businesslike
Americanadjective
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conforming to, attending to, or characteristic of business.
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efficient, practical, or realistic.
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capable but unenthusiastic.
adjective
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efficient and methodical
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earnest or severe
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of businesslike
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
But the White House account framed the day as a businesslike trade reset.
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 15, 2026
The senior Ukrainian source told AFP that the tone of rhetoric between the White House and Kyiv was now "very businesslike."
From Barron's ● Oct. 16, 2025
The early portion of practice open to reporters Monday evening reflected a subdued, businesslike vibe in which the most pep came over loudspeakers with the playing of Elvis’ “Viva Las Vegas.”
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 2, 2025
No crowns or robes, with the King looking businesslike in a suit.
From BBC ● May 27, 2025
“Thank you very much,” Ignatius said in a businesslike manner.
From "A Confederacy of Dunces" by John Kennedy Toole
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
