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Definitions

hard-working

ADJECTIVE
active
Synonyms
STRONGEST
aggressive alive bold busy determined diligent dynamic eager energetic engaged enthusiastic forceful intense keen lively quick ready resolute
STRONG
alert daring fireball jumping pushing rapid sharp whiz
WEAK
agile animated assiduous brisk bustling chipper dashing dexterous enlivened enterprising eventful forcible fresh frisky high-spirited hyper industrious inventive nimble on the move perky persevering purposeful sprightly spry zealous
Antonyms
STRONGEST
afraid apathetic calm cowardly disinterested dispirited dull idle ignorant inactive indifferent irresolute lazy lethargic lifeless meek quiet slow sluggish stupid uneducated unenthusiastic weak
WEAK
abeyant dormant immobile inert quiescent
ADJECTIVE
painstaking
Synonyms
STRONGEST
assiduous careful conscientious diligent earnest exacting scrupulous strenuous
STRONG
detail-oriented
WEAK
by the book by the numbers conscionable exact finicky fussbudget fussy heedful industrious particular persevering persnickety picky punctilious punctual sedulous stickler thoroughgoing
Antonyms
STRONGEST
careless lazy lethargic negligent thoughtless uncareful unconcerned unenthusiastic unscrupulous
WEAK
easy half-baked half-done unmindful unthorough
ADJECTIVE
sedulous
Synonyms
WEAK
active busy determined diligent industrious laborious persevering plugging tireless
ADJECTIVE
studious
Synonyms
STRONGEST
bookish contemplative diligent earnest industrious reflective thoughtful
WEAK
academic assiduous bookworm busy careful eager grubbing intellectual learned lettered meditative sedulous serious well-informed well-read
Antonyms
STRONGEST
ignorant inactive lazy lethargic negligent stupid thoughtless unthoughtful
WEAK
inattentive unscholarly
ADJECTIVE
tireless
Synonyms
STRONGEST
energetic enthusiastic indefatigable resolute steadfast strenuous unflagging vigorous
WEAK
active ball of fire eager grind hyper incessant industrious jumping on the go perky persevering untiring unwearied unwearying
Antonyms
STRONGEST
apathetic enervated idle inactive lethargic tired unenthusiastic weak weary
WEAK
beat worn-out
ADJECTIVE
unwearied
Synonyms
WEAK
active ball of fire eager energetic enthusiastic grind hyper incessant indefatigable industrious inexhaustible jumping on the go perky persevering resolute steadfast strenuous unfailing unflagging untiring unwearying vigorous weariless
ADJECTIVE
weariless
Synonyms
WEAK
active ball of fire eager energetic enthusiastic grind hyper incessant indefatigable industrious inexhaustible jumping on the go perky persevering resolute steadfast strenuous unfailing unflagging untiring unwearied unwearying vigorous

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

It said it wanted to pay tribute to the exceptionally hard working and dedicated staff, who take care of patients in difficult circumstances.

From BBC • Feb. 4, 2026

“Darnell is a very hard working, humble young man and everything you want a captain to be,” said Santee coach John Petty, who guided the Falcons to their only other City title in 2018.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 28, 2025

But the game was filled with show-stopping plays and records and hard working athletes.

From Salon • Nov. 2, 2025

Yes, it’s hard working for yourself, she said, but Kim likes the flexibility of being able to work anytime she wants or take a day off to wander a museum or see a movie.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 24, 2025

I knowed he hadn’t done no kind of hard working in his life.

From "The Journey of Little Charlie" by Christopher Paul Curtis