serviceable

/ˈsʌrvəsəbəl/

Other forms: serviceably

When something is serviceable, it's useful just the way it is. You might describe your rusty old car as perfectly serviceable if it always gets you where you need to go.

If your eccentric grandmother insists on buying you a full-length fur coat, you could argue that all you need is a serviceable winter jacket — simply one that will do its job and keep you warm. On the other hand, you might long for a beautiful pair of leather boots despite having a serviceable pair of rubber galoshes. Serviceable was spelled the same way in Old English, although it originally meant "willing to be of service," and only later came to mean "usable or useful."

Definitions of serviceable

1. adjective

   ready for service or able to give long service
   “serviceable equipment”

   “heavy serviceable fabrics”

   synonyms:

   functional

   designed for or capable of a particular function or use

   practical

   concerned with actual use or practice

   durable, long-wearing

   capable of withstanding wear and tear and decay

   functional, operable, operational, usable, useable

   fit or ready for use or service

   useful, utile

   being of use or service

   antonyms:

   unserviceable

   not ready for service

   nonfunctional

   not having or performing a function

   broken-down

   not in working order

   burned-out, burnt-out

   inoperative as a result of heat or friction

   inoperable

   not able to perform its normal function

   unrepaired

   unserviceable because necessary repairs have not been made

   useless

   having no beneficial use or incapable of functioning usefully
2. adjective

   capable of being put to good use
   “a serviceable kitchen gadget”

   synonyms:

   useful, utile

   being of use or service
3. adjective

   intended or able to serve a purpose without elaboration
   “serviceable low-heeled shoes”

   synonyms:

   practical

   concerned with actual use or practice