busy
7 synonyms and 0 antonyms for busy, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adjective — Having a lot to do; occupied with work or activity.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use busy
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old English bisig ("occupied, diligent"). The unusual spelling with "u" comes from Midland and Southern English dialects, even though the modern pronunciation follows the Eastern dialects' vowel sound.
Full origin of busy →Frequently asked questions
What does “busy” mean?
The word “busy” means having a lot to do; occupied with work or activity. In plain terms, having lots to do, or (of a place) full of activity.
How do you pronounce “busy”?
“Busy” is pronounced BIHZ-ee (/ˈbɪz.i/ in IPA).
How do you use “busy” in a sentence?
Here is “busy” used in a sentence: “I can't talk now, I'm busy with a deadline.”
What is another word for “busy”?
Words with a similar meaning to “busy” include swamped.
What part of speech is “busy”?
Depending on how it is used, “busy” can be an adjective and a verb.
Where does the word “busy” come from?
The word “busy” comes from Old English. From Old English bisig ("occupied, diligent"). The unusual spelling with "u" comes from Midland and Southern English dialects, even though the modern pronunciation follows the Eastern dialects' vowel sound.
Is “busy” a common word?
“Busy” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “busy” have?
“Busy” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: having a lot to do; occupied with work or activity.
What is the difference between busy and productive?
Busy means having a lot to do and being constantly occupied. Productive means actually getting valuable results from that activity. You can be busy without being productive — rushing between tasks all day yet achieving little — which is why the two words are worth keeping apart.
Is busy a positive or negative word?
Busy is neutral and depends on context. It can be positive, suggesting a thriving business or an engaged, active life, or negative, implying someone is overwhelmed, stressed, or too unavailable to help. The same word can flatter or complain depending on how and where it is used.
What is the opposite of busy?
The opposite of busy is free, idle, or available — having little or nothing that needs doing. A busy schedule is packed; a free one has open time. Other contrasts include unoccupied, at leisure, and quiet, as when a normally hectic shop has a slow afternoon.
What is an example of busy used in a sentence?
You might say, 'She's too busy to take a lunch break,' or 'The shop is always busy on Saturdays.' The word describes a person full of tasks or a place full of activity, both signalling that there is a great deal going on.