Learn English – Word or phrase to describe an activity that is “used to pass time”

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Aside from pastime, what is a word or phrase that can be used to describe an activity that is not pleasurable and used only as a diversion while letting time pass?

Best Answer

The noun "pastime" actually describes activity that is pleasurable.

pastime

an activity that someone does regularly for enjoyment rather than work; a hobby: his favorite pastimes were shooting and golf.

To describe an activity that is used only as a diversion while letting time pass, you can say you are doing something to kill time.

kill time

to do something which is not very useful or interesting while you are waiting for time to pass

Or you can just say you are idling, or, lollygagging.

lollygag

spend time aimlessly: he sends her to Arizona every January to lollygag in the sun.

Personally I don't think there is any word that describes an activity which is not pleasurable and used only as a diversion while letting time pass as when you want to kill time, you don't do things that are particularly not pleasurable, but things that have no purpose.

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