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Definitions

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.

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

But this industrious insect isn't flying back to stir its witch's cauldron, or playing Quidditch.

From BBC • Aug. 26, 2025

“I don’t buy eggs in Malta,” he confessed, with an air of slight and clandestine amusement that was the only departure from industrious sobriety Yossarian had ever seen him make.

From "Catch-22" by Joseph Heller

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.