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
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
As a result, developers can collaborate more closely on creative problem-solving rather than administrative busywork.
—Aytekin Tank, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025
In Lister's view, AI has the potential to streamline productivity, take over busywork and help workers avoid burnout.
—Sophie Caldwell, CNBC, 23 June 2025
Reclaim your humanity: get AI to do your busywork
The point of automating busywork is to be more human.
—Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for busywork
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Jennifer Liu, CNBC, 27 July 2025
As a result, developers can collaborate more closely on creative problem-solving rather than administrative busywork.
—Aytekin Tank, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025
In Lister's view, AI has the potential to streamline productivity, take over busywork and help workers avoid burnout.
—Sophie Caldwell, CNBC, 23 June 2025
Reclaim your humanity: get AI to do your busywork
The point of automating busywork is to be more human.
—Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 17 June 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 21 Aug. 2025.
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