businesslike

[ biz-nis-lahyk ]

/ ˈbɪz nɪsˌlaɪk /

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR businesslike ON THESAURUS.COM

adjective

conforming to, attending to, or characteristic of business.

efficient, practical, or realistic.

capable but unenthusiastic.

RELATED WORDS

Nearby words

Origin of businesslike

First recorded in 1785–95; business + -like

Related formsun·busi·ness·like, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for businesslike

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 perfectly captures the jaunty, businesslike hooker enjoying the absurd side of her job.
Isabelle Huppert Plays a Call Girl|Tracy Quan|August 26, 2011|DAILY BEAST
Nor was there anything in the least businesslike, official, or stenographic about her manner.
Queed|Henry Sydnor Harrison
But Mr. Denslow assured us that the proceeding was wholly proper and businesslike, and Alice paid no heed to my expostulations.
The House|Eugene Field
There was about it a gross, businesslike air that was infinitely depressing.
The Merry-go-round|W. Somerset Maugham
Barbara Sutton stood in the doorway, a small but businesslike revolver in her hand.
Hooded Detective, Volume III No. 2, January, 1942|Various
Perner the businesslike stripped himself of his last cent and borrowed a dollar of Van Dorn to make his share equal.
The Bread Line|Albert Bigelow Paine

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