hackwork

[hak-wurk] /ˈhækˌwɜrk/

Word Origin

noun

writing, painting, or any professional work done for hire and usually following a formula rather than being motivated by any creative impulse.

Origin of hackwork

1850-1855

First recorded in 1850-55; hack² + work

Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018.
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Examples from the Web for hackwork

Historical Examples

He had in effect emancipated himself from hackwork, and could turn his attention to more congenial and ambitious labour.

Turner William Cosmo Monkhouse

British Dictionary definitions for hackwork

hackwork

/ˈhækˌwɜːk/

noun

undistinguished literary work produced to order

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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