paperwork
UK: ˈpeɪpəwɜːk | US: ˈpeɪpərwɜːrk
n. Routine administrative tasks, especially involving written documents or forms.
n. The physical documents or records involved in such tasks.
The word "paperwork" is a straightforward compound of "paper" (from Latin papyrus, referring to the writing material) and "work" (from Old English weorc, meaning "task" or "labor"). It emerged in the early 19th century to describe the growing burden of bureaucratic documentation in industrialized societies. The term reflects the tangible connection between administrative duties and the physical paper they required.
She spent the afternoon sorting through piles of paperwork.
The new system aims to reduce unnecessary paperwork.
Completing the visa application involves a lot of paperwork.
He hired an assistant to handle the daily paperwork.
Digital tools are gradually replacing traditional paperwork.