industrious

[in-duhs-tree-uhs] / ɪnˈdʌs tri əs /

ADJECTIVE

hardworking

Synonyms

STRONGEST

conscientious diligent energetic productive

WEAK

active assiduous ball of fire burning busy dynamic eager grind in full swing intent involved jumping laborious on the go operose perky persevering persistent plugging psyched up on purposeful sedulous spirited steady tireless zealous

Antonyms

STRONGEST

inactive lazy lethargic

WEAK

idle indolent lackadaisical slack unemployed unproductive

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.

Restore said the industrious rodents were released on the estate in two stages.

From BBC • Apr. 7, 2026

The industrious attacking midfielder has become an integral part of Barcelona's squad since making his debut in the 2023/24 season, making 113 appearances and scoring 29 goals.

From Barron's • Jan. 30, 2026

She was one of many authors he wrangled—alcoholic William Faulkner, neurotic Dr. Seuss, industrious James Michener, imperious Philip Roth.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 30, 2026

But you don’t have to be quite that industrious to pull this off.

From Salon • Dec. 23, 2025

After a while I became aware that Katz was moving around outside, grunting softly as if from aches and doing something that sounded improbably industrious.

From "A Walk in the Woods" by Bill Bryson

Vocabulary lists containing industrious

Labor Day Lexicon: Words That Put You To Work

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Grade 9, List 5

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