mindless work

[/ˈmaɪndləs wɜːrk/]
noun phrase
trabalho mecânico
1. Repetitive, boring, or monotonous work that requires little mental effort or concentration
Data entry is often considered mindless work that doesn't require creative thinking.
A digitação de dados é frequentemente considerada um trabalho mecânico que não requer pensamento criativo.
2. Labor performed automatically without conscious thought or engagement
Assembly line workers often complain about doing mindless work all day.
Os trabalhadores da linha de montagem frequentemente reclamam de fazer trabalho mecânico o dia todo.
In both American and Brazilian contexts, 'mindless work' carries a somewhat negative connotation, often associated with underemployment, automation concerns, or job dissatisfaction. The term reflects modern workplace concerns about meaningful employment and intellectual stimulation.
NYC Slang
busywork, grunt work
Synonyms / Sinônimos
repetitive worktedious workmonotonous workroutine workbusy work
Antonyms / Antônimos
creative workintellectual workengaging workchallenging work

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
trabalho mecânico
Most common and widely understood term
General Brazilian
trabalho repetitivo
Alternative emphasizing the repetitive nature
São Paulo
trampo chato
More informal/colloquial usage
Portugal
trabalho automático
Portuguese variant, less commonly used than Brazilian

Related Words

monotonyautomationlabordrudgerytask

Related Idioms & Phrases

work on autopilot
go through the motions
dead-end job
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