busyness

noun

busy·​ness ˈbi-zē-nəs 

: a busy quality or state: such as

a

: the state of having or being involved in many activities

the busyness of her schedule

What with the busyness of the holidays and that conviction, I didn't pay much attention to my bird feeder for the next few days.

—Emily Pasquale

b

: the state of having many details

Consider other factors as well, such as color contrast, pattern busyness, and furnishings sizes.

—Better Homes and Gardens

Examples of busyness in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

According to Fast Company, many leaders fall into the trap of busyness over effectiveness, mistakenly believing that being overwhelmed equates to being valuable (Fast Company). —Nell Derick Debevoise, Forbes.com, 2 Apr. 2025

That nonstop busyness can deplete more than your energy reserves. —The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Mar. 2025

In Today’s Workplace Traditional measurements of productivity often revolved around hours worked or visible busyness. —Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025

There is no patience for unnecessary meetings, performative busyness or ladder-climbing games. —Gully Flowers, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1809, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for busyness

• equinus
• coyness
• dryness
• highness
• linus
• minus
• pinus
• shyness
• sinus