busywork
noun
busy·work
ˈbi-zē-ˌwərk 
: work that usually appears productive or of intrinsic value but actually only keeps one occupied
Examples of busywork in a Sentence
Students were given busywork for the last few minutes of class.
Recent Examples on the Web
The second step is embedding AI in daily routines to cut out busywork.
—
Ron Schmelzer, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
Investors are banking on AI to eliminate millions of hours in inefficient busywork, and companies are making huge investments in the power-hogging data centers and advanced microchips that make AI go.
—Editorial, Boston Herald, 22 Aug. 2025
When faced with the task of getting their usual amount of work done in less time, workers and teams found ways to cut out busywork, streamline processes and determine what work was actually most important, Schor writes.
—Jennifer Liu, CNBC, 27 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for busywork
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Ron Schmelzer, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
Investors are banking on AI to eliminate millions of hours in inefficient busywork, and companies are making huge investments in the power-hogging data centers and advanced microchips that make AI go.
—Editorial, Boston Herald, 22 Aug. 2025
When faced with the task of getting their usual amount of work done in less time, workers and teams found ways to cut out busywork, streamline processes and determine what work was actually most important, Schor writes.
—Jennifer Liu, CNBC, 27 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for busywork
Cite this Entry
“Busywork.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/busywork. Accessed 7 Sep. 2025.
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