Wiktionary
n. A knowledge of how to make something work without any deeper understanding of why it works, or of how to fix it if it breaks.
Usage examples of "working knowledge".
And then there is a whole other addition there to turn someone who has working knowledge of the popular language into a cryptolinguist, which is the specialized vocabulary.
Assorted colored wires hung on one wall, and crystals were displayed on another, but Tabaea, who had a competent thief's working knowledge of precious stones and metals, quickly concluded that none of these were particularly valuable.
Alston wasn't what he'd consider well read in history, but she had a good working knowledge of those parts of it that interested her.
The Ramahan abhorrence of causing pain and suffering ensured that they had no working knowledge of necromancy.
After all, how else C0uld he have got such an intimate working knowledge of a highly classified foundation mission?
This new existence requires a working knowledge of those multiplex and cross-linked events usually referred to as nature.
When a human gains this working knowledge and respect, that is called ".
I now concurred with Chade that the Prince must have a coterie, one with at least a basic working knowledge of their magic.
But I've a working knowledge of herbs, one that suggests Smoke is not appropriate to a sick man's chambers.
I did gain a working knowledge of music, but this was by the loan of her instruments and many hours of private experimentation.
By choice or by chance, most of Peottre's crew had a working knowledge of Duchy tongue.