SINCE 1828
Parkinson's Law
nounDefinition of Parkinson's Law
1
: an observation in office organization: the number of subordinates increases at a fixed rate regardless of the amount of work produced
2
: an observation in office organization: work expands so as to fill the time available for its completion
Keep scrolling for more
Comments on Parkinson's Law
What made you want to look up Parkinson's Law? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Test Your Vocabulary
A Green Quiz
-
- What is the best definition of green-eyed monster?
Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!
TAKE THE QUIZ
Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridgedWords at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games
-
A Green Quiz
How many questions can you answer about the word "green"?
Take the quiz -
Return of Name that Color!
Additional colors! More obscure than before!
Take the quiz -
How Strong Is Your Vocabulary?
Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!
Take the quiz -
Citation
Do you know the person or title these quotes describe?
Play the game
Share Parkinson's Law
Resources for Parkinson's Law