busywork
noun [ U ] uk/ˈbɪz.i.wɜːk/ us/ˈbɪz.i.wɜː˞k/
消磨时间的工作
work that you are given or give yourself mainly so that you have something to do, rather than because it is really necessary
They were given a task but no resources, and they perceived the assignment as busywork. 给他们分配了一项任务，但并没有配套资源，他们觉得这不过是让他们不至于闲着没活儿干。
We were just making busywork to try and keep our minds off things. 我们随便找了些事情做，让脑子不去想那些事情。
- More examples
- While he waited, he organized his files. The busywork helped take his mind off the terrible events of the past few days.
- The big automakers are reluctant to lay off engineers during downturns and tend to give them busywork.
- Students say that the program allows for too many open-ended questions on exams and that many assignments amount to busywork.
- Some of the policy procedures are seen as busywork and cause resentment among the staff.