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Synonyms

businesslike

American  
[biz-nis-lahyk] / ˈbɪz nɪsˌlaɪk /

adjective

  1. conforming to, attending to, or characteristic of business.

  2. efficient, practical, or realistic.

  3. capable but unenthusiastic.


businesslike British  
/ ˈbɪznɪsˌlaɪk /

adjective

  1. efficient and methodical

  2. 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

Other Word Forms

  • unbusinesslike adjective

Etymology

Origin of businesslike

First recorded in 1785–95; business + -like

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.

While conceding talks were challenging, Kremlin negotiator Vladimir Medinsky added that they had been "businesslike" and said another meeting would take place "soon".

From BBC

He could help by pushing for a more businesslike approach, relying more on AI, less on fragile humans.

From The Wall Street Journal

"The pretexts used to justify such actions are untenable. Ideological hostility has triumphed over businesslike pragmatism," it added.

From Barron's

Mrs. Clarke’s tone was reassuring, but she had a businesslike look about her, for there was much to be done.

From Literature

“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