craftsmanship
/ˈkrɑːft.smən.ʃɪp/ IELTSAcademic
noun
Craftsmanship is the skill and care shown in making something well. It often refers to quality in work made by hand, but it can also mean high skill in any job.
- The chair showed excellent craftsmanship.
- Her craftsmanship is clear in every detail.
- The report was praised for its craftsmanship.
Adinary Nuance
Craftsmanship is more than just skill. It also suggests care, neat work, and a high-quality result. Use it when you want to praise the quality of the finished work, not only the person’s ability. It is often stronger and warmer than "skill" or "ability".
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- tay nghề
- Spanish
- artesanía
- Chinese
- 工艺
- Japanese
- 職人技
- Korean
- 장인정신
Etymology
Craftsmanship comes from craft and the suffix -smanship. It appeared in English in the 19th century and means skill shown in making or doing something well.
Common phrases
fine craftsmanshipskilled craftsmanshipcraftsmanship standardsthe craftsmanship of the piece
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is craftsmanship the same as skill?
- Not exactly. Skill is the ability to do something well. Craftsmanship also suggests care and quality in the final work.
- Is craftsmanship used for handmade things only?
- No. It is common for handmade objects, but it can also describe excellent work in writing, design, or building.
- Is craftsmanship formal or informal?
- It is fairly formal and is common in reviews, academic writing, and business language.