serviceable
Themes
technology
|engineering
|transport
|work
Examples
- The new engine layout is much more serviceable, allowing mechanics to reach all major components quickly.
- These units are designed to be serviceable in the field with only basic tools.
- A key advantage of the system is that it is highly serviceable and requires minimal downtime for maintenance.
Learner examples
- The machine is serviceable, so a worker can repair it easily.
- Engineers made the air conditioner more serviceable for home users.
- This computer is not very serviceable because the parts are hard to reach.
- The car was built to be serviceable with simple tools.
- They chose a design that is cheap and serviceable for repairs.
adjective
literary
C2
property
4
helpful and willing to serve
Happy to help and ready to do things for other people.
Usage pattern:
serviceable [person / assistant / companion]
Common mistake:
This sense is rare and mainly found in older or literary texts. Learners may try to use 'serviceable' to mean 'kind' or 'friendly' in everyday speech, which can sound strange or old-fashioned. In modern English, use 'helpful' or 'kind' instead.
Synonyms
obliging (Very close in meaning; common in modern English, especially in polite or slightly formal style.)
Antonyms
unhelpful (Describes someone who does not want to help, the opposite of 'serviceable' in this sense.)
Collocations
a serviceable assistant
|a serviceable companion
|serviceable to [someone]
Themes
social
|literature
|relationships
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- He proved a most serviceable companion during their long journey.
- The boy was eager and serviceable, running errands without complaint.
- Such a serviceable friend is not easily found in times of trouble.
Learner examples
- The servant was quiet and very serviceable.
- She was a serviceable helper to the old woman.
- He tried to be serviceable to his guests at all times.
- The guide was kind and serviceable during the trip.
- In the story, the girl is poor but very serviceable.
Grammar
Dictionary form
serviceable
IPA
GB/sˈɚvɪsəbəl/
US/sˈɚvɪsəbəl/
Syllables & stress
ser - vice - able (3 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (ser)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: serviceable
Word family
Expressions
in serviceable condition
1/ˈɪn sˈɚvɪsəbəl kəndˈɪʃən/
fixed phrase
in a usable working state
in a state where something is still good enough to use, even if it is not new or perfect
Examples
- All equipment must be kept in serviceable condition at all times.
- The landlord is responsible for keeping the heating system in serviceable condition.
- Please return the tools in serviceable condition after the event.