English

Noun

make-work ‎(uncountable)

1. (chiefly US) An activity or task assigned or undertaken for the sake of activity or busy-ness, rather than because of a particular need. [from 20th c.]
   • 2011, Steven Pinker, The Better Angels of Our Nature, Penguin 2012, p. 802:

     They are more sympathetic to immigration, free markets, and free trade, and less sympathetic to protectionism, make-work policies, and government intervention in business.

See also

• activity trap
• busy work