businesslike

[ biz-nis-lahyk ]

/ ˈbɪz nɪsˌlaɪk /

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See synonyms for businesslike on Thesaurus.com

adjective

conforming to, attending to, or characteristic of business.

efficient, practical, or realistic.

capable but unenthusiastic.

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Origin of businesslike

First recorded in 1785–95; business + -like

OTHER WORDS FROM businesslike

un·busi·ness·like, adjective

Words nearby businesslike

business education, business end, business English, business envelope, business intelligence, businesslike, business machine, businessman, businessman's holiday, business park, businesspeople

How to use businesslike in a sentence

I served as chairman of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, a role to which I was appointed by President Bill Clinton, where I initiated a strategic assessment that put the agency on a more businesslike footing.
True innovation requires big tech, academia and government to work together|Shirley Ann Jackson|February 22, 2022|MIT Technology Review
He’s businesslike, as is necessary, but his kindness radiates like an interstellar force.
Why All Actors—and the World—Owe a Debt to Sidney Poitier|Stephanie Zacharek|January 7, 2022|Time
While there is a good amount of science-and-businesslike dialogue here, the antsy insistence on “play” overshadows it.
The benefits of running high|Terri Schlichenmeyer|December 28, 2021|Washington Blade
In an absurd contract, look into the criminal world where the stakes are high but the methods are increasingly businesslike, and meet the people who interact with the ransomware hackers.
The Extortion Economy Podcast: Exploring the Secret World of Ransomware|by ProPublica|December 20, 2021|ProPublica

They were just very businesslike, and I think a lot of that comes from our senior class being very dialed in.
Maryland eyes perfection and Virginia seeks consecutive crowns in the men’s lacrosse title game|Patrick Stevens|May 30, 2021|Washington Post
Furry asked, looking at Charley with serious, businesslike gray eyes.
Stanley Booth on the Life and Hard Times of Blues Genius Furry Lewis|Stanley Booth|June 7, 2014|DAILY BEAST
But there should be sufficient common ground to enable at the very least a businesslike approach.
Is Egypt an Ally of the U.S.?|P.J. Crowley|September 16, 2012|DAILY BEAST
The Bangkok “fish tank” bordello is glitzy and businesslike.
‘Whores’ Glory’: An Interview With Michael Glawogger|Tracy Quan|April 28, 2012|DAILY BEAST
“It still causes a great deal of emotion,” Oprah went on in businesslike fashion.
Oprah Disses a Civil-Rights Icon|David Margolick|October 28, 2011|DAILY BEAST
She combines the romanticism in Steve with the sort of sensible businesslike side of Steve.
Telling Steve's Story|Dan Lyons|October 27, 2011|DAILY BEAST
Barbara Sutton stood in the doorway, a small but businesslike revolver in her hand.
Hooded Detective, Volume III No. 2, January, 1942|Various
His dealings with the Continental princes, mainly in regard to shipping and commerce, were conciliatory and businesslike.
King Robert the Bruce|A. F. Murison
The thousands of tourists who come annually are handled in a most businesslike manner.
British Highways And Byways From A Motor Car|Thomas D. Murphy
Mabel Andrews came once to a meeting and in businesslike fashion explained the Red Cross dressings and gave a lesson in bandaging.
The Amazing Interlude|Mary Roberts Rinehart
"I'll get my coat and hat," Sara Lee said, and proceeded to do so in a brisk and businesslike fashion.
The Amazing Interlude|Mary Roberts Rinehart

British Dictionary definitions for businesslike

businesslike

/ (ˈbɪznɪsˌlaɪk) /

adjective

efficient and methodical

earnest or severe

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

businesslike

Origin of businesslike

OTHER WORDS FROM businesslike

Words nearby businesslike

Words related to businesslike

How to use businesslike in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for businesslike