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adjective

businesslike

Businesslike (adjective) means Efficient, practical, and serious in manner, the way a competent professional behaves. Example: “The meeting was short and businesslike, with no small talk.”

adjective
1
Efficient, practical, and serious in manner, the way a competent professional behaves.
"The meeting was short and businesslike, with no small talk."
"She dealt with the complaint in a calm, businesslike way."

How to use businesslike

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishActing efficiently and professionally rather than casually or emotionally.

Common pairings
a businesslike manner businesslike approach

Word forms

more businesslike comparative, most businesslike superlative

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The meeting was short and _____, with no small talk.

Etymology

From business plus -like.

Rhymes for businesslike

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Frequently asked questions

What does “businesslike” mean?

The word “businesslike” means efficient, practical, and serious in manner, the way a competent professional behaves. In plain terms, acting efficiently and professionally rather than casually or emotionally.

How do you use “businesslike” in a sentence?

Here is “businesslike” used in a sentence: “The meeting was short and businesslike, with no small talk.”

What part of speech is “businesslike”?

“Businesslike” is an adjective.

What is the meaning of businesslike?

"businesslike" (adjective) means efficient, practical, and serious in manner, the way a competent professional behaves.

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial