busywork

American  

[biz-ee-wurk] / ˈbɪz iˌwɜrk /

noun

1. work assigned for the sake of looking or keeping busy.

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Etymology

Origin of busywork

First recorded in 1840–50; busy + work

Example Sentences

It’s clear by now that artificial intelligence isn’t just a helpful partner that eliminates busywork and lets us focus on the best parts of our jobs.

From The Wall Street Journal

Others have exulted that AI will free us from busywork—and perhaps all work entirely.

From The Wall Street Journal

If we kill busywork, we risk forfeiting the epiphanies that sometimes occur while doing easy, repetitive tasks.

From The Wall Street Journal

AI is increasingly doing away with the need to do busywork at work, freeing us up for more important tasks.

From The Wall Street Journal

Workdays without busywork are closer to reality than ever, thanks to artificial intelligence.

From The Wall Street Journal