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
Derived 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.
Spaceflight has the opportunity to become routine and businesslike.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 24, 2026
"The pretexts used to justify such actions are untenable. Ideological hostility has triumphed over businesslike pragmatism," it added.
From Barron's • Jan. 3, 2026
“She wasn’t being egotistical. It was very businesslike, a moment of power, and I was like, ‘I want to have that power.’”
From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 21, 2025
No crowns or robes, with the King looking businesslike in a suit.
From BBC • May 27, 2025
“Gotta peel them,” said Neddie, in a businesslike tone of voice.
From "Caterpillar Summer" by Gillian McDunn
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.
