Busywork: meaning, definitions and examples
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busywork
[ ˈbɪziˌwɜrk ]
work tasks
Busywork refers to tasks that occupy someone's time but do not contribute to productive or meaningful outcomes. These tasks can give the appearance of being busy or productive but often lack real value or importance. It is commonly used in a workplace context where employees may engage in busywork to avoid more challenging tasks. Busywork can lead to feelings of frustration and inefficiency as it diverts attention from more urgent or productive responsibilities.
Synonyms
busy tasks, meandering, pointless tasks, time-wasting.
Examples of usage
- She filled her day with busywork instead of tackling the major project.
- The manager criticized the staff for engaging in busywork rather than focusing on key goals.
Translations
Translations of the word "busywork" in other languages:
🇵🇹 trabalho ocupacional
🇮🇳 व्यस्तता का काम
🇩🇪 Scheinarbeit
🇮🇩 pekerjaan yang tidak produktif
🇺🇦 пустощі на роботі
🇵🇱 praca zajmująca
🇯🇵 忙しい仕事
🇫🇷 travail inutile
🇪🇸 trabajo ocioso
🇹🇷 meşgul iş
🇰🇷 바쁜 일
🇸🇦 عمل مشغول
🇨🇿 zbytečná práce
🇸🇰 zbytočná práca
🇨🇳 忙碌的工作
🇸🇮 neproduktivno delo
🇮🇸 óþarfa vinna
🇰🇿 бос жұмыс
🇬🇪 ბიზი სამუშაო
🇦🇿 məşğul iş
🇲🇽 trabajo inútil
Etymology
The term 'busywork' is a compound word that combines 'busy' and 'work'. 'Busy' comes from Middle English, meaning active or occupied, derived from the Old English 'bisig'. The use of 'busywork' began to emerge in the early to mid-20th century, gaining popularity as a description for work that kept individuals occupied but did not lead to tangible or meaningful results. Its usage became particularly prominent in discussions about workplace productivity and efficiency as organizations sought to eliminate unproductive activities. Over the decades, busywork became a common critique of how time is spent in both professional and creative settings, emphasizing the importance of meaningful engagement over mere activity.