What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
busywork
Example
The students were given busywork assignments while the teacher was away. [busywork: noun]
Example
She spent the afternoon doing busywork, organizing files that no one would ever look at. [busywork: gerund or present participle]
drudgery
Example
Cleaning the house every day can feel like drudgery. [drudgery: noun]
Example
He found himself stuck in a job that was nothing but drudgery, with no room for growth or creativity. [drudgery: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Drudgery is more commonly used than busywork in everyday language. Drudgery is often used to describe unpleasant and tedious work, while busywork is a term more commonly used in educational or organizational settings.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between busywork and drudgery?
While busywork is typically associated with a more informal tone, drudgery can be used in both formal and informal contexts to describe unpleasant and burdensome work.
