businesslike

adjective

busi·​ness·​like ˈbiz-nəs-ˌlīk 

-nəz-

1

: exhibiting qualities believed to be advantageous in business

2

: serious, purposeful

Examples of businesslike in a Sentence

His businesslike approach to the dispute was very helpful.

Recent Examples on the Web

The relative wrote back and, in an almost businesslike tone, informed her that there was no space left at the Maine cemetery. —Natalia Sánchez Loayza, Scientific American, 13 Mar. 2026

Eva is a complex character, flinty and businesslike, deadly serious about her mission and willing to make ethical compromises to move it forward. —David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 10 Mar. 2026

Bainbridge’s earlier novels often seem to have a similarly businesslike attitude. —Christopher Tayler, Harpers Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026

Mike Macdonald is taking a businesslike approach to Seattle’s NFC championship game showdown Sunday with Matthew Stafford and the Los Angeles Rams. —Mike Griffith, AJC.com, 23 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1677, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for businesslike

• statesmanlike
• unladylike
• alike
• belike
• birdlike
• catlike
• childlike
• christlike
• deathlike
• dislike
• dreamlike
• friedreich

Kids Definition

businesslike

adjective

busi·​ness·​like ˈbiz-nə-ˌslīk 

-nəz-ˌlīk

: having or showing qualities desirable in business