ENGLISH
REFERENCE

paperwork

n.
US //ˈpeɪpɝˌwɝk// UK //pˈeɪpəwˌɜːk// pa·per·work
  1. 1 official documents (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    the physical documents or forms that you have to fill out or keep.

    written documents, records, or forms required for administrative or legal purposes.

    Example

    I spent the whole morning organizing the paperwork for our new apartment.

    Example

    The legal team spent weeks reviewing the paperwork associated with the merger to ensure every clause was compliant with local regulations.

    Usage

    Uncountable; do not use 'paperworks' for multiple documents.
  2. 2 clerical work (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    the time and effort you spend dealing with forms and records.

    the routine clerical or administrative work involved in a task or profession.

    Example

    Being a doctor involves a lot of paperwork, not just seeing patients.

    Example

    The administrative burden of the new policy has increased the amount of paperwork for teachers, leaving them with less time for lesson planning.

    Teacher's tip

    Often carries a negative connotation of being tedious or unnecessary.
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  1. 3 prison records (n.)
    C2 Proficiency American English Slang Law

    documents about a prisoner's crimes, often used to see if they are dangerous or an informant.

    court documents or investigation reports detailing an inmate's criminal history, often used by other prisoners to determine their status.

    Example

    The other inmates demanded to see his paperwork before they would trust him.

    Example

    In the high-security wing, having 'clean' paperwork was essential for any new arrival hoping to avoid conflict with the existing population.

    Usage

    Typically used within the context of the American carceral system.

    Teacher's tip

    This is highly specialized slang; learners should be aware of its specific context in crime dramas or prison settings.
Origin

From paper + work.

Word family

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