craftsmanship: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal/Neutral
Quick answer
What does “craftsmanship” mean?
Skill and care in making things by hand.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Skill and care in making things by hand.
The quality of design and work shown in something made or done; expert skill in a particular craft or art.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling is consistent. Usage is largely identical, though 'workmanship' is a slightly more common synonym in some UK technical/legal contexts.
Connotations
Equally positive in both variants, evoking respect for skilled manual or artistic labour.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American English in business/marketing contexts (e.g., 'craftsmanship and quality').
Grammar
How to Use “craftsmanship” in a Sentence
[adjective] + craftsmanshipcraftsmanship + [preposition] ofcraftsmanship + [verb] (e.g., demonstrates, shows, requires)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “craftsmanship” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The furniture is crafted by hand in a Yorkshire workshop.
- He has crafted a beautiful necklace from silver.
American English
- She crafted the proposal with great attention to detail.
- They craft small-batch beers locally.
adverb
British English
- The table was craftedly made from reclaimed oak.
- He craftedly assembled the model ship.
American English
- She craftedly wove the baskets.
- The speech was craftedly written to inspire.
adjective
British English
- He comes from a long line of craft potters.
- It's a craft bakery, not a large commercial one.
American English
- She bought a handcrafted leather journal.
- The craft distillery offers tours on weekends.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in marketing and product descriptions to denote superior quality and justify a higher price point.
Academic
Used in art history, design studies, and anthropology to discuss techniques, traditions, and cultural value.
Everyday
Used to compliment a well-made object, often furniture, clothing, or food.
Technical
Used in engineering, manufacturing, and trade qualifications to refer to the standard of manual skill.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “craftsmanship”
Strong
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “craftsmanship”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “craftsmanship”
- Using 'craft' instead of 'craftsmanship' to mean the quality (e.g., 'The craft of the cabinet is amazing').
- Misspelling as 'craftsmenship'.
- Overusing in contexts where 'skill' or 'quality' would be sufficient.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
They are very close synonyms. 'Craftsmanship' often carries a stronger connotation of artistry, tradition, and skilled handiwork. 'Workmanship' can be more neutral and is commonly used in technical, legal, or manufacturing contexts to describe the quality of construction.
Yes, it is often used metaphorically. For example, one can speak of the 'craftsmanship' in a piece of writing, a musical performance, or a software program, implying a high degree of skill, care, and refinement in its creation.
It is primarily an uncountable (mass) noun. You refer to 'the craftsmanship' or 'excellent craftsmanship', not 'a craftsmanship'. However, you can say 'different types of craftsmanship'.
The plural can be 'craftsmen' (traditional, gender-specific) or the gender-neutral 'craftspeople'. 'Craftsmanship' is the abstract noun derived from 'craftsman', denoting the skill or quality possessed by the craftsman/craftsperson.
Skill and care in making things by hand.
Craftsmanship is usually formal/neutral in register.
Craftsmanship: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkrɑːftsmənʃɪp/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkræftsmənʃɪp/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A labour of love (related concept)”
- “Built to last (implies good craftsmanship)”
- “Fit for a king (implies exquisite craftsmanship)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a CRAFTsman in a SHIP: building a wooden ship requires immense traditional skill.
Conceptual Metaphor
SKILL IS A TANGIBLE OBJECT OF QUALITY (e.g., 'The craftsmanship is evident in every stitch.'); DEDICATED WORK IS A LEGACY.
Practice
Quiz
Which word is LEAST suitable as a synonym for 'craftsmanship' in the sentence: 'The __________ of the violin maker is world-renowned.'?