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

Tying all this to a generic RPG progression system full of constant but insubstantial upgrades and resources feels more like busywork than anything else. — Jordan Minor, PC Magazine, 18 Sep. 2026

Automating Financial Accuracy Checks, Not Long-Term Strategy Delegate the busywork, but never the strategy. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2026

There are cameos, twists and a fair amount of busywork setting up future films, but but the film’s focus remains squarely on Holland’s twin mission of defeating a mysterious new enemy and dealing with the aching loss of his girlfriend. — James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 3 Aug. 2026

Agentic tools like ChatGPT Work are changing how businesses run by handling administrative busywork. — Alyson Shontell, Fortune, 25 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1893, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for busywork

• bodywork
• handiwork
• ironwork
• latticework
• masterwork
• metalwork
• needlework
• openwork
• overwork
• paperwork
• subnetwork
• telework