active work of little value, performed merely to occupy time, avoid boredom, or to look busy; as, while he was waiting he filled the days with busywork. [WordNet 1.5]
assignment, chare, charge, chore, commission, duty, errand, exercise, fish to fry, homework, job, job of work, labor, make-work, matters in hand, mission, odd job, piece of work, project, service, stint, task, things to do, work