make-work

noun

ˈmāk-ˌwərk How to pronounce make-work (audio)
: work assigned or done chiefly to keep one busy

Examples of make-work in a Sentence

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.
Unsurprisingly, the small army of senior executives with make-work jobs and self-important titles, who add little to nothing to build Hearst’s brands, apparently made it through today relatively unscathed. — Caitlin Huston, The Hollywood Reporter, 21 Nov. 2024 Building on his research on youth employment, Lerman’s apprenticeship model centered on work experience that could develop skills and deliver services and products that were not make-work. — Michael Bernick, Forbes, 15 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1911, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of make-work was in 1911

Rhymes for make-work

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Cite this Entry

“Make-work.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/make-work. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.

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