busyness

[biz-ee-nis]

See more synonyms for busyness on Thesaurus.com

noun

the quality or condition of being busy.
lively but meaningless activity.

Origin of busyness

First recorded in 1840–50; busy + -ness

Related formsnon·bus·y·ness, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Related Words for busyness

study, effort, industry, perseverance, attentiveness, assiduity, deliberation, diligence, zeal, attention, commitment, dedication, consideration, concentration, busyness

Examples from the Web for busyness

Historical Examples of busyness

Tom, standing with hat in hand, was impressed with his busyness.
The Walking Delegate
Leroy Scott
I shouldn't have called it restlessness so much as busyness.
Lore of Proserpine
Maurice Hewlett
Add the ordinary impediments of life, and admire my busyness.
The Works of Robert Louis Stevenson - Swanston Edition Vol. 25 (of 25)
Robert Louis Stevenson
Of course, out of doors the bees do this; their “busyness” materially aiding the gardener.
Small Gardens
Violet Purton Biddle
I contented myself with the appearance of busyness, and wondered how long it would be before my chief caught me out.
A Case in Camera
Oliver Onions

Word Origin and History for busyness

n.

1849, first attested in Thoreau, from busy (adj.) + -ness. A modern formation made necessary after business evolved away from busy.

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper