businesslike

adjective

busi·​ness·​like ˈbiz-nəs-ˌlīk How to pronounce businesslike (audio)
-nəz-
1
: exhibiting qualities believed to be advantageous in business
2

Examples of businesslike in a Sentence

His businesslike approach to the dispute was very helpful.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But, to keep the action moving and the plot points mounting, the dialogue is rarely more than businesslike, and characterization that exceeds the bare needs of the plot is filled out mainly by the personalities and mannerisms of the actors playing the roles. Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 13 Sep. 2024 As this is your job, Miss Manners advises being businesslike. Judith Martin, Sun Sentinel, 17 July 2024 Our group just really is very businesslike in their approach. Emily Adams, Hartford Courant, 12 July 2024 In that moment, Giamatti captures all the horrifyingly businesslike inhumanity of slavery — unspeakable cruelty draped in southern manners and a huckster’s showroom civility. 12. A.a. Dowd, Vulture, 10 Mar. 2024 See all Example Sentences for businesslike 

Word History

First Known Use

1677, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of businesslike was in 1677

Dictionary Entries Near businesslike

Cite this Entry

“Businesslike.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/businesslike. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

businesslike

adjective
busi·​ness·​like ˈbiz-nə-ˌslīk How to pronounce businesslike (audio)
-nəz-ˌlīk
: having or showing qualities desirable in business

More from Merriam-Webster on businesslike

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